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Would SJ really not have a train to Gothenburg one day?

On a certain day in May, we planned to transit from Stockholm to Gothenburg via train. SJ tickets for that timeframe have been open for a couple of weeks. However, when I check for tickets, every train that particular day is listed as "Not available Planned track work". I understand maintenance has to happen but we need to get to Gothenburg somehow.

Is this something that will shake out over the next two months? Will SJ get the maintenance schedule sorted and trains will be available? Is patience the key? Or, is there a chance that the track will be closed that day and we will need to figure something else out?

While I am patient, I'm exercising my brain to think of alternatives. The plan was to rent a car at Gothenburg Central Station, drive up into the Bohuslan area for a few days and return to Gothenburg. Of course, we can fly but that wouldn't be our preferred method. A bus sounds miserable. Perhaps there are other train routings that makes sense. I would like to get a car nailed down. I'm not worried about this but maybe there is a more creative, perhaps better alternative then just taking the train to Gothenburg. Badger, my friend, have you got any thoughts for us?

Posted by
161 posts

This week SJ released some of the tickets for Easter. The Swedish transport authority is very late with planning currently. SJ won't cancel all trains between Gothenburg and Stockholm, I would say worst case is train+bus replacement+train. Best case is a few minutes of departure or arrival adjustments. They might cancel a few single departures too. Check the competitors too, they might give more info. https://mtrx.travel/en/banarbete https://www.flixtrain.com/

Posted by
6970 posts

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to buying train tickets. As mentioned, Trafikverket has been late in their planning so there is not a lot of information a the moment. But when are you travelling? If it is around Ascension day, that is a popular time for track maintenance. And where in Bohuslän are you going? Gothenburg might not be the best option in my opinion for car rental, you can also consider e.g. Uddevalla.

Posted by
471 posts

Hey Badger, Bingo! We are traveling on Ascension Day. I didn't even consider this. If you have thoughts, I'm open. I've booked hotels but everything is cancellable. I'm going to DM you the rest.

Posted by
471 posts

Okay, I've been practicing patience. I made this original post over a month ago. The train schedules between Stockholm and Gothenburg still haven't been released and I've been checking for nearly two months. I thought that maybe after Easter, they'd have the planning finished and post the schedules. Just curious, does anybody have any information.

Posted by
161 posts

27 March there was news about all Easter-tickets being available, that is less than two weeks in advance so they are very late.

MTRX hasn't released tickets either so likely it is the transport administration authority that is late. When that is done the train companies needs to plan staff and trains, likely a smaller company like MTRX will release tickets before SJ.

Based on what MTRX writes it is only longer travel times and no changes or buses involved.

Posted by
6970 posts

Sorry, no information yet. Trafikverket, the government agency responsible for planning the schedules have had huge problems with their planning this year. Their handling of the situation has been atrocious but for the moment all I can say is wait. I'm waiting myself for some train tickets for early June.

Posted by
471 posts

Thanks. Anders and Badger. Tomorrow will be one month out for this trip and this is the last piece that I need to put in place. Now, I just check whenever I sit down at my computer. They have to post a schedule sometime!

Posted by
161 posts

MTRX has released tickets now, roughly 50 minutes longer travel time than normal.

Posted by
471 posts

Looks like we will need to transfer to a bus at Herrljunga. Well, that will be another adventure!

Posted by
161 posts

True, I missed that. I put too must trust in the traffic information MTRX had earlier, it only said longer travel times but it has changed now :-(

Posted by
6970 posts

SJ now has tickets for sale, including direct trains at reasonable prices (400-500 kr).

Posted by
471 posts

Thank you! I just bought what I wanted. There's no mention of transfers to buses or delays. That was the last piece that I needed to nail down. Yay!

Posted by
6970 posts

Happy to hear that you managed to buy a ticket finally, I hope you have a great trip!

Posted by
471 posts

Thanks to everyone for all the help! We leave in one week!

Posted by
10187 posts

Have a wonderful time. I am glad it worked out and you have your tickets