How To Follow Social Etiquette On Transport In Stockholm

There are a few unspoken rules of social etiquette that you absolutely have to follow as a Stockholmer. If you've lived in Stockholm for some time now, then you're probably already familiar with this list, but if you're visiting from abroad then it's best to get clued up before your arrival. Don't get caught out – make sure you abide by this code of conduct when using transport in Stockholm.

You might feel obliged to make friendly conversation as a tourist or expat in Stockholm, but make sure you don't overstep the mark. Photo by Rod Long

Stockholmers are an introverted bunch (until you get to know them) and like to keep to themselves in socially unfamiliar settings. This couldn't be more true for Swedes using the public transport system in Stockholm. Most commuters in the city just want to get from A to B, without any unnecessary contact with fellow passengers. Here is a list of unspoken rules you should follow to camouflage yourself socially. 

Don't Sit Next To Anyone Unless You Have No Choice 

If you board the train with a group of friends, then you might consider yourself lucky to find an empty four-seater. The same goes if you're alone because now you have all the personal space you need. Photo by Carl Nenzen Loven

It is considered a great invasion of personal space if you take a seat on the bus or train next to someone if there are plenty of other free seats available. This is especially offensive upon their discovery of a whole four-seater being free on your carriage. Okay, realistically, no one is going to say anything if you do sit directly next to them but believe me, their inner rage will be burning. Here is the rule of thumb:

If you walk onto a train carriage with ten different 'booths' made up of four to six seats, each passenger will take an entire available booth until all booths are occupied by one person. Only then do additional passengers have the right to share the booth. But don't sit next to them - sit on the seat diagonal to them. New passengers can only sit directly next to them if there are absolutely no other seats available. 

Read more about the SL public transportation system in Stockholm. 

Don't Speak To Anyone Unless You Have To

The only exception to speaking on the bus, train or metro is if it's with a friend who you were already with – but make sure to keep the volume down. Photo by Jonathan Brinkhorst

The social code of conduct extends to limiting any communication with your fellow passengers. The Swede's like to be left alone, and small talk is seen as uncomfortable as it is a waste of time. If you want to blend in with the crowd and deflect any unnecessary attention, then your best bet is to mind your own business. Aimlessly scroll through your phone, do a sudoku or whatever you got to do – just don't talk.

This includes, but is not limited to, making conversation at the bus stop. Unless you're asking someone to verify the direction of the bus, there's just no need to make small talk about the weather or whatnot. This mindset may stem from The Law of Jante, a Scandinavian philosophy that advocates conformity and not doing anything to stand out. Also note: making calls on the bus or train is basically a crime. 

Tip: avoid eye-contact at all costs (fellow passengers might mistake eye contact for intention to engage in conversation).

Know Your Place: On And Off Public Transport 

Stand on the right, walk on the left – this is especially important in rush hour, where commuters will utilise the left lane to skip, jump and run up the stairs to get to work on time. Photo by Alejandro González

We've covered the which seat shall I take question, but what if the only available seating option is a priority seat? If there is virtually no-one on the bus or train, then go ahead. But be prepared to move if a pensioner does get on. The social etiquette of public transport does not end once you step off the train – oh, no. There is a whole plethora of rules that you must follow until you actually leave the station. 

Whilst waiting to get on a train in rush hour, make sure you let passengers disembark before you shove your way to the front. Head over to the escalator and form an orderly queue: standers on the right, walkers on the left. If you defy the escalator rules and stand on the left, then be prepared to be met with a hostile reception. And don't put your bag on the seat if someone will inevitably need to sit there.

Read more about the most useful web-navigation apps to download to your phone in Stockholm. 

Summary: what not to do on public transport in Stockholm

• Don't sit next to anyone unless you have to

• Don't talk to anyone unless you have to

• Avoid eye-contact at all costs

• Don't make phone calls on the bus or train

• Always give up your seat for the elderly

• Let passengers get off the train before you board

• Never stand on the left of an escalator

• Take your bag off the seat if you think someone will need to sit there

What are the social rules of code and conduct in Sweden that differ to your country? Let us know in the comments section below!