Stockholm Public Transport Best Guide: How to Use and Pay

If you’re going to Stockholm soon or are already in Stockholm, freshly arrived by plane, bus, or train, and wondering how to use Stockholm’s public transportation, then you’re in luck! The Stockholm public transport is super easy to navigate, pay, and use. You can go virtually anywhere by bus, train, metro, or ferry, and you won’t need to drive or rent a car. So, read on to figure out how to take, pay, and use public transport in Stockholm. It’s easy!

Overview of the Stockholm Public Transport System

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) manages all transport in Stockholm, including buses, trams, the metro, commuter trains, and ferries. The network connects the city center to the surrounding suburbs. There are four modes of transport in the system:

• Metro
• Bus
• Tram
• Train
• Ferry

Here’s a quick overview of each one.

Metro (Tunnelbana)

Stockholm’s metro system, the Tunnelbana or T-bana, is the city’s most popular and efficient way to get around. It consists of three main lines – Blue, Red, and Green – that service the city and extend into the suburbs. The metro operates from early morning until late at night, with reduced service during the overnight hours.

Bus

The Stockholm buses complement the metro by reaching areas not served by the Tunnelbana or that are hard to reach by metro or train. Buses are frequent, cover a vast area, and drop Stockholm passengers off close to their destination.

Light Rail + Vintage Tram

There are limited light rail services that you can take in and around the city center. There is also a line that takes you to and from the main island to the neighboring island, Djurgården.

Additionally, Stockholm has a vintage tram line that can take you to specific destinations in the city center. This is similar to the San Francisco cable cars: people ride these cars for the experience, not to get to a destination. The tram runs for historical and cultural purposes, but it’s still considered public transportation.

Commuter Train (Pendeltåg)

The commuter train, or Pendeltåg, connects the city to the suburbs and beyond, to neighboring towns and municipalities. It connects seamlessly with the bus or metro and departs from the central train station in Stockholm.

Commuter Ferry

Because of Stockholm’s unique archipelago geography, ferries are essential to the public transport system. Operated by Waxholmsbolaget, the ferries connect the mainland to various islands in the Stockholm archipelago. It’s a unique, picturesque, and relaxing way to travel, especially during the warmer months!

It’s also convenient for tourists and locals to use it to explore the archipelago without breaking the bank.

How to Pay for Stockholm Public Transport

Luckily, all public transportation in Stockholm is run by SL, and paying for public transit is integrated. You only have to buy one ticket or pass and use it to get anywhere and everywhere. Depending on how long you are traveling in Stockholm for, there are the ticket types for Stockholm public transport.

Ticket Options

Single Journey Tickets

Single tickets are perfect for occasional trips or if you plan to make only a few journeys. These tickets are valid for 75 minutes from activation and allow unlimited transfers and travel on all SL modes of transport within this period.

Price: Adult fare is SEK 42

Where and How to Buy:

Single tickets can be purchased via the SL app with a contactless card, at ticket machines at metro stations, from staff at the metro or train station, and at SL Centers.

Note: You have to tap on or change transportation methods before the 75 minutes pass, but your ticket is still valid as long as it was valid when you tapped on.

Travelcards

If you plan to use public transport frequently, you should consider getting a travel card, as it offers unlimited travel within a specified period. SL offers six travel durations (prices are adult fare):

• 24 hours: SEK 175
• 72 hours: SEK 350
• 7 days: SEK 455
• 30 days: SEK 1,020
• 90 days: SEK 2,960
• 1 year: SEK 10,710

Where and How to Buy Travelcards:

You can buy a travel card via the SL app (free to download) or purchase a physical green SL smart travel card from metro and train stations and ticket agents.

The physical card costs SEK 20, and you can load the type of travel period you want when you purchase your SL card.

Tourist Passes

If you’re a visitor looking for a ticket that combines tourist attraction entry fees and public transport, then a tourist pass is your best bet. Some popular options include Stockholm Pass and Go City.

Using Your Ticket

In Stockholm, you have to touch into all public transportation. Just touch in using your contactless card (physical or not), app ticket code, or SL green card at the automatic readers near the metro or train entrances or when you board the ferry or bus.

You will never have to touch out!

For all my travelers who like to know the nitty gritty (don’t worry, me too), here’s how to take each type of public transport in Stockholm!

How to Take the Stockholm Metro

As mentioned, the metro has three main lines: Red, Blue, and Green. All the lines intersect at T-Centralen, Stockholm’s main central train station. Here is where each line travels:

• Blue Line: 
  • Extends from CENTRAL Stockholm to Hjulsta and Akalla in the NORTHWEST.
• Red Line:
  • Runs from Norsborg and Fruängen in the SOUTH to Ropsten and Mörby Centrum in the NORTHEAST.
• Green Line: 
  • Connects Hässelby strand, Alvik, and Åkeshov in the WEST to Hagsätra, Farsta strand, and Skarpnäck in the SOUTH.

And a map of the Stockholm metro:

Unique Features of the Metro

Now, you probably wouldn’t guess that one of the Stockholm Metro’s most notable features is its art. Over 90 stations feature artworks ranging from sculptures and mosaics to paintings and installations, earning it the title of the “world’s longest art gallery.”

It’s a must to go and see some of the stations with the best art, and it’s super easy to take your own self-guided Stockholm metro art tour. T-Centralen (central train station), Hotorget, Stadion, and more are just some of the stations you must see when you’re in Stockholm.

Also, the metro does not have bathrooms, so use it beforehand. However, in 2023, the city installed free-standing and self-cleaning public toilets around the city. You can see the bathroom map here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Metro

Here’s how to take the Stockholm metro:

1. Plan Your Journey
   • Use Google Maps or the SL app to plan your journey—note which trains to take, in which direction, and if you need to transfer.
2. Enter the Nearest Station + Buy Tickets
   • Locate the nearest metro station. Look for the blue “T” signs, which are metro entrances.
   • Make sure you have a valid ticket before boarding.
   • If you are not using a contactless card or SL card to tap in at the metro gate, buy a ticket beforehand from a ticket machine or on the SL app.
3. Find and Go to the Correct Platform
   • Follow the signs to the platform for your desired line (Blue, Red, or Green).
   • Pay attention to the direction of travel, which is usually broadcast on the metro platform signs.
   • Board the correct train!
4. Exit Station
   • Once you reach your destination, follow the signs to the desired exit. No need to touch out!

How to Take the Stockholm Bus

Stockholm’s buses are particularly useful for reaching neighborhoods and attractions that are not directly accessible by metro or train. The buses are modern, comfortable, and equipped with free Wi-Fi, perfect for commuting and exploring.

Popular Bus Routes

Here are some popular bus routes to take:

City Bus Routes

1. Bus 1 (Stora Essingen – Frihamnen)
   • Key Destinations: Fridhemsplan, Cityterminalen (central bus station), Karlaplan
2. Bus 2 (Sophiahemmet – Norrtull)
   • Key Destinations: Odenplan, Stureplan, Gamla Stan (Old Town), Slussen
3. Bus 3 (Karolinska Institutet – Södersjukhuset)
   • Key Destinations: Karolinska Institutet, Fridhemsplan, Slussen, Södersjukhuset (hospital)
4. Bus 4 (Radiohuset – Gullmarsplan)
   • Key Destinations: Radiohuset (Swedish Radio House), Karlaplan, Odenplan, Gullmarsplan

Suburban Bus Routes

1. Bus 676 (Stockholm City – Norrtälje)
   • Key Destinations: Danderyds sjukhus (Danderyd Hospital), Åkersberga, Norrtälje
2. Bus 583 (Märsta Station – Arlanda Airport)
   • Key Destinations: Märsta Station, Arlanda Airport (all terminals)
3. Bus 670 (Stockholm City – Vaxholm)
   • Key Destinations: Danderyds sjukhus, Vaxholm
4. Bus 753 (Fittja – Skärholmen – Kungens Kurva)
   • Key Destinations: Fittja, Skärholmen, Kungens Kurva (IKEA)

Step-by-Step Guide to Catching the Stockholm Bus

Here’s how to catch the bus in Stockholm:

1. Plan Your Journey
   • Use Google Maps or the SL app to plan your journey.
2. Look For the Right Bus Stop
   • Once you have navigation, go to the right bus stop. Make sure you’re on the right side of the road and that the bus stop services the bus route you want.
3. Buy Ticket + Board the Bus
   • Board the bus through the front doors and touch in at the card terminal with an SL card, an app ticket, or a contactless card. Make sure your ticket is valid!
4. Ride and Exit
   • Before the bus gets to your bus stop, press the stop button (’Stannar’) to signal the bus driver to stop.
   • Exit from the middle or back doors. A ticket inspector may ask for your ticket before you disembark so be sure to have it on you!

How to Take the Stockholm Light Rail and Tram

Stockholm’s tram network is small, but it’s an efficient and convenient way to travel through certain parts of the city. The trams are modern, comfortable, and well-integrated with other transportation.

Popular Tram Lines

• Tvärbanan (Line 22): This cross-town tram line connects the western and southern suburbs, passing through areas like Alvik, Gullmarsplan, and Sickla.
• Lidingöbanan (Line 21): Connects the island of Lidingö with the city.
• Djurgårdslinjen (Line 7): A heritage tram line that runs from Norrmalmstorg to Djurgården, popular with tourists visiting attractions like Skansen and the Vasa Museum.

Step-by-Step Guide to Catching the Stockholm Light Rail or Tram

Here’s how to board the light rail or tram:

1. Plan Your Journey
   • Use Google Maps or the SL app to plan your journey.
2. Look for the Light Rail or Tram Stop
   • The light rail stops are in the middle of the road on a raised platform. Check that the direction is correct, and look for the light rail route number on the sign!
3. Buy a Ticket + Board Light Rail
   • Make sure you have a valid ticket before boarding the tram. Unlike the metro or bus, the light rail and tram do not have ticket validators on board.
   • Once you buy a ticket, touch in on the SL ticket post on the platform. If you buy a ticket online or have a travel card, make sure you activate it beforehand.
   • Once the tram arrives, just walk on.
   • There will be ticket inspectors on the tram to check tickets so make sure you have your ticket! (Trust me, they’re there).
4. Exit the Light Rail
   • Just like the bus, indicate to the driver you want to get off by using the stop button.

How to Take the Stockholm Train

Stockholm has commuter trains that help you reach destinations beyond the city center and explore the wider Stockholm region, including the Arlanda Airport.

Popular Routes

• North-South Lines: The primary commuter train lines run from the northern suburbs through central Stockholm to the southern suburbs. Key destinations include Märsta, Uppsala, Södertälje, and Nynäshamn.
• East-West Lines: These lines connect towns like Bålsta and Kungsängen in the west with Stockholm’s city center and continue to Nynäshamn in the east.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Stockholm Train

Here’s how to take the Pendeltåg:

1. Plan Your Journey
   • Use Google Maps or the SL App to plan your journey.
2. Enter the Nearest Station + Buy a Ticket
   • Locate your nearest commuter train station.
   • Major interchange stations include Stockholm Central (Stockholm C), T-Centralen, and Odenplan.
   • Have a valid ticket and touch in at the turnstile gates to enter the boarding area.
   • At smaller train stations, touch in at the SL card posts instead since there may not be any barriers.
3. Look for the Correct Train Platform
   • Check the digital displays for your train’s departure platform and time. Commuter trains have clear signage indicating their final destination and stops.
   • Wait on the platform and board the train when it arrives. Make sure you board the correct train; sometimes multiple trains use the same platform.
4. Exit the Station
   • Exit the train and follow the signs to your desired train station exit.

How to Take the Stockholm Ferry

Because of Stockholm’s unique island geography, ferries are an essential part of the public transport system. The ferries connect the mainland to the archipelago’s islands. It’s great that they are included in the public transportation and also do not cost much more to take a cool, scenic ferry ride! (AKA don’t take a private island tour ferry)!

Popular Routes

• Djurgården Ferries: These ferries connect central Stockholm with Djurgården, a popular island home to several museums and attractions, including the Vasa Museum and Skansen.
  1. Ferry Route 80 (Nybroplan – Lidingö)
     • Key Destinations: Nybroplan (city center), Frihamnen (port area), Nacka Strand, Lidingö (Dalénum)
  2. Ferry Route 82 (Slussen – Djurgården – Skeppsholmen)
     • Key Destinations: Slussen, Djurgården (Gröna Lund, ABBA Museum, Vasa Museum), Skeppsholmen (Moderna Museet, the island itself)
• Archipelago Ferries: These ferries connect the city with various islands in the Stockholm archipelago, such as Vaxholm, Sandhamn, and Grinda.
  1. Ferry Route 83 (Strömkajen – Vaxholm)
     • Route: Strömkajen – Vaxholm
     • Key Destinations: Strömkajen (near the Royal Palace), Vaxholm (historic fortress, gateway to the archipelago)
  2. Ferry Route 84 (Strömkajen – Ekerö)
     • Key Destinations: Strömkajen, Ekerö (home to Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Step-by-Step Guide to Take the Stockholm Ferry

Taking the ferry is easy; here’s how to take the Stockholm ferry:

1. Plan Your Journey
   • Use Google Maps, the Waxholmsbolaget website, or the SL app to plan your journey.
   • It’s important to find accurate ferry routes, schedules, and ticket information. Ferries have seasonal schedules, so check in advance for current timings.
   • The ferry schedule and timetable are always posted at the ferry terminal.
2. Go to the Right Ferry Terminal
   • There are multiple ferry terminals in Stockholm, so make sure you go to the right one.
   • Popular terminals include Slussen, Skeppsholmen, and Strömkajen.
3. Buy a Ticket and Board the Ferry
   • Just like any other public transport, you need a valid ticket to board the ferry.
   • Most of the ferries do not have a ticket barrier so you’ll need a valid ticket beforehand. You will show the ticket when boarding to the ticket inspector.
   • Buy a ticket from the ferry terminal ticket machines or online using the SL app or website.
4. Ride the Ferry
   • The ferries will have an inside and outside deck. There will also be comfortable seats and large windows on the sides of the ship.
   • There is an announcement TV at the front of the seating area where they will announce the next stop and announcements.
5. Exit the Ferry
   • Disembark where you entered and explore your destination!

Other Modes of Transport: Ride-Sharing, Taxi, Biking, and Walking

Besides public transport, there are other ways to get around Stockholm, including ride-sharing, taxis, biking, and walking.

Ride-Sharing

Sometimes, you just want the comfort and convenience of a private car. Luckily, Uber is widely available in Stockholm and works the same way it does in the States. Stockholm also has its own versions, including Bolt and FreeNow.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Stockholm and there are multiple reputable taxi companies to look for: Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, or the yellow Taxi Sverige. Taxi fares are not regulated in Stockholm, so if you hail a cab be sure to ask for a price first before getting in.

Or, look for a yellow sticker on the rearview window indicating the fare for a 10 km, 15-minute journey (the price is in SEK).

The average you’ll pay for a taxi in Stockholm hovers around 200-300 SEK.

To hail a taxi, you can call a taxi company, hail one on the street, or get one from a taxi stand.

Above all, do not get into a car from someone hawking a taxi to you. They’re going to scam you!

Biking

You can bike easily in Stockholm! There are plenty of flat areas to bike around in Stockholm, and lots of scenic routes to take. You can either rent a bike or use a bike-sharing service or app. Popular bike rental companies include Stockholm Adventures, Rent-a-bike, Gamla Stans Cykel, and Stockholm Cykel.

Walking

Stockholm is perfect for walking. The city center and old town are compact and many tourist attractions are within a 10-15 minute walk from each other. It’s easy to sightsee in conjunction with taking the metro or bus.

The only downside is that Stockholm can be hilly. There are lots of variations in elevation and you’ll find many small hills to walk on or around. Luckily, there are staircases built for easier access, but it’s not the most flat nor is it the most steep. Let’s just say you’ll get your steps in.

Stockholm Public Transport Tips

• Avoid rush hour: Public transport is busiest during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). If possible, travel outside these times for a more comfortable experience.
• English-Friendly: Announcements are made in both Swedish and English, so it’s easy to navigate as an English speaker. Also, most Swedes speak English, so if you ever need help, ask someone!
• Queue: Swedes typically queue patiently for buses and trains. Respect the queue and wait your turn.
• Weather: What surprises people the most about Stockholm is how dark it gets… Especially in the fall and winter, the sun sets quite early so don’t be alarmed if you exit the metro and it’s dark out!

Popular Destinations and How to Get There

Here’s a quick crash course on popular tourist attractions and how to get there:

• Gamla Stan (Old Town): Take the metro to Gamla Stan station on the Red or Green line.
• Djurgården Island (Vasa Museum, Skansen, ABBA Museum, Gröna Lund): Use the Djurgården ferry from Slussen or take the tram (Line 7) to Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund for the ABBA Museum or Gröna Lund and Djurgården for the Vasa Museum and Skansen.
• Royal Palace: Take the metro to Gamla Stan station and walk for eight minutes. You can also take bus 53 Henriksdalsberget and get off at Riddarhustorget.
• Östermalms Food Hall: Take the metro to Östermalmstorg station on the red line or the tram (Line 7) to Nybroplan and walk for seven minutes.
• Fotografiska Museum: The staircase leading directly to the museum is currently under construction, so the best way to get there is either by ferry or a bus (there are many bus routes that go here) to Londonviadukten and walk about fourteen minutes.

Explore Stockholm Easily!

Exploring Stockholm is easy with its great public transport system. Whether you’re taking the metro, buses, trams, commuter trains, ferries, or even opting for Uber and other ride-sharing services, there are plenty of options for your trip. Definitely take advantage of the public transport while you’re in Stockholm, and you can’t forget about the ferry! Hopefully, this helps you explore the city better and makes your trip easier! Happy travels!