Taking the Free IKEA Bus (in Stockholm, Sweden) to the World’s Largest IKEA Store
I was so curious to see if the world's largest IKEA store was just like the IKEA stores in North America. So we took the free IKEA bus from downtown Stockholm to find out.
Leaving downtown Stockholm (weekdays, on the hour), returning every 30 to 45 minutes, it was an easy ride.
Arriving in the lobby, we saw the fun vintage photos above. I wondered if they were from this store's 1965 opening.
Then we browsed every floor, confirming the world's largest IKEA store really does look like other IKEA stores, except...
Support for those who use wheels (wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, bicycles, shopping carts) can be found everywhere around Stockholm, including inside IKEA. Not only is this thoughtful, but imagine the money + energy saved (and the fun we get to have) by bypassing elevators.
Also, electric bicycles were for sale for less than $200. At the time, I assumed they were expensive, so I didn't even look at the price tag while there. Had I realized the actual price at that time, I would have made a purchase—or two.
My favorite bedding was also for sale. A fitted sheet over a lightweight mattress, plus a "duvet cover" (buttoned sheet) enclosing a blanket (which can also act as a top sheet). This means no bulky mattresses to move, and no heavy blankets to wash—just lightweight coverings.
And for the kicker…
The world’s largest IKEA store serves raw, vegan, and gluten-free food.
TIPs:
The bus ride home is shared with many shoppers and their purchases, both of which can take up their own seats. So it’s wise to be one of the first in line for the bus, to ensure a seat.
One should also be prepared to give up their seat to elderly and pregnant riders, out of respect (there is standing room).
The bus takes about 20 minutes and one can actually exit at different stops. When we saw a rider exit the bus at a stop located close to our lodging, we just followed that rider off the bus. However, I’m not sure if riders request this or if the bus automatically does this.