Gothenburg is the perfect starting point for one of Europe's most underrated road trips: the Swedish west coast. The Bohuslän coastline, with its granite islands, fishing villages, and world-class seafood, is best explored by car. A rental also opens up the route north toward Norway or south to Malmö and Copenhagen.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is located 25 km east of the city centre. Rental car companies operate from the arrivals level, with a dedicated rental car area in the adjacent parking structure. The airport is modern and efficient.
Swedish rental prices are moderate for Scandinavia, with economy cars available from €35-€55 per day. Many Swedish rental fleets include a high proportion of Volvo vehicles, which is fitting given that Gothenburg is Volvo's hometown. Automatic transmission is widely available without a significant premium.
Gothenburg's trängselskatt (congestion tax) catches many visitors off guard. Key information:
The Swedish west coast is a June-August destination. Midsummer (late June) is magical with nearly 24 hours of daylight, swimming in the sea, and crayfish parties. July is warmest but accommodation in Bohuslän books out months ahead. May and September offer pleasant driving but the water is cold and some seasonal restaurants close. Winter driving is straightforward on main roads (excellent maintenance) but requires winter tyres, which are mandatory from December 1 to March 31.
Swedish roads are excellent and drivers are among the most disciplined in Europe. Speed limits are 110 km/h on motorways (some sections 120 km/h), 70-90 km/h on rural roads, and 30-50 km/h in towns. Enforcement is strict via fixed cameras (hundreds throughout the country) and fines are expensive, starting at SEK 2,000 (~€175). Headlights must be on at all times. Moose and deer crossing the road are a genuine hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk from May to October.
Fuel costs approximately SEK 19-21 per litre (~€1.70-€1.85). Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is excellent if you rent an EV. Many rural petrol stations are unmanned and card-only.
The drive north from Gothenburg along the Bohuslän coast to the Norwegian border is one of Scandinavia's great road trips. Take the smaller coastal roads rather than the E6 motorway to experience the full beauty. Stop at Marstrand, Lysekil, Smögen, Fjällbacka, and Strömstad. Fresh seafood — especially shrimp, oysters, and langoustines — is available at harbourside restaurants and directly from fishing boats.
Gothenburg uses the Parkering Göteborg app for street parking payment. Most garages accept contactless cards. Parking is generally available but expensive in the centre. If visiting the Bohuslän coast in summer, arrive early at popular villages as parking fills quickly. Many island communities are car-free, with parking on the mainland near ferry terminals.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Gothenburg:
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Sweden — parking tips, toll info, and more.
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre (Inom Vallgraven) | SEK 42/hr (~€3.70) | Central Gothenburg within the canal. Maximum time limits vary. Enforced Mon-Sat 8:00-21:00. |
| Inner Zone | SEK 27/hr (~€2.40) | Surrounding the centre including Haga, Linné, and Majorna. No time limit. |
| Outer Zone | SEK 14/hr (~€1.25) | Outer residential areas. Free evenings and weekends in many locations. |
| P-hus (Parking Garages) | SEK 200-350/day (~€18-31) | Nordstan, Lorensberg, and Heden garages are centrally located. Pay by card or app. |
Traffic note: Gothenburg has a congestion tax (trängselskatt) charged automatically when passing through toll points throughout the city, primarily on routes into and through the centre. Charges are SEK 9-22 (~€0.80-€1.95) per passage depending on time of day, with a daily maximum of SEK 60. Rental cars are subject to these charges and the cost is typically passed on to you with an admin fee. The Göta Tunnel and major bridges have toll points. Rush hour traffic is moderate, mainly on the E6 motorway and Oscarsleden. Swedish drivers are disciplined and follow rules strictly.
Compare car rental prices in Gothenburg → →Book your Gothenburg rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at GOT pickup locations.
A picturesque island fortress town on the Bohuslän coast, famous for sailing, seafood, and the imposing Carlsten Fortress. A car-free island reached by a short ferry from the mainland.
Stunning granite coastline dotted with colourful fishing villages. Fjällbacka is the setting for Camilla Läckberg's crime novels. World-class seafood, especially oysters and langoustines.
Home to spectacular canal locks and waterfalls where the Göta Älv river drops 32 meters. The town is also Sweden's film capital, known as 'Trollywood.'
Rental companies in Sweden charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
Reduce your excess to zero from $49/trip
Save up to 70% vs rental desk insurance
These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-27.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Sweden — parking tips, toll info, and more.
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