Wondering about Drottningholm Palace how to get there? The easiest route is usually a combination of Stockholm public transport and a short bus ride, but you can also travel by boat, car, bicycle, or organised tour. This guide explains each option, what to expect on arrival, and how to plan your visit to one of Sweden’s most important royal residences.
Where is Drottningholm Palace?
Drottningholm Palace is on the island of Lovön, in the municipality of Ekerö, west of central Stockholm. It sits beside Lake Mälaren, surrounded by extensive gardens, historic buildings, and woodland. Although it feels peaceful and rural, the palace is relatively easy to reach from the city centre.
The palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family, while parts of the grounds and the main historic buildings are open to visitors. Drottningholm has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 because of its well-preserved palace environment, gardens, theatre, and Chinese Pavilion.
Drottningholm Palace how to get there by public transport
For most visitors, public transport is the simplest and most affordable way to travel from Stockholm. The usual route is:
- Take the Stockholm metro to Brommaplan station.
- Change to a bus heading towards Ekerö or Drottningholm.
- Get off at the Drottningholm bus stop, close to the palace entrance.
Step 1: Take the metro to Brommaplan
From central Stockholm, take the green metro line westbound to Brommaplan. Trains from stations such as T-Centralen, Gamla Stan, Slussen, and Fridhemsplan make this connection convenient for visitors staying in the centre.
The metro journey from T-Centralen to Brommaplan normally takes around 20 minutes, although the exact time depends on your starting station. Check the SL app or the official SL journey planner before leaving, as service changes and temporary works can affect routes.
Step 2: Change to a bus at Brommaplan
At Brommaplan, follow the signs for the bus terminal. Buses 176 and 177 are commonly used to reach Drottningholm. Depending on the timetable and current service pattern, other Ekerö-bound buses may also stop there. Look for a bus displaying Drottningholm or a destination farther west along the same route.
The bus ride from Brommaplan to Drottningholm usually takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Traffic can make the journey longer during busy periods, particularly on summer weekends. The stop is called Drottningholm, and from there it is only a short walk to the palace grounds.
Tickets for the metro and bus
The metro and bus are part of Stockholm’s SL public transport network, so you can normally use the same valid ticket for the complete journey. The SL app is useful for buying tickets, checking departures, and planning the route in real time. You can also use an SL travel card or other accepted payment method at the time of purchase.
Buy or activate your ticket before boarding. Ticket rules and prices can change, so check the current information on the SL website or in the app. A standard public transport ticket is generally more economical than taking a taxi, especially for solo travellers and couples.
How long does it take to get to Drottningholm Palace?
From central Stockholm, allow around 45 minutes to one hour by metro and bus. This includes the metro journey, the transfer at Brommaplan, the bus ride, and the walk from the bus stop to the palace. It is sensible to allow extra time if you are travelling at weekends, carrying luggage, or visiting during a busy summer period.
From Stockholm Central Station, the journey is usually straightforward. From other parts of the city, your best route may involve a different metro line or a local bus before connecting with the green line. The fastest route can vary depending on your exact starting point and the time of day.
Getting to Drottningholm Palace by boat
Travelling by boat is one of the most scenic ways to reach the palace. During the warmer months, sightseeing boats usually depart from central Stockholm, commonly from the area around Stadshusbron or another city-centre pier, and cruise across Lake Mälaren to Drottningholm.
The boat trip typically takes around one hour each way, although the schedule and duration depend on the operator and service. Boats may run several times a day in the main tourist season, while departures are more limited outside summer. Some services offer return tickets, and others allow you to combine a boat journey in one direction with public transport in the other.
What to know before choosing the boat
- Check the departure pier carefully, as boat services can use different locations.
- Review the timetable before visiting, since boats may not run every day in the shoulder season.
- Reserve in advance during summer, especially if you want a particular departure time.
- Allow enough time for the palace visit before your return boat.
- Bring a jacket, as it can be cooler and windier on the lake than in central Stockholm.
The boat is usually more expensive than the metro and bus, but it turns the journey into part of the experience. It is a particularly attractive choice for visitors who want to see Stockholm’s waterways and avoid changing transport at Brommaplan.
Driving to Drottningholm Palace
If you are travelling by car, follow the road west from Stockholm towards Ekerö and use route 261, often known as Ekerövägen. Follow signs for Drottningholm. The drive from central Stockholm can take approximately 25 to 40 minutes in light traffic, but congestion may increase the journey time considerably.
There is parking near Drottningholm Palace, although spaces can become busy during the main tourist season. Parking arrangements and fees may change, so check the current information before setting off. Do not leave valuables visible in the car, and remember that the palace grounds are best explored on foot once you arrive.
Driving can be useful for families, visitors with mobility equipment, or travellers combining Drottningholm with other attractions on Lovön and Ekerö. However, a car is not necessary for a normal day trip from Stockholm because the public transport connection is convenient.
Can you cycle to Drottningholm Palace?
Experienced cyclists can ride to Drottningholm from Stockholm, but the route is longer and requires more planning than public transport. Depending on your starting point, the ride may take one to two hours or more. Use a reliable cycling map and check the route conditions before leaving.
The final approach includes roads shared with motor traffic, so cyclists should take care and use lights in low visibility. A bicycle can be a rewarding option in good weather, especially for visitors who want to combine the palace with a longer excursion around Lake Mälaren. Always use designated cycle routes where available and park your bicycle in an appropriate location.
What to see at Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm is more than a single palace building. Plan enough time to explore the main residence, formal gardens, historic theatres, and surrounding grounds. The exact areas open to the public depend on the season and on official events at the royal residence.
The palace interiors
The palace interiors show several centuries of Swedish royal history. Rooms reflect Baroque, Rococo, and later styles, with detailed decoration, historic furniture, portraits, and collections. A self-guided visit allows you to move through the rooms at your own pace, while some dates may offer guided introductions or special tours.
Visitors should follow instructions from staff because the palace remains an active royal residence. Certain rooms or areas may occasionally close for official functions, conservation work, or other practical reasons.
The gardens and park
Drottningholm’s grounds include a formal Baroque garden, a later English-style park, tree-lined paths, sculptures, and open lawns. The gardens are enjoyable even when the palace interior is closed, and admission arrangements may differ depending on which areas you want to visit.
Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you want to walk beyond the main palace courtyard. The park is extensive, and a short visit focused only on the palace building will not show the full character of the estate.
Drottningholm Palace Theatre
The Drottningholm Palace Theatre is one of Europe’s best-preserved eighteenth-century theatres. Its stage machinery and historic interior provide a rare view of how performances were produced in the past. Theatre access is often organised separately from the main palace visit, and guided tours may only be available at particular times.
Check the official schedule if the theatre is a priority. During the summer season, performances and tours can sell out, so advance planning is recommended.
The Chinese Pavilion
The Chinese Pavilion stands within the palace park and was created as a royal pleasure house in the eighteenth century. Its interiors combine European interpretations of Asian design with elaborate decoration and fine craftsmanship.
It is located some distance from the main palace, so allow additional walking time. Opening dates and admission rules can vary from those of the palace itself. If you want to see both buildings, check whether a combination ticket is available for your chosen date.
How much time should you spend at Drottningholm?
A quick visit to the palace and nearby gardens can take two hours. For a more relaxed palace tour that includes the interiors, the formal gardens, the theatre area, and the Chinese Pavilion, allow three to four hours.
If you travel by boat, set aside most of the day. The cruise takes about two hours in total for a return journey, and you will want time to explore before returning to Stockholm. Visitors who enjoy architecture, history, photography, or gardens may easily spend longer at the estate.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring, summer, and early autumn are popular because the gardens are at their most attractive and boat services are more frequent. Summer also brings the largest crowds, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon.
For a quieter visit, arrive soon after opening or choose a weekday outside the peak holiday period. Spring and autumn can offer pleasant walking conditions, but some buildings and services may have shorter opening hours. Winter visits can be peaceful, although the palace, theatre, Chinese Pavilion, and cafés may operate on reduced schedules or close entirely.
Always check the official Drottningholm Palace website before travelling. Opening hours, ticket prices, guided tours, boat timetables, and access to individual buildings can change according to the season.
Practical tips for your palace visit
- Check opening hours and ticket information before leaving Stockholm.
- Use the SL app for current metro and bus departures.
- Allow extra time for the transfer at Brommaplan.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the grounds are large.
- Bring water, especially on warm days when you plan to walk through the park.
- Book theatre tours or boat trips in advance during the high season.
- Respect signs and barriers around the royal residence.
- Check photography rules inside the palace and other historic buildings.
- Plan food and drink ahead, since café services may be seasonal.
- Keep your return transport details available, particularly if you are taking the last boat of the day.
Accessibility at Drottningholm Palace
Some parts of the palace grounds include uneven surfaces, gravel paths, steps, and historic buildings that were not designed to modern accessibility standards. Access conditions can differ between the palace, theatre, Chinese Pavilion, and gardens.
Visitors who use a wheelchair, walking aid, or stroller should contact the palace in advance to ask about step-free entrances, accessible toilets, route conditions, and available assistance. Public transport accessibility also depends on the individual metro station, bus, and current service arrangements.
Is Drottningholm Palace worth visiting?
Drottningholm is one of the best day trips from Stockholm for visitors interested in royal history, architecture, gardens, and Swedish culture. The estate combines a UNESCO-listed historic environment with an attractive lakeside setting, and the journey is manageable without a car.
For travellers searching for a royal palace Stockholm experience, Drottningholm offers something different from a city-centre attraction. Stockholm Palace is in the heart of Gamla Stan, while Drottningholm provides a more spacious setting where the palace, park, theatre, and lake can be enjoyed together. The public transport route is practical, while the boat offers a memorable alternative when services are running.
Quick answer: Drottningholm Palace how to get there
The easiest route from central Stockholm is to take the green metro line to Brommaplan and then continue by bus 176 or 177 towards Drottningholm. Get off at the Drottningholm stop and walk a short distance to the palace entrance. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour from central Stockholm.
For a more scenic journey, take a seasonal sightseeing boat from central Stockholm. Driving via route 261 is another option, while cycling is possible for confident riders who have time for a longer trip. Whichever route you choose, check current transport times and palace opening information before setting out.