Essential advice about public transport in Gothenburg
Buses, trams, trains and boats – Gothenburg boasts a slick public transport network! For me personally, the rumbling city trams are one of the city’s greatest charms. And, although taxis including Uber operate in Gothenburg, most people stick to public transport to get around. And when it’s so reliable and comfortable – why wouldn’t you?
Where can I buy tickets?
Gothenburg’s public transport – from buses to boats – is operated by Västtrafik. There is a dedicated Västtrafik ticket office at the Nils Ericson Terminal near Central Station. As well as buying tickets and topping up travel cards, this is a useful place to visit should you have any travel questions.
In Zone A (which covers the whole of Gothenburg), you can tap your Visa or Mastercard (or mobile device with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) on card readers to buy a single adult ticket for 37 SEK (2025 prices). Just hold your card against the contactless symbol on the reader when boarding. This ticket is valid for 90 minutes, but always use the same card when switching vehicles to avoid extra charges.
Tickets can also be bought from a variety of shops around Gothenburg, including 7-Eleven and Pressbyrån stores. For the easiest option, download the Västtrafik To Go app, which lets you purchase single, daily, or period tickets with a credit card or Swish, and even plan your journey in real time.
Is there a weekend travel pass?
If you’re in Gothenburg for a short visit, you should consider buying a 1- or 3-day travel pass. This gives you the ability to use all types of Västtrafik public transport. It’s simple and if you are intending to see as much of the city as you can while you’re here – offers value too.
And if value appeals to you, then there’s even more on offer with a Gothenburg City Card. Not only does this cover a “hop-on-hop off bus” for 1, 2 or 3 days, it also includes admission to many of Gothenburg’s best attractions and excursions.
What if I’m in Gothenburg for longer than a weekend?
If you’ll be in Gothenburg for more than a few days, I suggest buying a travel card. You can top-up with credit to “Pay-as-you-go” or, alternatively, load the card with a “monthly ticket” which starts the first time your card is used.
How long can I travel on a single ticket?
The first time you scan your card on a card reader machine, you can travel for 90 mins within Gothenburg (at no extra cost) on any Västtrafik bus, tram, train or boat. In fact, no Västtrafik tram or boat goes beyond the city zone.
It does costs extra to travel beyond the city’s boundary, something that’s only possible by bus and train. As of 2025 the price of a single ticket is 37 SEK.
Can I pay on board the tram, bus or boat?
Trams: In Zone A (which covers the whole of Gothenburg), you can tap your Visa or Mastercard on card readers to buy a single adult ticket for 37 SEK. Some trams have ticket machines, but these are less common and charge around 25% more per journey, so tapping or using the Västtrafik To Go app is smarter.
Buses: In Zone A (which covers the whole of Gothenburg), you can purchase single adult tickets by tapping your Visa or Mastercard on card readers when boarding. Outside Zone A, in other parts of Västra Götaland, you can buy a ticket from the bus driver using a bank card (no cash). Note that in Gothenburg, Mölndal, and Partille, you cannot buy tickets from the driver.
Boats: On river boats crossing the Göta Älv (e.g., between Stenpiren and Lindholmen), you can pay staff on board by card only – no cash. For boats to the southern archipelago (from Saltholmen), you can tap your card on readers or pay staff by card.
Can I pay the driver?
Although drivers will often do their best to answer any questions, they will never accept payment for a journey. It’s a rule that keeps the public transport in Gothenburg running on time.
Are there any travel apps I can use?
Västtrafik’s To Go app makes purchasing single, daily, and monthly tickets a breeze. You can also plan your journey, check real-time tram and bus arrivals, and stay updated on disruptions. The app accepts major credit cards and Swish, and it’s available for iOS and Android.
TIP: Enjoy an island cruise
The 90 mins travel rule allows you to travel from the city centre to the coast and still have time to cover your boat ride to an island. The islands themselves are great but it’s actually worth going for the boat ride alone! Sit on the top deck for an hour or two and enjoy the views as you cruise around the Gothenburg archipelago. All for less than the cost of a coffee!
Developing sustainable mobility
Now you can explore Gothenburg!
Now you are all set for travelling around this beautiful city it is time to check out some of the best views of Gothenburg (which are all accessible by public transport).
This Is Gothenburg [2025]
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