Changes

'''Stockholm''' is the capital of [[Sweden]], as well as the largest city, situated along the south-central east coast of the country. The city itself spreads out quite far into several districts and suburbs, with a large and complex public transportation system. There is also an active harbour located within the city-center (near the old city, ''Gamla Stan'', and the ''Slussen'' T-bana (subway)) from which cruise ships enter and leave to other major cities in the region. It was once thought possible to hitchhike the large commercial carrier trucks entering these cruise ships but many drivers will tell you that it is illegal and will advise you to buy a passenger ticket instead. Unlike some other ferries in Europe where tickets are purchased per car, passengers on these ferries are required to pay individually.

== Hitching Out ===== North ===* An excellent spot for northbound trafic There is also an active harbour located within the Shell gas station close to Upplands Väsby. You can get to Upplands Väsby by commuter train city-center (takes around 20-30 min)near the old city, then find a bus 568 to the end station ''Löwenströmska SjukhusetGamla Stan''. When at the end bus stop, cross over and the parking lot ''Slussen'' T-bana (subway)) from which cruise ships enter and follow leave to other major cities in the region. It was once thought possible to hitchhike the path along E4 motorway, then large commercial carrier trucks entering these cruise ships but many drivers will tell you that it is illegal and will see the gas station (there is also advise you to buy a McDonalds there)passenger ticket instead. Many go Unlike some other ferries in Europe where tickets are purchased per car, passengers on these ferries are required to Arlanda or Uppsala, but there is enough traffic going up north toopay individually.

* Another option is to take a commuter train (''Pendeltåg'') to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1835005514296943385,59.623520,17.860860&saddr=59.627795,17.861195&daddrHitchhiking out =umea&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=14&doflgNorth towards [[Gävle]] and [[Sundsvall]] =ptk&sll=59.628924,17.877803&sspn=0.019224,0.053215&ie=UTF8&ll=59.628924,17.877846&spn=0.019224,0.053215&z=14 Märsta]. Then get out of * An excellent spot for northbound traffic is the Shell gas station through the little swing door that you see on your left side when walking towards the station house. Turn left and walk South along the railroad until there is a bridge which crosses rails on your left sideclose to Upplands Väsby. You can start hitchhiking on the other side of the bridge. Most drivers who will pick you up will most likely go get to Arlanda airport. In this case, get out of their car at the roundabout Upplands Väsby by the E4. commuter train (You can also walk this roundabout while hitching, it's 1takes around 20-2 km.) Walk up to the [[30 min direction Uppsala]] entrance and stand right behind or Märsta on the pedestrian crossingtrain. According to some folks, this is a truly magical spot where waiting times hardly ever exceed 10 minutes. Do not accept a ride shorter than to Uppsala. In July 2008 [[User:Guaka|guaka]] found out though that it is not such ), then find a great spot after all, almost no traffic and it took an hour or so bus 568 to get a ride. [[User:Liftarkungen|Liftarkungen]] have several times started hitchhiking from Märsta, but is hitchhiking from the stoplights end station ''beforeLöwenströmska Sjukhuset'' . When at the end bus stop, cross over the bridge in order to get a ride to parking lot and follow the roundabout mentioned earlierpath along E4 motorway, which surely then you will see the petrol station (there is also a great hitchhiking spothamburger place there). Many go to Arlanda or Uppsala, especially during daylightbut there is enough traffic going up north too.

* Another option is to take a commuter train (''Pendeltåg'') to [http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1835005514296943385,59.623520,17.860860&saddr=59.627795,17.861195&daddr=umea&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=14&doflg=ptk&sll=59.628924,17.877803&sspn=0.019224,0.053215&ie=UTF8&ll=59.628924,17.877846&spn=0.019224,0.053215&z=14 Märsta]. Then get out of the station through the little swing door that you see on your left side when walking towards the station house. Turn left and walk South along the railroad until there is a bridge which crosses rails on your left side. You can also begin at Vener Gren Center in start hitchhiking on the North other side of Stockholmthe bridge. Most drivers who will pick you up will most likely go to Arlanda airport. On SveavägenIn this case, just before get out of their car at the bend that leads to roundabout by the E4. (You can also walk this roundabout while hitching, thereit's a traffic light, above 1-2 km.) Walk up to the [[Uppsala]] entrance and stand right behind the bridge for pedestrianspedestrian crossing. Just before According to some folks, this traffic light, there is a bus stoptruly magical spot where waiting times hardly ever exceed 10 minutes. Do not accept a ride shorter than to Uppsala. In July 2008 [[User:Guaka|guaka]] found out though that it is not such a great spot after all, where you can start almost no traffic and it took an hour or so to get a ride. [[User:Liftarkungen|Liftarkungen]] have several times started hitchhikingfrom Märsta, but is hitchhiking from the traffic lights ''before'' the cars are not fast because of bridge in order to get a ride to the traffic lightroundabout mentioned earlier, and have which surely is a lot of space to stopgreat hitchhiking spot, especially during daylight.

=== South-west towards Malmö/Denmark ===Take * You can also begin at Vener Gren Center in the North of Stockholm. On Sveavägen, just before the bend that leads to the T-bana (metro) towards E4, there''Norsborg'' and get out at ''Hallunda'' (last but one)s a traffic light, above the bridge for pedestrians. Just before this traffic light, there is a bus stop, where you can start hitchhiking, then walk down the ''Tre Kallors väg'' cars are not fast because of the traffic light, and you will find have a good lot of space to stop. Another spot with nearby is getting to the bus stop Haga södra and keep walking north for about a [[petrol station]]hundred meters. A lot Where the road where you come from meets the one coming from the the west, there's a traffic light and plenty of space for cars are going South all the way to [[Denmark]]stop.

Take the ==== Uppsala ====The commuter train is, from 2013, going all the way to "Södertälje Hamn"Uppsala. After coming out of the station houseFor this train, turn to they only check tickets at the right and walk South along the E4/E22 until gates so you come to can just buy a tunnel that goes under one zone ticket and get on the motorwaytrain. Walk through this tunnel Sometimes they have inspectors but not usually, and then take to the right; walk North along the motorways until they can't force you come to the place where E20 from the west merges into E4 South. On this stretch of road give them any money if you have perhaps the best chance of getting South from Stockholm. You are technically not allowed Swedish. If you want to stand there so the police might ask hitchhike as described above, when you need to leave, but it is a safe place, so don't feel bad about it. You should wait for a car that goes at least all take the commuter train and then the way to Norrköpingbus, but if then you are very impatient, Nyköping might also dowill need tickets for several zones.

Loads of trucks leaving from Västberga industrial area, where many trucking companies are located. DHL has a huge terminal there. Trucks leave from 15.00 and on, all evening, to destinations such as Gothenburg, === South-west towards [[Malmö, Helsingborg but also northbound and westbound. Also south to continental Europe.]]/[[Denmark]] ==="Transportledet" is a big operator for DHL. * Take the T-bana (metro to "Midsommarkransen" or "Telefonplan" ) towards ''Norsborg'' and get south of out at ''Hallunda'' (last but one), then walk down the motorway E4 ''Tre Kallors väg'' and you will find Västbergaa good spot with a [[petrol station hitchhiking|petrol station]] (Bonus: There's a hamburger place next to the on ramp). A lot of cars are going South all the way to Denmark. Do not accept rides going to [[Södertälje]] if that is not your destination! And: Petrol-station is not so easy, you can also try it with a sign on the ramp.

Many trucks also depart (afternoons and evenings) from * Take the slaughterhouse district (commuter train to "SlakthusområdetSödertälje Hamn") which is close . After coming out of the station house, turn to the right and walk South along the E4/E22 until you come to a tunnel that goes under the "Globen" or "Ericsson Globe")motorway. Walk through this tunnel and then take to the right; walk North along the motorways until you come to the place where E20 from the west merges into E4 South . On this stretch of metro-station "Gullmarsplan"road you have perhaps the best chance of getting South from Stockholm. You are technically not allowed to stand there so the police might ask you to leave, but it is a safe place, so don't feel bad about it. You should wait for a car that goes at least all the way to [[Norrköping]], but if you are very impatient, [[Nyköping]] might also do.

In Bromma, just south * Loads of the Airport of Brommatrucks leaving from Västberga industrial area, where many trucking companies are located. DHL has a huge terminal there is the "G P LAST" trucking company. They have Trucks leave from 15-25 trucks departing for .00 and on, all evening, to destinations such as [[Göteborg]], [[Malmö in the very south of Sweden daily]], [[Helsingborg]] but also northbound and are reputed westbound. Also south to be friendly. If you are polite, call them at 08 28 75 28 and ask beforehandcontinental Europe.

Further out in Spånga, there * "Transportledet" is a huge SCHENKER terminal, with many trucks going daily big operator for DHL. Take metro to all major cities in Sweden"Midsommarkransen" or "Telefonplan" and get south of the motorway E4 and you will find Västberga.

You can * Many trucks also take the free of charge Ikea bus to Kungens Kurva depart (it even has free wi-fi!afternoons and evenings). You find the bus schedule from the [http://www.ikea.com/se/sv/store/kurvan Ikea website]. The web page slaughterhouse district ("Slakthusområdet") which is only in Swedish, but it says close to the busses go once an hour, first 10am and the last 7pm. The bus leaves from Regeringsgatan 13, from City"Globen" or "Ericsson Globe"). When the bus gets to Ikea Kungens Kurva, there's a petrol station on the other side South of the motorway. Walk behind Ikea and you find a pedestrian tunnel going across the motorway. The petrol metro-station is a pretty good spot to hitchhike. We noticed a little problem there, though. The motorway splits up in Södertälje to E4 southward and E20 westward, 30km from Kungens Kurva. Depending on which way you want to go, it's a good idea to catch a ride straight to the direction where you need to. It's impossible and dangerous to hitchhike where the two motorways split, people drive so fast"Gullmarsplan".

* In Bromma, just south of the Airport of Bromma, there is the "G P LAST" trucking company. They have 15-25 trucks departing for Malmö in the very south of Sweden daily, and are reputed to be friendly. * Further out in Spånga, there is a huge SCHENKER terminal, with many trucks going daily to all major cities in Sweden. E.g. Hägerstens åkeri traffic Göteborg. * You can also take the free of charge Ikea bus to Kungens Kurva (it even has free wi-fi!). You'll find the bus schedule from the [http://www.ikea.com/se/sv/store/kurvan Ikea website]. The web page is only in Swedish, but it says the buses go once an hour, first one at 10:00 and the last one at 19:00. The bus leaves from Vasagatan 18, which is near to the main train station. When the bus gets to Ikea Kungens Kurva, there's a petrol station on the other side of the motorway. Walk behind Ikea and you'll find a pedestrian tunnel going under the motorway. (Untill 2021 this pedestrian tunnel is blocked due to constructionwork, you can walk around, that costs 20 min more. - The petrol station is a pretty good spot to hitchhike. We noticed a little problem there, though. The motorway splits up in Södertälje to E4 southward and E20 westward, 30km from Kungens Kurva. Depending on which way you want to go, it's a good idea to catch a ride straight to the direction where you need to go. It's impossible and dangerous to hitchhike where the two motorways split, people drive too fast. - Close to the McDonalds at the end of Kungens Kurva there is a busstop along Skärholmsvägen where many cars pass who enter the E4/E20. They have an oke speed and will have enough space to stop their car. The busstop is called Lammholmsbacken. This busstop works better then asking at the Ingol petrolstation, since its not that busy there. === Towards [[Göteborg]] ===If you're going to Göteborg you can go on either the E20 (which is the same road you'd take to [[Oslo]]), or the E4 and then road 40 after [[Jönköping]]. Even though the E20 is slightly shorter, there are a lot of people who take the E4 + 40 to Göteborg. If you hitchhike before the E20 and E4 splits (about 30 km from Stockholm), you're covering both options! One good spot is Kungens Kurva just next to Ikea. It's marked on the hitchwiki map and described in the Malmö/Denmark section above. === West towards [[Västerås]], [[Enköping]], [[Karlstad]]/[[Oslo ]] ===Take the commuter-train to Bålsta (Or: take the train to Kungsängen, and hitchhike on Enköpingsvägen to Bålsta) and walk 1,5 km to the place where Enköpingsvägen crosses the motorway. Theres a gas station with traffic going in both directions. There are trucks going west. On this spot you should be able to go at least to [[Enköping]], where state road 70 goes north east to [[Dalarna]], and E18 continues towards Karlstad and Oslo.  === To [[Finland]] ===If you are planning to get to either [[Turku]] or [[Helsinki]] and don't want to take the fantastically tough northern route, you can always try your luck at the [http://www.vikingline.com/ Viking Line] and [http://www.tallink.com/ TalllinkSilja] ferry terminals. [[User:astikain|Tomi]] has tried both ferries successfully. Basically, you just write a sign asking for a gift voucher ("LAHJAKORTTI" in Finnish) and stand smiling at the exit of the terminal when people pour out (the same ferry, that just arrived, soon goes back to Finland). If that does not work, go inside and do the same smiling-procedure next to the check-in.* Be visible yet stealth. Someone might just give you their cabin card if they've booked a cruise and are only going one way. Use the cabin card to unlock the sliding doors to the gate. No one asks if the magnetic card is actually yours.* Note that many of the passengers nowadays are Russian. Consider writing "gift certificate?" also in Russian: "Подарочный сертификат?"* In case you're awesomely rich you can just pay that EUR 14-16 for the Turku-bound ferry or grab a Norwegian flight for EUR 40-66.* If you book a cruise (to Finland and back) with the gift voucher and don't intend to return, pay it forward and give the cabin card to some traveller once you reach the terminal in Finland. They'll be positively surprised.* Take some snacks with you. The cruise takes the whole day. You can also ask from the buffet for leftovers and they might allow you to take a plate full of really nice food. Ready to pay? Price of the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet should be about EUR 11 (including absolutely delicious food and as much beer and wine you can down).* In case you have successfully manoeuvred to the ferry, and had a blast on the cruise, yet you are not planning to stay in the city you arrive to (Turku or Helsinki) you can go to the car deck some 20 minutes before arrival and catch a ride easily by asking people who sit in their cars. There are some trucks, too! Don't hesitate going to the car deck. It's your best spot to catch a ride!

When coming from [[Finland ]] by ferry [[User:Dante|Dante]] realized that hitchhiking at the exit of the ferry terminal is a great way of getting a ride with cars doing long distance travel directly towards [[Denmark]], [[Germany]], and further. Dante got a ride straight to [[Belgium]] from there. However, if you are not arriving by ferry anyway, bear in mind that you can also be unlucky: [[User:N0id|n0id]] went to the ferry terminal just to realize that very few cars were arriving of which just a few had non-Swedish number plates. Besides ferries don't arrive very often, so n0id had to go to another spot to find a ride. Also [[User:Fedecicco|Fede]] wasn't lucky at all trying to hitch trucks coming down from the ferries and going south, after an entire morning at the harbour, afternoon at the petrol station, firstly suggested on this wiki at Hallunda (lots of small rides to Södjertälje but none further) failing completely, at night had to go for a night train, successfully blackriding it on the upperberth.

The Viking Line ferries are the cheapest. If you only buy a ticket to [[Åland Islands|Åland]] and then don't get off, it's cheaper, and tickets are never checked once you can continue all the way to Finland. ''(Ticket to Åland (Mariehamn) may be actually more expensive than to Turku! Better check/ask both prices! (experience August 2017))'' Once on boardno one ever asks for your ticket, considering that you don't draw attention to yourself. On the bottom deck 2(the very bottomanchor deck) there are freely accessible showers. Also, there is a quiet place on the floor to sleep down there, away from all the drunks. .

''please add map Viking Line Timetable and times of ferries (or good links)''prices: http://www.vikingline.fi/timetables/timetables/timetables/  == Trashwiki & Nomadwiki == [[nomad:Stockholm]] [[trash:Stockholm]]