Hopping from one island to another using public transport in Stockholm requires a fairly complex public transport network. Fortunately, the Swedes have greatly simplified the system and accommodate all kinds of visitors that the city receives throughout the year.
The Swedish language can make the system difficult to interpret at times, but the staff are very helpful (if requested) and have an impressive command of English. Although much of the city is within reasonable walking distance, seeing many attractions will generally require a short subway ride. There are also some lesser-known ways to get around the city, which can save some crowns and reveal parts of the city that might not be seen otherwise.
Taking the subway and the bus
From the heart of the city to the suburbs, the public transport network, Stockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), is the most common way to get around. It consists of the metro, the bus, the commuter train networks and even several ferries. Their website, sl.se, can be an invaluable resource for navigating through the trip planner (translated into English), which will guide you on which bus or train to take and when. The trip planner is also custom designed for smartphones.
Three main metro lines ( red, blue and green ) serve the entire region around Stockholm, all from north to south. All these lines travel through Stockholm Central Station “T-Centralen” and transfer to each other at different points marked on the system map, visible within each subway car.
Buses are most needed on the perimeter of the city and in the suburbs. Although those who get up late at night of the week may require the use of a night bus, as the metro stations will be closed from approximately 1: 00-5: 30 am Sunday through Thursday.
All trains and buses are accessible to walkers and the disabled through a large number of ramps and lifts. Audio announcements are also available at metro stations for the hearing impaired.
Get tickets for public transport
Often the easiest and best value option for visitors is the SL Access card, which allows unlimited travel throughout the Stockholm region, to and from the airport and even ferry travel to the large Djurgården park. These can be purchased at various SL Centers, found throughout the city, at Central Station and even in Sky City at Arlanda Airport. Ticket prices range from SEK 115 for 24 hours to SEK 790 for 30 days, and various durations are available.
The SL card also costs SEK 20 (but can be reused in the future). These tickets are also available with approximately a 40% discount for those under 20 or over 65. Children under 7 years old travel free with an adult, while up to 6 children from 7 to 11 years old can travel for free on weekends when accompanied by someone older. of 18.
For those just passing through Stockholm or planning limited use of the metro, individual tickets can be purchased for SEK 36 (within one zone; longer rides will cost slightly more) allowing free rides for 1 hour. These can also be purchased at Presbyrån stores for a reduced price. Additionally, a 9-ticket ticket can be purchased for 200 SEK, an equivalent cost of 22 SEK per trip. Discounts also apply for under 20s and over 65s. Please note that tickets are not for sale on the bus!
Arriving in Stockholm?
Train services to Stockholm will arrive at T-Centralen central station, allowing immediate access to the SL system. If you are arriving from Arlanda Airport, there are several trains and buses to choose from via the Arlanda website. If you plan to use the SL card later in Stockholm, the card can be purchased at Sky City, allowing you to travel to Stockholm at no additional cost on bus 583 to Märsta, then take the commuter train to Stockholm. This takes about an hour to the central station. The same trip can be made to the airport.
Cycling
Last but not least, Stockholm is incredibly bike-friendly and can be a spectacular way to see the city in warmer months. Citybikes have a rental system in place from April to October, where bikes can be used for several hours a day and exchanged at one of the more than 90 stations in the city. A 3-day card costs only 165 SEK, while a 250 SEK card is valid for the entire season. The many bike lanes around the city allow safe trips well away from congested traffic.
