Stockholm is a city of historical wonders waiting to be explored, but before you can take on the Tunnelbana, you’ll want to know how it works and where to find it. You’ll know you’ve found a Tunnelbana station when you see a large sign that is a white circle with an illuminated blue capital “T” in the middle. The Tunnelbana is divided into three major lines that are then divided into seven sub routes. No matter which line your stop falls on (red blue or green) you can switch over to another line via the T-Centralen, which intersects them all.

Once you understand the layout itself, there are a few other things that will help you to more easily navigate the Stockholm Tunnelbana. There are various types of tickets that can be purchased. It is important to understand that as you travel through Stockholm, there are three different zones: A, B, and C.  If you decided to purchase zone tickets, you must pay two tickets for one zone, three tickets for two zones, and four tickets for three zones.  The best places to buy these prepaid zone tickets are shops called Pressbyrån, which are usually located inside subway station terminals.

Traveler Tip: Though these passes are effective, they are short lived. If you're looking to be on and off of the Tunnelbana all day, it would be more economical and much easier to buy a Travel card. With a flat rate, you can hop on and off of the Stockholm Tunnelbana as many times as you want. That is of course subject to how long of a pass you purchase. Travel Cards vary from one day to 30 days.

The maps located at any of the Stockholm Tunnelbana terminals will help to explain where the stops are. Each line itself is fairly simple, it’s the crossover from line to line that’s more complicated. If you’re planning a trip and having trouble finding the best route, use this Journey Planner tool, it’s an efficient and helpful guide.

Can’t wait to plan your own journey? Well, here’s a good start. If you are in Central City, you can begin you’re sightseeing just about anywhere. In my opinion the best place to start is by making your way to the most historical part of Stockholm, Old Town. Avoid a walk and start to familiarize yourself with the helpful Stockholm Tunnelbana. Just hop on the metro green line 17 from T-Centralen toward Skarpnack. Get off at the Gamla stan stop. This first adventure on the Stockholm Tunnelbana will take you a whopping three minutes, but I assure you, you’ll feel accomplished when you conquer that first ride.

Once you’re in Old Town, take some time to simply take in the beauty of the ancient architecture. After some exploring down the narrow streets, find yourself at a Stockholm café and have a little lunch before you spend your afternoon at the Royal Palace. Losing track of time in the beauty of Old Town? Not a problem because no matter where you choose to spend your night, the Stockholm Tunnelbana runs late. It is accessible until 3:30AM Sunday through Thursday and until 4:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.

If you’re traveling to your bed at the wee hours of the morning after experiencing some Stockholm nightlife, there’s no need to be afraid. The Stockholm Tunnelbana is safe and secure at all hours of operation. Plan your adventure in Stockholm or aimlessly wander the Stockholm Tunnelbana. Either way you will see some incredible sights in an extremely accessible fashion.

Don’t forget to take a peak at the graffiti that coats the walls of the Stockholm Tunnelbana stations as you ride from destination to destination, it’s often quite beaitufl and inspired.