How to Use the Stockholm Metro System (T-Bana)
Stockholm is the stunning capital of Sweden, a city known for its mix of historic charm and modern innovation. For visitors, one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around is by using the Stockholm Metro, also known as the Tunnelbana (T-bana).
Whether you’re in Stockholm for a short city break or a longer stay, understanding how the metro works will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress — and it’s far easier to use than it first looks.
Stockholm Metro: Quick Guide
- Name: Tunnelbana (T-bana)
- Lines: 3 main lines (Green, Red, Blue)
- Best way to pay: Contactless card or SL app
- Single ticket price: SEK 45 (~£3.30)
- Day pass: SEK 190 (~£14)
- Operating hours: ~5:00 AM – 1:00 AM (later on weekends)
- Tap out required: ❌ No
- Good for tourists? ✔️ Very easy and reliable
Do I need cash for Stockholm?
No — and you probably won’t need cash at all.
Stockholm is close to being a fully cashless city, and public transport is entirely cash-free. You can pay for metro travel using:
Contactless debit or credit cards
Mobile payments (Apple Pay / Google Pay)
The official SL app
An SL Access Card
Personally, I didn’t use cash at any point during my stay in Stockholm.
Where to Buy a Stockholm Metro Pass?
You have several easy options:
Ticket machines at all metro stations
SL Access Card – a reusable travel card (small one-off fee)
SL App – buy and activate tickets directly on your phone
Pressbyrån & 7-Eleven convenience stores
Airport terminals and SL service desks
All tickets work across the entire public transport network, including metro, buses, trams, commuter trains, and some ferries.
Is Stockholm a Walkable City?
Yes, Stockholm is a very walkable city! Its compact city center, combined with pedestrian-friendly streets, makes it a pleasant place to explore on foot. Many of Stockholm's main attractions, including the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan, and the City Hall, are within walking distance of each other. However the metro system is fantastic and easy to use. It also opens up the possibility of staying in areas of the city that are not so central.
Avoid Rush Hour: The Stockholm Metro can get crowded during peak hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM), so if you prefer a more relaxed ride, try to avoid traveling during these times.
Using the Stockholm Metro System
The Stockholm Metro map is relatively straightforward. The lines are color-coded (green, red, and blue), and each station is marked with a name. Transfers between lines can typically be made at major hubs like T-Centralen, Sergels Torg, and Fridhemsplan. All stations offer signs in English, making it easy for tourists to navigate the system. Below is a map of some of the metro stations.
Is the Stockholm Metro Easy to Use?
Yes — the Stockholm metro is one of the easiest metro systems in Europe to use.
The network is simple, with just three main lines (green, red, and blue), and stations are clearly signposted in English. Trains are frequent, clean, and reliable, and most major tourist attractions are located close to metro stations.For most visitors, navigating the Stockholm metro is straightforward from the moment you arrive, especially compared to more complex systems like London or Paris.
Stockholm Metro Ticket Prices (2026)
Adult fares (20–65):
- Single ticket (75 minutes):
- SEK 45
- ≈ £3.30 | €3.80 | $4.30
- 24-hour travel pass:
- SEK 190
- ≈ £14.05 | €16.15 | $18.05
- 7-day travel pass:
- SEK 470
- ≈ £34.80 | €40.00 | $44.65
Discounted fares:
- Children & youth (7–19): Reduced price
- Seniors (65+): Reduced price
- Children under 7 travel free
If you’re planning to use public transport more than a couple of times per day, the 24-hour or 7-day pass is usually much better value than buying single tickets.
When does the Stockholm metro Operate?
Monday to Saturday:
Start time: Around 5:00 AM
End time: Around 1:00 AM
Sunday: Start time: Around 7:00 AM
End time: Around 1:00 AM (Monday morning)
On Friday and Saturday nights, the Stockholm Metro operates on a night schedule. Last Metro: The last metro departs at 1:00 AM (on Friday and Saturday) from most central stations.
Night Trains: After 1:00 AM, some metro lines continue running every 30 minutes until around 5:00 AM
Do you have to tap out of Stockholm Metro?
There is no need to tap out when you reach your destination. You simply exit the metro station without needing to tap your card or ticket again. The system calculates your fare based on the zones you traveled through, and with the SL Access Card or a mobile ticket, the fare is automatically charged based on your initial tap-in.
Accessibility on the Metro
Stockholm’s metro is generally very accessible. Most stations have elevators, level platforms, tactile paths, and audio announcements. Priority seating is available, and travelling with a pushchair or mobility aid is usually straightforward, although a few older stations can still be tricky.
A Small Tip That Makes a Big Difference
Some stations have multiple exits, and choosing the wrong one can leave you walking much further than expected.
The SL app usually shows which exit is best for your destination, and it’s well worth checking — especially at larger stations.
The Metro as an Art Gallery
One of the best surprises about the Stockholm Metro is that it’s also an art gallery.
Many stations are filled with murals, sculptures, and installations, and some of them are genuinely beautiful. Even if you didn’t need the metro to get around, it would still be worth riding just to see a few stations.
Using Contactless Cards
You can just tap in with your bank card or phone, which is very convenient. That said, there are a few limitations.
Contactless always charges the full adult fare, and you can’t buy multiple tickets with one card. If you’re travelling with kids, or staying in Stockholm for more than a day or two, the SL app or an SL Access Card usually makes more sense.
If you're planning to travel around Stockholm using the metro and public transport frequently, the 24-hour or 7-day travel passes are likely to be the most cost-effective option. For shorter trips, you can purchase single tickets based on the number of zones you'll be traveling through.
If you’re unsure about exact times or need real-time information, you can check train schedules using:
www.sl.se or the SL app.
Some well-located hotels near Stockholm Metro stations
My Experience Photographing the City with a Vintage Camera
A Diary Entry from My Stockholm Adventure
I’m sharing a diary entry from one of my days in Stockholm, Sweden, when I wandered the city with my vintage Nikon FE2 camera (for the photography enthusiasts out there). This piece isn’t meant to give practical travel tips—rather, it’s a glimpse into my thoughts and feelings as I explored the city for a day. If you’re curious about what it’s like to spend a snowy day walking the streets of Stockholm, then read on.
