Last Updated on June 10, 2023 by Göran Ingman
The Stockholm Public Transport System is efficient and covers most parts of town. Even if this is a perfect city to explore by foot it can be nice to gain some extra time by using the public transport every once in a while. [Updated 10-06-2023]
The Swedish capital has a very well-organized transport system and you can choose between taking the subway, the light railway, commuter trains, buses or navigate the city by boat.
The bus-and rail transport is operated by SL. Below is our Stockholm public transport guide.
Stockholm subway – 3 main lines
The easiest way to get around is to use the subway. The Stockholm city subway provides 3 main lines – the green, the red and the blue line serving approximately 100 stations with T-centralen (Central Station) being the transport hub. Stockholm subway runs daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
A really nice thing to note about the subway in Stockholm is all the art that embellishes the stations.
About 90 of the 100 stations are filled with murals, sculptures, ceramic and mosaic. Stockholms subway is sometimes called “the worlds largest art gallery”.
There are also four light rail lines called Tvärbanan, Nockebybanan, Djurgårdslinjen (Spårväg City) and Lidingöbanan.
Tram no.7 reaches Djurgården and connects you to many of the most well-known museums and attractions in only 10 minutes. A perfect way to discover the city as well.
Buses in Stockholm
If you prefer taking a bus instead, there are many lines operating in and around Stockholm. Stockholm city bus lines use Slussen as a transport hub which is close to Gamla Stan (Old Town).
Moreover, the disabled are sure to enjoy a nice ride as well whether they go by subway, by bus, or by tram. If you have a stroller you also get to ride for free.
There are four main bus lines in Stockholm:
- Inner-city blue buses
- Inner-city red buses (operate less frequently)
- Suburban blue buses
- Service buses for elderly people
Commuter trains
You can either take the commuter trains if you want to have a look around and go further outside the city area, or you can catch a national train to visit another city. The commuter services and the national rail both connect at T-centralen (Central Station).
Boat lines in and outside town
Several boat lines are operating from Nybrokajen and allow you to explore the archipelago. If you fancy a boat trip “within” the city, you can take the Djurgården ferry from Slussen. Main boat lines are:
- Waxholmsbolaget
- Cinderellabåtarna
Stockholm Public Transport – tickets and travel cards
Buying tickets is easy! Just tap your contactless credit card, or mobile device, to pay. It works on the automatic barriers in the metro, on buses, and on card readers on the tram and light railway, as well as on the commuter train stations.
Please note that there's no need to touch out after your journey.
A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes and you can use it for multiple journeys during that time.
If you do not manage to show a valid ticket or travel card you may have to pay a penalty fee of 1500 SEK.
However, if you will be using public transport for a couple of days during your stay in Stockholm, the best and the cheapest way to get around is to use a prepaid travel card.
There are cards for 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days and even longer. For tourists these are the most likely ones to be used.
SL has a really informative English website. Please go there to know all about tickets and fares.
Local expert, travel writer (visited 50+ countries), and I've been living in Stockholm for more than 20 years. My mission with this travel guide is to give you the best possible advice for your visit to Stockholm and to share tips on my own personal favorites in this beautiful city.