SJ's passenger numbers increased by 2 percent during the summer compared to last year, despite a lower service offering. Commuter travel rose by 15 percent and pensioners were the passenger group that increased the most. According to SJ, July was the month in which the company had both the most passengers and the highest occupancy rate to date.
SJ describes the summer of 2026 as the strongest since the pandemic. The lower traffic volume compared to the summer of 2025 was due, among other things, to a freight train derailment in Borås, which affected traffic for eight weeks.
The high-speed trains between Stockholm and Gothenburg and Gothenburg and Kalmar were particularly affected.
Commuting up 15 percent
The largest increase came from commuters. According to SJ, commuter travel increased by 15 percent during the summer, while leisure travel rose by 1 percent. At the same time, business travel decreased by 2 percent.
Among different traveler groups, seniors increased the most, by 10 percent. Travel among students and young people rose by 4 percent and among adults by 1 percent.
“In July, new records were set for both passengers and occupancy. This shows that the train continues to attract passengers, both during holiday periods and on weekdays,” says Sofie Struwe, Director of Commercial Traffic at SJ.
SJ also states that more people than ever traveled between Stockholm and Oslo during the summer, but does not provide any passenger figures for the route.
Doubled the number of low-cost tickets
During the summer, SJ more than doubled the number of low-price tickets, according to its own data. The company attributes some of the increased demand to the summer's concerts, festivals and other events.
Among the events that SJ highlights are concerts with Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, Way Out West and Gothia Cup.
Tourists accounted for 14 percent
According to SJ, international tourists accounted for 14 percent of the company's total travel during the summer.
Norway was the largest foreign market, followed by Germany, the USA and Denmark.
SJ also refers to data from Visit Sweden that foreign guest nights in Sweden increased by almost 10 percent in July compared to the same month last year. According to this data, Norway accounted for the most foreign guest nights.
