SL pass Stockholm guide: T-bana, buses and archipelago ferries
Is the SL pass worth buying in Stockholm?
Yes for most visitors. If you make three or more SL journeys per day, a 24h pass (175 SEK) beats buying singles at 42 SEK each. The 72h pass covers a long weekend and also validates on Waxholmsbolaget ferries within the SL zone — useful for Vaxholm and Grinda day trips.
Stockholm’s public transport network
Stockholm’s SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) network is one of Scandinavia’s most comprehensive urban transit systems. It covers the T-bana (metro), city buses, commuter trains (Pendeltåg), trams lines 7 and 12, and — crucially for visitors — a section of the Waxholmsbolaget archipelago ferries. Understanding SL passes before you arrive saves both money and the anxiety of buying tickets at the gate.
The network runs around the clock on weekends and until roughly 01:00–02:00 on weekdays, with night buses filling the gaps. Coverage across the main islands and mainland areas is excellent.
SL pass types and 2026 prices
| Pass | Price (SEK) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket | 42 | One-off journeys, valid 75 minutes with unlimited transfers |
| 24-hour pass | 175 | Day-trippers making 4+ journeys |
| 72-hour pass | 350 | Weekend visitors |
| 7-day pass | 455 | Week-long stays |
A single ticket at 42 SEK gives you 75 minutes of travel with unlimited transfers — so you can take the T-bana, change lines, and hop on a bus within that window on a single fare. The break-even point for a 24h pass versus singles is roughly three journeys.
These prices reflect 2026 tariffs. SL reviews fares annually; always verify current prices on the SL website or app before purchasing.
What the SL network covers
T-bana (metro)
Seven lines organized into three trunk routes: the red line (T13/T14), blue line (T10/T11), and green line (T17/T18/T19). The system connects T-Centralen (Central Station) with most Stockholm neighborhoods. Key stops for tourists include Gamla Stan, Slussen (Södermalm), Kungsträdgården, and Tekniska Högskolan (near Djurgården by bus).
The T-bana runs every 3–8 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes off-peak.
City buses
An extensive network of buses reaches areas beyond the metro, including Djurgården (bus 69), Skansen, Östermalm, and Kungsholmen. Buses accept the same SL pass — tap the reader as you board. Stockholm buses no longer sell tickets onboard; buy via app or load a Reskort before travel.
Commuter trains (Pendeltåg)
Five commuter rail lines fan out from T-Centralen through Stockholm County, reaching as far as Uppsala (though Uppsala requires a separate inter-city fare). The Pendeltåg is useful for reaching the airport area — line 41 stops at Arlanda Central, though a station supplement applies.
Trams 7 and 12
Tram 7 (Spårväg City) connects T-Centralen → Strandvägen → Djurgården. In summer this is the most pleasant way to reach the museum island. Tram 12 (Lidingöbanan) serves Lidingö. Both are included in the SL pass.
Waxholmsbolaget ferries (archipelago)
This is where the SL pass becomes exceptional value for archipelago exploration. Waxholmsbolaget operates the public ferry network across Stockholm’s inner archipelago, and many of its routes fall within the SL zone. With a 72h or 7-day pass you can board Waxholmsbolaget ferries at Strömkajen without buying separate tickets.
Islands reachable with SL pass on Waxholmsbolaget ferries: Vaxholm, Grinda, Möja, Ljusterö, Blidö, and other inner-archipelago islands within the zone.
Not covered: Sandhamn (outer archipelago, outside SL zone). Sandhamn requires a separate ticket or an all-day pass from Waxholmsbolaget. Commercial Strömma Cinderella cruises are also not included — those are private operators.
Check the Waxholmsbolaget zone map on their website before your ferry trip, as zone boundaries do change and some seasonal routes have different tariff structures.
Where to buy SL passes
SL app (recommended)
Download the SL app (iOS and Android) before arriving in Stockholm. The app sells all pass types, shows real-time departures, and displays your ticket as a QR code on screen — no physical card required. You can also plan journeys and check which Waxholmsbolaget routes are in-zone.
Reskort (SL travel card)
The Reskort is a reloadable contactless card available from T-bana ticket machines and SL Kundservice offices (at T-Centralen and a few other stations). You load credit or specific passes onto the card. If you visit Stockholm regularly, a Reskort is convenient. For a single trip, the app is simpler.
Contactless bank card
Any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card can tap directly at T-bana gates and bus readers. You are charged the single-trip fare of 42 SEK per journey. This is the easiest option for just one or two rides; for multiple daily trips, a timed pass via the app is cheaper.
Note on Swish: Swish requires a Swedish bank account and Swedish personal number. It is not usable by tourists. See our payments guide for the full picture of cashless Stockholm.
Day trips: using SL to reach the archipelago
One of the best-value uses of a 72h or 7-day SL pass is combining it with Waxholmsbolaget ferries for free or very low-cost archipelago day trips. The usual pattern:
- Take the T-bana or bus to Strömkajen (ferry terminal near the Grand Hôtel).
- Tap your SL pass at the Waxholmsbolaget reader.
- Board the ferry to Vaxholm (about 75 min), Grinda (about 2 hours), or other in-zone islands.
Compare this with a commercial Strömma day-cruise to Fjäderholmarna at 200–300 SEK per person. The Waxholmsbolaget route to Fjäderholmarna is also in-zone and costs nothing beyond your existing pass.
For deeper archipelago explorations to Sandhamn or Utö, you will need additional tickets, but the SL pass still covers the Stockholm portion of the journey.
SL pass vs Stockholm Pass vs single tickets
The key distinction is what the passes cover:
- SL pass covers only transport (T-bana, buses, trams, commuter trains, in-zone ferries). It does not admit you to museums or attractions.
- Stockholm Pass / Go City covers 60+ attractions (Vasa, ABBA, Skansen, Royal Palace, etc.) and in some versions includes limited transit.
- Single SL tickets make sense if you walk most places and only use transit occasionally.
If your itinerary is museum-heavy (visiting 4+ paid attractions in 1–2 days), the Stockholm Pass delivers more total value. If you are budget-conscious and explore the city mostly on foot and by metro, the SL pass is the right tool. See our detailed comparison for a full cost breakdown.
Night travel and special services
SL buses replace the T-bana on some routes between roughly 01:00 and 05:00, and the network continues operating (unlike some European cities where it shuts completely overnight). Night buses are slower but your SL pass remains valid. The 24h and 72h passes run continuously from activation — not just during daytime hours — so late arrivals and early departures are covered.
Practical tips
Activate your pass when you first use it — timed passes start from first tap, not from purchase. Plan your first journey to coincide with when you actually want the clock to start.
Keep your phone charged. Mobile tickets require an active screen. Pack a portable charger for long days, especially if you are also navigating with maps.
Outer-archipelago planning. Before any Waxholmsbolaget ferry trip, cross-check the SL zone map and the current Waxholmsbolaget schedule. Ferries to outer islands can be infrequent (once or twice daily) and some seasonal schedules are limited to weekends in spring.
T-bana renovations. Stockholm periodically closes metro sections for maintenance, particularly on blue-line stations. Check SL’s live service information before heading out on a specific route.
Getting from Arlanda Airport to the city
The SL pass does not cover Arlanda Express (a private service). The commuter Pendeltåg (line 41) is technically in the SL network but requires an extra Arlanda station fee (~82 SEK in 2026) on top of your pass. Flygbussarna coaches (119 SEK single) offer a middle-ground option. See our airport-to-city guide for a complete comparison of all options including prices and travel times.
Frequently asked questions about Stockholm SL passes
Is the SL pass transferable between people?
No. SL passes (both mobile and Reskort) are tied to the account holder or card and cannot be shared. Each traveller needs their own pass.
Can I use an Apple Watch or Google Pay for SL?
Contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at T-bana gates and on buses. These charge single-trip fares. For a timed pass, you still need the SL app on your phone.
What happens if I travel outside the SL zone?
If your destination requires travel into a different zone (Stockholm County is divided into zones A, B, and C), additional fare zones apply. Most central Stockholm trips fall within zone A. Commuter rail to outlying towns may require additional zone add-ons even with a 7-day pass.
Are SL passes available at Arlanda Airport?
Yes. SL ticket machines are available at Arlanda Central station and at Stockholm Arlanda’s arrivals. However, for the Arlanda → Stockholm journey specifically, you will pay the station supplement on top of any SL pass — Flygbussarna or Arlanda Express may be simpler depending on your budget.
Do children travel free on SL?
Children under 7 travel free on all SL services. Children 7–19 qualify for youth fares (roughly half adult price). Check current youth pricing in the SL app.
Frequently asked questions about SL pass Stockholm guide
How much does an SL pass cost in Stockholm in 2026?
Current 2026 prices: single ticket 42 SEK (75-minute unlimited transfers), 24-hour pass 175 SEK, 72-hour pass 350 SEK, 7-day pass 455 SEK. All prices on the SL website; check before travel as they adjust periodically.Does the SL pass include archipelago ferries?
The SL pass is valid on Waxholmsbolaget public ferries within the SL zone. This includes Vaxholm, Grinda, Möja (inner islands) but NOT Sandhamn or other outer-archipelago islands outside the SL zone. Check the Waxholmsbolaget zone map for your specific island.Where can I buy an SL pass in Stockholm?
The easiest method is the SL app (available iOS and Android), which issues a mobile ticket. You can also load an SL Reskort (reloadable card) at T-bana ticket machines or SL service centers. Contactless Visa/Mastercard pays single-journey fares directly at T-bana gates.Can I use a contactless bank card on Stockholm public transport?
Yes. Tap your contactless card or phone at T-bana gates, on buses, and on trams. You are charged the single-trip fare (42 SEK). There is no pass discount via contactless — for multiple daily journeys, buy a timed pass via the SL app instead.Is the 7-day SL pass worth it for a one-week trip?
At 455 SEK for 7 days, it works out to 65 SEK per day. If you make at least two journeys daily it pays for itself. For a packed week with day trips to Vaxholm or Grinda by Waxholmsbolaget ferry (instead of paid Strömma tours), the 7-day pass is genuinely good value.Does the SL pass include the Arlanda Express?
No. Arlanda Express is a private company and is not covered by any SL pass. The only way to reach Arlanda using SL is the commuter train (Pendeltåg line 41), but this requires a separate Arlanda station fee on top of the SL fare. See our Arlanda Express vs commuter train comparison for full costs.
