The Stockholm metro (Tunnelbana, or “T-bana”) is one of the world’s most-distinctive subway systems — 100 stations across 3 lines (red, green, blue), with 90+ stations featuring commissioned art installations earning the system the nickname “the world’s longest art gallery.” This Stockholm metro guide covers everything tourists need: how to buy tickets, the SL travelcard, line-by-line routes, the must-visit art stations, operating hours, accessibility, and tips for navigating the network efficiently.
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: 05:00–01:00 weekdays. 24-hour service Friday–Saturday weekends.
Single ticket: 41 SEK (75 min validity). Bought via SL app, ticket machines, or contactless card.
SL travelcard: 165 SEK 24-hour, 415 SEK 72-hour, 990 SEK 7-day.
Frequency: Every 2–10 minutes peak; every 5–15 minutes off-peak.
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 (free art station — see below).
Stockholm metro art — the world’s longest art gallery
90+ Stockholm metro stations feature commissioned art installations dating from the 1950s. Many are world-renowned. The metro itself can be a tourist attraction.
Must-visit art stations
T-Centralen: Blue line platform features Per Olof Ultvedt’s 1975 leaf-and-vine murals. Stockholm’s most-photographed metro station.
Kungsträdgården: Blue line. Ulrik Samuelson’s archaeological-cave concept with classical sculptures and rough rock walls.
Solna Centrum: Blue line. Anders Åberg and Karl-Olov Björk’s massive forest mural — 1 km of red-and-green forest art.
Rådhuset: Blue line. Sigvard Olsson’s cave-like rough rock with iron-framed mosaics.
Stadion: Red line. Åke Pallarp and Enno Hallek’s rainbow art celebrating the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
Tensta: Blue line. Helga Henschen’s nature-inspired murals.
Östermalmstorg: Red line. Siri Derkert’s drawings on the platform walls.
Other notable stations: Hallonbergen (children’s drawings), Kista (constellations), Tekniska Högskolan (geometry), Akalla (urban scenes).
Stockholm metro art tour
Self-guided metro art tours work well — buy a 24-hour SL travelcard and ride between key stations. Free guided “Konststationer” tours run periodically through SL Center.
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 Center
SL Center at Stockholm Central, T-Centralen, and several other major stations. 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
Single ticket: 41 SEK. 75-minute validity including transfers.
24-hour SL travelcard: 165 SEK adult; 110 SEK reduced (under 20, over 65, students with valid card).
72-hour SL travelcard: 415 SEK adult.
7-day SL travelcard: 990 SEK adult.
Coverage: SL travelcard covers metro, bus, tram, SL ferries, and SL pendeltåg trains. Single tickets cover same range.
Children: Children under 7 free with paying adult. Family tickets at weekends — check SL app for current promotions.
Late-night surcharge: None. Same fare structure 24/7.
Stockholm metro hours
Weekday operations: 05:00–01:00.
Weekend 24-hour service: Friday and Saturday nights run all night through to Sunday/Monday morning. Reduced frequency 01:00–05:00.
Service frequency: Every 2–5 minutes peak (07:00–09:00, 16:00–18:00); every 5–15 minutes off-peak; every 15–30 minutes after 23:00 weekdays.
Holidays: Reduced service Christmas Day and a few other holidays. Check SL website ahead.
Stockholm metro accessibility
Wheelchair access: All Stockholm metro stations have step-free access via lifts.
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. T-Centralen during peak hours is the highest-risk station; cross-body bags worn in front are simple defense.
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 (165 SEK). Covers all metro plus bus/tram/ferry.
For 3-day visit: 72-hour SL travelcard (415 SEK). Strong value.
For 7-day visit: 7-day SL travelcard (990 SEK).
For light use: Single tickets (41 SEK each) via SL app.
For metro art tour: 24-hour SL travelcard. Visit T-Centralen, Kungsträdgården, Solna Centrum, Rådhuset, Stadion, Tensta — full art tour ~2 hours.
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 41 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Stockholm metro?
Single ticket 41 SEK (75-minute validity). 24-hour SL travelcard 165 SEK. 72-hour 415 SEK. 7-day 990 SEK.
What time does the Stockholm metro run?
Weekdays 05:00–01:00. 24-hour service Friday and Saturday nights with reduced frequency overnight.
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. T-Centralen has highest pickpocket rates during peak hours; cross-body bags worn in front are simple defense.
What is the Stockholm metro art?
90+ Stockholm metro stations feature commissioned art installations dating from the 1950s. Famous stations include T-Centralen (blue line vines), Kungsträdgården (archaeological cave), Solna Centrum (forest mural), and Rådhuset (cave with mosaics).
How do you buy Stockholm metro tickets?
SL app (most convenient), SL Centers at major stations, 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?
Yes — all Stockholm metro stations have step-free access via lifts. Strollers and wheelchairs welcome.
What’s the best Stockholm metro art station?
T-Centralen blue line platform (Per Olof Ultvedt’s 1975 leaf-and-vine murals) is the most-photographed. Solna Centrum (forest mural), Kungsträdgården (archaeological cave), and Rådhuset (cave with mosaics) are equally striking.
For Stockholm transport, see our getting around Stockholm. For the SL travelcard, see SL card Stockholm.
