Stockholm Transport Tickets and SL Travelcards

Quick answer: which Stockholm transport ticket should tourists buy?

• Best for one ride: SL 75-minute single ticket or contactless payment
• Best for occasional travel: contactless pay-as-you-go
• Best for one busy sightseeing day: 24-hour SL travelcard
• Best for a long weekend: 72-hour SL travelcard
• Best for one week: 7-day SL travelcard
• Best airport express option: separate Arlanda Express ticket
• Best public transport airport option: SL commuter train with Arlanda supplement
• Main mistake to avoid: assuming SL tickets work on Arlanda Express

Ticket type	Best for	Main advantage	Main limitation
75-minute single ticket	One-off journeys and occasional rides	Simple and flexible for short use	Can become expensive if used many times per day
Contactless payment	Visitors taking occasional trips	No app or physical card needed	Not always optimal for heavy daily use
SL app ticket	Mobile-first travelers	Easy ticket storage and travelcard purchase	Requires battery and app setup
24-hour travelcard	One full sightseeing day	Unlimited SL travel during validity	Not worth it if you only take one or two rides
72-hour travelcard	Weekend visitors	Convenient for repeated journeys over several days	Only useful if you use public transport frequently
7-day travelcard	Longer stays	Strong value for one-week travel	Too much for short city breaks

SL 75-minute single ticket

The 75-minute single ticket is the basic Stockholm public transport ticket. It is ideal if you only plan one journey or occasional rides during your visit. It can be used across SL services during the validity period, including metro, buses, trams and commuter trains within the standard SL network.

The ticket is valid for unlimited travel during 75 minutes. If your journey includes transfers, make sure the final transfer starts before the ticket expires. This makes the single ticket useful for many tourist routes, such as metro from T-Centralen to Gamla Stan and then onward by bus or tram.

Use a single ticket if:

• you only need one ride,
• you are mostly walking,
• you are staying very centrally,
• you do not expect multiple journeys in the same day,
• you want the simplest pay-per-ride option.

Contactless payment in Stockholm

Contactless payment is one of the easiest ways for visitors to use Stockholm public transport. You can tap a contactless bank card or mobile wallet on the reader when entering the metro, boarding buses or using other SL services that support contactless travel.

This is very convenient for short stays because you do not need to buy an SL smart card or download the app immediately. You simply touch in and travel. Remember that Stockholm’s SL system does not require a touch out at the end of the journey.

Contactless payment is best if:

• you are taking occasional trips,
• you do not want to buy a physical card,
• you prefer bank card payment,
• you are staying for a short time,
• you only need single tickets rather than travelcards.

SL app tickets

The SL app is useful for tourists who prefer to buy and store tickets on their phone. You can use the app to buy single tickets and travelcards, check routes and manage your public transport during the trip.

The app is especially helpful if you do not want to use ticket machines or if you want to buy a 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day travelcard before starting the day.

The main limitation is practical: your phone must be charged and available during ticket inspection. If you rely on app tickets, carry a power bank or make sure your battery is not low before travelling.

SL smart card

The green SL smart card is a reusable card that can store travelcards and tickets. It is useful for visitors staying longer or for travelers who prefer a physical card instead of mobile tickets or contactless payment.

For a short visit, most tourists can use contactless payment or the SL app instead. For a longer stay, or if you prefer not to rely on a phone, the SL card can be a good option.

24-hour SL travelcard

The 24-hour SL travelcard is useful if you plan a busy day of sightseeing. Stockholm is spread across islands and districts, so it is easy to use public transport several times in one day.

A typical sightseeing day might include Gamla Stan, Djurgården, Södermalm, Östermalm, Norrmalm and a ferry or tram ride. If you make several journeys, a 24-hour travelcard becomes more convenient than buying repeated single tickets.

Choose a 24-hour travelcard if:

• you plan multiple rides in one day,
• you want unlimited SL travel,
• you are visiting several districts,
• you want to use metro, buses, trams and ferries,
• you prefer not to think about each fare.

72-hour SL travelcard

The 72-hour SL travelcard is often the best option for a long weekend in Stockholm. It is useful if you plan to use public transport regularly over three days and want a simple ticket that covers your city travel.

For many tourists, Stockholm is not only a walking city. You may walk in Gamla Stan and central Norrmalm, but you will likely use public transport for Djurgården, Södermalm, Vasastan, Östermalm, museums, viewpoints and hotel transfers.

The 72-hour travelcard is best if:

• you stay for two or three days,
• you plan active sightseeing,
• your hotel is not right in the center,
• you want to simplify transport,
• you expect at least several journeys per day.

7-day SL travelcard

The 7-day travelcard is best for visitors staying almost a full week. It can also be useful for business travelers, remote workers or repeat visitors who will move around Stockholm daily.

If you are staying only two or three days, the 72-hour ticket is usually more relevant. If your stay is five to seven days and includes regular metro, bus, tram or ferry use, compare the 7-day travelcard with buying several shorter passes.

Does an SL ticket cover metro, bus, tram and ferry?

Yes, SL tickets are integrated across the Stockholm public transport system. A valid SL ticket can be used on the metro, buses, trams, commuter trains and some ferry services within the SL network and ticket validity rules.

This is one of the biggest advantages for tourists. You do not need a separate ticket for metro and bus. You only need a valid SL ticket or travelcard.

Stockholm metro tickets

The Stockholm metro, known locally as the Tunnelbana or T-bana, uses the same SL ticket system as buses, trams and commuter trains. There is no special metro-only ticket required for normal travel.

This makes the metro very easy to use. You can tap in with contactless payment, use the SL app, or use an SL card with a valid ticket loaded.

The metro is especially useful for:

• T-Centralen,
• Gamla Stan,
• Slussen,
• Medborgarplatsen,
• Östermalmstorg,
• Tekniska högskolan,
• Fridhemsplan,
• Odenplan via connected transport routes.

Bus tickets in Stockholm

Buses use the same SL tickets as the metro. You touch in when boarding using your contactless card, mobile ticket or SL card. You do not buy single tickets with cash on board.

Buses are useful for places not directly on the metro, including parts of Djurgården, residential districts, waterfront areas and night services.

Tram tickets in Stockholm

Stockholm trams are also part of the SL system. The most useful tram for tourists is often the route to Djurgården, where many major attractions are located.

Use trams for:

• Djurgården,
• Vasa Museum,
• ABBA The Museum,
• Skansen,
• Gröna Lund,
• waterfront sightseeing routes.

Ferry tickets in Stockholm

Some ferries are part of the SL system and can be used with valid SL tickets or travelcards. This is very useful for tourists because Stockholm is a city of islands, and ferries can be both practical and scenic.

However, not every boat service in Stockholm is an SL ferry. Some archipelago boats and tourist boats have separate ticketing. Always check whether the ferry is part of SL before assuming your SL ticket is valid.

Airport tickets: Arlanda Express vs SL vs airport bus

Airport transport is the main area where Stockholm ticketing becomes confusing. There are three major ticket logics:

• Arlanda Express: separate ticket, not valid with SL tickets.
• SL commuter train: SL ticket plus Arlanda airport station supplement.
• Airport bus: separate bus ticket, usually to Cityterminalen or other stops.

If you are going from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station as fast as possible, use Arlanda Express. If you want a cheaper direct bus, use Flygbussarna or another coach. If you want to use public transport and connect with SL, use commuter train with the correct Arlanda supplement.

For a complete breakdown of all airport-to-city options, including prices, travel times, and ticket requirements, check our Stockholm Airport to City Center Guide

Can you use SL tickets from Arlanda Airport?

You can use SL commuter train services from Arlanda, but Arlanda Central has a special airport station passage supplement. This means airport travel is not just a normal single SL ride for most adult travelers.

If you already have a valid SL ticket or travelcard, you may only need to pay the Arlanda passage supplement. If you do not have a valid SL ticket, you need a ticket product that includes both the SL journey and the Arlanda supplement.

This is one of the most common ticket mistakes visitors make in Stockholm.

Can you use an SL travelcard on Arlanda Express?

No. SL tickets and travelcards do not work on Arlanda Express. Arlanda Express is a separate airport rail service with its own tickets.

If you buy Arlanda Express, it gets you quickly between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station. If you need metro, bus or tram after arrival, you may still need an SL ticket.

Best SL ticket after arriving at Stockholm Central

If you arrive at Stockholm Central by Arlanda Express or airport bus and your hotel is not within walking distance, you may need an SL ticket for the next part of your journey.

For one onward metro ride, contactless payment or a single ticket is enough. If you plan to use public transport several times that day, consider a 24-hour travelcard.

Best ticket for Gamla Stan

If you are staying in Gamla Stan, you can use the metro from T-Centralen to Gamla Stan with an SL ticket. If you arrive by Arlanda Express at Central Station and have light luggage, walking may also be possible depending on your hotel location.

Because Gamla Stan has historic streets and some uneven walking routes, taxi can be easier with heavy luggage.

Best ticket for Södermalm

If your hotel is in Södermalm, an SL ticket or travelcard is useful. You can take the metro from T-Centralen to Slussen, Medborgarplatsen, Mariatorget or Skanstull depending on location.

For a multi-day stay in Södermalm, a 72-hour or 7-day travelcard can be very convenient because you will likely use metro and buses frequently.

Best ticket for Djurgården

Djurgården is home to Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum, Skansen and Gröna Lund. You may use tram, bus or ferry depending on your starting point.

If you plan to visit Djurgården and return later the same day, a 24-hour travelcard can be useful, especially if you also visit other districts.

Best ticket for Norrmalm and Östermalm

Norrmalm and Östermalm are central and well connected. If you stay in Norrmalm near T-Centralen, you may walk a lot and only need occasional single tickets. If you stay in Östermalm and plan museum or ferry trips, a travelcard may be more useful.

Best ticket strategy by trip length

One day in Stockholm

If you plan several rides, buy a 24-hour travelcard. If you only take one or two rides, use contactless payment or single tickets.

Two days in Stockholm

Use single tickets if you mostly walk. Choose a 72-hour travelcard if you plan public transport-heavy sightseeing across several districts.

Three days in Stockholm

The 72-hour travelcard is often the easiest option for a three-day city break. It removes the need to decide whether each ride is worth a single ticket.

Four to seven days in Stockholm

Compare a 7-day travelcard with shorter passes and single tickets. If you will travel daily, the 7-day travelcard is usually the simplest option.

Best ticket strategy by traveler type

First-time visitor

Use contactless or the SL app for occasional rides. Buy a 72-hour travelcard if you plan active sightseeing over a weekend.

Budget traveler

Walk when possible and use single tickets for longer trips. Avoid Arlanda Express if price matters more than speed.

Business traveler

Use Arlanda Express for speed and SL tickets for local city travel. If you move between meetings all day, a 24-hour ticket may be practical.

Family traveler

Travelcards can make city travel easier, especially if you are using metro, trams and ferries. Check current child fare rules before travelling.

Long-stay visitor

Consider a 7-day or longer travelcard if you will use public transport every day.

Where to buy Stockholm transport tickets

You can buy Stockholm transport tickets in several ways:

• SL app,
• contactless bank card or mobile wallet,
• SL smart card,
• SL Centers,
• ticket booths at metro and commuter rail stations,
• selected ticket agents around Stockholm.

For most tourists, the easiest options are contactless payment for occasional rides and the SL app for travelcards.

How to validate Stockholm tickets

Validation is simple: touch in when you travel. Use the card reader at metro barriers, on buses, at tram stops or on other SL services where required.

You do not touch out when leaving the system. This is different from cities like London or Copenhagen’s Rejsekort app system. In Stockholm, one touch in is enough for the SL journey system.

Common Stockholm ticket mistakes

• Using SL tickets on Arlanda Express: SL tickets are not valid on Arlanda Express.
• Forgetting the Arlanda supplement: SL commuter train from Arlanda requires the airport passage supplement.
• Buying single tickets all day: a 24-hour or 72-hour travelcard may be better value.
• Not touching in: you must validate your ticket at the start of the journey.
• Trying to pay cash on board: single tickets are not normally bought with cash on board SL services.
• Letting phone battery die: app tickets require a working phone.
• Assuming all ferries are SL ferries: some boats require separate tickets.
• Confusing airport transfer tickets with city travelcards: Arlanda Express, airport buses and SL tickets are separate products.

Final recommendation

For most visitors, Stockholm transport tickets are easy once you separate city travel from airport travel. Use contactless payment or a 75-minute single ticket for occasional journeys. Use a 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day SL travelcard if you plan frequent public transport use.

For airport travel, remember that Arlanda Express is separate from SL, airport buses need their own tickets, and SL commuter trains from Arlanda require an airport supplement. Once you understand this, Stockholm’s metro, buses, trams, commuter trains and ferries are straightforward and very tourist-friendly.

The simplest tourist setup is: Arlanda Express or airport bus for airport transfer, then SL app, contactless payment or an SL travelcard for city transport.

FAQ – Stockholm Transport Tickets

What is the best transport ticket for tourists in Stockholm?

For occasional travel, use contactless payment or a 75-minute single ticket. For frequent travel, use a 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day SL travelcard.

How long is a Stockholm single ticket valid?

A Stockholm SL single ticket is valid for 75 minutes.

Can I use the same ticket on metro, bus and tram?

Yes. A valid SL ticket can be used on metro, buses, trams, commuter trains and some ferries within the SL system.

Do I need to touch out in Stockholm?

No. In the SL system, you touch in when you travel, but you do not touch out.

Can I pay contactless on Stockholm public transport?

Yes. You can use a contactless bank card or compatible mobile device for pay-as-you-go travel on SL services.

Is the SL app useful for tourists?

Yes. The SL app is useful for buying and storing tickets, especially travelcards.

Can I buy tickets with cash on board?

No. You should buy tickets through the app, contactless payment, SL card, ticket booth or ticket agent before or when starting travel.

Does an SL ticket work on Arlanda Express?

No. Arlanda Express is separate from SL and requires its own ticket.

Can I use SL commuter train from Arlanda Airport?

Yes, but Arlanda commuter train travel requires an airport passage supplement unless included in your ticket.

What ticket do I need from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm?

It depends on your route. Use an Arlanda Express ticket for the express train, an airport bus ticket for Flygbussarna, or an SL ticket plus Arlanda supplement for commuter train.

Is a 24-hour SL ticket worth it?

Yes, if you plan multiple public transport journeys in one day.

Is a 72-hour SL ticket worth it?

For many weekend visitors, yes. It is convenient and often better than buying many single tickets.

Is a 7-day SL travelcard worth it?

Yes, if you are staying close to a week and expect to use public transport daily.

Can I use SL tickets on ferries?

Some ferries are included in the SL system, but not all boat services are. Always check whether the ferry is an SL service.

What ticket is best for Djurgården?

A single SL ticket works for one journey, but a 24-hour or 72-hour travelcard is better if you plan several rides that day.

What ticket is best for Södermalm?

Single tickets work for occasional journeys, while a travelcard is better if you stay in Södermalm and travel around the city frequently.

What is the cheapest way to use Stockholm public transport?

For one or two rides, single tickets or contactless payment are cheapest. For many rides, travelcards can be better value.

Do children need tickets in Stockholm?

Children may qualify for reduced fares depending on age and rules. Always check current SL child fare conditions before travel.

What happens if I travel without a valid ticket?

You may receive a penalty fare if you cannot show a valid ticket during inspection.

What is the biggest mistake tourists make with Stockholm tickets?

The biggest mistake is assuming one ticket covers everything, especially airport travel. Arlanda Express, SL commuter train with supplement and airport buses have different ticket rules.

Related Stockholm transport guides

• Stockholm Airport to City Center
• How to Use Public Transport in Stockholm