Getting Around Stockholm
The best way to get around Stockholm is by the excellent public transportation system; several bus lines, the T-Bana metro system and commuter rails cover the city efficiently. You can also cross downtown in about 30 minutes by bicycle, especially as many streets have bicycle lanes. Another option would be the public ferry service and taxis but you're better off using the farther-reaching mass transit. Neighborhoods like Gamla Stan are certainly walkable, but the expansive city is tough to cover solely on foot. Although we don't recommend driving, rental cars are available at the Arlanda Airport (ARN) -- a little more than 25 miles north of the city. But it's easier to take the commuter rail or the Arlanda Express high-speed train instead.
| On Foot | Smaller areas like Gamla Stan are perfect to stroll through, but we recommend bringing your walking shoes for farther-out neighborhoods -- at around 73 square miles, Stockholm is only walkable in small doses. Take public transit when you get sick of hoofing it. |
| Car | We recommend against driving in Stockholm; the streets are narrow and difficult to navigate, plus parking is scarce. But if you must, rental cars are available in the ARN Airport and at rental agencies throughout the city. |
| Ferry |
Ferries service the archipelago's main locations including the Djurgården and Gamla Stan (Old Town) neighborhoods, providing a scenic alternative to the bus. Boats leave every 10 minutes during the spring and summer, with less regular schedules in the fall and winter. One-way fares cost about $6 USD and are available for purchase at ticket counters by each ferry terminal. |
| Bike | When the weather is nice, try to take advantage of the many bike paths that snake through the city. Rental companies are scattered throughout with most bikes costing about $23 USD a day. One of the more popular neighborhoods to explore via bike is Djurgården, which conveniently is home to some of the most popular activities. |
| Taxi |
Stockholm's taxis are very expensive, with the meter starting around $96 USD and climbing upward to $6045 USD per ride. It's always a good idea to get a price estimate before getting inside, and make sure your taxi has a yellow license plate -- meaning it's an authorized cab. Taxis without the yellow plates aren't any cheaper but they aren't as reputableand are usually run by organized crime, so it's best to avoid themse svarttaxis (black taxis). Stick to well known companies like Taxi Stockholm and Taxi 020. |
| Bus |
The bus system contains a number of lines that make stops throughout the city, often servicing areas like the Djurgården neighborhood that fall out of the T-bana's reach. There are also night buses running from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. offering visitors a late night alternative to the expensive taxis. Fares are the same as the subways and commuter rails -- 20 SEK, or about $2.95 USD. |
| Commuter Trains |
The commuter rail is especially convenient to those staying outside the city as it can take you out into suburban Stockholm as well as the neighboring Swedish cities. Trains depart from the central station on the Vasagatan every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes after the evening rush. You can pay around fare 20 SEK -- about $2.95 USD -- on board the train, and SL coupons can are acceptable fares as well. |
| Metro |
More than 100 T-bana (metro) stations marked with a blue and white "T" can take you to the most important downtown stops, as well as many areas in the outskirts, between the hours of 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily. Fares are prices by zones, ranging from about $2.95 USD to $8.85 USD for a one-way trip, but 24- and 72-hour passes are available at reduced rates. Purchase your tickets from the automated machines at each station, or passes from metro counters set up in some hotels, convenience stores and even at ferry terminals. You can also purchase a There's also a Stockholm Tourist Card, available that will allowing for visitors free access to the metro as well as the commuter trains, buses, public ferries and up to 80 museums in the city and the surrounding area. |
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens should carry a passport to enter Stockholm, but a visa is not required unless you plan to visit for longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
