How to Get Around Stockholm

How to get around Stockholm

Commuting: A Part of Your European Experience

DIS Stockholm is located in a bustling part of town that is a short distance from many of the city’s great attractions. However, you will still need to commute to your housing, when on Field Studies, to the airport, and to explore the city’s many unique neighborhoods! The SL transportation system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of three main modes of transportation that you will use: Commuter Trains (including the Pendeltåg and light rail trains), the metro (T-bana), and bus services.

As a student at DIS Stockholm, if you are signed up for DIS housing you will receive a transportation pass at the beginning of your summer session, which is valid in all zones of the SL transportation system. With this pass, you can ride on the T-bana, bus, and train.

Taking the Metro (T-bana)

Stockholm’s T-bana, which is short for Tunnelbana, is not only known for being efficient, but also beautiful! Ninety of the city’s 100 metro stations are decorated with paintings and mosaics – giving Stockholm the title as ‘home to the world’s largest art exhibit.’

The Stockholm Metro system connects the center and areas closer to the center. There are three major lines, all marked by either blue, green, or red. Stockholm’s Central Station, T-Centralen, is a hub for all lines, meaning you can switch over to any line at this station. Metro stations are marked by signs with a blue capital T.

The metro runs from 5am to 1am on weekdays and usually has extended hours on the weekend. It is a safe transportation method, but remember to avoid traveling alone, especially during late hours.

Taking the Bus

Buses are useful in connecting areas not easily reached by the metro. Stockholm’s buses drive throughout the city center, between the city center and the suburbs, and link to neighboring suburban towns. Once at a station or bus stop, you will find maps and timetables to help you find your way. On the bus, you will also find information screens, which indicate upcoming departures. To feel more confident with a new route, write down your stop’s name, and if necessary, politely ask the bus driver to notify you when your stop is approaching.

After 1 a.m. on weekdays, night buses are available within the city.

Taking the Train (Pendeltåg and Light Rail)

The Pendeltåg and light rail trains are commuter trains that take you from central Stockholm to the greater Stockholm area, as well as to the airport. Note that the airport service requires an extra charge to your regular travel pass. To find a commuter train station, look out for the signs with a capital J in blue.

Taking the Ferry

Even when you stand in the city center, you are still only minutes away from the more than 24,000 islands of Stockholm’s archipelago. For a day of island hopping, or just an alternate commute route, ferries are a fast and accessible way to explore what lies beyond the mainland.

Your SL transportation pass will work for certain ferry lines in the Stockholm area (ferries are marked by an SL logo). Ferries covered on the pass depart from Slussen, and take passengers along lines that end at Djurgarden and Gröna Lund. For journeys other than these routes, single tickets can be purchased at the ports and on board. When planning a trip, consult the online route planner SL to find out times and length of travel.

Taking a Taxi

Taxis are reliable and quick to access in Sweden, however, they can be expensive in Stockholm. Stockholm taxis start at 60 SEK and the price rapidly increases as you travel. Refer to the following for tricks and tips of taking a taxi in Sweden:

  • DIS specifically recommends the company Taxi Stockholm.
  • There are a few ways to get a taxi: You can hail one in the street as long as the top sign light is on, or approach one of the taxi stands throughout the city.
  • Various apps allow you to book and pay for a taxi on your smartphone. We recommend you download this app to find information on available taxis and booking: Taxi Sthlm
  • Use caution when selecting a taxi; only get in official taxis that are clearly marked and licensed.
  • You do not need to tip taxi drivers in Stockholm!
  • Taxi safety: Only use officially marked taxis. If you would like to use an app to request a taxi or car, we recommend you use the one suggested above.

Rideshare Safety

Should you choose to use a rideshare service, such as Uber, while abroad, DIS recommends that you follow the following safety tips:

  • Do not get into a car until you have:
    • Made sure the driver’s information on the app matches the person who has arrived, including the car’s make and model and license plate
    • Asked the driver to confirm your name
  • If you are alone, sit in the back seat
  • Share your travel plans with a friend or family member

Transportation Route Planning: Online Resources

First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the schedule of your transportation mode of choice and know of the night hours and alternative ways to get to and from, as not all services run around the clock.

SL.se
If you are going to a new place for the first time, find out which modes of transportation are best to use by plotting your journey on SL.se or download the mobile app Travel Planner STHLM Traveling – SL Planner.

Google Maps
Google Maps can be a great option to use for your navigation around the city. It usually works very well and has up-to-date information for public transportation routes in Stockholm.

Citymapper
This real-time transit website and app helps you get from A to B. It contains all private and public transport modes in Greater Stockholm. The app uses all the local data from Swedish transport agencies and is available in English.

There are several other European cities on the app (Rome, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Copenhagen, to name a few!), making it a good resource while on certain DIS Study Tours and independent travels.