Overview
The Stockholm Metro (Swedish: Stockholms tunnelbana) is a rapid transit system serving Sweden's capital city. It is the only metro system in Sweden and consists of three lines—Green, Red, and Blue—with 100 stations total, of which 47 are underground and 53 above ground. All three lines converge at T-Centralen station in the city centre, creating a highly centralized network that serves approximately 1.27 million passengers on a typical weekday. To ride the metro end to end, you purchase a ticket or travel card (see Tickets & Fares below), enter through ticket barriers using your card or contactless payment, and exit through the gates at your destination. Journey planning and real-time information are available on the SL website and mobile app.
The network
The Stockholm Metro comprises three colour-coded lines, each with multiple routes and termini, all passing through the central hub at T-Centralen. The system also integrates with commuter trains, trams, buses, and ferries operated by SL across Greater Stockholm.
Metro lines
- Green Line (officially Tunnelbana 1 or Metro 1): Has three routes and 49 stations (12 underground, 37 above ground), spanning 41.3 kilometres. It was the first line to open, on 1 October 1950, between Slussen and Hökarängen. The line has been extended piece by piece through the decades.
- Red Line (officially Tunnelbana 2 or Metro 2): Has two routes and 36 stations (20 underground, 15 above ground), spanning 41.2 kilometres. It opened on 5 April 1964 from T-Centralen via Liljeholmen to Fruängen and Örnsberg in the southwest, and was extended gradually until 1978.
- Blue Line (officially Tunnelbana 3 or Metro 3): Has two routes and 20 stations (19 underground, one elevated), spanning 25.5 kilometres. It opened on 31 August 1975 northwest from the city centre and is almost entirely tunnelled due to stricter modern construction standards. Trains operate from 05:00 to 01:00, with extended all-night service on Fridays and Saturdays. All lines run trains every 10 minutes during the day, reduced to every 15 minutes in early mornings and late evenings, and every 30 minutes at night.
Key interchange stations beyond T-Centralen include Fridhemsplan, Slussen, and Gamla stan. Several extensions are under construction: a Blue Line extension to the northwest is expected to open in 2027, extensions to the south in 2030, and a new Yellow Line to the west is scheduled to begin construction in 2025.
Other public transport
SL operates commuter trains, an extensive tram network (including tram 31, which connects Bromma Airport to the metro), buses, and ferry services across Greater Stockholm. The system is integrated under a single ticketing structure.
Art in the metro
The Stockholm Metro is known as "the world's longest art gallery," with decorations at more than 90 of its 100 stations featuring sculptures, rock formations, mosaics, paintings, light installations, engravings, and reliefs created by over 150 artists. Many stations, particularly on the Blue Line, feature exposed bedrock as part of their design aesthetic.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types and pricing
The following fares are approximate and subject to change. A single ticket costs 43 SEK and is valid for 75 minutes of travel. Reduced fares of 26 SEK are available for seniors, children, teenagers, and students up to age 20. Multi-day passes are available in 24-hour, 72-hour, 7-day, and 30-day options. Parents with strollers ride free on red Stockholm buses (though not on blue central buses with all-door boarding).
Purchase methods
You can purchase tickets and passes through the SL mobile app, at SL customer service shops, at turnstiles in metro stations, or on buses (credit card only—cash is not accepted on buses). The system accepts contactless payment at ticket gates.
Ticketing technology
SL phased out ticket machines on its network in 2022. Tickets are now purchased primarily via the SL app or at station booths. The system is equipped with ticket barriers at all metro stations. Rechargeable travel cards and contactless payment (tap-to-ride) are accepted at the gates.
Enforcement
A valid ticket is required during inspections. Travelling without a valid ticket incurs a penalty of 1500 SEK.
From the airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Arlanda Airport is located 40 kilometres north of the city and is Sweden's largest airport, handling most international flights to Stockholm. Several public transport options connect it to the city centre:
- A dedicated train service departs every 15 minutes from the Arlanda terminals to Stockholm Central Station in approximately 20 minutes, with fares of 175–350 SEK per person depending on group size; youth fares are 160 SEK.
- Regular trains are available at 270 SEK, though advance bookings offer cheaper fares.
- SL commuter trains serve the airport at 180 SEK or 90 SEK for reduced fares.
- FlixBus buses provide the cheapest option (45 minutes; 79–99 SEK, cheaper if booked in advance). You can also take SL commuter trains or buses to a station with more frequent services.
- Airport coaches, taxis, and rental cars are also available.
Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)
Bromma Airport is a smaller facility 8 kilometres west of central Stockholm. As of 2025, only NyxAir operates flights from Bromma to Trollhättan–Vänersborg Airport near Gothenburg. To reach the city centre, take tram 31 from Bromma flygplats to Alvik strand, where you can change onto the Green Line of the metro to reach T-Centralen. The journey takes just under 30 minutes, with tram 31 departing every 20 minutes. Alternatively, from Alvik you can transfer to other tram lines (12, 17, 18, 19, 30, or 31) to reach Sundbyberg and Solna, or change at Norra Ulvsunda on line 30 to head towards Solna station.
Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) and Västerås Airport (VST)
Both Skavsta (100 kilometres southwest, near Nyköping) and Västerås (100 kilometres west) are secondary airports. Airport coaches connect both to Stockholm City Terminal (approximately 80 minutes; 229 SEK from Skavsta, 139 SEK one way or 249 SEK round trip from Västerås). From Skavsta, you may also take local bus 515 or 715 to Nyköping Central Station and then take regional SJ trains to Stockholm from 100 SEK. From Västerås, a public taxi shuttle runs to Västerås rail station (50 SEK), from where regional trains reach Stockholm in 53 minutes at 59 SEK.
Etiquette & customs
Stockholm's public transport system operates smoothly when passengers follow local conventions. Queue in an orderly fashion when boarding and exiting, respecting the flow of other travellers. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to walk on the left. Priority seating for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women is common; vacate these seats when such passengers board. Eating and drinking is generally discouraged on the metro, though water is typically acceptable. During rush hours, expect crowded trains and move toward the centre of the carriage to make space for others boarding at each stop. Be mindful of your belongings in busy areas, particularly during peak times.
Survival terms
- Tunnelbana (tunnelbana) – Metro/subway
- Biljett (biljett) – Ticket
- Linje (linje) – Line
- Ingång (ingång) – Entrance
- Utgång (utgång) – Exit
- Byte (byte) – Transfer
- Enkel resa (enkel resa) – Single fare
- Dagkort (dagkort) – Day pass
Official links
Always validate your ticket before boarding and keep it with you throughout your journey, as ticket inspectors do conduct regular checks on the metro and other SL transport services.