Transportation #
Public Transportation #
Stockholm boasts an efficient, convenient, and highly-utilized transit system called Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (Stockholm Public Transit), or simply SL. Learn more about using public transit on the SL website.
Fare (SL Card) #
The Program will provide a prepaid SL fare card that covers unlimited travel in the SL public transit system, including all SL subway, bus, train, and ferry routes. You receive a student discount on your SL fare, so you must be prepared to show your Mecenat Card (Student ID) and photo ID to SL ticket officers at any time. If you are stopped by a ticket officer and cannot present your Mecenat card or photo ID, you may face a personal fine of 1500 SEK or more.
Your first SL card will be valid for 30 days. A few days before this card expires, the Program will provide a new card valid for 90 days to cover the remainder of the semester. It is your responsibility to keep your SL card safe. We strongly recommend that you register your card (see instructions below) so that you can load your prepaid fare on a new card if your card is lost or stolen. If your card is not registered, you will need to replace it at your own expense. The Program does not replace lost or stolen SL cards or fares.
Register Your SL Card #
To register your SL card, bring the card and your passport to the SL Customer Service center located inside Stockholm Central Station by the Vasagatan entrance. This is the only SL location that can register SL cards for visitors who do not have a Swedish personal number.
Supplemental Fares for Arlanda and Uppsala #
If you take public transit to Arlanda Airport or to Uppsala County, you must purchase an additional supplementary fare before boarding. Supplementary fares vary by destination and can be purchased at the station ticket booth or online. If you are stopped by a ticket officer on the train without a supplementary ticket, you will face a fine of 1500 SEK or more.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged SL Card #
If your SL card isn’t working properly, see the bus driver or station attendant (usually in a booth by the turnstiles).
If your card is lost or stolen, you are responsible for replacing it. If you registered your card with SL please contact SL to purchase a new card (50 SEK) and load your prepaid fare onto the new card.
If you did not register your card with SL, you need to purchase a replacement card (50 SEK) and load it with a new student fare at your own expense. You can do so at convenience stores like Pressbyrån or 7–Eleven, at the SL Customer Service center located inside Stockholm Central Station (Vasagatan entrance), or at SL station ticket booths.
You can see current ticket and fare prices and other information on the SL website. The most economical option is to purchase an unlimited travel pass for a set length of time (e.g., 72 hours, 7 days, 30 days) with your student discount.
You can also buy single tickets by tapping your digital wallet or contactless payment card on the card reader as you board the bus or go through the turnstiles, but the student discount will not apply.
Navigation #
It is your responsibility to quickly become familiar with the workings of the transit system and the basics of Stockholm geography. Review the public rail system and make use of the trip planner on the SL website. We also recommend downloading the navigation app “SL-Journey Planner and Tickets” or Google Maps to help plan ahead. When in doubt, Swedes are generally very helpful in providing directions — usually in excellent English!
Keep in mind that transit lines run less frequently at night, and some stop running completely, so it is important to check the schedule ahead of time if you plan to be out late.
Etiquette #
Please be respectful of other passengers when using public transit. This means:
- Allow passengers to exit before you board and don’t block the doors. When you board, walk all the way in to make room for others boarding after you.
- If you are able-bodied, give up your seat when there are other passengers who might need to sit such as the elderly, people who are pregnant, and people with disabilities.
- Never try to stop the doors from closing. This causes delays for everyone and you could seriously injure yourself.
- Make sure your bags don’t block the aisles or prevent other passengers from taking a seat. If you have a backpack, hold it on your lap or between your feet. Wearing it on your back takes up extra space and you will inevitably knock into other passengers (often without realizing it).
- Keep your voice low if you are chatting with friends or on the phone.
- On escalators, stand on the right side and walk on the left side.
Safety #
The SL Security Centre can be reached 24/7 at the phone number +46 20 120 25 25. In an emergency, call 112 (see In an Emergency).
It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings while you use the public transit system, particularly as you adjust to a new environment and culture. Trust your gut and use common sense.
Lost Property #
For information about lost property on SL lines, visit the SL website.
Taxi Services #
Although the public transit system will be your main form of transit in Stockholm, you may take a taxi at some point to get home after a late night or to get to the airport. If you have luggage, tell the dispatcher how many pieces of luggage to ensure they send a car with enough room. You should also ask about student discounts.
Uber is also available in Stockholm. Please note that trips to and from the airport with Uber may cost significantly more than other ride services due to airport fees.
Taxi prices are not regulated in Sweden so fares can vary dramatically from one company to another. Use caution and order your taxi via phone/website from a well-established company instead of hailing one on the street. Request a “fixed price” for longer trips.
Several taxi services are listed below for your convenience. We do not endorse any particular service.