Uppsala
Ticketing
Information on purchasing and using tickets for public transport in Uppsala, including buses and trains, as well as relevant apps and passes.
Sections
1. Ticket Categories
UL offers several ticket options to suit different needs, whether you're a resident, commuter, or visitor. The main categories include:
Single Tickets
- Valid for 75 minutes from the time of activation.
- Can be used on buses, regional trains, and city buses within Uppsala County.
24-Hour Tickets
- Unlimited travel within Uppsala County for 24 hours.
- Ideal for tourists or those planning multiple trips in a single day.
7-Day Tickets
- Unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days.
- Suitable for short-term visitors staying for a week.
30-Day Tickets
- Unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days.
- Best for residents or long-term visitors.
Student and Youth Tickets
- Discounted tickets are available for students (with valid student ID) and youths under 20 years old.
- Applies to single, 24-hour, 7-day, and 30-day tickets.
Senior Tickets
- Discounts are available for seniors aged 65 and older.
Family Tickets
- On weekends and public holidays, one adult with a valid ticket can bring up to two children under 18 for free.
2. Ticket Costs (as of 2023)
Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and whether you purchase it in advance or onboard. Below are approximate costs:
| Ticket Type | Adult Price (SEK) | Discounted Price (SEK) (Youth/Student/Senior) | |---------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Single Ticket | 38 | 28 | | 24-Hour Ticket | 115 | 85 | | 7-Day Ticket | 315 | 235 | | 30-Day Ticket | 970 | 720 |
- Children under 7 years old travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
3. How to Purchase Tickets
UL offers several convenient ways to purchase tickets:
a. UL Mobile App
- The easiest and most popular method.
- Download the UL app (available on iOS and Android).
- Purchase single, 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day tickets directly in the app.
- Payment options include credit/debit cards or Swish (a popular Swedish mobile payment system).
b. UL Card
- A reusable travel card that can be loaded with tickets or credit.
- Purchase and top up at UL customer service centers, ticket machines, or select retailers (e.g., Pressbyrรฅn convenience stores).
- Ideal for frequent travelers.
c. Ticket Machines
- Located at major bus stops, train stations, and hubs.
- Accepts credit/debit cards (cash is not accepted).
d. Onboard Purchase
- Single tickets can be purchased directly from bus drivers using a credit/debit card.
- Note: Cash is not accepted onboard buses.
e. Retailers
- Tickets can also be purchased at convenience stores like Pressbyrรฅn or 7-Eleven.
4. Rules for Ticket Validation
- Mobile Tickets: Activate your ticket in the UL app before boarding. The ticket will display a QR code that must be scanned on buses or shown to conductors on trains.
- UL Card: Tap your card on the card reader when boarding buses or entering train platforms.
- Paper Tickets: If purchased from a machine or retailer, ensure you have the ticket ready to show to the driver or conductor.
5. Local Tips and Considerations
a. Plan Your Journey
- Use the UL app or the UL website to plan your trip. Both provide real-time schedules, route maps, and updates on delays or disruptions.
b. Zone System
- Uppsala County is divided into zones, but most tickets cover all zones within the county. If traveling outside Uppsala County (e.g., to Stockholm), you may need an additional ticket.
c. Avoid Fines
- Traveling without a valid ticket can result in a hefty fine of 1,500 SEK. Always ensure your ticket is activated and valid before boarding.
d. Accessibility
- Public transportation in Uppsala is highly accessible, with low-floor buses and designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers.
e. Bikes on Public Transport
- Bicycles are allowed on regional trains but not on city buses. Additional fees may apply for bikes on trains.
f. Peak Hours
- Public transportation can get crowded during peak hours (7:00โ9:00 AM and 4:00โ6:00 PM). Plan accordingly if you prefer a less crowded experience.
g. Weekend and Holiday Perks
- Take advantage of the family ticket rule on weekends and public holidays to save money if traveling with children.
h. Travel to Stockholm
- If you plan to visit Stockholm, you can use the SL (Stockholm Public Transport) system. A combined UL-SL ticket is available for seamless travel between Uppsala and Stockholm.
6. Sustainability and Cultural Considerations
- Uppsala is a very eco-conscious city, and public transportation is designed to minimize environmental impact. Using buses and trains is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Locals value punctuality, so buses and trains generally run on time. Arrive at your stop a few minutes early to avoid missing your ride.
By understanding the ticketing system and following these tips, youโll find it easy to navigate Uppsalaโs public transportation network. Whether youโre commuting to work, exploring the city, or traveling to nearby areas, ULโs services are reliable, efficient, and user-friendly.