How do I book a ticket for Båt 89?

Purchase tickets through SL's website, at ticket machines at either terminal, or at authorised sales points. For vehicle bookings, advance reservation through SL is strongly advised, especially on peak sailings. Foot passengers can often buy single tickets on the day, but during busy periods, pre-purchase is recommended to avoid queues.

Can I take my car on this ferry?

Yes. Cars can be driven onto the vehicle deck. You must book your vehicle space in advance through SL. Motorcycles are also accepted. Fares for vehicles are higher than for foot passengers. Once aboard, you can remain with your vehicle or leave it secured on deck while you access the passenger areas.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to bad weather?

SL will notify you of cancellations via their website and customer service channels. If your sailing is cancelled, you will be rebooked on the next available departure, or SL may offer an alternative service (such as a bus route). Always check the service status before travelling in poor weather, and allow extra time for your journey.

Is there somewhere to eat or drink on board?

Most ferries on this route offer basic refreshment facilities and sheltered seating. For specific details on catering, contact SL directly. The crossing is short enough that few travellers rely on extensive onboard services, but facilities are available if needed.

How frequently does Båt 89 sail?

Frequency varies by season and day of the week. Sailings are more frequent during weekday commuting hours and in summer than in winter. For the current timetable, visit SL's website or contact them directly. Never assume a sailing will run without checking the schedule.

Båt 89: Tappström - Klara Mälarstrand, SL — ferry travel guide

Overview

Båt 89 connects Tappström on the island of Ekerö with Klara Mälarstrand in central Stockholm, operated by SL. This is a public transport waterway that offers an alternative to road travel across the Mälaren region, serving both commuters and leisure travellers who prefer the water route.

The service operates year-round, though sailings vary by season. This guide covers what you need to know before boarding: how to book, what to expect on deck, vehicle options, and how weather can affect departures. For current timetables and fares, consult SL directly—they hold the definitive information on frequency, schedules and pricing.

The journey itself is a genuine transport choice. Foot passengers and those bringing vehicles face different practical trade-offs, and choosing between them depends on your onward plans and luggage. Both routes lead to a waterside arrival in the city centre.

Key facts

From	Ekerö (Tappström)
To	Klara Mälarstrand
Operator	SL

Route essentials: Tappström to Klara Mälarstrand

Båt 89 is a scheduled ferry service run by SL, Stockholm's public transport operator. It departs from Tappström on Ekerö and arrives at Klara Mälarstrand, a waterfront stop in central Stockholm. The route serves as both a commuter link and a scenic alternative to road travel.

SL publishes full timetables on their website and at ticket offices. Sailing frequency and seasonal adjustments mean you should always check the current schedule before travelling. Winter and summer services differ, as do weekday and weekend patterns.

Fares, tickets and advance booking

SL operates a zone-based fare system covering the greater Stockholm area. Foot passengers and vehicle passengers pay different rates; cars and motorcycles incur higher fares than foot travellers. Period passes, daily tickets and single journeys are all available through SL's official channels.

Booking in advance is recommended on popular sailings, particularly during peak commuting hours and summer weekends. You can purchase tickets directly through SL's website, at ticket machines at the terminals, or at authorised sales points. For exact current prices and any special offers, contact SL or check their timetable portal.

Foot passenger or vehicle: choosing your route

Foot passengers travel light and board quickly. There are no vehicle queues to navigate, and you step directly from the terminal into the arrival area. This suits people without luggage, commuters on a set schedule, and anyone avoiding road congestion.

Taking a vehicle adds convenience if you need onward transport at your destination or are carrying heavy goods. Vehicle boarding takes longer, and spaces can be limited on busy sailings—advance booking helps. Motorcycles and cars both require separate vehicle deck space. Once aboard, drivers can remain in their vehicles or leave them secured on deck.

Vehicles, bicycles and accessibility considerations

Cars and motorcycles travel on Båt 89. Reserve your vehicle space in advance through SL, especially in peak season. Vehicle embarkation follows standard ferry protocol: drive or ride onto the designated deck and secure your vehicle according to crew instructions.

Bicycles are typically accommodated on ferries of this type, though you should confirm current policy with SL as space and regulations can change. Passengers with mobility needs or disabilities should contact SL in advance to discuss boarding arrangements and onboard accessibility; staff can advise on the most suitable sailing and any assistance available.

What to expect during the crossing

A journey of this distance across Mälaren is typically short enough that you will not need extensive onboard facilities, though most ferries on this route have sheltered seating areas and access to basic refreshments. The experience is straightforward: find a seat, settle in, and enjoy the water view—or use the time to read, work or doze.

Deck access allows you to stand outside and watch the Mälaren waterscape pass. In good weather, this is a pleasant part of the crossing. Sheltered lounges are available if conditions are rough or cold. The vessel follows a direct course between the two terminals, keeping the journey efficient and predictable.

Weather, disruption and cancellation

West-coast Mälaren crossings can be affected by autumn and winter storms. High winds or rough water may delay sailings or, occasionally, force cancellations. SL updates service status on their website and via their customer service channels; always check before leaving home in poor weather.

If your sailing is cancelled, SL's customer service will advise on rebooking to the next available departure. In very severe conditions, the operator may substitute bus services as an alternative. Plan extra time into your journey during unpredictable weather, and check the status of your specific sailing before heading to the terminal.

The Mälaren seascape

The crossing moves across open water, with views of the Mälaren shoreline and islands. Ekerö itself is a rural, forested island; the journey into Stockholm carries you through quieter waterways before arriving at the central waterfront. The route offers a distinct perspective on the region—one you do not get from road transport.

In summer, the water is animated by recreational sailing and smaller boats. Winter crossings are quieter, with a different character altogether. The arrival at Klara Mälarstrand brings you into the heart of the city, a sharp contrast to the rural starting point.

Alternative routes and onward travel

Klara Mälarstrand is a central Stockholm location with good connections to underground, bus and tram networks. From there, you can reach most areas of the city easily. If Båt 89 does not suit your schedule, other waterbus services and road-based public transport link Ekerö to Stockholm, though none replicate the direct Tappström–Klara Mälarstrand crossing.

Travellers departing from Tappström may also consider road routes via bridge if schedules are tight. However, for regular or leisure use, Båt 89 avoids road traffic and offers a distinct journey experience. Check SL's journey planner to compare your options in terms of time, cost and convenience for your specific departure and arrival times.

Common questions

How do I book a ticket for Båt 89?: Purchase tickets through SL's website, at ticket machines at either terminal, or at authorised sales points. For vehicle bookings, advance reservation through SL is strongly advised, especially on peak sailings. Foot passengers can often buy single tickets on the day, but during busy periods, pre-purchase is recommended to avoid queues.
Can I take my car on this ferry?: Yes. Cars can be driven onto the vehicle deck. You must book your vehicle space in advance through SL. Motorcycles are also accepted. Fares for vehicles are higher than for foot passengers. Once aboard, you can remain with your vehicle or leave it secured on deck while you access the passenger areas.
What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to bad weather?: SL will notify you of cancellations via their website and customer service channels. If your sailing is cancelled, you will be rebooked on the next available departure, or SL may offer an alternative service (such as a bus route). Always check the service status before travelling in poor weather, and allow extra time for your journey.
Is there somewhere to eat or drink on board?: Most ferries on this route offer basic refreshment facilities and sheltered seating. For specific details on catering, contact SL directly. The crossing is short enough that few travellers rely on extensive onboard services, but facilities are available if needed.
How frequently does Båt 89 sail?: Frequency varies by season and day of the week. Sailings are more frequent during weekday commuting hours and in summer than in winter. For the current timetable, visit SL's website or contact them directly. Never assume a sailing will run without checking the schedule.

On the map

Sources & method

OpenStreetMap route=ferry (ODbL) — route

See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.