Stockholm by metro, train and boat: the back story

About Stockholm by metro, train and boat: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Stockholm Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Stockholm runs on SL: the tunnelbana, the commuter trains (pendeltåg), trams, buses and some ferries, all on one ticket, paid with a contactless card, the SL app or an SL card. Arlanda Express reaches the airport in 18 minutes; Waxholmsbolaget’s boats leave Strömkajen for the archipelago; and the ferries of Tallink Silja and Viking Line cross overnight to Finland, Åland and the Baltic states.

Tickets

Use a contactless card or phone, the SL app, the green SL card (SEK 50, reusable) or a paper ticket. A single ticket costs SEK 43; travelcards cost SEK 180 for 24 hours, SEK 360 for 72 hours and SEK 470 for 7 days (adult fares, sl.se, 28 October 2026). Until 2 December 2026, 30-day tickets are half price. Children under 7 travel at no charge with a paying adult.

The airport

Arlanda Express takes 18 minutes between Stockholm Central and Arlanda, every 12–15 minutes. With an SL ticket on the commuter train, the airport passage fee is SEK 157; Flygbussarna coaches run to and from the airports.

Tap in with a contactless bank card: you don’t need to buy a ticket first.

The boats

SL tickets are valid all year on Waxholmsbolaget’s boats between Strömkajen and Vaxholm, Rindö and Tynningö; holders of an SL travelcard of 30 days or more can use all of Waxholmsbolaget’s boats in the low season, 14 September–29 April.

Further afield

SJ runs the long-distance trains; Tallink Silja and Viking Line sail to Finland and Åland. See ULTIMATE Helsinki for the other side of the Baltic, and ULTIMATE Rail Journeys for the great trains.

Our advice: ride the boats; in summer, an archipelago day is the best SEK you will spend.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Stockholm by metro, train and boat: the back story before you go.