Getting Around - Tips For The Stockholm Tourist

The average Stockholm tourist will arrive without his car. But don’t worry. Metro, local trains, rental cars, taxis and even boats and bicycles make it easy to get around.

Stockholm is Sweden’s biggest city, but it’s a small town compared to Tokyo, Moscow or New York. So although public transportation is very good, you can see a lot while walking.

In fact, the centre with all its major sights is best explored by foot.

An average Stockholm tourist won’t need a car. Most sights are on a reasonable distance of each other. And the streets and parks you will pass have a lot to offer too.

Google has developed a great interactive map for every Stockholm tourist with a satellite view of the city.

But time is limited, and you don't want to walk all the time, so use the local network of buses and subway trains. That will save you time and effort.

Buses get around fast, because they can use special bus tracks on many roads.

If you buy a Hop On Hop Off special ticket you can get off at various points to explore the area, and get back on the next bus later - without having to pay extra.

Let's talk now about the metro.

The metro, subway or underground in Stockholm is called tunnelbana (T) in Swedish.

There are about 100 stations and three major lines that end (or start) in the suburbs. You can reach most attractions by tunnelbana.

Bus and tunnelbana work with a coupon system. The city is divided into five zones. If you travel within one zone, you need two coupons. If you travel in two zones, you need three etc.

Coupons can be bought from bus drivers, metro stations, railway stations and offices of Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), the company that operates all lines. SL also runs local trains that complement bus and metro transport.

If you buy a Stockholm Card you can use SL buses, metros and trains as much as you like during a set number of days.

You will also get free access to several museums and major sights. You can buy this card at tourist offices.

Rental cars are an option if you are on a business trip or plan to explore the wider Stockholm region.

Taxis are expensive and only recommended if you want to get to your hotel in the middle of the night.

Sometimes it’s best to take a ferry!

There is a ferry service that connects Skeppsbron, Gamla Stan with the Gröna Lund amusement park and Nybroplan square.

And if you want to explore the archipelago or visit the royal Drottningholm castle, ferry boats are the best – and sometimes only – means of transport.

You can also get on a boat sightseeing tour and see the Swedish capital from the water. With the same ticket you can get on and off at various bridges, whenever you like. A great way to explore the city!

A sporty Stockholm tourist may want to consider hiring a bike.

Cycling is a challenge in all big cities, but in the Swedish capital it’s really doable and safe. Most car drivers behave like gentlemen, and in many areas you will find separate cycle tracks.

Hire a bike from Skepp & Hoj, right at the bridge leading to Djurgården island - check the map to see where it is. Some hostels also hire bicycles.

How to get at Skepp & Hoj?

Take the lonely old streetcar # 7. It runs from Norrmalmstorg to Djurgården. During the previous century the metro replaced the local tram network - except for this line.

Although used by many locals, this streetcar has become some sort of tourist attraction in itself.

Summary: walking is good for every Stockholm tourist, but don’t tire your feet if it’s not necessary. There are plenty of other options.

Read more about it on other pages of this site.