Getting Around Stockholm
Getting Around Stockholm
All City Transport Options: What Locals Use and What’s Best for Tourists
General Overview
Many visitors think they can just hop in a taxi and get around Stockholm like they would in a more compact city. But honestly, the public transport system here is so well-connected and efficient that it’s often the smarter choice. You’ll find a variety of options—trains, buses, trams, and ferries—that make getting where you need to go both easy and affordable.The metro, or “tunnelbana” as we locals call it, is my go-to. It runs from roughly 5 AM to midnight on weekdays, with 24-hour service on weekends (good luck getting a seat, though!). A single Journey ticket costs around 44 SEK, and it’s often much cheaper than taxis, which can quickly climb over 300 SEK for just a short ride. Plus, if you’re here for a while, you might consider a SL Access card; it pays for itself after just a few trips.
Oh, before I forget: a common mistake tourists often make is assuming that transport ends early on weekends. It’s actually pretty lively late at night, especially during the summer when everyone’s out enjoying the warm evenings.
Speaking of summer, I remember my first time using the metro on a hot day—air conditioning in these trains can be a bit hit-or-miss! You might find a packed train and a sweaty commute, especially during rush hour. Trust me, if you can, try to avoid traveling during those peak hours (typically 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) unless you enjoy rubbing shoulders with fellow commuters.
Now, a pleasant surprise was when I discovered how seamless it is to take a ferry to Djurgården to relax in the park or visit the ABBA Museum. The views from the water are stunning! And, while taxis can be convenient at night, know they’re often five times the price of a public transport ride, so check routes beforehand.
If you want to save some money, consider taking the bus instead of the metro for short trips. The 69 or 76 bus routes, for example, cover a lot of ground and are usually less crowded. Always check for off-peak pricing, which can save you a few kronor.
One last note: while people are generally friendly, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Just be aware of your surroundings.
So, grab an SL Access card, take that metro to T-Centralen, and explore the fantastic streets of Stockholm! You won’t be sorry you skipped the taxi.
Types of Transport
popular with tourists
The metro in Stockholm is a highly efficient and reliable way to explore the city, with three main lines (green, blue, and red) connecting key areas like Norrmalm, Gamla Stan, and Södermalm. Tickets cost around 39 SEK for a single journey, and you can purchase them at ticket machines or via the SL app, which also offers a convenient way to check schedules and plan routes. A great tip for tourists is to consider a 24-hour travel card for unlimited travel across the metro, which can save you money if you plan to make multiple trips in a day. Always check the operational hours as the metro generally runs from around 5 AM to midnight, and be mindful of rush hours to avoid crowded trains. Additionally, keep an eye on your belongings, as it's wise to be aware of pickpockets in busier areas.
Taxis in Stockholm are readily available and can be easily hailed from the street, booked via phone, or through app-based services. A typical ride within the city center costs around 200-300 SEK (approximately 20-30 USD), depending on distance and time of day, and taxis accept both cash and credit cards, though card payment is more common. It's advisable to choose taxis from reputable companies like Taxi Stockholm or Taxi Kurir, as they have fixed rates and are generally more reliable. Always check that the taxi has a working meter and a visible taxi sign on the roof. For a time-saving tip, if you need a taxi during busy hours, like Friday and Saturday nights, consider pre-booking to avoid long waits.
The auto in Stockholm is readily available through a variety of rental services, with numerous agencies located at the airport and in the city center. You can expect to pay around 700–1,200 SEK per day for a standard vehicle, and it’s advisable to book in advance online to secure the best rates; major credit cards are typically accepted for both rentals and fuel purchases. A key tourist tip is to familiarize yourself with the Stockholm congestion tax, which applies during certain hours when driving into the city center, potentially adding up to 150 SEK per day to your costs. To save time, use the E4 motorway for quick access to surrounding areas, and keep an eye out for designated parking zones to avoid fines—costs may range from 20 SEK to 50 SEK per hour. Lastly, remember that Sweden drives on the right side of the road, and always yield to pedestrians, as pedestrian safety is highly prioritized.
Here you can learn about all types of transport in Stockholm. What transport is available, how to reach tourist attractions and which mode of transport is optimal.