Stockholm has a public transport system run by SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik), which runs the metro, commuter trains, buses, trams, and some ferries throughout the county. To residents and visitors alike, the easiest and most affordable means of transportation is to obtain an SL pass (also known as a travelcard).
This guide covers all the details on SL routes and subscriptions, including what kinds of passes exist, how to purchase them, how to use them, and how you can maximize your ticket.
What Is an SL Pass?
A travelcard, also known as an SL pass, enables you to travel unlimited on all SL services within the Stockholm County, during the time you choose. Rather than having to purchase single tickets each time you go somewhere, a pass allows you to board and alight buses, trains, and trams as many times as you want.
The travelcards come in various time periods:
- 24 hours
- 72 hours
- 7 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 1 year
This allows them to fit both the short-stay tourist and the daily commuter.
Ticket Options: How to Use SL
SL can be travelled in three major ways:
1. The SL App
Most users will find the free app, SL-Reseplanerare och biljetter (Journey planner and tickets), the simplest to use. With the app you can:
- Purchase 24-hour travelcards up to 1 year.
- Buy individual tickets on short journeys.
- Keep your ticket in your phone and activate it.
- Check routes and schedules with journey planner.
It is available on iOS and Android and does not need a physical card.
2. The Green SL Smart Card
The green SL card is a reusable smart card that would cost SEK 50. It is sold in metro stations, commuter train stations, SL Centers and authorized ticket agents. When you have the card, you can add any amount of travelcards to it.
All you need to do is to swipe the card on the green readers as you enter the metro, board buses, or at tram stops. The card is reusable in case of a visit in the future and can be registered online to ensure a replacement in case of loss.
3. Contactless Payment (Pay As You Go)
You do not need to have a pass, you can pay with a contactless bank card or a mobile wallet (Visa, Mastercard, American express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.) directly on SL readers. Each tap purchases one journey ticket.
It is handy when traveling occasionally but not economical when traveling regularly.
Read More: How to Contact SL Customer Care in Stockholm
How Much Do SL Travelcards Cost? (2025 fares)
Travelcard prices are based on your age and whether you are eligible to receive discounts:
- Adult fare: 20–64 years old.
- Discounted fare: Under 20, students with valid Swedish student ID, and seniors 65+.
| Duration | Adult Fare | Discounted Fare |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | SEK 180 | SEK 110 |
| 72 hours | SEK 360 | SEK 220 |
| 7 days | SEK 470 | SEK 290 |
| 30 days | SEK 1,060 | SEK 650 |
| 90 days | SEK 3,070 | SEK 1,880 |
| 1 year | SEK 11,130 | SEK 6,830 |
Tip for tourists: The 72 hour card (SEK 360) is typically the most economical when you intend to tour Stockholm over a long weekend.
Where to Buy an SL Pass
SL tickets and passes are sold in various places:
- SL App – instant purchase and storage.
- SL Centers – service points at major stations.
- Metro and commuter rail stations – ticket machines and counters.
- Authorized retailers – convenience stores and kiosks across Stockholm County.
- Arlanda Airport information desks – ideal for visitors arriving by plane.
Also See: How to Buy SL Tickets in Stockholm
Validity and Usage Rules
- When validity starts:
- The 24-hour and 72-hour passes can be used the first time.
- 7-day and more passes are valid since 00:00 on the start date of your choice, until 04:30 the following day after their expiration.
- Where you can travel: Passes include all of the SL network, such as:
- Metro (Tunnelbana)
- Buses
- Commuter trains (Pendeltåg) in Stockholm County
- Light rail and trams
- SL commuter ferries (such as Djurgården ferry 82, and ferries 80, 84, and 89)
- Tap in, but no tap out: SL will just need you to swipe in at card readers. When leaving you do not need to tap out.
- Transfers: Unlimited transfers as long as your pass is valid- you do not need to purchase a new ticket to change bus to metro, etc.
Discounts and Free Travel
SL has a number of discount categories:
- Children under 7 travel free with an adult ticket holder.
- Up to six children under 12 travel free with one paying adult.
- Youth (7–19 years), students with valid SL ID, and seniors (65+) pay reduced fares.
- Children in prams ride free on most buses when boarding through the exit door.
Lost Tickets and Replacement Guarantee
When you enroll your SL card or SL app on Mitt SL (the personal account system) you are covered by the replacement guarantee. This means:
- In case you lose your phone with the SL application, you can transfer tickets to another phone or SL card.
- In case you lose your SL card, you can access the loaded travelcards in a new card.
Lost cards or apps cannot be restored.
Also See: SL Lost and Found: How to Report and Retrieve Your Items
Penalties for Traveling Without a Ticket
It is the duty of every passenger to make sure that he or she has a valid ticket. Without it, you can get a penalty fare of SEK 1,850 in addition to the price of one ticket. Tickets are inspected by the inspectors on any transport mode.
Choosing the Best SL Pass for You
- Tourists (1-3 days): Buy a 24 hours or 72 hours travelcard with the SL app or green card.
- Short-term visitors (1 week): The best value is a 7-day card.
- Residents and commuters: Annual or monthly (30-day) passes will offer the cheapest per-journey price.
- Occasional flyers: Pay-as-you-go contactless is the easiest.
With an SL pass, it is easy, cheap, and hassle-free to travel around Stockholm. You can use the flexible travelcards to access the entire public transport network whether you are a visitor who is visiting the city on a few days or a resident who commutes to work on a daily basis.
Stockholm has a system that is convenient with mobile tickets, reusable smart cards, and contactless pay-as-you-go. You can always select the pass that best suits your travel requirements before your journey and have the benefit of unlimited access to buses, metros, trains, and ferries within the region.
