Last updated on September 2nd, 2024 at 08:11 am
Are you considering getting the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
For our recent trip to Scandinavia, we planned to visit the capitals of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. We travelled by train to Copenhagen from Stockholm and there are several reasons why I believe this is the best way to make the journey.
Although you could fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen (the flight time is 1 hour 10 minutes) and there is the option to take the bus too, my view is that the train is the most convenient, scenic and comfortable option.
I’d also heard that taking the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen allows you to experience a journey over the impressive Øresund Bridge, The Øresund is not only visually striking, it’s also the second longest bridge in Europe, in action since the year 2000. It’s part tunnel and part bridge.
Head to my recommendations on what to do in Stockholm for some inspiration before you travel to Copenhagen.
Here’s all you need to know about travelling from Stockholm to Copenhagen by train.
Train Journey Overview: Quick Facts
Here are some quick answers to questions you might have about the Stockholm train to Copenhagen.
What’s the route?
The train heads southwest from Stockholm, down to Malmö and across the Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen.
There are direct trains between Stockholm and Copenhagen but I found that these were less frequent than the trains requiring a change at Malmö.
I booked a direct train several weeks in advance, however, I was notified shortly before the journey that the train would now be terminating at Malmö and we’d have to get another train across to Copenhagen from there. Luckily, this was much easier and quicker than I’d expected.
How long is the journey?
The journey by train to Copenhagen from Stockholm takes approximately 5 and a half hours. You’ll need to factor in an extra half an hour if the train isn’t direct, in order to change trains at Malmö.
Where does the train depart from and where does it arrive?
The Stockholm Copenhagen train departs from Stockholm Central Station (also known as T-Centralen).
The train usually departs from platforms 3, 4 or 5, but check the screens in the station (there are lots around) when you arrive. There are plenty of signs (in both Swedish and English) to help you find your way around.
In Copenhagen, the train terminates at Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård in Danish).
Ticket Information
How to Buy Tickets
It’s best to buy your tickets in advance, and we did so via the travel site Omio. You can also purchase tickets via Sweden’s official rail operator website SJ.se.
I looked at both sites and found the Omio site more user-friendly so I booked with them. Rail Ninja is another option.
You can choose your seats when you book online. Seats facing both backwards and forwards are available for selection.
You can buy train tickets on the day from the train terminal. While there may still be some availability, tickets are likely to be more pricey. Plus, it’s always best to have the peace of mind which comes with having your tickets already sorted.
Price
Ticket prices vary considerably depending on when you book them, and the particular time you’re looking to book.
We paid £95 (approximately 1,279 SEK or $125) for one adult and one youth ticket. These tickets were slightly cheaper than others on the same day. If you can be flexible about the time you travel, you’ll get the best price on tickets.
Types of Tickets
Standard and First Class tickets are available. With First class, you’ll get a wider seat, extra legroom and access to a ‘quiet zone’ for around an extra £40. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth it. Our standard Class seats were really comfortable, pretty wide and with adequate leg room (and I’m tall; I don’t often say this)!
One perk of First Class, however, is that you receive a free breakfast before 9am – or coffee and snacks later in the day.
You can also choose between a refundable or non-refundable ticket. Refundable tickets will set you back just over £15 extra. This is a personal choice. We didn’t select this option, but I’ll leave it up to you.
The first train leaves at 5.21 am in the morning with the last (faster) trains leaving around 7 or 8 pm in the evening. There is usually a slower ‘sleeper’ train which leaves around 11 pm at night too. If you’re interested in that option, you can find out more information HERE.
What’s the journey and experience on board like?
We really enjoyed our train journey from Stockholm to Copenhagen. The seats were really large and comfy (at least, compared to trains in the UK), there was a good amount of leg room, a tray table you could pull down and cup holders to pop your drinks in.
I also loved that there was free (good) wi-fi (for both Standard and First Class) with power outlets at every seat.
Toilets are available (I was pretty impressed with these near the start of the journey, less so by the end – but that’s to be expected).
There’s a bistro car available on the train, where you can buy hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and some hot food. There was quite a lot of choice – although we’d purchased food from the station prior to boarding, so we only bought drinks.
One highlight of this journey was the amazing views we got to see as we travelled. The train takes you through some beautiful Swedish countryside, with traditional red farm buildings and animals dotted along the way. It was lovely to get a glimpse of Sweden away from its main cities.
Changing at Malmö
Although we’d originally booked the direct route, our train had to terminate at Malmö due to engineering works on the tracks.
Changing trains was actually much more straightforward than I’d anticipated, and it didn’t take long either. Getting from Malmö to Copenhagen by train is pretty easy.
There was an announcement on board as to where trains to Malmö would be departing from so we made our way there straight away and only had to wait a few minutes for a train. Trains from Malmö to Copenhagen are run by Oresund and usually use platforms 1 or 2.
Trains from Malmö are regular and go approximately every 20 minutes.
Of course, Malmö is also a lovely place to visit in its own right and you could choose to spend a few hours here exploring what it has to offer. Why not visit the Disgusting Food Museum for something a little quirky?
Tips for Travel
Pack Light
There is luggage storage by way of overhead racks on the train, but if your suitcase is too heavy or big, it’ll be tricky to get it up there! There is space at the end of the train car by the doors for you to leave your luggage and this is ideal if you’re in seats near the doors.
Make sure you have your essentials (snacks, charger, laptop/ tablet, book phone and water) in a smaller bag – there’s plenty of room on the floor by your seat to store this.
Pick a good time to travel
You’ll have to weigh this one up. We picked the 9.22 am train to travel as this was perfect for us. We could have breakfast at our hotel in Stockholm, have lunch on the train and be in Copenhagen with time to spare in the afternoon.
Prices vary throughout the day. I’ve tried to figure out when it’s cheapest to travel, but each day looks different – so I’d advise you go online, play around and if you’re able to be flexible, go with what’s cheapest and most convenient for you.
You don’t have to get there super early
Our train arrived about 10 to 15 minutes before departure and we were able to board straight away. There’s no need to arrive overly early though, as the train station is not huge and it’ll be relatively quick and easy for you to find the right platform.
There are plenty of places to grab food and drink before you board, including Pressbyran (like a Seven-Eleven). Not far from the station is Fabrique, one of Stockholm’s best bakeries – perfect if you haven’t had breakfast before your journey and want to grab a cardamom bun for the train.
Arriving at Copenhagen
Once you’ve crossed the Øresund Bridge, you’ll be in Denmark! The first stop once you’re there is the airport. Next will be Copenhagen Central Station.
We were staying within walking distance from the station, but if you’re not, you can pick up a City Pass at the DSB ticket machines in the station. A city pass will allow you unlimited travel throughout the centre of Copenhagen.
A note about Sustainable Travel
Train travel is a much more sustainable travel choice than flying. In fact, taking the train rather than flying cuts your CO2 emissions by up to 90%. This is particularly the case with shorter journeys (which would include Stockholm to Copenhagen). Take a look at my post on sustainable travel tips for more information.
Sweden’s rail companies (including SJ) use renewable electricity and are advocates of environmental change for the better. It’s reassuring to know that you’ll be doing your bit to help by choosing to use their services.
In terms of convenience, I actually think getting the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen was much more convenient than flying. The train stations in both cities are right in the centre so really easy to get to, plus you don’t need to factor in time going through passport control and waiting for luggage in airports. A major plus point is the scenery you get to look out at while you travel.
