Stockholm

๐ŸŽซ

Ticketing

Understanding Stockholmโ€™s unified ticket system is key to accessing public transportation services across the city.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Ticketing for Transportation in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm has an efficient, well-connected public transportation system managed by SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik). It includes buses, metro (Tunnelbana), commuter trains (Pendeltรฅg), trams, ferries, and local trains. To navigate the system effectively, understanding the ticketing system is crucial. Below is a detailed guide to help you get started.

1. Types of Tickets Available

SL offers several ticket options to suit different needs, whether you're a tourist, a short-term visitor, or a long-term resident. Here are the main types:

Single Journey Tickets

  • Valid for 75 minutes from the time of activation.
  • Allows unlimited transfers between SL services (metro, buses, trams, etc.) within the validity period.
  • Ideal for occasional travelers or short trips.

Travelcards (Period Tickets)

  • 24-hour card: Unlimited travel for 24 hours.
  • 72-hour card: Unlimited travel for 72 hours.
  • 7-day card: Unlimited travel for 7 days.
  • 30-day card: Unlimited travel for 30 days.
  • 90-day card: Unlimited travel for 90 days.
  • Annual card: Unlimited travel for a full year.
  • These are cost-effective for frequent travelers or those staying longer.

SL Access Card

  • A reusable plastic card that can be loaded with single tickets, travelcards, or credit for pay-as-you-go travel.
  • Costs 20 SEK for the card itself (non-refundable).
  • Recommended for residents or visitors staying for more than a few days.

Pay-As-You-Go (Reskassa)

  • Load credit onto an SL Access Card and pay for single journeys at a discounted rate.
  • A good option for irregular travelers.

Discounted Tickets

  • Youth (under 20 years) and seniors (65+ years) are eligible for discounted fares.
  • Students with valid Swedish student ID cards also qualify for discounts.

Children

  • Children under 7 years travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
  • Up to 6 children aged 7โ€“19 can travel for free on weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

2. Ticket Costs (as of 2023)

Single Journey Tickets

  • Full price: 39 SEK
  • Discounted price: 26 SEK (youth, seniors, students)

Travelcards

  • 24-hour card: 165 SEK (full price), 110 SEK (discounted)
  • 72-hour card: 330 SEK (full price), 220 SEK (discounted)
  • 7-day card: 450 SEK (full price), 310 SEK (discounted)
  • 30-day card: 970 SEK (full price), 650 SEK (discounted)
  • 90-day card: 2,810 SEK (full price), 1,870 SEK (discounted)
  • Annual card: 10,690 SEK (full price), 7,110 SEK (discounted)

Pay-As-You-Go (Reskassa)

  • Single journey costs:
    • Full price: 31 SEK
    • Discounted price: 21 SEK

3. How and Where to Purchase Tickets

SL tickets can be purchased through various channels:

SL App

  • Download the SL app (available on iOS and Android) for mobile ticketing.
  • Purchase single tickets, travelcards, or load credit for pay-as-you-go travel.
  • Payment options include credit/debit cards and Swish (a Swedish mobile payment system).

SL Access Card

  • Purchase and load at:
    • SL Centers (located at major stations like T-Centralen).
    • Ticket machines (available at metro stations, commuter train stations, and ferry terminals).
    • Pressbyrรฅn and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
  • Reload online via the SL website or app.

Paper Tickets

  • Available for single journeys and short-term travelcards (24-hour and 72-hour).
  • Purchase at SL Centers, ticket machines, or convenience stores.

Onboard Purchase

  • Single tickets can be purchased on buses using a contactless credit/debit card. Note: Cash is not accepted on buses.

4. Ticket Validity and Zones

Zones

  • Stockholm's public transportation system operates as a single zone for ticketing purposes. This means you donโ€™t need to worry about crossing zones or additional charges for traveling longer distances within the SL network.

Validity

  • Single tickets are valid for 75 minutes from activation.
  • Travelcards are valid for the specified duration (24 hours, 72 hours, etc.) from the time of first use.
  • Tickets must be activated before boarding. This can be done via the SL app, at ticket gates, or by tapping your SL Access Card on a card reader.

5. Important Local Tips and Considerations

  1. No Cash on Public Transport: Cash is not accepted on buses, trams, or ferries. Always have a valid ticket or use a contactless card for onboard purchases.

  2. Validate Your Ticket: Ensure your ticket is activated before boarding. Random ticket inspections are common, and fines for traveling without a valid ticket are 1,500 SEK.

  3. SL App Features:

    • The SL app provides real-time travel updates, route planning, and ticket purchasing.
    • Itโ€™s highly recommended for tourists and residents alike.

  4. Accessibility:

    • Stockholmโ€™s public transport is generally accessible for people with disabilities. Elevators and ramps are available at most stations.

  5. Ferries:

    • SL tickets are valid on certain ferries, such as the Djurgรฅrden ferry, which connects central Stockholm to popular attractions like Skansen and the Vasa Museum.

  6. Night Services:

    • Night buses and some metro lines operate during late hours, especially on weekends. Regular SL tickets are valid for these services.

  7. Traveling to/from Arlanda Airport:

    • SL tickets are valid on commuter trains to Arlanda, but an additional 120 SEK station access fee applies for entering/exiting the airport station. Alternatively, take the Flygbussarna airport bus (separate ticket required).

  8. Tourist Cards:

    • Consider the Stockholm Pass, which includes unlimited travel on SL services and free entry to many attractions. Itโ€™s a good option for tourists planning to explore extensively.

6. Summary of Key Points

  • Use the SL app or an SL Access Card for convenient ticketing.
  • Single tickets cost 39 SEK (full price) and are valid for 75 minutes.
  • Travelcards offer unlimited travel for durations ranging from 24 hours to 1 year.
  • Tickets can be purchased at SL Centers, ticket machines, convenience stores, or via the SL app.
  • Always activate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
  • SL tickets cover all modes of public transport, including buses, metro, trams, and some ferries.

By understanding the ticketing system and planning ahead, you can easily navigate Stockholmโ€™s public transportation network and enjoy the cityโ€™s many attractions.