Getting around Stockholm archipelago

Stockholm’s vast archipelago begins just a short boat ride from the city centre, making it incredibly easy to access. The closest island, Fjäderholmarna, is just 30 minutes away by boat, while Dalarö and Vaxholm can be reached in about an hour.

Getting there by ferry

Most locals rely on Waxholmsbolaget, which operates regular ferry services throughout the archipelago, from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south. These ferries are part of Stockholm County’s public transport system and run year-round. During summer, there are multiple daily departures from Strömkajen in central Stockholm, as well as from other ports around the county.

To plan your trip, use Waxholmsbolaget’s journey planner. While the site is only available in Swedish, it’s fairly easy to navigate if you know the names of the islands or jetties you want to travel between.

Choosing the right ticket

Tickets are purchased on board and paid for with Visa or Mastercard (cash is not accepted). Make sure to keep your paper receipt and show it to the staff when disembarking.

For unlimited island hopping, you can buy 5-day or 30-day travel passes, valid on all Waxholmsbolaget ferries. These passes, available for purchase on board, are perfect if you plan to explore multiple islands.

Other ways to explore the archipelago

In addition to Waxholmsbolaget, there are other transport options:

• Strömma operates the Cinderella boats, which can be pre-booked and run between central Stockholm (Nybrokajen) and Vaxholm, Grinda, and Sandhamn. Strömma also offers archipelago cruises, restaurant cruises, and sightseeing tours, making it a great choice for organised day trips and excursions.
• SL (Stockholm’s public transport authority) runs commuter ferry line 83 from Strömkajen and Slussen to Vaxholm, a journey of about an hour. You can use a regular SL single or return ticket to experience one of the archipelago’s most popular islands.
• Taxi boats are ideal for shorter trips between islands or when travelling outside the regular ferry routes, especially for larger groups. Some providers include Båttaxi and Stockholm Watertaxi.

Getting around once you’re there

While some islands, such as Vaxholm, Yxlan, and Muskö, can be reached by bus or car via bridges, tunnels, and car ferries, most of the archipelago is car-free. The best way to explore is by foot or bicycle, and bikes can be rented on most major islands.

Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer adventure, Stockholm’s archipelago is easy to explore and full of unforgettable experiences.