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Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad

London
Level Contributor
356 posts
9 reviews
13 helpful votes
Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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I'm having a problem trying to book train tickets from Gothenburg to Strömstad in mid-June. I'm trying to use the sj.se website but getting nowhere. Anyone any ideas?

Fredericia, Denmark
Level Contributor
37,532 posts
7 reviews
15 helpful votes
1. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Not getting anywhere. What do you mean?

Lund, Sweden
Destination Expert
for Norrkoping
Level Contributor
1,619 posts
52 reviews
30 helpful votes
2. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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As @Hans_DEN says, it's a bit unclear what your problem is.

I can only come up with one solution without knowing more; you need to let "Show buses" ("Visa bussar") remain checked. The last kilometers on the Strömstad service is run by rail replacement buses, as there is major motorway works taking place literally on the tracks...

Stockholm, Sweden
Level Contributor
649 posts
14 reviews
15 helpful votes
3. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Hi,

These trains are not operated by SJ but by Västtrafik in cooperation with DSB First. It is a commuter like train and there is no need at all to buy your ticket in advance. Seat reservation is not possible and prices are always the same. Buy your ticket at the station before getting on the train.

Web site Västtrafik: http://vasttrafik.se/en/Startpage/

London
Level Contributor
356 posts
9 reviews
13 helpful votes
4. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Thanks to you all, that's really helpful. augustekman, we hadn't left the 'show buses' checked & which is why we were getting the error message. HOXA61, you've just saved us the hassle of booking in advance - & left us free to choose at the time when to travel. Hans_DEN, 'not getting anywhere' = having no success, and I can see in context how it would be confusing! Thanks once again.

Gothenburg, Sweden
Level Contributor
661 posts
12 reviews
11 helpful votes
5. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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You don't have to book a ticket on the train from Gothenburg to Strömstad, you can buy the ticket from the train conductor with no extra surcharge. There are no booked seats on the train anyway, so just be at the train station about fifteen minutes prior to departure and you'll be fine. More information on http://www.vasttrafik.se

London
Level Contributor
356 posts
9 reviews
13 helpful votes
6. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Thanks a lot soer, that's really helpful!

Stenungsund
Level Contributor
34 posts
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
7. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Actually it´s a little bit more expensive to buy the ticket directly on the train. But the Västtrafikcard system is qutie complicated, but maybe they´ll have some kind of special tourist card? Remember, if you´re going to pay directly on the train, that they only accept payment with credit/bankcard (VISA, Mastercard works fine); no payment in cash.

Have a nice trip!

London
Level Contributor
356 posts
9 reviews
13 helpful votes
8. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Many thanks, Marxx. That's really useful. I'm looking forward to what will be my fourth trip to Sweden in as many years.

Gothenburg, Sweden
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661 posts
12 reviews
11 helpful votes
9. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Marxx; You're wrong. I work at DSBFirst (the operator of Västtågen) and we do accept cash, and we will continue to accept cash. On the buses, the driver only accepts debit/credit card, but on all trains in the Västtrafik system you can pay in cash.

It is not more expensive to buy the ticket on the train, we have no "on board purchase surcharge", so you pay the same as you would if you bought the ticket at Västtrafik customer service or at Pressbyrån. And until June 19th the price on the train is the same as if you use the Västtrafik-card. After that, it will be more expensive but for a tourist the Västtrafik-card isn't a good idea as you have to charge the card with minimum 100 SEK and there is a 50 SEK deposit. There are no tourist cards that are valid all the way to Strömstad.

Stenungsund
Level Contributor
34 posts
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
10. Re: Train from Gothenburg to Strömstad
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Ok, I think they may have changed it since last year when SJ was the operator? I had to pay more when I went Ljungskile-Stenungsund last fall. I usually use commutation ticket. Ok, I thought the trains didn´t accept cash payment (the buses doesn´t), my bad sorry. Anyway it´s great news if it´s no longer more expensive to pay directly on the train. Cheers!

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