Learning how to get to Eksjö is straightforward once you know which regional transport hub to use. This historic town in Småland is located between Jönköping and Kalmar, with connections by train, bus and car. Most visitors travel via Nässjö, Jönköping or Tranås before continuing to Eksjö. This guide explains the best transport to Eksjö from major Swedish cities, how to find trains to Eksjö, and what to expect when you arrive.
Where is Eksjö?
Eksjö is in the Swedish province of Småland, in Jönköping County. The town lies approximately 55 kilometres east of Jönköping, 25 kilometres east of Nässjö and about 75 kilometres west of Vimmerby. It is known for its well preserved wooden town centre, which is one of the most distinctive historic districts in Sweden.
Because Eksjö is not on one of Sweden’s main national railway routes, many journeys involve changing in a nearby town. Nässjö is usually the most useful rail connection, while Jönköping is often the easiest starting point for travellers arriving from western Sweden. Local buses connect these transport hubs with Eksjö.
How to get to Eksjö by train
The simplest rail journey to Eksjö usually involves travelling first to Nässjö. Nässjö is an important railway junction with frequent connections to Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Copenhagen and other Swedish cities. From Nässjö, you can continue towards Eksjö using a regional train service when available or a local bus operated within the Jönköping County public transport network.
Travel times and service patterns can change between weekdays, weekends and holiday periods. Before booking, check the complete journey in the SJ, Jönköpings Länstrafik or Resrobot travel planners. These services combine national trains with regional trains and buses, which is useful because the fastest route may include more than one type of transport.
Trains from Stockholm to Eksjö
There is generally no simple direct train from Stockholm to Eksjö. The most practical route is to take a long distance train from Stockholm Centralstation to Nässjö and then change for a regional connection to Eksjö.
The train from Stockholm to Nässjö commonly takes around three hours, although the exact time depends on the service and number of stops. The onward journey from Nässjö to Eksjö is short, often taking approximately 25 to 40 minutes by regional transport. Allow extra time for changing trains or buses, especially if you are travelling with luggage or arriving late in the evening.
For a smooth journey, search for Stockholm Centralstation to Eksjö station rather than buying each part separately. The booking system may show a combined itinerary, but always check whether the final section is by train or bus and whether a separate local ticket is required.
Trains from Gothenburg to Eksjö
Travellers from Gothenburg can normally travel by train to Nässjö, sometimes changing in another major city depending on the timetable. From Nässjö, continue to Eksjö by regional transport.
The journey from Gothenburg to Nässjö often takes between two and three hours. The complete trip to Eksjö may take around three to four hours, depending on the connection. Another option is to travel to Jönköping and take a bus from there. Compare both routes before booking because the best choice can vary significantly by departure time.
Trains from Malmö and Copenhagen to Eksjö
From Malmö, take a train north through southern Sweden towards Nässjö. Some services require a change, while others may provide a convenient connection to the railway junction without a long wait. From Nässjö, continue by local train or bus to Eksjö.
The journey from Malmö to Eksjö often takes approximately three and a half to five hours. If you are travelling from Copenhagen, cross the Öresund Bridge by train to Malmö and continue north. Remember to allow time for the change in Malmö, particularly during busy travel periods or when travelling with children.
Another possibility from southern Sweden is to travel towards Linköping or Tranås and then continue by regional transport. This can be useful if you are combining Eksjö with destinations in Östergötland, although Nässjö is usually the more direct transport hub.
Trains from Jönköping to Eksjö
Jönköping is close to Eksjö, but travelling between the towns by bus is often more convenient than taking a train. Regional bus services connect Jönköping with Nässjö and Eksjö, with journey times commonly ranging from about one hour to one and a half hours.
From Jönköping Resecentrum, check departures operated by Jönköpings Länstrafik. Some routes travel via Nässjö, while others connect through nearby communities. The number of departures may be lower during evenings, weekends and school holidays, so check the timetable before relying on a late connection.
Transport to Eksjö by bus
Buses are an important part of the transport network around Eksjö. They are particularly useful for visitors arriving from Jönköping, Nässjö, Vetlanda, Tranås and other towns in Jönköping County. Local and regional bus services normally arrive at or near Eksjö Resecentrum, which is within walking distance of the historic centre.
Jönköpings Länstrafik is the main source for regional public transport information in the area. Its journey planner shows available buses, trains, changes and ticket options. Use the exact date and time of your journey because the timetable can differ between school days, Saturdays and Sundays.
Bus from Nässjö to Eksjö
Nässjö is one of the best places to change from a long distance train to local transport. The bus journey to Eksjö is relatively short and is often a practical alternative when a train connection is not available. Depending on the route and stops, the trip usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Nässjö railway station and its bus facilities are close together, making the change manageable. Still, check the walking instructions in your travel planner if you have heavy luggage or limited time. At some times of day, the next bus may not depart immediately after your train arrives.
Bus from Jönköping to Eksjö
Travelling by bus from Jönköping is one of the easiest ways to reach Eksjö without driving. Begin at Jönköping Resecentrum, the city’s main bus and railway station. Depending on the service, you may travel directly or change in Nässjö.
Expect the journey to take approximately 75 to 100 minutes in normal conditions. Traffic, roadworks and winter weather can affect the arrival time. If you have a timed tour or accommodation check in, choose an earlier departure rather than planning to arrive just a few minutes before your booking.
Bus from other nearby towns
Eksjö has regional connections with several towns in the surrounding area. Useful routes may be available from Vetlanda, Tranås, Vimmerby and Mariannelund, although some services operate only a few times per day. These routes are especially useful if Eksjö is part of a wider Småland itinerary.
Vimmerby is a popular destination for families visiting Astrid Lindgren’s World. If you are travelling between Vimmerby and Eksjö, compare the regional bus and train options carefully. Some journeys require a change in Mariannelund or another local centre, and the timetable may be limited outside the summer season.
How to get to Eksjö by car
Driving is often the most flexible way to get to Eksjö, particularly if you want to explore Småland’s lakes, forests and smaller villages. The town is connected to the surrounding road network by well maintained regional roads, and signs to the centre are easy to follow.
From Jönköping, drive east towards Nässjö and then continue in the direction of Eksjö. The journey usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic. From Nässjö, the drive to Eksjö often takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
From Stockholm, the drive normally takes around three and a half to four and a half hours. The route generally follows the main roads south towards Jönköping or Nässjö before continuing east to Eksjö. From Gothenburg, allow approximately two and a half to three and a half hours. From Malmö, the drive commonly takes three and a half to four and a half hours.
These times are estimates rather than guarantees. Swedish winter conditions, road maintenance and summer traffic can make journeys longer. Check the route shortly before leaving, especially if you are driving in December, January or February.
Parking in Eksjö
Parking is usually easier in Eksjö than in Sweden’s larger cities. There are public parking areas close to the centre, but restrictions can apply in the historic wooden town. Look for local signs about time limits, payment and permitted parking zones.
If you are staying at a hotel or guesthouse, ask about private parking before arrival. Some accommodation providers have spaces for guests, while others recommend a nearby public car park. Avoid leaving a vehicle in a narrow historic street unless signs clearly allow it.
How to get to Eksjö from Stockholm Arlanda Airport
International visitors often arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport before travelling south. The most convenient public transport option is usually the airport train or a regional connection into Stockholm, followed by a long distance train from Stockholm Centralstation to Nässjö. Continue from Nässjö to Eksjö by regional train or bus.
Depending on the connection, the whole journey can take approximately four and a half to six hours from the airport. An airport coach to Stockholm is another option, but it usually takes longer than the train and can be affected by traffic.
When searching for tickets, enter Arlanda Centralstation or Stockholm Arlanda Airport as your starting point and Eksjö as your destination. Compare the complete route rather than booking only the Stockholm to Nässjö section. This helps you identify the correct airport transfer and allows enough time between connections.
How to get to Eksjö from Jönköping Airport
Jönköping Airport is closer to Eksjö than Stockholm Arlanda, but scheduled public transport options can be more limited. If a suitable airport bus is not available, a taxi or rental car may be the simplest choice. From the airport, the drive to Eksjö takes roughly one hour, depending on traffic and the exact destination.
You can also travel into Jönköping and continue by regional bus. Check the airport’s current transport information and the Jönköpings Länstrafik journey planner before travelling, as connections can depend on flight times.
Tickets, prices and transport cards
The price of travelling to Eksjö depends on your departure city, how early you book and whether you use a national or regional operator. Long distance train tickets are often cheaper when booked in advance, while local buses may use fixed regional fares.
National train tickets are commonly available through SJ and other authorised booking channels. Regional train and bus tickets in Jönköping County can be purchased through Jönköpings Länstrafik’s digital services, ticket machines or selected travel centres. Payment methods and ticket rules can vary, so confirm the conditions before boarding.
- Book long distance train journeys early when your schedule is fixed.
- Check whether your ticket includes the regional section from Nässjö to Eksjö.
- Use the same journey search for all parts of the route when possible.
- Buy a local bus ticket before boarding if the operator requires advance purchase.
- Keep your ticket available throughout the journey, including during changes.
Travel tips for getting to Eksjö
Check the timetable on the day of travel
Regional services in Småland can be less frequent than trains in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö. A connection shown on a weekday may not operate on a Sunday. Check departures again shortly before leaving, particularly during public holidays and school holidays.
Allow time for changes
If you travel via Nässjö, leave enough time to change between the long distance train and the local service. A 15 minute change may be possible, but 30 minutes provides more flexibility if the first train is delayed or you need to locate the correct platform or bus stop.
Travel with luggage
Eksjö is a walkable town, but carrying large bags from the station or bus centre may be inconvenient on some streets. Pack with the final part of the journey in mind and check whether your accommodation offers luggage storage or a pick up service.
Consider the season
Summer is a popular time to visit Eksjö because of its outdoor attractions and cultural events. Accommodation and rental cars can be in high demand, so reserve them in advance. In winter, daylight hours are shorter and roads may be icy. Public transport remains useful, but allow extra time for weather related delays.
Getting around Eksjö after you arrive
Most central attractions are easy to reach on foot from Eksjö Resecentrum. The historic centre, shops, cafés and several museums are located close together. Walking is also the best way to appreciate the wooden buildings and small streets of Gamla Stan.
For attractions outside the centre, check local bus departures or consider renting a car. Taxis may be available, but they are not as numerous as in larger Swedish cities. If you plan to visit several rural sites, confirm return transport before setting out, since services may be infrequent.
Which way of getting to Eksjö is best?
For most visitors arriving from Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö, the best public transport route is a train to Nässjö followed by a regional connection to Eksjö. Travellers from Jönköping will often find the bus simplest. Driving is the most flexible option if you want to explore the wider Småland region or travel outside normal timetable hours.
There may not be one single best answer to how to get to Eksjö. The right choice depends on your starting point, travel date, luggage and plans in the surrounding area. Search the full journey before booking, compare train and bus departures, and allow time for the final connection. With those steps, reaching Eksjö is an easy part of a visit to historic Småland.