Getting Around Stockholm: Transport Apps & Your First 48 Hours

Stockholm spreads across fourteen islands, and its transport is as clean as the water between them: one tap covers the metro, buses, trams, and even a ferry. The only real decision is how you come in from Arlanda. Here's what actually works.

The best default: SL with a contactless tap

Tap a contactless card or phone at the metro gates and on buses — about SEK 43 buys 75 minutes across the whole SL network with free transfers. The metro doubles as an art gallery; stations like T-Centralen and Kungsträdgården are attractions in their own right.

One tap, whole network

The same 75-minute ticket covers metro, buses, trams, and the Djurgården ferry. A 24-hour or 72-hour pass (in the SL app or at machines) pays off on heavy museum days.

Getting in from the airport

Three real options from Arlanda (ARN), by budget:

Arlanda Express — 18 minutes to the centre, roughly SEK 349 (cheaper booked early or in pairs). The fast option.
Flygbussarna coach — about 45 minutes, roughly SEK 129. The value option.
Commuter train — mid-priced but carries an Arlanda station surcharge, so it's rarely the bargain it looks.

Skip the unmetered taxi

Swedish taxi prices are unregulated — an unwary airport taxi can cost more than the flight that got you there. If you want a car, book Uber or Bolt instead.

Ferries and islands

The Djurgården ferry from Slussen is part of SL — your normal ticket covers it, and it's the best route to the Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, and Gröna Lund. In summer, archipelago boats from Strömkajen open up the islands (separate tickets).

Apps you can reuse

Citymapper or Google Maps — both route the metro, buses, and SL ferries reliably
Uber and Bolt — both run city-wide and to Arlanda; Bolt is often slightly cheaper

Arrived launches soon. Get the right transport setup the moment you land.

Join the waitlist

Your first 48 hours

At Arlanda, pick your ride by budget: Arlanda Express (fast), Flygbussarna (value) — and skip the unmetered taxis.
Tap a contactless card on the metro; 75 minutes and transfers are included.
Take the Djurgården ferry to the museums — it's covered by the same ticket.
Keep Bolt and Uber installed for late nights; compare before you book.

Do those four things and Stockholm's transport is sorted from the moment you land. Knowing when the day pass pays off and which ferry your ticket already covers is exactly what Arrived works out for you.

Frequently asked questions

Which transport app is best in Stockholm?

SL's own app is best for tickets if you don't tap a bank card, and Citymapper and Google Maps both route Stockholm's metro, buses, and ferries well. For rides, Uber and Bolt both operate — compare prices.

How do I pay for the Stockholm metro?

Tap a contactless credit/debit card or phone at the gates — about SEK 43 for a 75-minute ticket, valid across metro, buses, trams, and most SL ferries with free transfers.

How do I get from Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm?

Fastest is the Arlanda Express train (about 18 minutes, roughly SEK 349 — cheaper booked early). The budget route is the Flygbussarna coach (about 45 minutes, roughly SEK 129). The commuter train is mid-priced but carries an Arlanda station surcharge, so it's rarely the bargain it looks.

Is Stockholm cash-free?

Effectively yes — cards and phone wallets are accepted everywhere, and many places (including SL buses) don't take cash at all. Don't bother withdrawing kronor for transport.

Do Uber and Bolt work in Stockholm?

Yes, both operate across the city and to Arlanda. Bolt is often slightly cheaper; regular taxis are unregulated on price, so if you must take one, stick to the big companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir) and check the fare card.

Do the ferries count as public transport?

Several do — the Djurgården ferry from Slussen is part of SL, so your regular tap or ticket covers it. It's also the nicest way to reach the Vasa Museum and ABBA Museum.

Is Stockholm walkable?

The centre is very walkable — Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, and Södermalm connect by bridges with constant views. Use the metro (worth riding for its famous station art alone) when distances stretch.