How to get to Stockholm Royal Palace

Where is Stockholm Royal Palace located

Location details

Stockholm Royal Palace is on Slottsbacken in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, close to the waterfront, Stortorget, and several of the city’s most walked historic streets. Because it sits right in the center, you can usually get here more easily by metro, bus, or on foot than by car.

Address: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Closest landmark: Stockholm Cathedral, about 170 m (0.1 mi) away

Compare your travel options

Mode of transportTravel timeBest forGet directions

🚇 Metro

10–15 minutes

Fast and budget-friendly

Get Directions

🚌 Bus

12–20 minutes

Fewer stairs, short final walk

Get Directions

🚗 Car/Ride-hail

10–15 minutes

Comfort and flexibility

Get Directions

🚶 Walking

25–30 minutes

Exploring central Stockholm

Get Directions

Getting to the Stockholm Royal Palace by public transport

  • Best for: Fastest route, budget travel
  • Travel time: 10–15 minutes from Stockholm Central Station
  • Closest stop: Gamla stan, about 700 m (0.4 mi) away
  • Timings: Stockholm metro usually runs from about 5am–1am daily, with later service on weekends.

From T-Centralen, take the red or green line 1 stop to Gamla stan. From there, walk 8–10 minutes through the Old Town toward Slottsbacken and the palace courtyard. This is usually the simplest option if you want a predictable journey without traffic delays.

  • Best for: Fewer stairs, direct neighborhood drop-off
  • Travel time: 12–20 minutes from Stockholm Central Station
  • Closest stop: Slottsbacken, about 150 m (0.1 mi) away
  • Timings: City buses generally run from about 5am–1am, with night buses on selected routes.

Several SL buses stop near the palace area, with common services around Slottsbacken, Karl XII:s torg, and Riddarhustorget. Routes serving the area can vary by day and season, including 2, 3, 53, and 57. From Slottsbacken, it’s a short 2–4-minute walk uphill to the entrance.

Getting to the Stockholm Royal Palace by car

  • Best for: Early arrivals, small groups, or door-to-door convenience
  • Travel time: 10–15 minutes from Stockholm Central Station
  • Distance: About 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Route: The quickest route is usually via Vasagatan, Stromgatan, and Slottskajen to Slottsbacken. Streets in Gamla Stan are narrow, and traffic builds quickly, so driving works best if you’re arriving early.

Parking facilities

  • On-site parking: There is no dedicated visitor parking at Stockholm Royal Palace.
  • Nearby parking: Paid garages and street parking are available in Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, and Slussen, though facilities, rates, and walking distances vary by location.
  • Accessible parking: Disabled parking may be available in nearby public parking areas, depending on space and local regulations.

Accessibility

Getting there accessibly

The palace is in Gamla Stan, where cobblestones, gentle slopes, and narrow streets can make rolling access slower. If you’re traveling with limited mobility, a bus or ride-hail is often easier than a longer walk from central Stockholm.

Accessibility at the site

Elevators serve parts of the palace, but some historic rooms still require steps or a stair climber booked in advance. Prams can’t be taken inside, and large bags usually need lockers. Confirm current access arrangements before you travel.

Walking to Stockholm Royal Palace

  • Best for: Sightseeing, budget travel, and first-time visitors
  • Travel time: 25–30 minutes from Stockholm Central Station
  • Distance: About 2 km (1.2 mi)

If you’re not in a rush, walking in is one of the best ways to arrive. Start at Stockholm Central Station, head southeast along Vasagatan, continue past Stromgatan and the Parliament area, then cross toward Gamla Stan and follow signs for Slottsbacken. You’ll get bridges, waterfront views, and a gradual lead-in to the Old Town before the palace appears in front of you. It turns the approach into part of the visit, not just the transfer.

Get walking directions

Stockholm Royal Palace entrances

Most visitors enter through the main palace courtyard from Slottsbacken or Lejonbacken. During the Changing of the Guard, staff may redirect you through the Museum of Three Crowns entrance instead. Check your ticket instructions if you’re joining a guided visit.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Stockholm Royal Palace

Stockholm Royal Palace is on Slottsbacken in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. It’s close to Stockholm Cathedral, Stortorget, and the waterfront, so you can reach it easily by metro, bus, or on foot from the city center.