Getting around Stockholm - public transport tips

Getting around in Stockholm is easy – it is just a matter of knowing the best way! Few locals have cars, and the central parts of Stockholm are not very car friendly, with queues during rush hours and limited parking options. Public transport, on the other hand, in Stockholm, is extensive.

Public transport can take you almost anywhere and is often easy and smooth. But, like all other big cities, rush hours on the subway can be horrible and stressful. Here are some helpful notes to those new to Stockholm, or just visiting for a short period longing to see and do as much as possible.

Some basic info

First of all: how to pay for your journey. There are several options. You can use a top-up card called the SL-card. Use it as "pay as you go," or load it up yearly, if you're planning to stay. You can also buy single trips via the SL-app on your phone, or at the ticket counter at most of the tube stations. If you use your card, you should not forget to register it online as a buffer in case you lose it. 

The subway network, or tunnelbana as it is called in Swedish, is extensive, and the lines go through almost all of Stockholm’s **central parts, suburbs, and even the Nacka Nature Reserve**. There are several key points to remember and sometimes avoid going to during rush hour. These are T-centralen and Slussen. During rush hour, these are crowded as they are not only central locations in Stockholm, but also metro stations that are connected to several underground lines. Sometimes it is easier to walk to the next station on foot, than change at one of these stations! 

A fun fact about the tube concerns the stations. Several are part of an underground art exhibition and showcase promising artists. If you come across some of these pieces, take a moment to experience the art!

Buses also run all over Stockholm. They are an excellent option for those who don’t like taking the tube underground. Taking the bus is also a good way to explore the city, as you will see everything. But avoid taking the bus through the central parts of the city during rush hour, which can be a menace with long queues.

SL-card works on boats

What many do not know is that the SL-cards work on the boats running in the city. As Stockholm is surrounded by water, several boats are going from one neighbourhood to another. Taking the boat is a great way to experience Stockholm from the ocean, and sometimes saves you a lot of time. You can also take the boats to several of the islands in the archipelago.**

Walking, biking or riding scooters? 

Stockholm is an innovative city that is trying to be more climate-friendly. As part of this, several companies offer options for public transport. You can now rent bikes via different apps, cars that run on electricity, and even electric scooters via the app Voi. There are also small tuk-tuks that work like taxis. They are called Bzzt Podtaxi and drive all around the city and will definitely give you a different view of Stockholm.

But if you are in Stockholm for a vacation, there is also another option: walking! Stockholm is a great city to explore on foot, as it’s a rather "small big city".