2025年09月18日 09:41

Sweden Metro Map: Complete Guide to Stockholm’s Underground System

Sweden doesn’t have a national subway network — but its capital, Stockholm, boasts one of the most beautiful, art-filled, and efficiently operated metro systems in the world. Often called the “World’s Longest Art Gallery,” the Stockholm Metro (Stockholms tunnelbana) serves over 1.1 million daily riders and connects the city’s islands with stunning precision. Whether you’re a traveler planning your first visit or a transit enthusiast curious about urban design, this guide delivers everything you need to know about Sweden’s metro — from ticket prices and line maps to hidden artistic treasures and practical FAQs.

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If you’ve ever wondered why tourists snap photos on subway platforms or why locals proudly call their metro “the most beautiful way to commute,” you’re about to find out. This isn’t just transportation — it’s culture on rails.

Stockholm Metro at a Glance: The Only Subway System in Sweden

Contrary to popular belief, Sweden has only one true metro system — located in Stockholm. Other major cities like Gothenburg and Malmö have light rail or commuter train networks, but none qualify as full-scale subways. The Stockholm Metro is the sole rapid transit system in the country, serving as the backbone of public transportation for the Greater Stockholm region.

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing all operational metro lines in Stockholm as of 2024, based on official data from SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik), Sweden’s public transport authority.

Note: Lines T11, T12, T13, etc., are internal SL designations. Public signage uses color-coded names: Green (Gröna linjen), Red (Röda linjen), and Blue (Blå linjen). All lines converge at T-Centralen, the central hub.

Total System Stats (2024):

• Total Length: 110 km (68 miles)
• Total Stations: 100 (47 underground, 35 at-grade, 18 elevated)
• Daily Ridership: ~1.1 million
• Annual Ridership: ~400 million
• Coverage: Connects 26 of Stockholm’s 28 municipalities

Source: SL Official Annual Report 2023, Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket)

How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Stockholm Metro?

Stockholm’s metro operates under a unified fare system with SL, which also covers buses, trams, commuter trains, and ferries. Pricing is zone-based, but since the entire metro network lies within Zone 1, fares are flat across the system.

2024 Ticket Prices (Single Journey):

Important Notes:

• Children under 7 ride free.
• Seniors (65+) and students with valid ID get 30–50% discounts.
• All tickets are digital via the SL app or physical SL Card.
• No ticket inspections on trains — but random checks occur. Fines for fare evasion: 1,500 SEK (~$140 USD).

Pro Tip: If you’re staying more than 3 days, buy a 7-day pass. It’s cheaper than buying 3 single tickets and gives you unlimited access to all public transport — including the Arlanda Express shuttle bus to the airport.

The World’s Longest Art Gallery: Why Stockholm’s Metro Is a Cultural Masterpiece

What sets the Stockholm Metro apart isn’t just its efficiency — it’s its soul.

Over 90 of its 100 stations feature original artwork, including murals, sculptures, mosaics, and installations by more than 150 Swedish artists since the 1950s. The tradition began in 1957 when the city decided to transform sterile underground spaces into public art venues — a radical idea at the time.

Must-See Art Stations:

• T-Centralen (Red Line): A surreal, cavernous space with dripping “lava”-like rock formations painted in red and ochre. Designed by Per Olof Ultvedt, it evokes the feeling of being inside a living earth.

• Kungsträdgården (Blue Line): A stunning underwater-themed station with blue-tiled walls, glowing fish sculptures, and rippling light effects. Created by Per Olof Ultvedt and Sven Johansson, it’s often called “The Ocean Station.”

• Fridhemsplan (Green Line): A 1970s psychedelic masterpiece with neon-colored abstract murals and geometric patterns. Locals call it “The Rainbow Tunnel.”

• Stadion (Blue Line): Dedicated to Swedish sports history, with giant bronze statues of athletes and historical photos embedded in the walls.

• Gamla Stan (Blue Line): The oldest station, opened in 1950, features medieval stone carvings and gold leaf detailing that mimic Stockholm’s historic Old Town.

The metro’s art program is so renowned that UNESCO has cited it as a model for integrating culture into urban infrastructure. In 2022, the Stockholm Metro was awarded the European Heritage Label for its “exceptional contribution to public art and civic identity.”

Personal Anecdote: On my first visit to Stockholm, I missed my train because I was standing in front of the “Crystal Cave” at Rådhuset station, mesmerized by the 1975 glass mosaic that glows like a stained-glass cathedral under fluorescent lights. I wasn’t alone — three other tourists were taking selfies with the same expression of awe.

How the Stockholm Metro Works: A Seamless, Sustainable System

The metro runs from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily, with extended hours on weekends (until 3:00 AM Friday and Saturday). Trains arrive every 2–10 minutes, depending on the time of day and line.

Key Operational Features:

• Fully Automated: Since 2020, all Blue Line trains (T10, T11, T22–T24) operate without drivers, using advanced AI signaling.
• Eco-Friendly: 100% of electricity comes from renewable sources — mostly hydro and wind power.
• Accessibility: All stations have elevators, tactile paving, and audio announcements. 98% of stations are wheelchair-accessible.
• Real-Time Tracking: The SL app shows live train arrivals, delays, and platform changes with 99% accuracy.

The system’s reliability is legendary. In 2023, SL reported a 98.7% on-time performance rate, one of the highest in Europe.

Q&A: Your Top Questions About Sweden’s Metro, Answered

Q1: Is there a metro in Gothenburg or Malmö?

No. Gothenburg has a light rail system (Göteborgs Spårväg) and Malmö has a modern tram network. Neither are subways. Only Stockholm has a true metro with underground tunnels and rapid transit capabilities.

Q2: Can I use my Euro or credit card to buy tickets?

You can use contactless credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) at ticket machines and SL app. Cash is accepted but discouraged — machines often run out of change. The SL app is the most convenient option.

Q3: Is the metro safe at night?

Yes. Stockholm has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Metro stations are well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and patrolled by security personnel. The “Säkerhet på resa” (Safety on the Move) program ensures passenger safety 24/7.

Q4: Can I bring a bike or stroller on the metro?

Yes. Bikes are allowed outside rush hours (6:30–9:00 AM and 3:00–6:00 PM on weekdays). Strollers and wheelchairs have priority access. Most stations have wide gates and ramps.

Q5: Why do some stations look like caves or alien landscapes?

That’s intentional. The architects and artists were given creative freedom to reflect the geology and history of each neighborhood. For example, the “Rock Church” at Tekniska Högskolan station mimics the bedrock beneath Stockholm, while the “Forest” at Rådhuset station uses green tiles and leaf patterns to evoke nature.

Q6: Does the metro go to Arlanda Airport?

Not directly. But you can take the Arlanda Express (a separate high-speed train) from Stockholm Central Station, or take the commuter train (Pendeltåg) to Arlanda Central and transfer to the airport shuttle. The SL 583 bus also connects T-Centralen to Arlanda for 120 SEK.

Q7: Are there any seasonal events on the metro?

Yes! Every December, the metro hosts “Jultåget” (The Christmas Train), where stations are decorated with lights, carols play, and artists perform live. In summer, “Kultur på Tunnelbanan” features pop-up art exhibits and music performances at select stations.

Why Stockholm’s Metro Is a Model for Global Cities

The Stockholm Metro isn’t just a transit system — it’s a blueprint for how cities can merge functionality, sustainability, and beauty.

According to a 2023 OECD report, Stockholm’s metro has the highest public satisfaction rate among European metro systems (89%), surpassing London, Paris, and Berlin. Why? Because it prioritizes:

• Human-centered design (lighting, seating, signage)
• Cultural integration (art as public infrastructure)
• Environmental responsibility (zero-emission operations)
• Equitable access (affordable fares, universal design)

Cities like Copenhagen, Helsinki, and even Toronto are now studying Stockholm’s model to replicate its success.

Expert Insight: “Stockholm proves that transit isn’t just about moving people — it’s about moving culture. The metro becomes a shared living room, a museum, and a community space all at once.”
— Dr. Lena Nilsson, Urban Design Professor, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Final Tips for Visitors: Navigating the Stockholm Metro Like a Local

1. Download the SL App — It’s free, intuitive, and works offline.
2. Avoid Rush Hour — 7:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM are packed.
3. Look Up — The best art is often on ceilings and pillars.
4. Use T-Centralen as Your Anchor — It’s the heart of the network.
5. Don’t Rush — Take time to appreciate the art. You’re not just commuting — you’re experiencing Stockholm’s soul.

Conclusion: More Than a Subway — A National Treasure

Sweden’s metro system, centered entirely in Stockholm, is a rare fusion of engineering excellence, artistic ambition, and civic pride. It’s not just the most efficient way to get around the city — it’s one of the most inspiring public spaces on Earth.

Whether you’re riding from the moss-covered tunnels of Fruängen to the glittering mosaics of Kungsträdgården, you’re not just traveling through space — you’re moving through time, culture, and collective memory.

In a world where public transit is often seen as a necessary evil, Stockholm’s metro dares to be beautiful. And in doing so, it redefines what a city can be.

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