The Stockholm subway system

Stockholms Tunnelbana is an extensive metro system covering a large area of Stockholm and it´s surroundings. There are three main lines (green, red and blue) including 100 stations.

It is easy to get around with the metro even though it can be fairly busy during rush hours (6-9 am and 16-19 pm). The lines and conections are clearly marked, at least in an international perspective, and it´s easy to make your way to the station of your choice.

Map over the Stockholm subway (Tunnelbana), with the central parts of the town marked yellow.

Planning your subway yourney

At the official website of SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) you’ll find a journey planner, a very convenient tool for finding the route between two addresses. In fact, this tool even lets you misspell the name of the stations so don’t worry if you can’t find the way to write “Blåsut” – “Blasut” serves as well.

Tickets for the Stockholm metro

The fare system has been revised a couple of times lately, and will undergo more modifications (depending on Stockholm County political majority). Please visit the official site of SL for up-to-date pricing and ticket options.

In general you´ll find that the prepaid single tickets are a good treat, as well as 1-3-7 days travel cards. All public transports in Stockholm offer reduced price for elderly (over 65) and youth (under 20). Travellers carrying a special certificate for early retirement will also get the reduction.

Also worth noticing is that the majority of the subway tickets (as well bus and tram) are not tied to a particular person meaning that you can share a ticket (by one person at a time…).

Facts of the Stockholm Metro lines

The oldest lines are the green ones, inaugurated by the Swedish King in 1951. Of the total of 100 subway stations, 53 are situated above ground. The other stations (under ground) are either concrete or rock stations. The blue ones are the newest and also the ones that are deepest situatued below Stockholm. The majority of them are left with the bedrock exposed, crude and unfinished, which in several stations is used as part of the decorations.

The Stockholm subway system at Flickr