X3 EMUs in Stockholm

Arlanda Express operates shuttle trains between the center of Stockholm and Arlanda international airport north of Stockholm. Trains run frequently and can run on the level track up to 200 km/h despite the very low power to weight figures.

in 2010 - 2011 all the trains were repainted and modernized to match the current tastes of the airport customers.

Technical details for class X3 of Arlanda Express
-> Builder: Alstom
-> EMU type: built for purpose  
-> Owned and operated by: Arlanda Express
-> Delivered to use: 1998 - 1999
-> Number of units built: 7
-> Units in operation: 7   
-> Unit numbers: 1 - 7 
-> Configuration: four modules coupled together  
Bo'Bo'+2'2'+2'2'+Bo'Bo'  

-> Capacity: 169 in one class    
-> operations area: Stockholm area - Stockholm north 

-> Unit length: 93 meters ( feet)
-> Unit width    m ( ft)
-> Unit height    m ( ft)
-> Unit power:
15kV 16,7 Hz: 2240 kW (3046 Hp)
8 x 280 kW for each unit
track motors of type ECA2126  
-> Power to weight ratio: 11,6 W/kg (=very low) 
-> Operational max. speed: 200 km/h (125 mph)

-> Train control: Swedish  
-> Mass, metric tons: 193 metric tons   
-> Gauge: 1435 mm (normal 4' 8,5'' gauge)
-> Wheel diameter: 920 mm
-> Coupler type: Scharfenberg? 
-> Multiple operations: 2 units of the same type

-> Axle weight max: ~16 tons

-> Other:
- units are air conditioned for both passengers and train personnel 

Easy recognition guide:
-> 4 module EMU with rounded bright yellow ends
-> text "Arlanda Express" printed yellow on blue on sides
-> normally seen only between Stockholm's central and Arlanda airport

Painting and finishing of the Arlanda Express airport fast trains has varied with time with many improvements made. Even the shape of the nose was altered at some point to look sharper!

It seems like the operating philosophy of the company is ever to perfect things so the company will survive better the soon hardening competition.


On the left the latest paint scheme see at Stockholm's Central station, where the Arlanda Express terminal is located. The train is white, with a strong yellow wave extending from one end to another. Every details in between is designed carefully to please the eye of the customer. Black at the ends is according to the design trends for many EMUs too and using it makes the hood look more modern.

The previous version already had many familiar features available, but not finished and taken to extent they are now. The color of the train earlier was silver, and wave between the white and the yellow is not seen yet. In fact the roof line looks to be red!

Picture by John McKey.

Another angle to the previous color and design scheme.

Picture by Hannu Peltola.

Units 1 and 7 are waiting for their turn to dash north to the Stockholm Arlanda airport with busy airline travellers. The picture shows well the standard platforms used by the Arlanda Express X3s.

Picture by John McKey.