Stockholm
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Buses
An essential part of Stockholm's public transport system, buses connect neighborhoods, suburbs, and nearby towns.
Sections
1. Ticketing Options
To use the buses in Stockholm, you need a valid ticket before boarding. Cash is not accepted on buses, so you must purchase your ticket in advance. Here are the main ticketing options:
a. SL Access Card
- What it is: A reusable smart card that you can load with travel credit or period tickets.
- Cost: The card itself costs 20 SEK.
- How to load it: You can load it with:
- Single tickets: Valid for 75 minutes from activation.
- Travel credit: Pay-as-you-go balance.
- Period tickets: Unlimited travel for a set period (24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or 90 days).
- Where to buy: SL ticket machines, SL Centers, Pressbyrรฅn convenience stores, or online via the SL app.
b. SL App
- What it is: A mobile app where you can buy digital tickets.
- How to use: Download the SL app (available for iOS and Android), create an account, and purchase tickets directly. Tickets are activated immediately upon purchase.
- Payment methods: Credit/debit cards or Swish (a Swedish mobile payment system).
c. Single-Use Paper Tickets
- Where to buy: Available at SL Centers, ticket machines, or Pressbyrรฅn stores.
- Cost: Slightly more expensive than using the SL Access Card or app.
d. Prices (as of 2023)
- Single ticket (75 minutes):
- Adults: 39 SEK
- Youth (20 and under) and Seniors (65+): 26 SEK
- 24-hour ticket:
- Adults: 165 SEK
- Youth/Seniors: 110 SEK
- 7-day ticket:
- Adults: 345 SEK
- Youth/Seniors: 230 SEK
e. Free Travel for Children
- Children under 7 travel for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. During weekends and public holidays, up to 6 children under 12 can travel for free with a paying adult.
2. How to Use the Buses
- Boarding: Enter through the front door and tap your SL Access Card on the card reader or show your digital ticket to the driver.
- Exiting: Use the middle or rear doors to exit.
- Stops: Buses stop only when requested. Press the red "STOP" button on board to signal the driver.
- Routes: Bus stops display route numbers and destinations. You can also check routes and schedules in the SL app or on the SL website.
3. Schedules
- Frequency:
- During peak hours (weekdays): Every 5โ10 minutes for most routes.
- Off-peak hours: Every 10โ20 minutes.
- Late nights: Some routes run less frequently or are replaced by night buses.
- Operating Hours:
- Most buses run from around 5:00 AM to midnight.
- Night buses (marked with an "N") operate between midnight and 5:00 AM.
- Real-Time Updates: Use the SL app or check digital displays at bus stops for real-time departure information.
4. Accessibility Features
Stockholmโs buses are designed to be accessible for everyone:
- Low-Floor Buses: Most buses have low floors for easy boarding, especially for wheelchairs, strollers, and those with mobility challenges.
- Priority Seating: Designated seats near the front for seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities.
- Wheelchair Ramps: Available on all buses. Drivers are trained to assist passengers if needed.
- Audio and Visual Announcements: Stops are announced both audibly and visually on screens inside the bus.
- Service Animals: Allowed on all buses.
5. Local Tips and Considerations
- Plan Your Journey: Use the SL app or website to plan your trip. Enter your starting point and destination, and it will provide the best route, including bus numbers and transfer points.
- Avoid Rush Hours: Buses can get crowded during peak hours (7:00โ9:00 AM and 4:00โ6:00 PM on weekdays). If possible, travel outside these times for a more comfortable experience.
- Night Buses: If youโre traveling late at night, check the schedule for night buses (marked with an "N"). They cover major routes but may not serve all areas.
- Be Punctual: Buses in Stockholm are punctual, so arrive at the stop a few minutes early.
- Validate Your Ticket: Always ensure your ticket is valid before boarding. Random inspections are conducted, and fines for traveling without a valid ticket are 1,500 SEK.
- Strollers and Luggage: Strollers travel for free, and thereโs space for them on board. Large luggage is allowed but should not block aisles or exits.
- Weather Considerations: In winter, bus schedules may be slightly delayed due to snow. Dress warmly and allow extra time for your journey.
6. Popular Bus Routes
- Route 1: Runs through central Stockholm, connecting Frihamnen to Stora Essingen.
- Route 4: A circular route that passes through key areas like Sรถdermalm, Kungsholmen, and รstermalm.
- Airport Buses: While not part of the SL system, Flygbussarna operates buses to and from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Tickets can be purchased separately.
7. Environmental Considerations
Stockholmโs buses are eco-friendly, with many running on renewable fuels like biogas or electricity. By using public transport, youโre contributing to the cityโs sustainability efforts.
By following this guide, youโll find it easy to navigate Stockholmโs bus system. If you have any specific questions or need help planning a route, feel free to ask!