Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana) Complete Guide (2026)

The Stockholm metro (Tunnelbana, or “T-bana”) is the fastest way around the city: 100 stations across 3 lines (red, green, blue). This Stockholm metro guide covers the practical side of using it: how to buy tickets, the SL travelcard, line-by-line routes, operating hours, accessibility, and tips for navigating the network efficiently. The metro is also famous for the art in almost all of its stations; that is sightseeing rather than transport, so it has its own page, our Stockholm metro art guide, a self-guided tour of the best stations.

Stockholm metro essentials

Operator: SL (Stockholms Lokaltrafik / Storstockholms Lokaltrafik).

Lines: 3 lines — Red (T13, T14), Green (T17, T18, T19), Blue (T10, T11).

Stations: 100 stations.

Operating hours: generally from around 05:00 to around 01:00 on weekdays, with overnight service on Friday and Saturday nights. First and last trains vary by station.

Single ticket: 43 SEK (75 min validity). Bought via SL app, ticket machines, or contactless card.

SL travelcard: 180 SEK 24-hour, 360 SEK 72-hour, 470 SEK 7-day (2026).

Frequency: varies by line, station and time of day, with more departures at weekday rush hours. Where lines share a track through the centre, their trains combine. The SL app shows the next departures from your station.

Stockholm metro lines explained

Red line (T13, T14)

T13: Norsborg–Ropsten. Connects southern suburbs through city center to northern Östermalm and Lidingö.

T14: Fruängen–Mörby Centrum. Southern Stockholm to northern suburbs.

Major tourist stops: T-Centralen (transfer hub), Östermalmstorg (Saluhall), Stadion, Tekniska Högskolan.

Green line (T17, T18, T19)

T17: Skarpnäck–Åkeshov.

T18: Farsta strand–Alvik.

T19: Hagsätra–Hässelby strand.

Major tourist stops: T-Centralen (transfer hub), Hötorget (Hötorgshallen, Konserthuset), Slussen (Söder gateway), Medborgarplatsen (Söder/Söderhallarna), Skanstull, Hornstull (Söder).

Blue line (T10, T11)

T10: Hjulsta–Kungsträdgården.

T11: Akalla–Kungsträdgården.

Major tourist stops: T-Centralen (transfer hub), Kungsträdgården (Royal Park, Strömkajen ferry), Rådhuset, Solna Centrum (one of the famous art stations).

How to buy Stockholm metro tickets

SL app (recommended)

Download the SL app (free). Buy single tickets, 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day passes. App shows QR codes for ticket validation. Most convenient for tourists.

SL Kundtjänst shop

SL’s own shop, SL Kundtjänsts butik, is at Stockholm Central. It sells physical SL travelcards and can answer questions.

Ticket machines

At all metro stations. Sell single tickets and SL travelcards. Card payment only (no cash at most machines).

Contactless cards (Klipp)

Stockholm metro accepts contactless credit/debit cards directly at ticket gates. Single-ticket pricing automatically applied.

Stockholm metro fare structure

SL kept its 2025 fares for 2026. These are the 2026 prices, checked in October 2026; a single ticket is valid for 75 minutes, including transfers:

The half-price 30-day ticket costs 530 SEK (325 SEK reduced), and 2 December 2026 is the last day to buy and activate it. If you’re staying more than a week it costs far less than two 7-day tickets at 470 SEK each. Students qualify for the reduced fare only with a Swedish student card carrying the SL symbol.

Coverage: SL travelcard covers metro, bus, tram, SL ferries, and SL pendeltåg trains. Single tickets cover same range.

Children: Children under 7 ride free with any paying passenger, and a paying adult can take up to six children aged 7–11 free, every day.

Late-night surcharge: None. Same fare structure 24/7.

Stockholm metro hours

Weekday operations: generally from around 05:00 to around 01:00; first and last trains vary by station.

Weekend 24-hour service: Friday-night service continues into Saturday morning, and Saturday-night service into Sunday morning. Trains run less often overnight than by day.

Service frequency: varies by line, station and time of day. Weekday rush hours have the most departures, and evenings and nights have fewer. The SL app or journey planner shows the next departures from your station.

Holidays: Reduced service Christmas Day and a few other holidays. Check SL website ahead.

Stockholm metro accessibility

Wheelchair access: partial. Many stations have lifts, but far from all of them do, and lifts are sometimes out of service, so check lift status in the SL app before you travel. SL’s accessibility line, +46 20 120 20 22, gives journey advice around the clock and takes bookings for assistance.

Stroller access: Universal — strollers ride free.

Audio announcements: All trains announce stations.

Ticket gates: Standard ticket gates have wider wheelchair-accessible lanes.

Stockholm metro safety and etiquette

Safe at all hours: Stockholm metro is safe including 24-hour weekend service.

Pickpocketing: Stockholm metro has lower rates than Southern European capitals. Keep your belongings secure on the metro and in busy stations, as pickpockets can target tourists.

Quiet etiquette: Stockholm metro is generally quiet. Phone conversations expected to be quiet. Loud music or video without headphones is frowned upon.

Standing on right: Escalators — stand on right, walk on left. Universal Stockholm convention.

Priority seating: Reserved for elderly, pregnant, mobility-impaired. Voluntarily yielded.

Stockholm metro for tourists — strategy

For 1-day visit: 24-hour SL travelcard (180 SEK). Covers all metro plus bus/tram/ferry.

For 3-day visit: 72-hour SL travelcard (360 SEK). Strong value.

For 7-day visit: 7-day SL travelcard (470 SEK).

For light use: Single tickets (43 SEK each) via SL app.

For a metro art tour: a 24-hour SL travelcard if you plan to spend a few hours hopping between stations; a single ticket is valid for 75 minutes. The stations and routes are in our Stockholm metro art guide.

Stockholm metro vs. taxi/Uber

Speed: Metro is faster than taxi during rush hour and major events. Taxi is faster for short trips and outside metro coverage.

Cost: Metro single ticket 43 SEK; taxi short trip 95–195 SEK.

Convenience: Metro requires walking; taxi door-to-door.

Best mix: Metro for most trips; taxi for late-night returns to hotels far from stations or for trips with luggage.

Not every metro station is step-free, and lifts do go out of service, so check the SL app before you set off. Our Stockholm accessibility guide explains when the low-floor tram 7 or a bus is the better choice, and how to book free help at stations through SL’s accessibility line.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Stockholm metro?

In 2026: single ticket 43 SEK (75-minute validity). 24-hour SL travelcard 180 SEK. 72-hour 360 SEK. 7-day 470 SEK.

What time does the Stockholm metro run?

Weekdays generally from around 05:00 to around 01:00. Overnight service runs on Friday and Saturday nights, with fewer trains than by day.

How many lines does the Stockholm metro have?

3 lines — Red (T13, T14), Green (T17, T18, T19), Blue (T10, T11). 100 total stations.

Is the Stockholm metro safe?

Yes — Stockholm metro is safe including 24-hour weekend service. Keep your belongings secure at busy stations, as pickpockets can target tourists.

How do you buy Stockholm metro tickets?

SL app (most convenient), SL’s shop at Stockholm Central, ticket machines (card-only at most), or contactless credit/debit card directly at ticket gates.

Is the Stockholm metro included in the Stockholm Pass?

No — Stockholm Pass includes Hop-on Hop-off Bus tours but NOT regular SL metro service. Separate SL travelcard needed.

Can children ride the Stockholm metro free?

Children under 7 ride free with paying adult. Family tickets are sometimes available at weekends — check SL app for current promotions.

Is the Stockholm metro accessible?

Partly. Many stations have lifts, but far from all, and lifts are sometimes out of service; check lift status in the SL app before you travel. SL’s accessibility line, +46 20 120 20 22, gives advice around the clock and takes bookings for assistance.

For Stockholm transport, see our getting around Stockholm. For the SL travelcard, see SL card Stockholm.