STOCKHOLM - FAQ`S
By Plane, you`ll arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, about 30 miles north of the city. If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you have a few options. Arriving by plane you can travel to and from the city center by Arlanda Express Train, Bus or Taxi.
The Arlanda Express Train (www.arlandaexpress.com) is an airport rail link connecting Stockholm Central Station with Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. The express train is the fastest way to get to the city, but not necessarily the cheapest. The train will get you to the Central Station in about 20 minutes and the trains run every 15 - 20 minutes daily from about 5am - midnight (less frequently after 9pm). The cost of a one-way ticket is about 280SEK ($32.00) for adults and senior and student discounts are available. The Express Train is free with the Eurailpass.
A cheaper way to get to the city center is to take a Flygbuss service between Stockholm Arlanda and City Terminal. Buses leave every 10 - 15 minutes from Arlanda Airport and less frequently on the weekends. The cost is about 119SEK ($13) one-way and will take an estimated travel time of 45 minutes to get into the city center.
A taxi is a convenient option but can be expensive with the cost running about 600SEK ($68) or more. Airport Cab (www.airportcab.se) goes to Stockholm for a flat fee of about 375SEK - 420SEK ($42 - $47). It will take about 40 minutes to get to the city center depending on the time of day. Note: Taxi fares in Sweden aren`t regulated, which means that prices can vary significantly. Make sure to use a taxi with a contact telephone number displayed and agree on the fare prior to departing the airport.
How do I get from the train station to my hotel?Trains arrive at Stockholm`s Central Station (Stockholm Centralstationen), the largest railway station in Sweden. Train connections at this station to northern Scandinavia, Norway (Oslo) and Denmark (Copenhagen). Central Station is situated in the district of Norrmalm at Vasagatan/Central Plan. From Central Station connections can be made to Stockholm`s subway, the T-bana. Follow the TUNNELBANA sign (an underground pedestrian passage connects it to T-bana), which is sometimes abbreviated to merely the capital letter `T` in blue ink on a white background, enclosed in a blue circle. Services to all lines of the Stockholm Metro networks are provided here.
A bus terminal called Cityterminalen is located adjacent to the main station, directly connected by a short pedestrian tunnel. Local services stop at various bus stops close to the main station`s exits.
How do I get around the city using public transportation and ticket information?Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) runs all the public transportation; buses, local trains, subways (T-bana), and trams within Stockholm County from Singo in the north to Nynashamn in the south. The routes are divided into zones, and one ticket is valid for all types of public transportation in the same zone within one hour of the time the ticket is stamped.
Tickets and passes can be purchased at SL counters, ticket machines and subways (T-bana) stations, Pressbyra and 7-Eleven stores, as well as with the smartphone app SL-biljetter. Tickets cannot be bought on buses and fines are steep for traveling without a valid ticket. Keep in mind it is always cheaper to buy prepaid tickets and the longer the period of validity of the ticket, the cheaper it will be. If you are visiting temporarily the single use travelcards are perfect for you.
With a travel card, you can travel as much as you like throughout the county for the duration of the card. The travel card is generally the best buy for a visitor who plans to use public transportation regularly during their stay. Cards can be purchased for 24-hours costing approximately 100SEK ($12) and 60SEK ($7) for ages 7 to 20 and seniors; 72 hours costing about 220SEK ($25) for adults and 120SEK ($24) for ages 7 to 20 and seniors. The ticket is valid for travel in both Stockholm and the bordering county. The 3-day pass also allows for admission to Skansen, Kaknastornet, and Grona Lund. Kids up to 7 years of age can travel free with an adult. All travelcards are valid for travel on the Djurgarden ferries between Slussen and Djurgarden, as well as a few commuter ferries.
General Fares: A basic fare for public transportation cost around 20SEK ($3), and allows for travel to points within most of the urban Stockholm area and the borders of the inner city. The ticket is valid for 1 hour of your departure time.
Ferries are a great way to experience Stockholm being a city that is built on islands. Ferries are used by both commuters and tourists alike. There are ample ferry departures from Nybroviken and Slussen out to Djurgarden and Hammarby Sjostad. An SL Card includes the ferries from Slussen and you can buy single tickets on the quay.
How can I call/hail a taxi?Taxis that display an illuminated dome light can be hailed directly on the street, or you can order one by phone. There is a manned taxi center at Central Station that can help you find the right services (i.e. larger vehicle, child seats, etc). Taxis prices in Sweden are not regulated and will greatly vary, make sure to check the price on the yellow-and-white label on the window before entering the vehicle. There are many taxi companies to choose from in Stockholm; caution is advised and make sure to use approved taxis that are metered and always have yellow number plates.
What is the Stockholm Pass?The Stockholm Pass is a sightseeing city card which allows visitors to experience everything Stockholm has to offer while saving both time and money. The Stockholm Pass includes free entry to over 60 top attractions, monuments and museums, including a wide range of boat and bus tours. The Pass is available for 1, 2, 3 and 5 day options. Prices range from 595SEK - 1295 (about $68 - $150) depending on the number of days you purchase.
I will have a car in Stockholm, where can I park?Driving can be challenging with many skinny one-way streets, congested bridges, and limited parking. It is not recommended to drive in the city because of this and for the reason that public transportation is very efficient. You may park at Park-and-Ride facilities, in parking garages or on designated street parking. If your car is registered in Sweden you are obliged to pay a congestion charge in the Stockholm inner city.
How do I get around by bike?Stockholm CityBikes is a network of bikes that cyclist can use for up to three hours at a time and be returned to the CityBikes stand. Bike cards can be purchased online, at Storstckholms Lokaltrafik (SL) center, 7-Eleven, at most hotels or from the tourist office. One of the best areas to go cycling is on the Djurgarden.
Is Stockholm a walking city?Stockholm has so many stunning streets and you will find the best way to see them all is by walking. Don`t forget to pass by the most narrow street of the city: Marten Trotzigs Grand. Many of Stockholm`s main streets and arteries (Kingsgatan, Birger, Jarlsgatan, Drottningsgata, and Strandvagen) are reserved mainly for pedestrians.
Is Stockholm a dangerous city? Are there certain areas I should avoid?Sweden as a whole has a low crime rate, and Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world, but like any large city anywhere it has the usual pickpockets, beggars, and con-artists. Take the usual precautions especially in crowded areas.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?The currency in Sweden is the Krona (SEK, often referred to as crowns in English). Once you`re in Sweden you`ll have to use the Sweden Kroner, US dollars are not accepted. There are currency exchange offices scattered throughout the city. However, you may not need much cash during your visit as you can pay with credit card for almost everything in Stockholm. Keep in mind that tipping is not mandatory in Sweden and service charges are almost always included in your bill. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Sweden.
I don't speak Swedish. Will many people speak English?The country`s written and spoken language in Sweden is Swedish. Sweden is considered to be one of the best English speaking countries in the world, except the countries where English is native. You will have no problem finding Swedes to speak English. However, we suggest you get a good guide book and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What are the best areas for shopping?Stockholm has a reputation for style and is a shopping haven filled with dazzling merchandise often at expensive prices that reflect the high esteem in which Swedish craftspeople are held. There are a number of shopping areas to choose from.
Ostermalm, one of the most exclusive districts in Stockholm, this area offers high-end fashion stores, stunning eighteenth-century buildings, affluent restaurants and a harbor packed with luxury boats. Sodermalm, has a cool, stylish and creative vibe. Vasastan is an area often overlooked but considered a hidden gem in Stockholm offering plenty of high-end street brands alongside a growing selection of relaxing coffee shops to take a rest. Kungsholmen is another major district for shopping stretching from Hotorget to the intersection of Kungsgatan and Vasagatan. You will find numerous affordable family-run restaurants, cozy cafes and no-frills pubs in this neck of the woods. Gamla Stan (which means `Old Town`) is another beautiful area to go for shopping, with its cobbled narrow alleyways and stunning old buildings. Stockholm was founded in Gamla Stan in 1252, and amazingly little has changed since then. Taby is another great shopping area, with about 160 stores this is a one-stop-shop mega mall. There are also other large shopping centers on the outskirts of the capital that include Heron City, Liljeholmstorget, and Farsta centrum.
VAT (Value Added Tax) – Called MOMS, is imposed on all products and services. The standard VAT rate in Sweden currently is around 25%, with reduced rates for food, accommodations, books, newspapers, etc. There are ways to avoid paying it MOMS if you spend a total of about 1,200SEK ($135) in each shop. Just give the store your name, address, and passport number and ask for a tax-free check. You will need to wrap your purchase and keep it wrapped until you leave Sweden. The customs official will want to see both the tax-free check and your purchase. You will be given a cash refund, minus a small commission, on the spot. If you are flying, you will want to hold on to your luggage until after you`ve received your refund or carry the purchase on with you. The Tourist Center will have pamphlets about tax-free shopping in Sweden.
What is nightlife like and where are the best areas to go?Stockholm is a young and stylish city with a vibrant nightlife! You will find everything from casual bars with dance floors to clubs of the highest international standard. Djurgarden is the city`s favorite spot for both indoor and outdoor evening events. And the city is home to many of the world`s most famous house music DJ`s and the clubs are said to be on par with some of the best in the world. Most are located in the Stureplan district, which is a big public square in central Stockholm. Keep in mind Stockholm clubs can be very choosy and you don`t know when you will get rejected. Also, you`ll want to make sure your wallet is full before you go because it is not cheap. Before you head out check the clubs` websites for information on schedules, age restrictions and opening hours, which can vary from night to night.
What is the weather like?Average summertime highs range between 68 to 71 degrees F, with the hottest weather occurring in mid-July. It`s important to bring layers however, as temps can sometimes drop by 10 to 20 degrees come nightfall. The fall and spring seasons are cooler, with highs barely reaching 60F, and that`s only during September and May. Winters in Stockholm tend to be extremely cold but are ideal for travelers interested in winter sports or a picturesque Christmastime getaway.
What is the food like?Swedish food is much more than just iconic meatballs and chewy fish-shaped sweets, and Stockholm proves this. Stockholm`s food scene is a rousing blend of culinary influences. From world-class chefs running Michelin starred restaurants and bakficka (back pocket) bistro alternatives, along with cheap eats, microbreweries, markets and street food trucks there is plenty to choose from. Many restaurants serve up contemporary takes on traditional cooking. From local game like reindeer, moose, and wild boar to seafood classics like pickled herring and cured salmon. Food tends to be very expensive in Stockholm. A local insider tip is to keep an eye out for signs that say `Dagens ratt` or `Dagens lunch, ` placed outside restaurant windows. This means `dish of the day` and is usually served at more affordable prices. Keep in mind that restaurants add a service charge of around 12-15% to your bill to cover tipping, and about 21% value-added tax also is included in the bill.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?For Emergencies, dial 112
For Hospitals Call Medical Care Information at (tel. 08/32-01-00) and an English-speaking operator will inform you of the hospital closest to you; operators are available 24 hours daily.