How to Get Around
The main means of transportation for students in Umeå is by bicycle, but it is not always the best way to get around. If you want to find out more about the different forms of transport and ways of getting around in the region, look under "Travel" on the Tourist Information website.
Bicycles
In Umeå, bicycles can be used all year around because there is a very good network of bicycle tracks all over Umeå. If you do not want to buy a new bicycle, it is possible to buy a second-hand one at a reasonable price at one of these shops:
Second Hans Sport, Kungsgatan 79, telephone: 090171248
Returbutiken, Tegelbruksvägen 7, telephone: 090164900
Händige Herrn, Förrådsvägen 13, telephone: 090138626
Look for notices on the bulletin boards that are all over the university or in the local papers: Västerbottens-Kuriren and Västerbottens Folkblad. Look for the words: Cykel/bicycle, Damcykel/bicycle for women or Herrcykel/bicycle for men. It is also a good idea to talk to the other students living in your corridor. They may know of other places that you can rent or buy used bicycles. Used bicycles will cost approx. SEK500 - 1200. It can also be useful to check Blocket and local advertisements on the internet or the buddy programme's facebook page.
Local buses
The central terminal for local buses is at Vasaplan in the center of town. All bus lines are routed through this terminal. This means that if you catch any bus going in the direction of town, you will always have the opportunity to get off the bus at Vasaplan. You can always catch a bus to any part of town from this same terminal. The information and service counter for local buses are also situated at Vasaplan. This is where you turn if you have questions, or if you, for example, have forgotten/left something on the bus.
There are several different types of tickets. A single ticket will entitle you to ride any local bus to any destination within 1 hour of the purchase of the ticket. If you want to save some money, you can buy a card that includes several trips. Each trip on this card functions as a single ticket with a 1 hour transfer. If you are going to use the busses a great deal, the best buy might be a time-specific card (30 days, 60 days or 90 days). These cards entitle you to ride the local busses as much as you want to during the set time period.
If you want the under 26 discount or the student discount on your 30 day card, you can only buy these at the ULTRA information counter at Vasaplan. All other tickets are available directly on the bus.
There is a separate tariff for night buses (after midnight on weekends). No discounts apply.
Remember that cash is no longer accepted on the local buses. Most major credit/debit cards are accepted, except on-line cards such as Maestro or Visa Electron. You can also buy a ticket at a bus ticket selling agent or buy an sms-ticket.
For timetables and bus routes see the bus company’s webpage.
Taxi
As a student at Umeå University (by showing your student union card) you have the right to discounts with most of the taxi companies. Only cars with TAXI signs on the roof are approved taxis. Avoid other drivers who try to get taxi fares. The largest taxi companies are the following:
Umeå Taxi, telephone 090 77 00 00
Taxi Direkt, telephone 090 100 100
Long distance buses
The bus station for long distance buses is situated in the center of town, on Järnvägstorget 2. For information about timetables and destinations consult the web or call 090-706500
Train
The train station, Umeå Östra, is situated nearby the university campus, across from the hospital. Trains run daily to the north and south. The rails are trafficated by SJ. There are no trains that travel in an east/west direction.
Plane
The airport in Umeå is called Umeå City Airport. It is trafficated by four air carriers: SAS, Norwegian, City Airline and Malmö Aviation.
If you want to travel by bus, it is 20 minutes from the centre of town and 10 minutes from the university campus. The Airport Bus follows a circular route between Umeå City Airport, Umeå City Centre, the hospital, university campus and Ålidhem before returning to Umeå City Airport. To dowload the Airport Bus timetable go to www.tabussen.nu Click "Information in English", "Airport Bus".
Renting a car
When renting a car, make sure that you know the terms of the renting contract. Pay special notice to things like liability, who can drive the car and so on. We also recommend that you buy the accident insurance that is offered. It is always risky to drive uninsured. Finally, we want to remind you that winter roads can make maneuvering the car much more difficult than usual. If you are unaccustomed to driving on winter roads, you may want to re-consider your travel arrangements, or travel together with someone who has experience of driving under these conditions. If you decide to drive yourself, remember to adjust your speed to the existing road conditions and to start breaking early as it can be hard to get the car to stop if there is ice on the road. Also, when driving on smaller roads in the north of Sweden, it is not that uncommon that moose, reindeer and other animals cross the road. Keep your eyes open, as a collision with a moose can be very dangerous.
Driving in Sweden
Sweden, like most European countries, has right-hand traffic. In Sweden, you have to be over 18 and hold a valid driver's license to drive a car. You must have the license with you when you drive. You can use a foreign drivers’ license for a year in Sweden. Sweden has zero-tolerance on drinking and driving. Winter tires/studded winter tires have to be used between December 1st and March 31st. However, you will not be forced to buy them if you bring your car from home (though it is recommended).
