Experience Småland & Öland car-free
Sustainable and comfortable
Småland and Öland offer countless opportunities to discover nature, history, local cuisine and charming towns – all without a car! Whether by bus, train or bicycle, here you’ll find out how to get from A to B without having to get behind the wheel.
How to get to Småland & Öland
If you’d like to learn more about how to get to Småland and Öland, you’ll find all the information on our landing page.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get to Småland and Öland, you’ll find all the information on our landing page.
Exploring Småland and Öland by bus and train
Småland and Öland have a well-developed public transport network. At the same time, Småland consists of three administrative regions, called län (counties). In many cases, public transport mainly operates within these county borders, which can be confusing for many travellers. We’re here to shed some light on how it works!
The companies linked above offer numerous bus connections that link cities with smaller villages and popular excursion destinations. For longer distances, trains operated by Krösatågen and Pågatågen (a regional train system within the province of Skåne with routes into neighbouring provinces, such as Småland) allow for comfortable travel between major cities such as Jönköping, Växjö, Nässjö and Kalmar. Öresundståg connects Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport to places in Småland such as Älmhult, Alvesta, Växjö, Nybro in the Kingdom of Crystal, and Kalmar.
Important to know:
If you plan to travel around Småland and Öland by public transport – especially by bus – keep in mind that Sweden is much more sparsely populated than large parts of Europe. Because of this, some places are served only rarely, while others may be difficult or nearly impossible to reach by public transport. It’s therefore important to stay flexible and check your planned route carefully before departure. Being open and curious also goes a long way – Swedes are usually more than happy to help.
How to buy public transport tickets
In Småland and Öland, you can easily buy tickets for buses, trains and ferries via mobile apps. Use the Länstrafiken Jönköpings Län app for northern Småland, Länstra…
In Småland and Öland, you can easily buy tickets for buses, trains and ferries via mobile apps. Use the Länstrafiken Jönköpings Län app for northern Småland, Länstrafiken Kronoberg for southern Småland, or Kalmar Länstrafik for eastern Småland and Öland. For national train services, the SJ App is ideal. All apps are available in English and Swedish. If they are not already set to English, you can easily switch language in the settings (in Swedish: “inställningar”).
All operators also provide desktop versions where you can book tickets. In addition, tickets can often be purchased directly on buses, at station ticket machines or at selected kiosks.
However, using the apps is the most reliable and quickest way to get your ticket.
The most common payment method is by credit card – both in the apps, at stations or with the bus driver. Cash is often no longer accepted.
Finding timetables and routes made easy
You can find timetables and real-time information directly in the transport operators’ apps or on their websites, which can easily be translated into German through your browser. Google Maps is also a practical tool for quickly finding the best connection, as public transport routes are fully integrated. For a stress-free travel experience, simply enter your route and you’ll get suggestions for the best available connections.
If you still need help, you can contact the customer service teams of the respective transport providers:
Ferries
If you want to travel to the Baltic Sea island of Öland, the car ferry between Oskarshamn and Byxelkrok in the northern part of the island is a good option. Another …
If you want to travel to the Baltic Sea island of Öland, the car ferry between Oskarshamn and Byxelkrok in the northern part of the island is a good option. Another alternative is the bicycle ferry MS Dessi between Kalmar and Färjestaden on Öland. Ferries are generally a good mode of transport for cyclists during the summer season, as walking or cycling across the bridge is not allowed.
The ferry between Gränna and the island of Visingsö in Lake Vättern is also a special experience.
Gränna and Visingsö
A day trip to Gränna and Visingsö offers an unforge…
Boat Tours
With 5000 lakes, numerous streams and a 270 km coas…
Rent a bike and explore the landscape
Småland and Öland are perfect for anyone who enjoys discovering places by bike. There are numerous bicycle rental options in the larger towns, as well as at many hot…
Småland and Öland are perfect for anyone who enjoys discovering places by bike. There are numerous bicycle rental options in the larger towns, as well as at many hotels and guesthouses. Increasingly, hotels also offer dedicated storage rooms where you can safely keep your bike overnight.
Öland’s coastal routes in particular offer breathtaking views, and the flat terrain makes cycling a relaxed experience. It’s an easy and climate-friendly way to reach even more remote destinations.
A fine selection of bike rental options in the region
Other ways to get around: taxis and car rental
If you need more flexibility or want to explore more remote places, taxis are available in the cities. Contact the tourist information offices in Småland and Öland for details on local taxi compani…
If you need more flexibility or want to explore more remote places, taxis are available in the cities. Contact the tourist information offices in Småland and Öland for details on local taxi companies. And if you do decide to rent a car, you’ll also find well-known rental agencies such as Sixt and Avis in the cities.
Useful apps for your trip – a quick overview
Use these apps to get around Småland and Öland:
• SJ: For train connections a…
Use these apps to get around Småland and Öland:
• SJ: For train connections across Sweden as well as the Öresundståg. Alternatively, you can also use the Skånetrafiken app for the latter.
• Länstrafiken Jönköpings Län, Länstrafiken Kronoberg, Kalmar Länstrafik: For buses and local public transport.
• Google Maps: For routes and timetables for public transport.
Accommodation
Stay at a manor, a comfortable city hotel, or a qua…
Nature & adventure
Småland is full of nature and adventure. Hiking, cy…