Nordic Countries - The Stockholm Card

http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/

It's been mentioned here a few times (although not recently) - but not discussed in any detail. Has anyone used it? If so - did you like it? If you looked at it - and decided not to buy it - what was the basis of your decision?

My husband and I will be in Stockholm for a week that will be heavy on sightseeing. I don't think the card is a huge bargain. But it seems to have a certain convenience factor. First - it seems to cover just about everything we want to see. And supposedly all (or perhaps most) public transportation. So we don't have to carry around a lot of cash - or go through a large number of credit card charges (and currency conversions) when we get home. Also - we might skip a small place if it cost $20 (nothing in Stockholm seems cheap) - but might take a look-see with the Stockholm Card.

Anyway - all thoughts - pro and con - would be appreciated. Robyn

I was supposed to be in Stockholm last week. Ended up not going due to someone in our party breaking a leg in St. Petersburg -- Sweden became Belgium for surgery - but that is a different story. In response to your post, I did decide to buy the Stockholm card for the 4 of us before we left.

In evaluating the card's purchase, I made a list of everything we planned to see over our 3 days there and then added up all the standard admission fees. The result was a little savings on the museums alone - a bit more savings considering a 10% internet discount that was being offered on their website -- and then the sweetener of the public transportation usage (was not sure how much we would use as we like to walk a lot -- but thought we would use it at least once per day). So at that point I was leaning towards a purchase, but still not sure I wanted to put that much money down up front.

What really decided it for me was looking at how many places it was accepted. In big cities I often come across museums or other attractions that I was not planning to see, but might be interesting to peek my head into for a few minutes. If they are free or cheap we go ahead, but often we just pass on anything with a significant admission price (especially with 4 people to pay for). I thought the Stockholm Card would give us the freedom to explore -- and no big deal if we just went into a place for 15 minutes (and we might discover something really cool we would not have otherwise seen). So I went for it.

The card is an OK deal if and only if you plan to go to a LOT of museums. Most people will find that buying the 24 or 72 hour SL Access Card and paying cash for the attractions they visit is cheaper than the price of the card. Both the card and the Stockholm card give unlimited travel on all public transportation in the area. :)

Well - we do plan to go to a lot of museums. The only major museum that wasn't included on the card when I first started looking was the Fotografiska - but it is now on the card.

dbuckho - Did you get a refund when you had to cancel your trip? Just curious. It's not a deal breaker for me. I have some rules when it comes to medical stuff. Never see a doctor right before the holidays - or before you're starting a trip (unless you think you're really sick). OTOH - my husband and I are in our 60's - my father is 93 - and you never know what will happen. On the third hand - if we wind up with a serious medical problem in any quarter - the price of the Stockholm Card will be the least of our problems.

And I really like the idea of being able to show a card when using public transportation (instead of figuring out fares - tickets - where and when you need exact change - etc.). I am sure Stockholm will be easier than Tokyo - but I'd rather flash a card than figuring out if I have X SEK in exact change to get on a bus.

Perhaps it's because I don't live in a big city. But I just noticed that Google Maps for Stockholm gives not only directions for walking/using a car - but directions for public transportation too.

I do regret that the "hop-on" "hop-off" boat seems to stop service the day of our arrival. It looks like a fun way to get around. Robyn

Their terms of delivery (http://shop.visitstockholm.com/en-GB/terms-of-delivery--i-47.aspx) have a 14 day return policy from the date of delivery. I received our cards a couple weeks before our departure - so was around 20 days past delivery when our plans changed and I contacted them. They graciously allowed me to return the cards for a full refund less the shipping fee. I mailed them back from Belgium.

The cost of the cards was definitely the least of our problems. But it was nice to know we would get those dollars (krona) back considering all the other incidental costs we were incurring at the time. It may be a year or two before we can reschedule the Scandinavia portion of our trip - but I will 100% buy the card again when we go given their accommodation. I really appreciated it.

If you buy them ahead of time via Internet like I did, you may want to time the purchase/delivery so they reach you in time but as close to departure as possible.

Side note - I used public transit often during our 9 days in Ghent, Belgium. Google maps was amazing - not just the routing, but in many cases having the time the next bus/tram would be arriving based on the published schedules. In most cases it was accurate - perhaps also a tribute to the local transit company De Lijn running on time.

but I'd rather flash a card than figuring out if I have X SEK in exact change to get on a bus.

No need to worry about that - you can't pay with cash on busses anyhow.

Your best bet is to buy the Stockholm card or buy a 7-day metro card which is valid in the subway and on all busses and (I think) the tram running between downtown and djurgården.

I just ordered our Stockholm cards. And when I went to buy the card - I noticed that the 10% discount I had previously seen had disappeared. I managed to find it again here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g189852-i233-k5586019-Where_did_the_10_web_discount_for_the_Stockholm_ca rd_go-Stockholm.html

Note that there is also a 15% discount link available on this website. Robyn

Your best bet is to buy the Stockholm card or buy a 7-day metro card which is valid in the subway and on all busses and (I think) the tram running between downtown and djurgården.

Yes, the metro (SL) cards are valid on the tram, as well as the Djurgården ferries.

Note that the Stockholm Card is NOT valid for those ferries. (see: http://sl.se/sv/Resenar/Valja-biljett/SL-bat/ - unfortunately only available in Swedish)

Yes, the metro (SL) cards are valid on the tram, as well as the Djurgården ferries.

Note that the Stockholm Card is NOT valid for those ferries. (see: http://sl.se/sv/Resenar/Valja-biljett/SL-bat/ - unfortunately only available in Swedish)

That is a good distinction to highlight.

Both cards are valid on all trams in the SL zone areas.

Yes, the metro (SL) cards are valid on the tram, as well as the Djurgården ferries.

Note that the Stockholm Card is NOT valid for those ferries. (see: http://sl.se/sv/Resenar/Valja-biljett/SL-bat/ - unfortunately only available in Swedish)

OK - if my understanding is correct from what I have read here and on line - the Stockholm card isn't good on the Djurgarden ferries. I don't think that's a ferry we would be using very much anyway.

A question. What can we expect to pay for perhaps a 2-3 km taxi ride in Stockholm? Is it hard to get a taxi at night - even if it's raining? Do the taxis take credit cards? When we are in a big city - and Stockholm is a big city compared to where we live - we like to spend our day wandering away from our hotel - and then taking a taxi home to the hotel at the end of the day (when we're really tired). Robyn

OK - if my understanding is correct from what I have read here and on line - the Stockholm card isn't good on the Djurgarden ferries. I don't think that's a ferry we would be using very much anyway.

A question. What can we expect to pay for perhaps a 2-3 km taxi ride in Stockholm? Is it hard to get a taxi at night - even if it's raining? Do the taxis take credit cards? When we are in a big city - and Stockholm is a big city compared to where we live - we like to spend our day wandering away from our hotel - and then taking a taxi home to the hotel at the end of the day (when we're really tired). Robyn

That's correct. The metro, all trams, commuter trains and buses (except airport coaches) are included in the Stockholm Card.

Such a short taxi ride at night won't take long and will probably cost about 100-120 SEK - expensive enough compared to some other places but won't break your budget. I won't touch the tipping subject more than note that I seldom tip cab drivers. There's generally not a problem getting a cab within "normal" hours (up til 1-2am weekdays and 3-4am weekends).

One small bit of caution - the taxi market is not regulated and as a taxi driver you're free to charge whatever you want as long as it's posted properly on the yellow sticker on the side window. The largest displayed figure there is the max cost for a 10k/15minute ride, and should be in the low 300s. However, some charge 600-1000 SEK and there have been reports of a 9999 SEK monstrosity.

There's no need to get overly scared of this, the major companies/associations (Taxi 020, Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir) are all ok and most of the minor are as well, just make a habit of checking that sticker. These overcharging cab drivers prowl the most touristy spots hoping for an unsuspecting customer/victim...

That's correct. The metro, all trams, commuter trains and buses (except airport coaches) are included in the Stockholm Card.

Such a short taxi ride at night won't take long and will probably cost about 100-120 SEK - expensive enough compared to some other places but won't break your budget. I won't touch the tipping subject more than note that I seldom tip cab drivers. There's generally not a problem getting a cab within "normal" hours (up til 1-2am weekdays and 3-4am weekends).

One small bit of caution - the taxi market is not regulated and as a taxi driver you're free to charge whatever you want as long as it's posted properly on the yellow sticker on the side window. The largest displayed figure there is the max cost for a 10k/15minute ride, and should be in the low 300s. However, some charge 600-1000 SEK and there have been reports of a 9999 SEK monstrosity.

There's no need to get overly scared of this, the major companies/associations (Taxi 020, Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir) are all ok and most of the minor are as well, just make a habit of checking that sticker. These overcharging cab drivers prowl the most touristy spots hoping for an unsuspecting customer/victim...

We don't have much of a budget for this trip - it's my 65th birthday - and this is my birthday present :).

I plan to arrange for a Taxi Stockholm cab to pick us up at the airport. And - if we're happy with them - we plan to use them as much as possible during our trip. We like to walk and sometimes use public transportation. But - at the end of a long day of sightseeing - when we are tired and cranky - we just like finding a cab to take us back to the hotel.

I've heard so many contradictory things about tipping in Sweden (everything from zero to 15% or more) that my husband and I decided we will just tip 10% on everything (unless a service charge is clearly included in a restaurant bill) - and tip people at the hotel what we would normally tip in the United States. It is easier to have one rule than to worry about this 100 times during a trip. For what it's worth - this is one thing I dislike about Europe - the tipping rules aren't clear. I prefer places like the United States and Japan. Where - although the rules are very different - everyone knows - or should know - exactly what the rules are. Robyn

Well we got our Stockholm cards in the mail. Nice looking cards :).

One thing that I found confusing was using the card on the Sjovagen ferry from Nybroplan to Allmanna Grand (Djurgarden). Now I know the "Djurgarden ferry" isn't covered by the Stockholm Card - but I don't think the Djurgarden ferry runs from Nybroplan. So is this a different ferry that is covered by the Stockholm Card? Also - does it run on a regular basis? The book that came with the Stockholm Card didn't help much. Nor did the Sjovagen website (the Google Swedish to English translation just said "limited availability"). We will probably go to Djurgarden at least twice - and I wonder if we can use the card for this ferry.

I know the concierge at our hotel will know this. But - once we get a few days away from our trip - I will check the weather report and plan a proposed sightseeing schedule (don't think I want to go to Skansen on a day when it is raining - etc.).

Also - we got our SEK today too (from our local bank). Nice looking money :). Robyn

One thing that I found confusing was using the card on the Sjovagen ferry from Nybroplan to Allmanna Grand (Djurgarden). ... So is this a different ferry that is covered by the Stockholm Card? Also - does it run on a regular basis?

Yes, the Sjövägen ferry IS included in the Stockholm card - it's actually explicitly stated in the Swedish only-link I referred above. I should have mentioned that, but I actually didn't really know of those ferries myself. Interesting...

Anyway, the time table (pdf) is available here: http://www.sjovagen.nu/getfile.ashx?cid=208267&cc=3&refid=13

Also in Swedish, but probably readable enough. Blue grid is mon-fri and yellow is sat-sun.

Thank you very much. The timetable is very easy to read. And although there is "limited availability" to/from Nybroplan/Djurgarden - it should work for our sightseeing. It will also allow us to use a boat at least a few times. I was sad to read that the "hop-on/hop-off" boat service ends the day before we arrive in Stockholm.

Anyway - best I can figure out - the Sjovagen boat system is a fairly new part of the Stockholm transportation system - designed mostly for people who live and work and commute in the area - not tourists. Perhaps one afternoon when we are tired - we'll just get on the boat and see where it goes. I think it might take us to non-tourist areas - places where people live. Which might be interesting to see. Robyn

Well - we are back from Stockholm. We had 6 full days in Stockholm - and got a 5 day card. Went to lots of museums - including some small ones that wouldn't have been worth the money without the card. Also used the card for a free Royal Canal boat trip (50 minutes). We only used public transportation a few times - mostly to see it. No question we got our money's worth out of the card.

Note that the card definitely favors those with longer stays in Stockholm who want to go to lots of museums - or those who can see 5 attractions a day (kind of hard to do - we spent 3 hours just seeing Skansen). The 1 day card is 450 SEK - but the 5 day card is only 950 SEK (190 SEK/day).

FWIW - we did a lot of our sightseeing on foot. Also used cabs (only Taxi Stockholm) a fair amount. Cabs are pretty expensive. Perhaps 50%+ more than they cost in New York. So a budget conscious traveler can save a lot using the card for public transportation (assuming the traveler is also seeing a fair number of museums).

OTOH - walking can be hard on your feet/legs. There are lots of hills - and cobblestone streets. On the third hand - my husband and I are 65+ - he walks with a cane - and we're kind of slow. On the fourth hand - we still manage to walk about 3-4 miles a day when we're in a big city. On the fifth hand - we were really sore at the end of most days. Other people's mileage may vary.

Anyway - the card worked out great for us. Might even work for someone living in Stockholm who is taking visitors around to see the attractions of Stockholm. Robyn

Good to know that you got your money's worth out of the card. I'll be in Stockholm for 4.5 days in January and had been debating on the 3 or 5 day card (hoping that many of the attractions will still be open). Since I believe I can use it for transport to and from ARN, I think the 5 day would be best. I tend to move fast when traveling, so if I've already "pre-paid" for admissions, I won't feel as bad for spending less time in a museum than I would if I paid separately (when I would prefer to spend as long as possible to get my money's worth out of the admission fee). Do you recall if it is 5 calendar days (midnight to midnight) or 120 hours from purchase/first use?

Good to know that you got your money's worth out of the card. I'll be in Stockholm for 4.5 days in January and had been debating on the 3 or 5 day card (hoping that many of the attractions will still be open). Since I believe I can use it for transport to and from ARN, I think the 5 day would be best. I tend to move fast when traveling, so if I've already "pre-paid" for admissions, I won't feel as bad for spending less time in a museum than I would if I paid separately (when I would prefer to spend as long as possible to get my money's worth out of the admission fee). Do you recall if it is 5 calendar days (midnight to midnight) or 120 hours from purchase/first use?

The five day card is good for 120 hours from first use and may be purchased in advance. It can even be purchased on line any time before travel and then picked up after arrival in Stockholm. Using this link (http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/?discount=rainbow&affiliate=rainbow-campaign) will give you a 15% discount.

The card does indeed work fine for transport from ARN to the city. Take bus 583 to Märsta station and then any southbound train into central Stockholm.

The five day card is good for 120 hours from first use and may be purchased in advance. It can even be purchased on line any time before travel and then picked up after arrival in Stockholm. Using this link (http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/?discount=rainbow&affiliate=rainbow-campaign) will give you a 15% discount.

The card does indeed work fine for transport from ARN to the city. Take bus 583 to Märsta station and then any southbound train into central Stockholm.

I tossed all my original stuff about the card. But - when I first used it - both the date and time were written on it. So I assume it's 120 hours - and not 5 days. Robyn

Good to know that you got your money's worth out of the card. I'll be in Stockholm for 4.5 days in January and had been debating on the 3 or 5 day card (hoping that many of the attractions will still be open). Since I believe I can use it for transport to and from ARN, I think the 5 day would be best. I tend to move fast when traveling, so if I've already "pre-paid" for admissions, I won't feel as bad for spending less time in a museum than I would if I paid separately (when I would prefer to spend as long as possible to get my money's worth out of the admission fee). Do you recall if it is 5 calendar days (midnight to midnight) or 120 hours from purchase/first use?

I think most attractions will be open. Although perhaps operating on limited days during limited hours. For example - Skansen - which is outdoors - will be open 7 days a week - but only until about 3 pm on weekdays during the winter. Many museums (like museums elsewhere) are closed certain days (especially on Monday). Even in September - we made a list of the things we wanted to see/do - arranged them by geographical area - and noted when they were open/closed.

The card comes with a nice little comprehensive booklet that shows all the operating hours for everything it covers.

And I can't help asking - living in Florida USA - why Stockholm in January? I really liked the crisp fall weather in September - but I don't even own the proper clothes to visit Stockholm in January. Robyn

Good to know that you got your money's worth out of the card. I'll be in Stockholm for 4.5 days in January and had been debating on the 3 or 5 day card (hoping that many of the attractions will still be open). Since I believe I can use it for transport to and from ARN, I think the 5 day would be best. I tend to move fast when traveling, so if I've already "pre-paid" for admissions, I won't feel as bad for spending less time in a museum than I would if I paid separately (when I would prefer to spend as long as possible to get my money's worth out of the admission fee). Do you recall if it is 5 calendar days (midnight to midnight) or 120 hours from purchase/first use?

While the ARN to city transport with the card as mentioned above (bus to Märsta and then commuter train) is certainly doable, I wouldn't use it myself if I had luggage to haul. The direct bus to Stockholm (cheap) or Arlanda Express train (not so cheap, equal to a taxi if there's two of you) are better options IMHO.
If you use your Stockholm card extensively during your stay it would still be good value, and you'd get a more comfortable start in Stockholm with the bus or train from ARN. Most, if not all, museums will be open and you can navigate them in less time than it takes during the summer tourist rush.
Enjoy Stockholm!

And I can't help asking - living in Florida USA - why Stockholm in January? I really liked the crisp fall weather in September - but I don't even own the proper clothes to visit Stockholm in January. Robyn

Oh, and about the weather - Stockholm can be horrible in January, anything from 40 degrees F with wet brown melting snow on the sidewalks to the kind of temperatures when you can't spend five minutes outside without freezing to death. But it can also be absolutely beautiful if you are lucky. Just come prepared for any kind of weather. And if you don't, there's plenty of stores willing and able to sell you the right kind of clothes...

Thanks for the info, sometimes I tend to over-plan and a trip becomes sticking to a rigid schedule, instead of a more free-flowing journey. I guess getting from the airport to hotel should be the minimum preparation.

I'm from northern California, but have always appreciated the cold, it never bothered me much. I'll be prepared as best I can without going overboard, and can always buy whatever is needed while there. As a bigger, single guy, I don't carry as much clothing as I have seen others bring. I lived in Bermuda for 3 years and have no idea how colleagues from Canada and the UK would get cold. The reason for January is that I'll be between jobs, so it's a great time to travel, and I'll be staying at the Ice Hotel during this trip as well.

Thanks for the info, sometimes I tend to over-plan and a trip becomes sticking to a rigid schedule, instead of a more free-flowing journey. I guess getting from the airport to hotel should be the minimum preparation.

I'm from northern California, but have always appreciated the cold, it never bothered me much. I'll be prepared as best I can without going overboard, and can always buy whatever is needed while there. As a bigger, single guy, I don't carry as much clothing as I have seen others bring. I lived in Bermuda for 3 years and have no idea how colleagues from Canada and the UK would get cold. The reason for January is that I'll be between jobs, so it's a great time to travel, and I'll be staying at the Ice Hotel during this trip as well.

Well you have to at least pack/prepare for the likely weather - which won't be like the weather in northern California. And I would buy the clothes I need at home - not in Stockholm. Everything there is super expensive! Robyn

Well you have to at least pack/prepare for the likely weather - which won't be like the weather in northern California. And I would buy the clothes I need at home - not in Stockholm. Everything there is super expensive! Robyn

Shopping for winter clothes in Sweden is a generally expensive proposition with poor value for money (although the quality or styling may be better). Having said that, at season's ends I do find some, very limited deals on non-coats that are an exception to that poor return on money.

The direct bus to Stockholm (cheap) or Arlanda Express train (not so cheap, equal to a taxi if there's two of you) are better options IMHO.

Another really inexpensive alternative (and almost as fast) is taking the SJ train to/from Arlanda C (located in Sky City). Perhaps the only downsides are that (1) SJ trains can run late and (2) you are dropped off deep inside Stockholm C--the latter isn't much of an issue since we usually connect to/from a regional train.

Shopping for winter clothes in Sweden is a generally expensive proposition with poor value for money (although the quality or styling may be better).

How I long for the days of SEK10/$ exchange rates. :D I almost got a whole new wardrobe that winter.

How I long for the days of SEK10/$ exchange rates. :D I almost got a whole new wardrobe that winter.

I long for those days too. :)

I remember 11 SEK to the USD intra-day spot exchange highs on the cusp of my FT posting history period. After the summer of 2001, the deals in USD got worse, worse and worse -- the irony perhaps being that my deals on hotels, flights and car rentals within Sweden got better and better and better. :D

I long for those days too. :) :D

I certainly don't. I'm going to New York this weekend - the current 6.50 SEK to 1 USD is just fine with me... Might have to get an extra suitcase for the trip back.

I certainly don't. I'm going to New York this weekend - the current 6.50 SEK to 1 USD is just fine with me... Might have to get an extra suitcase for the trip back.

Your shopping will help toward working the USD up against the SEK, although not as much as the legion of Swedish female shoppers that come at this time too. :D

Hopefully you also got some good hotel deals in New York -- where hotels have become substantially more expensive in USD and SEK terms than they used to be when the SEK was weaker than it is in the past several years.

My hotel costs in Stockholm have dropped in USD terms despite the currency moves. :)

Your shopping will help toward working the USD up against the SEK, although not as much as the legion of Swedish female shoppers that come at this time too. :D

Hopefully you also got some good hotel deals in New York -- where hotels have become substantially more expensive in USD and SEK terms than they used to be when the SEK was weaker than it is in the past several years.

My hotel costs in Stockholm have dropped in USD terms despite the currency moves. :)

I have neither plans nor hope to compete with the women when it comes to shopping...:) Although visiting New York usually breaks my budget for the year.

We're staying at a lower-end hotel near Union Square. Hotels have gotten painfully expensive in NY, as you point out, and we prefer to spend our money on food, drink and shopping instead of sleeping:)

I have neither plans nor hope to compete with the women when it comes to shopping...:) Although visiting New York usually breaks my budget for the year.

We're staying at a lower-end hotel near Union Square. Hotels have gotten painfully expensive in NY, as you point out, and we prefer to spend our money on food, drink and shopping instead of sleeping:)

I just put up a bunch of Swedish friends and family into hotels in midtown Manhattan for 700SEK (or less) per night this month, courtesy of playing games with de facto buying points (via promotions) or toying around with best rate guarantees at hotels where the going rate is $300/night or higher. [My own stays there as of late, if I need a hotel, are closer to 420 SEK/night. :D]

US Wyndham Rewards (promotions) seems to work very well for two properties near Penn Station in Manhattan; and Intercontinental Hotels has a great best rate guarantee program that can really work wonders if you are two people in a travel party/room.

.... and as usual for Stockholm, Malmo, and Gothenburg (and currently much of the continental eurozone area), the US Choice Privileges program works extremely well too to get hotel savings when the Friends and Family rate are not available with Radisson.

Something to keep in mind in the future to help have more money to spend on food/drinks, entertainment, transport and shopping.

I just put up a bunch of Swedish friends and family into hotels in midtown Manhattan for 700SEK (or less) per night this month, courtesy of playing games with de facto buying points (via promotions) or toying around with best rate guarantees at hotels where the going rate is $300/night or higher. [My own stays there as of late, if I need a hotel, are closer to 420 SEK/night. :D]

US Wyndham Rewards (promotions) seems to work very well for two properties near Penn Station in Manhattan; and Intercontinental Hotels has a great best rate guarantee program that can really work wonders if you are two people in a travel party/room.

.... and as usual for Stockholm, Malmo, and Gothenburg (and currently much of the continental eurozone area), the US Choice Privileges program works extremely well too to get hotel savings when the Friends and Family rate are not available with Radisson.

Something to keep in mind in the future to help have more money to spend on food/drinks, entertainment, transport and shopping.

Thanks for that GUWonder, but I don't travel frequently enough to have any useful points in any hotel program. :( I'm sure we'll be happy at the place we're staying, we really liked the Union Square area for bars and restaurants last time we went. Under 200 USD a night all in feels like a decent price, but I'm sure I've could have found something nicer if I had put more work into it.