A Guide to Stockholm's Public Transport (SL) in 2025

Welcome to Stockholm! You’ve navigated the bureaucracy of the Skatteverket, you’re starting to differentiate between fika and just a regular coffee break, and now you’re standing before a blue ‘T’ sign, wondering how to conquer the city’s circulatory system: the public transport. Trust me, I’ve been there. That initial mix of excitement and confusion is a rite of passage for every expat. But here’s the good news: Stockholm's public transport, run by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (or SL, as you'll soon call it), is one of the most efficient, extensive, and beautiful systems in the world.

Think of it less as a daily commute and more as your key to unlocking every corner of this city of islands. From the sleek silver trains of the Tunnelbana to the charming ferries crisscrossing the waterways, mastering SL is the moment you start to feel less like a visitor and more like a true Stockholmer. So, grab your coffee, and let’s dive into your complete guide to navigating Stockholm's public transport in 2025.

First Things First: The SL Ecosystem

Before we talk tickets and trains, it's crucial to understand what "SL" actually covers. It's an integrated system, which is fantastic news for us. One ticket or pass gives you access to:

• Tunnelbana (T-bana): The metro/subway system.
• Buses: Red city buses and the blue trunk line buses.
• Pendeltåg: Commuter trains that go further out into the Stockholm suburbs.
• Lokalbanor: Local rail lines like Roslagsbanan and Saltsjöbanan.
• Tvärbanan/Nockebybanan: Tram lines connecting key areas.
• Djurgårdsfärjan & Pendelbåtar: Certain passenger ferries (yes, your metro pass works on boats!).

This integration is what makes the system so powerful. You can hop from a bus to a train to a ferry, all on the same ticket, without a second thought.

Your Ticket to Ride: Fares and Passes in 2025

Stockholm has largely moved away from paper tickets and confusing zones. The system is designed around simplicity, with a single price for most journeys within the Stockholm region. Here’s how you can pay your way in 2025.

The Easiest Methods: Contactless & The SL App

For most people, these two options will cover 99% of your travel needs.

1. Contactless Payment (Blippa): This is the future, and it's already here. You can simply tap your contactless credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) or a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) on the card readers at the metro barriers or on the buses. Each tap buys you a single journey ticket valid for 75 minutes. The system is smart, too—it automatically caps your spending. If you take multiple trips in one day, you'll never be charged more than the price of a 24-hour ticket. It’s perfect for occasional travel or when you have visitors in town.

2. The SL App: For anyone living here, the official SL app is essential. You can buy all ticket types directly on your phone, from 75-minute singles to a full year pass. The ticket is activated in the app, and you simply scan the QR code at the barriers. It’s also your best friend for real-time journey planning.

Period Passes: The Expat's Best Friend

If you're commuting to work or plan on exploring the city regularly (and you should!), a period pass is the most cost-effective option. It offers unlimited travel for its duration.

Here are the expected prices for 2025, based on the latest figures from Region Stockholm. While minor adjustments are always possible, these are the standard rates you should budget for.

*Discounted prices apply to individuals under 20, students with a valid CSN/student ID card with the SL logo, and seniors over 65.

What about the old SL Access Card (the blue plastic card)? SL is actively phasing these out in favor of the new green SL card and the app. While you might still see blue cards around in early 2025, all new sales and top-ups are being directed to the new system. If you have an old card, it’s best to use up the credit and switch to the app or a new green card.

The Veins of the City: A Breakdown of SL's Transport Modes

Now that you have your ticket, let's explore your ride.

Tunnelbana (The Metro)

The T-bana is the heart of the system. Known as the "world's longest art gallery," over 90 of its 100 stations are decorated with sculptures, paintings, and installations. It’s composed of three main lines, identified by color:

• Green Line (Gröna linjen): Runs from Hässelby Strand in the west to Farsta/Skarpnäck/Hagsätra in the south, cutting through the city center.
• Red Line (Röda linjen): Connects the affluent northeast (Mörby Centrum/Ropsten) with the southwest (Fruängen/Norsborg).
• Blue Line (Blå linjen): The deepest line, famous for its dramatic, cave-like stations like Kungsträdgården and Solna Centrum. It runs from Kungsträdgården to Akalla/Hjulsta.

All three lines converge at T-Centralen, the main hub which connects to the Central Station for commuter and long-distance trains.

Pendeltåg (Commuter Trains)

These are the heavy-hitters, connecting central Stockholm with the wider county. If you live in a suburb like Södertälje, Märsta, or Nynäshamn, the Pendeltåg will be your lifeline. They are modern, comfortable, and run more frequently than you might expect.

The Arlanda Airport Conundrum: This is a classic expat trap! You can take the Pendeltåg (Line 40) directly to Arlanda Airport. However, while the journey is covered by your SL pass, you must pay a separate "passage fee" (currently 130 SEK) at the airport station to exit or enter the platform. It's still cheaper than the dedicated Arlanda Express train but more expensive than the airport coaches (Flygbussarna).

Buses, Trams, and Ferries

The bus network is incredibly dense and will get you almost anywhere a train can't. The blue buses are main trunk lines that run frequently, while the red buses are standard city lines. To get off, press the red "Stop" button before your stop is announced.

Trams, like the Tvärbanan, are fantastic for cross-city travel without going through the center. For example, it connects areas like Sickla, Gullmarsplan, Liljeholmen, and Solna.

And don't forget the ferries! The Djurgårdsfärjan (from Slussen to Djurgården) and commuter boat lines 80, 82, and 89 are included in your SL pass. Taking the ferry from Slussen to Djurgården on a sunny day is one of the city's best (and most affordable) experiences.

Pro Tips for Navigating SL Like a Stockholmer

Okay, you've got the basics. Now for the details that will make you look like you've lived here for years.

• Plan Your Journey: The SL app is fantastic for real-time planning, showing disruptions and the fastest route. Google Maps also has excellent SL integration.
• Rush Hour is Real: Like any major city, Stockholm has a rush hour (rusningstrafik). Expect crowded trains and buses between 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM. If you can, travel slightly outside these times.
• The Unwritten Rules of Etiquette:
  • Escalators: Stand on the right, walk on the left. This is sacred.
  • Boarding: Always let people get off the train or bus before you try to get on.
  • Quiet, Please: Stockholmers are generally quiet on public transport. Loud phone conversations are a big no-no.
  • Give Up Your Seat: It goes without saying, but offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those who need it more.
• Accessibility is Excellent: Traveling with a stroller (barnvagn)? You're in luck. Most stations have lifts, and on buses, one adult accompanying a child in a stroller travels for free! Just board through the large middle doors. The system is also well-equipped for wheelchair users.
• Night Service (Nattrafik): After the T-bana shuts down (around 1 AM on weekdays, later on weekends), a network of night buses takes over. They follow the metro lines and other major routes, so you can almost always get home.

The Future is Moving: What's New for 2025?

Stockholm's public transport is constantly evolving. In 2025, you'll see continued progress on major expansion projects designed to support the growing city. Keep an eye on the massive extension of the Blue Line, which is being tunnelled out to Nacka in the east and Barkarby in the northwest. There’s also a brand new Yellow Line being built to connect Fridhemsplan with Älvsjö. While these won't be open for a few more years, the construction is a visible sign of the city's investment in its world-class transit system.

Your Journey Begins

Mastering Stockholm's public transport is a journey in itself, but it's one of the most rewarding parts of settling in. It represents freedom and access. That 30-day pass in your app isn't just a ticket; it's a monthly subscription to adventure. It’s your pass to a museum on Djurgården, a hike in Tyresta National Park, a visit to a friend in a far-flung suburb, and your daily trip to the office.

So, embrace it. Download the app, take a ride on the Blue Line just to see the art, and hop on a ferry you’ve never taken before. The SL system is your reliable partner in discovering this incredible city. Welcome home.