Stockholm often receives widespread praise from people all around the world for its safe, efficient and comfortable transportation. The Stockholm Public Transport Agency is responsible for operating the trams, commuter trains, underground trains, buses as well as a few of the ferry lines that are in operation in the Greater Stockholm region. The underground train service is the easiest means of getting around with the city being divided into three distinct zones. An effective means of discovering the city is by taking trips either on the tram on route number 7 or a bus ride on route 69. The lines reach out to as far as Djurgarden with popular tourist attractions such as the Vasa Museum and Skansen along the way.
Public transport system in Stockholm
Inexpensive and easy to use, the various means of public transport in Stockholm is the preferred means of getting around for most people in the city, even the tourists. Let us take a look at the various options that the city offers with regards to exploring the region on the local transportation network.
Stockholm Metro
One of the most usual methods of getting around the city is by means of the Subway system in Stockholm which is also referred to as the T-bana or Tunnelbana service. Efficient, clean and safe, this is often the preferred means of transit for the people who wish to travel from one point to another in and around Stockholm. However, being an underground service, visitors are not offered the delight of being able to admire the various sights of the city while on their travels. The service on the central stretch is quite frequent while visitors planning to reach far-flung places on the Metro service will be required to wait around fifteen minutes or more to board a train to their destination.
Bus and tram services in Stockholm
Though the route maps and timetable of the bus services is pretty complicated, it is worth studying them as there are a number of useful connections that run down to many of the suburban tourist attractions. Slussen, Fridhemsplan, Odenplan and Sergels Torg are among the places from where buses to the inner-city destinations generally radiate. Some of the bus routes that tourists may consider to be of use to them are as follows:
- If you have to travel between Djurgarden and Sergels Torg, take Tram Line 7.
- Buses on route 69 are the best for a sightseeing tour of Stockholm. They originate from the Sergels Torg and Centralstationen stops and run down to Kaknastornet and the Ladugardsgardet Museums.
- Buses on routes 43 and 65 will be very useful to the hostellers. While the former runs between Sodermalm and Regeringsgatan, the latter operates in between the Skeppsholmen and Centralstationen stops.
You will find inner-city night buses running between one to five in the morning, originating from one of the many central bus stations in Stockholm and travelling to the suburban districts.
If you have to travel on the Stockholm Tramways, it is recommended that you take the one on route number 7. Although it may be slow compared to the bus or metro service, there is no better means for exploring the various tourist attractions around the city. This route operates between Skansen and Norrmalmstorg while passing major attractions on Djurgarden along the way.
Boats or ferry service in Stockholm
One of the most impressive means of public transport in Stockholm is the boat or ferry service. The one operating between Djurgarden and Slussen is likely to be most appealing for the tourists to the city as it covers such tourist attractions as Astrid Lindgren World for children, Grona Lund amusement park and the Skansen big island apart from numerous other museums. It also offers a cheap alternative for exploring the waters that is an integral part of the city. Boats also run to Drottningholm Palace, Fjaderholmarna and numerous other destinations around Stockholm.
Cars and bicycles in Stockholm
Driving around the streets in the central district of Stockholm is not a recommended practice. Limited parking spaces, congested streets and small one-way streets are the most notable problems in the region. The part of the Djurgardsvagen that is close to the Skansen remains closed during the night hours and also on some holidays and summer weekends. Attempting to drive through Gamla Stan and its narrow streets is unlikely to prove a successful attempt. While there are parking lots in the city, the parking rates are exorbitant. If you are interested to drive and have your own car, leave it on the outskirts of Stockholm and enter the city limits on the public transport.
On the other hand, Stockholm is a haven for cyclists with an extensive network of cycling paths criss-crossing the city. You can either bring your own bike or hire one at a rental station. Carrying bikes is free of cost on the SL Local train network during non-peak hours but strictly prohibited on the Metro service. Nevertheless, there are some daring souls who attempt to achieve the impossible.
Taxi in Stockholm
Hailing down a taxi in Stockholm is not an issue with a large number of operators in service. However, this is essentially a very expensive means of transport. Either decide upon the fare to your destination or agree to travel by meter charges before you board the vehicle. While travelling at night, women can ask for special discounts as there are many operators who offer the same.
How to get around in Stockholm
Since the Stockholmers pay extra attention to their surroundings and strive to keep it beautiful, the transport system in the city is slowly switching over to an eco-friendly mode. Most of the public buses running on routes that travel through the inner city are powered by ethanol and other similar eco-friendly fuels. The underground system in Stockholm is also regarded as the longest art gallery in the world as works of numerous artists grace the walls at many of the stations along this network.