Transport in Gothenburg
As Sweden's second biggest city, Gothenburg hosts a developed transports network. Find out more in this article.
Sweden's second largest city offers a transportation system that combines practicality (for everyday commuting etc) with the chance to see the sights of this beautiful port city and its adjacent archipelago. Hop on a bus, train, tram, metro or ferry, or even take your bike and start exploring.
City transport
In Gothenburg, tickets can be used interchangeably for all different transportation options. For example, if you bought a single ticket for a bus it is also valid for the subway etc. The local bus network consists of some 1,700 vehicles. Most buses in Gothenburg are fueled with biogas. Indeed, authorities wish to apply this system to all buses by 2020.
Trams and accordion bus, known as 'stombuss' are another easy and rapid means of transport. These can even take you out of the city centre.
Gothenburg's tram system serves most of the city, stretching over more than 150 km. Indeed, it is deemed to be Scandinavia's biggest light railway system, comprising 12 lines (1 to 11 and 13). Note that lines 8 and 13 serve the main tram stop in Brunnsparken (Well Park).
Trams are available every 8 to 10 minutes during the day and two times per hour at night. On weekends, these are available every 15 to 30 minutes.
Good to know: Gothenburg also has a taxi network. Note, however, that taxis in Gothenburg are not regulated and fares can differ from taxi company to taxi company. You are advised to inquire on the fare (or check online) before boarding the vehicle to avoid surprises.
Tickets, apps and services
Make sure to purchase your travel tickets before boarding the bus or tramway. In general, these are available at Pressbyrå kiosks and at automatic ticket vending machines which are found at stops. Note that you can also buy your tickets by SMS. For more information, please refer to the Västtrafik website.
The single ticket is more appropriate for occasional trips within the city. You can opt for the 7-Eleven ticket which is available at the Tidpunkten (Västtrafik), at Pressbyrån kiosks and ticket vending machines. These generally cost around 27 SEK per adult traveling alone during the day. If you prefer to travel at night, the ticket will cost twice as much.
Provided by Västtrafik, the prepaid card is more appropriate for frequent trips. It can be recharged for a maximum of 1,500 SEK. You will also have to pay 50 SEK so as to ensure the card's validity. Note that the prepaid card is available at Västtrafik service centers and automatic ticket vending machines. It will allow you to travel by bus, tram and ferry with a 90 minutes movement time by each means of transport. Make sure, however, to avoid scanning your card before this time limit, otherwise, you will have to debit a trip fare without being able to move.
Good to know: There are several apps that can help you keep track of the timetables, look up routes and buy tickets. The Reseplaneraren app will help you schedule your trip, whereas the Västtrafik To Go app will help you buy tickets. Both apps are available on iOS and Android.
Bicycle
Once you are well acquainted with the city, why not stroll around with your bike? Gothenburg hosts several cycling tracks like other Swedish cities and offers a bike rental system with over 50 stations around the city, making it easy to pick up a bicycle whenever you need it. The Cykelstaden app will help you find rental and service stations, as well as maps.
Good to know: The first 30 minutes on the bicycle are free, no matter how many times you rent one within a day. Afterwards, a 10 SEK increase fee is added every 30 minutes (so for instance, the second half-hour will cost 10 SEK and the third one 20 SEK). This urges people to use bicycles for short distances and to exchange them in rental stations.
Travelling by sea
If you want to cross the Göta river, you can choose between two ferry routes. There are car-free ferries to the southern islands departing from Saltholmen and Stenpiren, and a car ferry to the northern islands departing from Lilla Varholmen.
The Ãlvsnabben ferry is rather regular with a 30 minutes shift, taking you along the river: the ticket for that ferry is included in your public transport tickets.
The Ãlvsnabbare ferry, takes you across the river, from Rosenlund and Lindholmspiren. It is free of charge, but only during office hours.
Saltholmen, which is in the South, provides three ferry lines, namely the Vrångö, Brännö Rödsten and Förö. Finally, Styrsöbolaget operates under the licence of Västtrafik, which is the national transports agency. You can travel by the Styrsöbolaget with a public transport pass.
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