Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
💻

Stockholm Metro

technology Maturity 5-7 Next article →

The Stockholm Metro is a vital rapid transit system serving Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. It is the only metro system in the country. Today, the network serves as a highly centralized system that connects the city to its various suburbs. It consists of three main colored lines: the Green, Red, and Blue lines. These lines form seven different routes that all pass through the city center. This central design allows passengers to reach almost any part of the metropolitan area efficiently.

Stockholm metrosystem map
Stockholm metrosystem map

The metro functions through a complex network of 100 stations. Of these, 47 are located underground, while 53 are above ground. The system is owned by Region Stockholm through the public transport authority, SL. To use the system, passengers pass through ticket barriers. SL manages the ticketing through a mobile app, rechargeable travel cards, or contactless payments. While station booths and local retailers also sell tickets, SL phased out traditional ticket machines in 2022.

EU-SE-Stockholm-012
EU-SE-Stockholm-012

There are three distinct lines that define the network's structure. The Green Line is the longest, with 49 stations and three routes. It opened in 1950 and carries about 146 million passengers annually. The Red Line opened in 1964 and has 36 stations across two routes. Finally, the Blue Line opened in 1975 and is the most deeply tunneled. It contains 20 stations, 19 of which are located underground in rock. The lines are named by color based on historical train liveries.

Swe subway switch 20050425 001
Swe subway switch 20050425 001

The history of the metro began with the expansion of local railways and trams in the late 19th century. As Stockholm grew, city leaders realized that trams could not meet future transport needs. They looked to large cities like London and New York for inspiration. In 1930, a traffic committee was appointed to solve the city's congestion. The first major step was the Södertunneln, a tram tunnel under Södermalm. It was inaugurated on September 30, 1933, after costing 4.5 million kronor.

Tunnelbanebygget (Färgad)
Tunnelbanebygget (Färgad)

Formal metro construction began in 1944 following a 1941 city council vote. During this era, the city faced a housing crisis and rapid population growth. These factors forced engineers to make significant technical changes. For example, the line between T-Centralen and Slussen was built with four tracks instead of two. Engineers also increased platform lengths from 100 meters to 145 meters. This allowed trains to grow from six cars to eight cars to carry more people.

Constructing the Stockholm Metro in 1957
Constructing the Stockholm Metro in 1957

One of the most remarkable features of the system is its aesthetic beauty. The Stockholm Metro is often called "the world's longest art gallery." More than 90 of the 100 stations feature artistic decorations. Over 150 artists have contributed works such as sculptures, mosaics, and paintings. Some stations, especially on the Blue Line, leave the natural bedrock exposed. This creates a unique look where the raw rock serves as part of the art.

Rådhuset metro station June 2015
Rådhuset metro station June 2015

The scale of the system is evident in its daily usage and technical operations. In 2019, the metro transported 462 million passengers. This averages to approximately 1.27 million people on a typical weekday. The system uses two main types of rolling stock: the SL C20 and the SL C30. A full-length train can accommodate around 1,250 passengers. To keep the city moving, trains run every 2 to 3 minutes during peak hours in the central network.

Örnsberg tunnelbana, SL C30, 20240210 - 50
Örnsberg tunnelbana, SL C30, 20240210 - 50

Looking forward, the Stockholm Metro continues to expand to meet the needs of a growing city. Several major projects are currently underway to extend the reach of the lines. A new extension to the northwest of the Blue Line is expected to open in 2027. Further southern extensions of the Blue Line are planned for 2030. Additionally, construction for a brand-new Yellow Line to the west of the city center is scheduled to begin in 2025.

Barkarby, tunnelbanan, 20230423, 20
Barkarby, tunnelbanan, 20230423, 20
629 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Tunnelbanebygget (Färgad).jpg
Tunnelbanebygget (Färgad).jpg
File:Constructing the Stockholm Metro in 1957.jpg
Constructing the Stockholm Metro in 1957.jpg
File:Tunnelbaneplan för Stockholm 1965.jpg
Tunnelbaneplan för Stockholm 1965.jpg
File:Rådhuset metro station June 2015.jpg
Rådhuset metro station June 2015.jpg
File:Swe subway switch 20050425 001.jpg
Swe subway switch 20050425 001.jpg
File:Stockholm metrosystem map.svg
Stockholm metrosystem map.svg
File:EU-SE-Stockholm-012.JPG
EU-SE-Stockholm-012.JPG
File:Örnsberg tunnelbana, SL C30, 20240210 - 50.jpg
Örnsberg tunnelbana, SL C30, 20240210 - 50.jpg
File:StockholmBlueMetroTrain.jpg
StockholmBlueMetroTrain.jpg
File:Stockholm subway karlaplan 20050731 002.jpg
Stockholm subway karlaplan 20050731 002.jpg
File:Stadion metro station 2025.jpg
Stadion metro station 2025.jpg
File:Barkarby, tunnelbanan, 20230423, 20.jpg
Barkarby, tunnelbanan, 20230423, 20.jpg

+ 1 more

More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.