Wondering how to get to Borgholm? The easiest route for most visitors is to travel by train to Kalmar and continue across the Öland Bridge by bus, rental car or taxi. Borgholm has no railway station or direct long-distance train service, but the town is well connected by road and public transport from Kalmar.
Where is Borgholm?
Borgholm is a small coastal town on the island of Öland, just off Sweden’s southeastern coast. It is the administrative centre of Borgholm Municipality and one of the island’s most popular destinations. Visitors come for Borgholm Castle, Solliden Palace, the harbour, beaches and the wider landscape of northern Öland.
Öland is connected to the mainland by the Öland Bridge, which links the island with the city of Kalmar. This bridge is the key to understanding transport to Borgholm. Almost all visitors arriving from elsewhere in Sweden first reach Kalmar, then travel approximately 40 kilometres across the bridge and north along the island’s main roads.
How to get to Borgholm by train
There are no trains to Borgholm because Öland does not have an active passenger railway. However, travelling by train to Kalmar is usually the most convenient public transport option, particularly if you are coming from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö or another Swedish city.
Step 1: Take a train to Kalmar
Kalmar Centralstation is located in the city centre and has regular services from several parts of Sweden. Depending on your starting point, you may travel with SJ or connect through regional services. From Stockholm, trains normally pass through cities such as Linköping and Växjö, although the exact route depends on the service and timetable. From Malmö and southern Sweden, Öresundståg and connecting regional trains are common options. Travellers from Gothenburg may need to change trains along the way.
Journey times vary considerably. A trip from Stockholm can take around four to five hours, while Malmö to Kalmar often takes approximately three to four hours. Gothenburg journeys usually take several hours and may require a change. Always check the current timetable before booking because routes, operators and seasonal schedules can change.
Step 2: Continue from Kalmar to Borgholm
When you arrive at Kalmar Centralstation, continue by regional bus, taxi or rental car. Kalmar Centralstation is close to the city’s bus terminal, making a transfer relatively straightforward. Kalmar länstrafik operates buses towards Borgholm and other destinations on Öland. The route number and departure times can change, so check the current Kalmar länstrafik timetable before travelling.
The bus journey from Kalmar to Borgholm normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the service and number of stops. Buses cross the Öland Bridge and continue north towards Borgholm. This is generally the most affordable option for visitors who do not want to drive.
If you have luggage, check whether your train and bus arrive at suitable times. A short connection may be possible, but allowing extra time is sensible if you are travelling during a busy summer period or with several bags.
Transport to Borgholm from Kalmar
Kalmar is the main mainland gateway to Borgholm. From Kalmar, you have four practical options: regional bus, rental car, taxi or bicycle. Your best choice depends on your budget, arrival time and plans for exploring Öland.
Regional bus
The regional bus is usually the simplest choice for travellers arriving by train. Look for services from Kalmar towards Borgholm, and confirm the departure stop because some services may leave from the central bus area rather than directly beside the railway platforms. The ride gives you a view of the Öland Bridge and the countryside on both sides of the island.
Tickets may be available through the regional transport operator’s app, website or onboard sales, depending on the current rules. Digital tickets are often the most convenient option. If you plan to use buses several times on Öland, compare single tickets with any available day or period tickets.
Rental car
Hiring a car in Kalmar is useful if you want to explore more than Borgholm. The town itself can be visited without a car, but many of Öland’s attractions are spread across the island. A car makes it easier to reach beaches, nature reserves, historic churches, windmills and places such as Köpingsvik, Kårehamn and Löttorp.
From Kalmar, follow signs for the Öland Bridge and continue on Route 137. After crossing the bridge, follow the main road north towards Borgholm. The drive is usually less than one hour in normal traffic. Parking is generally easier outside the busiest summer periods, but it is worth checking accommodation information in advance if you are visiting during July or a major event.
Taxi
A taxi from Kalmar to Borgholm is faster and more flexible than a bus, but it can be expensive, especially for solo travellers. It may be practical for a small group, a late arrival or visitors with heavy luggage. Book in advance where possible and ask for an estimated fare before starting the journey. A taxi can collect you from Kalmar Centralstation, Kalmar Airport or your accommodation.
Bicycle
Experienced cyclists can travel to Borgholm from Kalmar by crossing the Öland Bridge, but this option requires careful planning. The bridge itself has a designated cycle path, although the crossing may feel exposed in strong wind. Check the weather, daylight and road conditions before setting out. The distance from central Kalmar to Borgholm is roughly 40 kilometres, so the trip is manageable for many recreational cyclists but may take several hours with stops.
How to get to Borgholm by car
Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Borgholm, especially if you are travelling with family or planning a road trip around Öland. The island is connected to mainland Sweden by the Öland Bridge, and there is no bridge toll for ordinary road traffic.
From Stockholm
From Stockholm, drive south on the E4 and then continue towards Kalmar, usually using the E22 for the final part of the mainland journey. In Kalmar, follow signs for Öland and the Öland Bridge. Once across the bridge, take Route 137 towards Borgholm. The total drive is approximately 400 kilometres and can take around five hours or more, depending on traffic, breaks and your starting point in the Stockholm area.
From Gothenburg
From Gothenburg, routes normally lead through southern or central Sweden towards Kalmar. After reaching Kalmar, follow the signs across the Öland Bridge and then north to Borgholm. The journey is commonly around 340 kilometres, although the exact distance depends on the route and departure point.
From Malmö and southern Sweden
From Malmö, take the E22 northeast towards Kalmar. After arriving in Kalmar, follow Route 137 across the bridge and continue to Borgholm. The drive from Malmö is roughly 300 kilometres. Travellers coming from Helsingborg, Lund or Copenhagen can use the same general route, adjusting for the road connection from their starting point.
Driving tips for Öland
- Use a navigation app, but download an offline map in case mobile coverage is weak in rural areas.
- Fill up with fuel before heading into remote parts of northern Öland, where petrol stations are less frequent.
- Expect more traffic near Borgholm, Köpingsvik and popular beaches during July and August.
- Watch for cyclists, walkers and wildlife, particularly on smaller country roads.
- Check parking signs carefully in Borgholm town centre and near beaches.
- Allow extra time for stops because Öland’s scenery and villages are part of the experience.
How to get to Borgholm by bus
Long-distance coaches are not usually the most direct way to reach Borgholm. Most coach journeys from Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö take you to Kalmar or another mainland city first. From there, change to a regional bus operated by Kalmar länstrafik.
Bus services on Öland are more frequent during the summer season and around larger towns. Outside the main holiday period, departures may be less frequent, particularly in the evening and in rural areas. Check the complete journey before leaving, including the last bus from Kalmar and the final connection to your accommodation.
Borgholm’s bus station is close to the town centre. From there, many hotels, restaurants, shops and parts of the harbour are within walking distance. If your accommodation is outside central Borgholm, check whether you need a local connection or taxi.
Flying to Borgholm
The nearest commercial airport is Kalmar Öland Airport, also known as Kalmar Airport. It is located on the mainland, a short distance from central Kalmar. From the airport, you can continue to Borgholm by bus, taxi or rental car.
From Kalmar Öland Airport
A taxi or rental car is usually the simplest airport transfer. Public transport may also be possible, but you may need to travel into central Kalmar before connecting to a bus for Borgholm. Check the airport and regional transport timetables for your arrival date, especially if your flight lands in the evening.
Flight availability to Kalmar changes according to the season and airline schedules. Some routes are designed mainly for domestic travellers, so international visitors may need to connect through Stockholm or another Swedish airport. Compare the complete journey, including the transfer from the airport, before choosing to fly.
Arriving via Stockholm or Copenhagen
International visitors can also fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport or Copenhagen Airport and continue by train or rental car. From Arlanda, a train journey towards Kalmar is usually more convenient than travelling into central Stockholm first, depending on the available connection. From Copenhagen, travel across the Öresund Bridge by train to Malmö and continue towards Kalmar by regional or long-distance train.
Copenhagen can be a useful entry point for visitors already travelling in Denmark or southern Scandinavia, but the overall journey to Borgholm is longer than it may appear on a map. Allow enough time for train changes and check whether your ticket covers all parts of the route.
Can you reach Borgholm by ferry?
Borgholm has a harbour, but it is not normally served by a regular passenger ferry from mainland Sweden. The harbour is mainly used by leisure boats and local maritime traffic. For most visitors, the road across the Öland Bridge is the standard way to reach the town.
Private boat owners can use the harbour subject to local rules and availability. If you are arriving by boat, contact the harbour or marina in advance for information about berths, services and seasonal restrictions. Do not assume that a ferry connection is available simply because Borgholm is a coastal town.
Getting around Borgholm without a car
Borgholm is compact and easy to explore on foot. The central shopping streets, harbour, restaurants and many hotels are close together. Borgholm Castle and Solliden Palace are farther from the centre, but they can be reached by walking, bicycle, bus or taxi depending on the season and your preferred pace.
Bicycles are a useful way to explore nearby beaches and villages. Some accommodation providers rent bicycles or can recommend a local rental company. Ask about helmets, child seats, locks and route conditions before setting off.
Public transport is practical for reaching some larger destinations, but services can be limited outside the main summer season. If you want to visit several remote attractions in one day, a rental car or organised tour may save considerable time.
Best option for different types of traveller
- Travelling on a budget: Take a train to Kalmar and connect with a regional bus to Borgholm.
- Travelling with children: A rental car offers more space, flexibility and easier access to beaches and attractions.
- Arriving late: Book a taxi or arrange a rental car in advance, since evening buses may be limited.
- Exploring the whole island: Drive or rent a car in Kalmar so you can reach both northern and southern Öland.
- Staying in central Borgholm: The train and bus combination is usually sufficient because many town attractions are walkable.
- Travelling sustainably: Use the train to Kalmar, continue by regional bus and walk or cycle during your stay.
Practical planning advice
Book accommodation early if you are visiting Borgholm in July, during a festival or around a major summer event. The town is popular with Swedish holidaymakers, and rooms, rental cars and taxis can become limited.
Check every part of your journey shortly before departure. Train times, bus routes and airport connections can change, and summer and winter timetables are often different. If you are travelling on a Sunday, public holiday or late in the evening, pay particular attention to the final connection from Kalmar to Borgholm.
For a smooth trip, save your accommodation address, download tickets before boarding and keep a little flexibility in your schedule. Once you cross the Öland Bridge, you are close to Borgholm, but rural transport on the island may take longer than expected.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Borgholm
Is there a train station in Borgholm?
No. There are no regular passenger trains to Borgholm. The usual train route is to Kalmar, followed by a regional bus, taxi or rental car across the Öland Bridge.
How far is Borgholm from Kalmar?
Borgholm is approximately 40 kilometres from central Kalmar by road. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes to one hour by bus or car, depending on the service, traffic and stops.
Is Borgholm easy to visit without a car?
Yes, especially if you are staying in central Borgholm. Take the train to Kalmar and a regional bus to town. A car becomes more useful if you plan to visit attractions outside Borgholm or travel around northern Öland.
What is the fastest way to reach Borgholm?
For most travellers, driving from Kalmar is the fastest option. If you are arriving from another Swedish city, flying to Kalmar Öland Airport and taking a taxi or rental car may also be quick, although flight availability varies.
Do I need to book transport to Borgholm in advance?
Advance booking is sensible for long-distance trains, rental cars, accommodation and taxis during the summer. Regional buses can normally be used without a reservation, but check ticketing rules and departure times before travelling.