Getting Around Stockholm 2025
Navigate Stockholm like a local with our transportation guide.
Stockholm, Sweden's stunning capital, spans 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, creating a city of breathtaking waterways, medieval history, and cutting-edge design. As Scandinavia's largest city, it blends royal palaces and Viking heritage with a thriving food scene and world-class museums.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Stockholm.
Public Transit
World-class SL network covering metro, bus, tram, commuter rail and ferries on a single integrated ticket — one of Europe's best urban transport systems
Taxis
Reliable and safe; use Taxi Stockholm, Cabonline or Uber app; avoid unlicensed street taxis
Car Rental
Not recommended in the city; useful for archipelago or countryside exploration
Walking
Stockholm's inner city areas — Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Östermalm — are highly walkable and best explored on foot
Getting There
How to arrive in Stockholm.
✈️ By Air
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm's main international airport and Scandinavia's second-busiest, handling over 26 million passengers per year with connections to major global hubs.
Stockholm Bromma Airport
Compact airport close to the city centre serving domestic and some European routes, primarily used by business travellers on SAS and Norwegian.
Skavsta Airport
Budget airport used primarily by Ryanair for cheap European routes. Requires a dedicated bus transfer to the city.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Stockholm.
The SL network is the backbone of Stockholm transport. A single ticket (42 SEK) gives 75 minutes of unlimited transfers across all modes. The SL Access card (20 SEK) is reloadable; purchase period passes for the best value.
Tunnelbana (Metro)
Bus
Tram
SL Ferry
Cycling
Walking
🚌 Buses
Extensive SL bus network, 42 SEK per trip or covered by day/weekly passes
🛺 Local Alternatives
Tunnelbana metro (100 stations on 3 lines), Djurgårdslinjen tram (line 7), SL ferries to Djurgården and archipelago, city bikes (Stockholm City Bikes, monthly/seasonal subscription)
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
SJ trains connect Stockholm Central Station to all major Swedish cities. High-speed X2000 trains serve Gothenburg (3hrs), Malmö (4.5hrs) and Copenhagen (5.5hrs). Regional SL trains cover Stockholm County.
Long-Distance Buses
FlixBus and Swebus long-distance services from Stockholm City Terminal from 99 SEK
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Samåkning (ridesharing) via apps like Skjutsgruppen for journeys outside Stockholm
Domestic Flights
Domestic SAS and Norwegian flights from 299 SEK to Gothenburg, Malmö or northern Sweden
Private Car/Driver
Car hire from major operators at Arlanda Airport from 600 SEK/day
Driving in Stockholm
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
Right
License Required
EU driving licences valid; international driving permit recommended for non-EU visitors
Road Conditions
Good quality roads; winter tyres mandatory November-March in winter conditions; congestion charge zones in central Stockholm
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Purchase an SL Access card (20 SEK) and load a 24-hour (175 SEK) or 72-hour (350 SEK) pass for unlimited travel
Download the SL app to buy tickets, check routes and track real-time arrivals
The Tunnelbana metro runs from 05:00 to midnight on weekdays; night buses replace it at weekends
Line 7 tram (Djurgårdslinjen) is the easiest way to reach Djurgården museums from the city centre
Ferry to Djurgården from Slussen (Line 82) or Nybroplan is the most scenic way to arrive
Arlanda Express is worth the price if time is short — 18 minutes to the city centre
Stockholm City Bikes are available at docking stations around the city — great for Djurgården and along the waterfront
Never pay cash to an unlicensed taxi — always use a licensed metered vehicle or a ride-sharing app
Useful Apps
SL app
Official Stockholm public transport app — buy tickets, plan routes, real-time arrivals
Uber
Ride-sharing available throughout Stockholm — often more reliable and transparent than street taxis
Bolt
Affordable alternative to Uber for short city rides
Waze / Google Maps
Navigation apps for driving and cycling in Stockholm
Stockholm City Bikes
App for renting city bikes at docking stations throughout Stockholm
Navigate Stockholm Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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