Waxholmsbolaget Ferry Guide & Schedules (2026)

Waxholmsbolaget is Stockholm’s traditional year-round archipelago ferry network — the public-transit operator serving Stockholm’s archipelago islands in every season. Multi-stop routes call at islands and piers across the archipelago, and the timetable changes with the seasons, so how often a boat calls depends on the route and the time of year. This Waxholmsbolaget guide covers schedules, ticket pricing, all major routes, how to book, and recommendations for using Waxholmsbolaget ferries to explore Stockholm archipelago.

Waxholmsbolaget essentials

Coverage: Islands and piers across the Stockholm archipelago, including 42 piers between Strömkajen and Vaxholm.

Service area: Inner, mid, and outer Stockholm archipelago.

Year-round: Inner archipelago (Vaxholm, Lidingö-area) plus main routes.

Summer-only: Outer archipelago routes expand May–September.

Major Stockholm departure points: Strömkajen (central Stockholm), Stavsnäs (eastern departure), Saltsjöbaden.

Pricing: 145–295 SEK return on most routes. Distance-based.

Waxholmsbolaget vs Stromma — what’s the difference?

Waxholmsbolaget: Public-transit-style operator. Multi-stop scheduled routes. Year-round service to main destinations. Cheaper fares.

Stromma: Tourist-focused operator. Direct ferries to major destinations. Premium service. Higher prices but faster journeys.

Vaxholm via Stromma: under an hour by fast boat from Strandvägen, one way from 190 SEK on 2027 fares; the classic boat takes about 1.5 hours, from 245 SEK one way or 395 SEK return.

Vaxholm via Waxholmsbolaget: multi-stop, and every SL ticket is valid on it all year between Strömkajen and Vaxholm. Journey times vary by departure, so check Waxholmsbolaget’s timetable for yours.

Choose Waxholmsbolaget if: Year-round archipelago travel; multi-stop exploration; budget priority; outer-archipelago islands not served by Stromma.

Choose Stromma if: Direct fastest route to single destination; summer-only tourism focus; premium service preference.

Major Waxholmsbolaget routes

Route to Vaxholm and inner archipelago

From Strömkajen central Stockholm. Multi-stop service to Vaxholm, plus continuing routes to Resarö, Rindö.

Year-round: Daily service.

Journey to Vaxholm: depends on how many stops your boat makes.

Route to Möja, Husarö, Ingmarsö

Mid-archipelago multi-stop route.

Season: Year-round to main stops; reduced winter schedule.

Journey: Möja is about 3.5 hours by regular boat from central Stockholm, or about 1.5 hours from Sollenkroka on Värmdö.

Route to outer archipelago — Sandhamn area

From Stavsnäs (eastern Stockholm). Reaches Sandhamn area.

Stavsnäs access: SL bus 433 from Slussen metro to Stavsnäs vinterhamn. Allow roughly an hour, and check SL’s timetable for your departure.

Season: Year-round to main destinations; expanded summer service.

Route to Utö

From Årsta brygga (south Stockholm) or Nynäshamn.

Journey: from Årsta brygga, the time varies with the departure.

Best for: Utö heritage iron-mining island, cycling routes.

Saltsjöbaden routes

From Saltsjöbaden (eastern Stockholm). Connects to nearby archipelago.

Waxholmsbolaget tickets and pricing

Ticket types

Single ticket: Per-journey fare based on distance: 61, 84, 104, 125, 154 or 186 SEK adult.

Return ticket: Pre-booked round-trip. Slight savings vs two singles.

Båtluffarkortet (Boat Hopper Pass): 5-day pass for unlimited Waxholmsbolaget travel. Good value if you plan to hop between islands. 595 SEK.

Period passes: Weekly and monthly options for residents.

Ticket booking

Online: Waxholmsbolaget.se website for timetables and fares.

App: Waxholmsbolaget app — buy tickets, see schedules.

Onboard: Tickets available aboard ferries (slight surcharge).

Strömkajen counter: Walk-up purchases at Strömkajen ferry quay.

Båtluffarkortet — Stockholm archipelago hopper pass

Waxholmsbolaget’s five-day ticket for unlimited archipelago travel — the one to buy if you’re island-hopping.

Cost: 595 SEK.

Validity: five days. Buy it on board; it is loaded onto an SL card.

Coverage: All Waxholmsbolaget routes.

Best for: Travelers wanting multi-island archipelago experience over several days.

Sample 5-day itinerary: Day 1 Vaxholm; Day 2 Grinda; Day 3 Sandhamn; Day 4 Utö; Day 5 return + Möja.

Waxholmsbolaget seasonal schedules

Summer (May–September)

Full service. Most routes daily. Multiple departures per day to popular destinations. Busy summer sailings can be crowded.

Shoulder (April, October)

Reduced summer service. Main routes still daily; outer-archipelago routes reduced.

Winter (November–March)

Most-restricted service. Year-round routes (Vaxholm, Lidingö) continue. Outer archipelago typically suspended or weekly-only.

Holiday schedules

Reduced service major holidays — Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Easter Sunday. Check ahead.

Waxholmsbolaget Stockholm departure points

Strömkajen: Central Stockholm waterfront. Main Stockholm departure point.

Stavsnäs: Eastern Stockholm. SL bus 433 from Slussen, roughly an hour. Departure point for Sandhamn and outer-east archipelago.

Saltsjöbaden: SE Stockholm via Saltsjöbanan light rail, which runs between Saltsjö-Järla and Saltsjöbaden; replacement buses cover the stretch from Slussen to Saltsjö-Järla. Departure for nearby archipelago.

Årsta brygga: South Stockholm. Departure for Utö.

Nynäshamn: Far south Stockholm via SL pendeltåg train. Departure for Utö plus other south-archipelago destinations.

Waxholmsbolaget by traveler type

For first-time archipelago visitors

Stromma’s fast boat to Vaxholm takes about 50 minutes from Strandvägen (its classic boat about 1.5 hours), so compare the sailings before you pick an operator. Waxholmsbolaget makes more sense for travelers wanting multi-island exploration.

For multi-island travelers

Båtluffarkortet 5-day pass at 595 SEK is the ticket we’d pick for island-hopping. Visit 4–5 islands in 5 days.

For year-round archipelago access

Waxholmsbolaget sails through the low season too, on its seasonal timetable. Check the timetable for your travel date, as routes and frequencies change with the season.

For budget travelers

Waxholmsbolaget single tickets cheaper than Stromma. Multi-stop routes feel more authentic than tourist-focused fast ferries.

For Sandhamn and outer-east archipelago

Stavsnäs departure point, Waxholmsbolaget routes serve outer islands beyond Stromma reach.

For Utö

Year-round Waxholmsbolaget service from Årsta brygga or Nynäshamn.

For families with kids

Multi-stop ferries can be tiring for younger kids. Stromma direct routes (e.g., Vaxholm) often better for family day trips.

Waxholmsbolaget tips

No booking needed: You can’t reserve a place on Waxholmsbolaget boats. Turn up at the quay, and come early for busy summer sailings, which can draw large crowds.

Check return schedule: Verify return ferry timing before committing to outer-archipelago day trips.

Bring layers: Stockholm archipelago weather can change. Sun + rain + wind possible same day.

Pack snacks/water: Some routes take hours, and what’s on sale on board depends on the boat and the season.

Bikes allowed: An ordinary bike goes free if there’s space for it.

Strollers welcome: All ferries stroller-accessible.

Photography: Stockholm archipelago is highly photogenic. Outer decks recommended.

Audio guide: Limited. Bring guidebook for context on archipelago history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Waxholmsbolaget?

Waxholmsbolaget is Stockholm’s traditional year-round archipelago ferry network. Public-transit-style multi-stop routes serve islands and piers all over the Stockholm archipelago.

How much is a Waxholmsbolaget ticket?

Adult single tickets cost 61, 84, 104, 125, 154 or 186 SEK depending on distance. Båtluffarkortet 5-day unlimited pass 595 SEK — strong value for multi-island travel.

Where does Waxholmsbolaget go?

Islands and piers across the Stockholm archipelago, including Vaxholm, Möja, Sandhamn, Utö, Husarö, Ingmarsö, plus inner Lidingö and Saltsjöbaden routes.

Is Waxholmsbolaget year-round?

Waxholmsbolaget sails all year, on a timetable that changes with the season. Check the timetable for your travel date.

Where does Waxholmsbolaget depart from in Stockholm?

Strömkajen (central Stockholm) is main departure point. Other points: Stavsnäs (Sandhamn area), Saltsjöbaden, Årsta brygga (Utö), Nynäshamn.

What’s the difference between Waxholmsbolaget and Stromma?

Waxholmsbolaget is public-transit-style multi-stop year-round operator. Stromma is tourist-focused direct-ferry operator with summer focus. Stromma faster and pricier; Waxholmsbolaget cheaper and multi-stop.

What is Båtluffarkortet?

5-day unlimited Waxholmsbolaget pass for 595 SEK. Stockholm archipelago hopper pass — strong value for multi-island exploration.

Can I take bikes on Waxholmsbolaget ferries?

Yes. Ordinary bicycles travel free when there’s room on board, at the crew’s discretion.

How do I get to Waxholmsbolaget Strömkajen?

Strömkajen is on the central Stockholm waterfront beside Grand Hôtel — about a 2-minute walk from Kungsträdgården metro (blue line).

Should I book Waxholmsbolaget ahead?

You can’t: places on Waxholmsbolaget boats can’t be reserved. Summer sailings to popular destinations (Sandhamn, Vaxholm) can be packed, so get to the quay early.

For Stockholm archipelago coverage, see our Stockholm archipelago. For ferries, see Stockholm ferries.