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Door Codes (Portkod) in Swedish Buildings

Updated 3 min read

Almost every apartment building in Sweden has a keypad at the main street entrance — the portkod — and without it, or without someone letting you in, you can't get past the front door even if you have a key to the apartment itself. It surprises a lot of visitors staying in an Airbnb, a sublet, or a friend's building, arriving with a key but no way to reach the door it opens.

This guide explains how the system works, where to get your code, and what's worth telling your driver if it affects where they can actually drop you.

On this page
  1. How portkod systems work
  2. Getting your code before you arrive
  3. What it means for your pickup or drop-off
  4. If you're staying somewhere longer-term

How portkod systems work

A numeric code entered on a keypad at the street door unlocks it, usually alongside or instead of a traditional key. Codes are often building-specific rather than apartment-specific, sometimes changed periodically for security, and usually given to guests directly by whoever you're staying with — a host, a landlord, or a booking platform's check-in instructions.

Getting your code before you arrive

If you're staying in a short-term rental, the code is almost always sent as part of your check-in instructions — worth checking your booking confirmation or messages before you land rather than discovering you don't have it at the door with your luggage. If you're staying with a host, it's worth asking them directly rather than assuming it'll be obvious once you arrive.

What it means for your pickup or drop-off

A driver can bring you and your luggage to the street door, but a code they don't have won't get you or them any further — it's worth having it ready rather than needing to call your host from the pavement. If the building entrance is easy to miss, or the address has more than one door, a note in your booking about which entrance to use can save a few minutes of confusion once your driver arrives.

If you're staying somewhere longer-term

For a longer stay, it's worth writing the code down somewhere other than your phone, since a dead battery at the door with luggage in hand is a genuinely annoying way to get locked out of your own building. Some buildings also use a separate code or fob for a bike room, laundry facilities, or a parcel locker — worth asking your host or landlord to run through all of them together rather than discovering each one separately.

What every Förare booking includes

The fixed price you see before booking is the price on your receipt — 6% VAT included, whole car, not per person.

  • Flight tracked — pickup follows your live arrival
  • 45 minutes free waiting, from your driver's confirmed arrival
  • No terminal fee
  • No surge pricing, ever
  • Free cancellation up to 12 hours

Questions people ask before booking

What is a portkod?

A numeric keypad code at a Swedish building's main street door, used instead of or alongside a key. Without it, you can't get past the entrance even with an apartment key.

Where do I get my door code?

Usually from your host, landlord, or a short-term rental's check-in instructions — check these before you land rather than at the door.

Can my driver help me get through the door if I don't have the code?

Not directly — the code has to come from whoever's expecting you. It's worth having it ready or a phone number to call if you're unsure.

Does the code change often?

Some buildings change it periodically for security, which is another reason to get the current code directly from your host rather than relying on an old one.

Should I mention my building's entrance in my booking notes?

It's worth it if the entrance is easy to miss or the address has more than one door — a short note helps the driver find the right spot without delay.

Book your Arlanda pickup

Enter the address and you will see the price for the whole car before anything is paid. No account needed.

  • One fixed price for the whole car, 6% VAT included, shown before you pay.
  • Your driver's name, number and registration plate arrive before pickup.
  • Cancel free of charge more than 12 hours before pickup, refunded in full.
See your fixed priceSee the price list

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