Is there a daily fare cap on Stockholm public transport?

Yes. When paying with a contactless bank card or phone, the automatic daily maximum is 180 SEK (approx. €16,20). After 5 trips (5 × 43 SEK = 215 SEK), you hit the cap and all subsequent trips that day are free. Always use the same card or phone to benefit.

What is the best ticket for a 3-day trip to Stockholm?

The 72-hour pass costs 360 SEK (approx. €32,40) plus a 50 SEK SL-kort card. Total: 410 SEK (€36,90), saving 130 SEK compared to using contactless for 3 days. The 72-hour pass is the most popular option for city trips.

Has Stockholm abolished its zone system?

Yes. As of 2026, Stockholm has replaced the old zones A, B and C with a single flat fare for the entire Storstockholm region. One ticket is valid everywhere — to Drottningholm, Solna, Sundbyberg and all suburbs. The only exception is Arlanda Airport, which requires a separate ticket.

How do I get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre?

Four options: Arlanda Express (18 min, 340 SEK), Pendeltåg commuter train (38 min, 190 SEK), Flygbussarna airport bus (45 min, 129 SEK online), or the budget hack — bus 583 to Märsta Station then Pendeltåg (60 min total, just 43 SEK, avoids the 147 SEK airport surcharge).

What is the fine for travelling without a valid ticket in Stockholm?

The fine is 1,500 SEK (approx. €135) on the spot. Always tap your bank card or use a valid SL app ticket before boarding. Contactless payment is activated automatically on the first tap — no separate validation step needed.

What is the SL-kort and do I need one?

The SL-kort is a bright green reusable physical card that costs 50 SEK. It is valid for 6 years and can be loaded with passes and tickets. You need it to use multi-day passes. For stays of 3 days or more, the card investment pays off. For 1–2 days, just use contactless.

Do children travel free on Stockholm public transport?

Yes. Children aged 0–6 travel free at all times. From Friday 12:00 through Sunday, children up to 12 years also travel free — a great bonus for families visiting on weekends.

Is there night transport in Stockholm after 01:00?

Yes. Night buses with an 'N' prefix operate after 01:00. Regular SL tickets and passes are valid on night buses. No additional night fare is charged.

Public Transport in Stockholm: Apps, Tickets & Tips 2026

Last updated: 2 March 2026
#16 most visited city in Europe

Stockholm features an extensive public transport network (Tunnelbana metro, pendeltåg commuter trains, buses, trams, ferries) managed by SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik). Contactless payment works perfectly — the SL app is ideal for planning and tickets, but your bank card works just as well.

iOS: SL App | Android: SL App

Key info at a glance

Main app SL App / Contactless bank card Multiple travellers Yes: You can purchase multiple tickets in the SL app for your group Check-in/validation Contactless NFC tap at gates/readers (blue card readers) Offline available Yes (purchased tickets work offline) Payment methods Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Swish Add to Wallet Yes (Apple Wallet & Google Pay) Fine for not validating 1,500 SEK (€135) on the spot Night transport after 01:00 Yes, night buses (routes with "N" prefix) Exit scan required? No (tap in when boarding only) Ticket activation needed? No (automatically active on first tap) Real-time info Yes (in the SL app & digital boards at stations)

Key pitfalls to watch out for

1. Automatic Daily Cap! Stockholm has a smart system: with contactless payment you pay a maximum of 180 SEK (€16,20) per day. After that, all trips that day are free. This often makes separate day passes unnecessary!

2. NO more zones in 2026! Good news: Stockholm has abolished the zone system. A single flat fare now applies across the entire Storstockholm region. Drottningholm? Just use your day pass! Only Arlanda Airport falls outside the system.

3. No cash! Sweden is almost entirely cashless. Even street performers accept Swish (mobile payment). You need a working bank card or mobile payment app.

4. Tunnelbana = Metro! Don't confuse it with the Pendeltåg (commuter train). The Tunnelbana has 3 lines (green, red, blue) and is recognisable by the blue "T" logo.

Quick Check before you board

Do you have your bank card or SL app ticket ready?
Phone >20% battery? (for digital tickets)
Are you on the right line? (Tunnelbana T vs Pendeltåg J)
Heading to Arlanda? (separate ticket required!)
Are you using the same payment card consistently for the daily cap?

Which ticket is best for you?

Automatic Daily Cap with contactless!
When travelling with a contactless bank card or mobile payment, an automatic daily maximum of 180 SEK (€16,20) applies. Once you reach this amount, all subsequent trips that day are free. This means you never pay more than a day pass would cost! Note: this only works if you consistently use the same card/phone.

Ticket options for tourists

Ticket Type	Price (2026)	Validity	When to choose?
Contactless (Bank card)	43 SEK per trip (max 180 SEK/day)	75 min per trip	Short trips (automatic daily cap after 5 trips)
24-hour pass	180 SEK (€16,20)	24 hours	1 day of intensive travel (5+ trips)
72-hour pass	360 SEK (€32,40)	72 hours	City trip (3 days) — most popular!
7-day pass	470 SEK (€42,30)	7 days	Longer stays (from 4 days)

Extra info:

SL-kort: Physical green card costs 50 SEK extra (valid for 6 years, reusable)
Groups: Contactless only works per person. For groups: use the SL app for multi-person tickets
Children 0–6 years: Always free!

Cost example: 3 days in Stockholm:

Option A (Contactless): 3 × 180 SEK = 540 SEK (€48,60)
Option B (72-hour pass): 360 SEK + 50 SEK card = 410 SEK (€36,90)
Savings with 72-hour pass: 130 SEK (€11,70) saved!
Option C (Single trips): 15 trips × 43 SEK = 645 SEK (€58) — much more expensive!

Fares & no more zones!

Great news: Zones have been abolished in 2026!
Previously, Stockholm had zones A, B and C. That system has now been replaced by a single flat fare for the entire Storstockholm region. This means: your day pass or single trip is valid everywhere — to Drottningholm, Solna, Sundbyberg, and all suburbs. No extra costs!

What you need to know

One fare for everything: You pay the same for a trip in the city centre as to the outskirts of Stockholm
Drottningholm Palace: This UNESCO site is reachable with a regular SL ticket (45 min by metro + bus)
Archipelago ferries: Waxholmsbolaget ferries have a separate fare system (not covered by SL)
Uppsala day trip: Outside the SL area, use SJ trains (separate ticket, 1 hour travel time)
Arlanda Airport: The only exception — falls outside the SL system, separate ticket required

How to use contactless payment

Find the blue card reader at the station/bus stop
Tap your bank card or phone against the reader
Wait for the green confirmation + beep
Board and travel!
Note: Always use the same card/phone to benefit from the daily cap of 180 SEK

Important for groups

Contactless payment only works per person. Each family member/friend must use their own bank card or phone. For groups: purchase multi-person tickets in the SL app or at a ticket machine.

🟢 SL-kort — the green smart card

The SL-kort (formerly "SL Access Card") has been a bright green reusable smart card since 2024 that you can load with tickets. Ideal for frequent use during your stay.

Where to buy?

SL Center (T-Centralen, Sergels Torg, other major stations)
Pressbyrån kiosks
7-Eleven stores
Ticket machines at stations

Cost & usage

Purchase price 50 SEK (€4,50) — the card is yours to keep Top up Via the SL app, machines, or in shops Validity 6 years — bring it along on your next Stockholm trip! Advantage Slightly cheaper than single tickets in the app Colour Bright green (no longer blue since 2024)

Is the SL-kort worth it for you?

Yes: For stays of 3+ days (the 50 SEK investment pays off)
Yes: If you visit Stockholm regularly (card valid for 6 years)
No: For 1–2 days — just use contactless (saves you that 50 SEK)
No: If you only use the SL app (no physical card needed)

Avoid travel stress and fines. Receive a free Stockholm public transport update in your inbox 2 weeks before departure.

Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Option	Duration	Price	Best for…
Arlanda Express	18 min	340 SEK	Speed and comfort
🚆 Pendeltåg (SL)	38 min	190 SEK	Direct connection (surcharge included)
Flygbussarna	45 min	129 SEK (online) 139 SEK (chauffeur/station)	Budget-friendly bus. Not accessible: no ramp, multiple steps. Strollers must go in the luggage hold (subject to availability).
Bus 583 + Train	60 min	43 SEK	The real budget hack (no surcharge!)

Quick Tip: Catch bus 583 to Märsta Station and transfer to the Pendeltåg there. This way you avoid the 147 SEK station surcharge at the airport!

0–6 years: Free travel (no ticket needed)
- Weekend bonus: From Friday 12:00 through Sunday, children up to 12 travel free
7–19 years: Reduced fare (approximately 60% discount with Youth Card)
- Note: The Youth Card requires online registration or a Swedish personal number
- For short trips, the adult fare is often easier
65+ seniors: Reduced fare ("Pensionär")
- New in 2026: Non-Swedish seniors now also qualify for discounts!
- Show valid ID during inspections
Students: No special discount for tourists (student travel card only for Swedish students)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

Tunnelbana (metro): Not all stations have lifts — especially older stations on the red line lack accessibility. Check the SL app for lift-accessible routes in advance. Newer stations (blue line) are virtually all accessible
Buses: 100% low-floor with kneeling function and space for wheelchairs. Drivers are trained to assist with the ramp
Pendeltåg: All stations accessible with lifts or ramps. Trains have level boarding at most stations
Trams: Modern trams (Djurgårdslinjen 7, Spårväg City) are fully accessible with level boarding
Real-time lift status: Available in the SL app under "Hissstatus" (lift status)
Assistance: Call SL Kundservice (+46 8 600 10 00) 24 hours in advance for guided assistance at stations
Free travel: Ledsagarkort (companion card) — person with a disability + companion both travel free
Service animals: Always permitted at no extra cost
For strollers: Trams and buses are ideal with wide doors and level boarding

Stockholm accessibility wins: Nearly all pavements have ramps, pedestrian crossings feature tactile strips for the visually impaired, and many museums (The Vasa Museum, The ABBA Museum, Fotografiska) are fully wheelchair accessible. Gamla Stan (old town) has cobblestones — this can be bumpy for wheelchairs, but the main routes are paved.

Best accessible routes for tourists

T-Centralen ↔ Gamla Stan: Take bus 3 or 53 (fully accessible) instead of the Tunnelbana without lift access
Djurgården (museums): Hop on tram 7 from Sergels Torg — 100% accessible, level boarding
Södermalm: Use the Katarinahissen (historic lift) — iconic and practical! Or catch bus 53 uphill
Fotografiska museum: Reachable by bus 76 (accessible), with beautiful views over the water

Stations with guaranteed lifts

T-Centralen: Main station, all lines, multiple lifts
Slussen: Green and red line, recently renovated
Odenplan: Green line, modern station
Kungsträdgården: Blue line, fully accessible

Voi & Tier: Shared scooters are very popular in Stockholm. Watch out for the strict parking rules!
Taxi Stockholm: One of the most reliable taxi companies (call 15 00 00).
Uber / Bolt: Work well and are often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis.

Tip: All-in-one app for shared transport

In Stockholm you can use the umob app. It lets you easily book and pay for all shared transport (bikes, scooters, cars) from different providers in one convenient app. No need for separate accounts anymore.

Stockholm has one of the world's best 5G networks. An eSIM is ideal for planning your route to the city centre immediately upon arrival at Arlanda.

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Stockholm tip: Sweden is nearly 100% cashless. With an eSIM you always have access to your banking app and the SL app for tickets.

Don't drag your suitcases around! Stockholm offers 3 reliable options to store your luggage safely. Note: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Prices are shown in SEK.

Most Locations

Bounce Luggage Storage Typically 60 SEK/day

Safe luggage storage in local shops and hotels. Best choice for flexibility and coverage.

€10,000 protection 24/7 locations Free cancellation

Find Storage Near Me →

Stasher Typically 70 SEK/day

The 'Airbnb for luggage', working with reputable hotel chains and shops across the city.

Fully insured Vetted hosts No size limits

Book with Stasher →

Roammate Recommendation: For most visitors, Bounce is the best choice. You're always guaranteed a spot (no "full" signs like at Central Station), locations are closer to attractions, and the insurance provides extra peace of mind. Stockholm Central lockers are cheaper but can be full.