If you are planning to visit the Royal Palace in Stockholm, getting there is straightforward once you know which part of the city to aim for. The palace stands in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic Old Town, close to the waterfront and several of the city’s most popular sights. This guide explains the best ways to reach the Stockholm palace by metro, bus, ferry, train, car, bicycle, and on foot, along with practical advice for tickets, accessibility, entrances, and combining your visit with other royal attractions.
Where is the Royal Palace in Stockholm?
The Royal Palace, known in Swedish as Kungliga slottet, is located at Slottsbacken 1 in Gamla Stan. It sits on the northern edge of the Old Town, beside the Royal Palace waterfront and near the Swedish Parliament. The palace is an active royal residence and one of Stockholm’s most important historic landmarks.
Its central location makes the palace easy to include in a walking tour of the Old Town. Stortorget, Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Prize Museum, and the narrow medieval streets of Gamla Stan are all nearby. The palace is also within walking distance of Slussen, the Central Station area, and several ferry terminals.
Royal Palace Stockholm how to get there by metro
The metro is usually the simplest option for visitors asking how to get there from another part of Stockholm. Take the green or red line to Gamla stan station. From the station, the walk to the palace generally takes about five to eight minutes.
When you leave Gamla stan metro station, follow signs towards Gamla Stan and walk through the Old Town. Continue north through the historic streets, then follow signs for the palace or Slottsbacken. The route includes cobblestones and some uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are helpful.
Gamla stan station is served by trains on both the green and red metro lines. This makes it convenient from areas such as Södermalm, Norrmalm, Vasastan, and Kungsholmen. If you are travelling from T-Centralen, the journey to Gamla stan is only a few minutes by metro, followed by the short walk to the palace.
Walking from Gamla stan station
- Exit Gamla stan metro station and enter the Old Town.
- Walk north through the historic streets towards the palace district.
- Follow signs for Slottsbacken or Kungliga slottet.
- Allow around five to eight minutes, depending on your pace and the number of pedestrians.
For visitors with limited mobility, the cobblestones and slopes in Gamla Stan may make this route less comfortable. Check the latest accessibility information with the palace before travelling, particularly if you need a step-free route from public transport.
Reaching the Stockholm palace by bus
Several bus routes stop close to Gamla Stan, Slussen, or the central parts of Stockholm. The most useful route depends on where you are starting and on temporary changes to the public transport network. Bus routes and stop locations can change because of roadworks, events, or seasonal traffic restrictions.
In general, look for buses travelling to stops around Slussen, Gustav Adolfs torg, or the Old Town. From these areas, the palace is reachable on foot. Slussen is particularly useful for travellers coming from Södermalm and eastern parts of the city, while Gustav Adolfs torg is across the water from the northern side of Gamla Stan.
Use the SL journey planner or the SL app on the day of your visit to find the most accurate route. Enter “Kungliga slottet” or “Slottsbacken” as your destination. This is more reliable than planning around a bus number alone, since Stockholm’s public transport timetable and stop arrangements can be updated.
How to get to the Royal Palace from Stockholm Central Station
Stockholm Central Station is approximately 20 to 25 minutes from the Royal Palace on foot, depending on your route. Walking is a pleasant choice if you have time and want to see more of central Stockholm before entering Gamla Stan.
From the station, walk south towards Riksbron and the Parliament area. Cross towards Gamla Stan, then continue through the Old Town to Slottsbacken. This route is mostly straightforward, but the final section has cobbled streets and can be busy during the main sightseeing hours.
The quicker option is to take the metro from T-Centralen to Gamla stan. The metro ride takes only a few minutes, and the palace is then a short walk from the station. A taxi from Central Station can also take you close to the palace, although vehicles may not be able to stop directly at every entrance because of pedestrian streets and traffic restrictions.
Getting to the palace from Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Travellers arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport have several options. The fastest public transport choice is usually the Arlanda Express. It takes you to Stockholm Central Station, where you can continue by metro, taxi, or on foot to the Royal Palace.
Another option is the airport coach service to the Cityterminalen next to Central Station. The journey usually takes longer than the express train, but it can be useful if you prefer a coach or are travelling with more luggage. Once you arrive at the city terminal, follow the directions for reaching the palace from Central Station.
Regional trains and other public transport options may also be available, but airport fares and ticket rules differ from standard city journeys. Check the current airport and SL information before departure. If you are going directly to the palace with heavy luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer may be more convenient, although it will cost more than public transport.
Taking a ferry to the Royal Palace
Water transport can be a scenic way to approach Gamla Stan. Depending on the season and your starting point, you may be able to take a public ferry to Slussen or a nearby central pier. From Slussen, walk towards Gamla Stan and continue north to the palace. The walk typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, although construction and pedestrian diversions can affect the route.
Visitors staying near Djurgården may use a ferry towards Slussen or central Stockholm, then walk to the palace. Ferry routes operate on different schedules and some are seasonal, so check departures before setting out. Sightseeing boats are another possibility, but they are not normally the most direct method of reaching the palace.
Walking to the Royal Palace from popular Stockholm areas
From Slussen
The Royal Palace is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Slussen. Walk across towards Gamla Stan, then follow the Old Town streets north in the direction of Slottsbacken. This is one of the easiest walking routes if you are already exploring Södermalm or visiting the Katarinahissen area.
From Stortorget
Stortorget, the famous square in the centre of Gamla Stan, is only a few minutes from the palace. Walk north through the Old Town and follow signs to the Royal Palace. You can easily combine the two locations with Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Prize Museum.
From City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is on Kungsholmen, west of the city centre. Walking from City Hall to the palace takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. A more convenient choice is to walk to Central Station and continue by metro to Gamla stan, particularly in cold or wet weather.
From Djurgården
Djurgården is home to several major museums and attractions, including the Vasa Museum and the Nordic Museum. From there, you can travel by tram or ferry towards central Stockholm, then continue to Gamla Stan. Walking the entire distance is possible, but it takes longer and involves crossing central bridges and busy roads.
Driving and parking near the Royal Palace
Driving directly to the Royal Palace is generally not the easiest option. Gamla Stan has narrow streets, pedestrian areas, restricted access, and limited parking. The palace itself does not offer a large visitor car park.
If you are travelling by car, park in a public garage or designated parking area outside the most restricted parts of the Old Town. Garages around central Stockholm, Norrmalm, Södermalm, or Slussen may be more practical than trying to reach the palace entrance by car. From the parking area, continue on foot or by public transport.
Always check local signs before leaving your vehicle. Parking rules, congestion charges, and access restrictions apply in central Stockholm, and conditions can change during public events or royal ceremonies.
Using taxis and ride services
A taxi can take you close to Slottsbacken, but the driver may need to drop you at an accessible road nearby rather than directly outside the visitor entrance. The final walk may be short, but it can include cobblestones or pedestrian areas.
Use a reputable taxi company and check the estimated fare before starting the journey. Stockholm taxis may use different pricing structures, so a clearly displayed comparison price is useful. Ride-hailing services may also operate in Stockholm, but the available drop-off point can vary around Gamla Stan.
What to know before visiting the Stockholm palace
The Royal Palace is much more than a photo stop. The building contains grand state rooms, royal apartments, historic collections, and museums that explain Sweden’s monarchy and royal history. Depending on the date, visitors may be able to see the Treasury, the Royal Armoury, and other sections included in the palace’s visitor programme.
Opening hours vary during the year. The palace may close or have limited access during official events, ceremonies, maintenance, or special occasions. Check the official Royal Palace website before travelling for current opening hours, ticket prices, exhibitions, and entrance information.
Allow at least two hours for a focused visit. If you want to explore several exhibitions carefully, plan for longer. The palace is also a good starting point for a wider day in Gamla Stan, especially if you enjoy architecture, museums, historic churches, and royal attractions.
Tickets, entrances, and security
Ticket arrangements can differ depending on the season and which parts of the palace are open. Buying tickets online may help you plan ahead during busy periods, although availability and booking rules should be confirmed through the official source.
Visitors may pass through a security check before entering. Large bags, sharp objects, and other restricted items may not be allowed inside. Storage facilities can be limited, so avoid arriving with more luggage than you need. If you are travelling from the airport, consider leaving suitcases at your accommodation or a secure luggage facility before visiting.
The public entrance and visitor route may change when parts of the palace are being used for official purposes. Follow signs and staff instructions when you arrive rather than relying only on an older map or previous visitor information.
Accessibility and practical travel tips
- Wear comfortable shoes because Gamla Stan has cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
- Check step-free access and accessible toilets with the palace before your visit.
- Use the SL app or journey planner for real-time public transport information.
- Allow extra time if you are travelling with a stroller, wheelchair, or mobility aid.
- Visit earlier in the day if you prefer quieter streets and shorter queues.
- Keep your ticket and booking information available at the entrance.
- Bring a light rain jacket during changeable Stockholm weather, since some walking is outdoors.
- Check for royal ceremonies or public events that could affect access around Slottsbacken.
Combining the palace with other royal attractions
The Royal Palace is one of several royal attractions connected with Stockholm and the wider Stockholm region. After visiting the palace, explore the nearby Royal Chapel, Stockholm Cathedral, and the historic streets of Gamla Stan. These sights are close enough to visit without taking additional transport.
Travellers with more time can plan a separate trip to Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Drottningholm is outside central Stockholm and requires a different journey, usually by public transport, boat, or car. It should not be confused with the central Stockholm palace, which is the building at Slottsbacken in Gamla Stan.
For a well-balanced itinerary, visit the Royal Palace in the morning, have lunch in Gamla Stan, and then continue to another central museum or take a scenic walk along the waterfront. Planning your route this way lets you experience the palace without rushing between distant parts of the city.
Best answer to “Royal Palace Stockholm how to get there”
For most visitors, the best answer is to take the green or red metro line to Gamla stan and walk for five to eight minutes to Slottsbacken 1. From Central Station, either take the metro one stop to Gamla stan or walk for about 20 to 25 minutes. From Slussen, walking usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Buses, ferries, taxis, and airport connections are also available, but the metro and a short walk are normally the simplest combination.
Before setting out, check current SL transport information and the official palace website. Confirm opening hours, ticket arrangements, accessibility details, and any special closures. With those details in place, reaching the Stockholm palace is easy, and its central location makes it a convenient part of almost any Stockholm sightseeing itinerary.