Train from Copenhagen to Malmö
The train from Copenhagen to Malmö is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Denmark and Sweden. With only 30 km separating the two cities, the journey takes approximately 35 minutes, making it ideal for both day trips and regular commuters. Trains cross the iconic Öresund Bridge, offering stunning views of the strait between the countries.
According to Visit Copenhagen, trains run frequently throughout the day, with departures every 20 minutes during peak hours. The service connects Copenhagen Central Station directly to Malmö Central Station, making it straightforward for travelers.
Schedule and Frequency
Trains from Copenhagen to Malmö operate from approximately 5:00 AM until midnight daily. The Öresundståg service provides the most frequent departures, running every 20 minutes during weekday rush hours and every 40 minutes during evenings and weekends. Sweden Trains confirms that the route is serviced by multiple operators, ensuring reliable connections throughout the day.
The journey time remains consistent at 35-40 minutes regardless of the time of day. Travelers should note that trains depart from the underground platforms at Copenhagen Central Station, so allow extra time to navigate the station if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Ticket Prices and Booking
Train ticket prices from Copenhagen to Malmö start from approximately €8 (around 90 SEK) for a one-way journey when booked in advance, according to Omio (2025 data). Standard walk-up fares typically cost between €12-15 (130-160 SEK). Prices may vary depending on booking time, operator, and ticket type.
Key ticketing information:
- Advance booking (7+ days ahead) offers the best prices
- Children under 16 often travel at reduced rates
- Monthly passes available for frequent travelers
- Tickets can be purchased online, at station kiosks, or via mobile apps
- No seat reservations required – it’s open seating
Booking Tips
Smart Booking Strategies
Book tickets through the DSB (Danish State Railways) or Skånetrafiken apps for the best prices. Purchase round-trip tickets if you’re planning a day trip to Malmö to save time at the station. Consider buying a multi-journey pass if you’ll be making the trip more than three times within a month. Always validate your ticket before boarding, even if purchased digitally.
Bus and Ferry Alternatives
While trains dominate the Copenhagen to Malmö route, buses and ferries offer viable alternatives, particularly for budget-conscious travelers. These options provide different perspectives of the journey and can be more economical, though they typically take longer.
Bus Services and Schedules
Bus services from Copenhagen to Malmö take approximately one hour, according to Rome2Rio. FlixBus and other regional operators provide several daily departures, with prices ranging from €13-30 (approximately 140-320 SEK) based on 2023 data. Note that these prices may have changed, so verify current rates before booking.
Buses depart from Copenhagen’s main bus terminal near the Central Station and arrive at Malmö’s central bus station, located within walking distance of the city center. The journey crosses the same Öresund Bridge as trains but makes additional stops along the route.
Ferry Options
There is no direct ferry service between Copenhagen and Malmö. The copenhagen to malmo ferry search often leads travelers to the Helsingør-Helsingborg route, which connects Denmark and Sweden approximately 40 km north of Copenhagen. This historical ferry crossing takes 20 minutes but requires additional train travel to reach either Copenhagen or Malmö, making it impractical for direct travel between the two cities.
The Öresund Bridge connection has effectively replaced the need for ferry services on this specific route since its opening in 2000.
Comparison with Train Travel
| Transport Type | Duration | Price Range | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 35 minutes | €8-15 (90-160 SEK) | Every 20-40 min | Speed & convenience |
| Bus | 60 minutes | €13-30 (140-320 SEK)* | 4-6 times daily | Budget travel |
| Car (via bridge) | 40 minutes | €60 round trip | Flexible | Groups & flexibility |
*Bus prices based on 2023 data and may vary
Öresund Bridge for Drivers
The Öresund Bridge (Öresundsbron) is a combined railway and motorway bridge that spans 16 km across the Öresund strait, connecting Denmark and Sweden. As one of Europe’s most impressive engineering achievements, it provides a spectacular driving route between Copenhagen and Malmö, combining bridge and tunnel sections.
Driving Across the Bridge
Driving from Copenhagen to Malmö via the bridge from Copenhagen to Malmö takes approximately 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The route begins in Denmark, enters a tunnel near the artificial island of Peberholm, then continues onto the bridge section before reaching Swedish soil near Malmö.
The journey offers impressive views of the Öresund strait, though drivers should remain focused on the road due to weather conditions that can include strong winds. The bridge is well-maintained year-round and designed to handle Nordic weather conditions.
Toll Fees and Requirements
According to Scandinavia Standard, the toll fee for crossing the Öresund Bridge is approximately €60 for a round trip for standard passenger vehicles (2023 data). Current fees should be verified at the official Öresund Bridge website as prices may vary by vehicle type and payment method.
Important requirements for bridge crossing:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Payment accepted via credit card, cash, or pre-paid BroPas account
- ID documents required (passport or national ID card)
- No advance booking necessary – pay at toll booths
- Motorcycles and larger vehicles have different toll rates
Parking in Malmö
Malmö offers various parking options once you cross the bridge. The city center has several multi-story car parks with hourly and daily rates ranging from 15-40 SEK per hour. Park-and-ride facilities on the city outskirts offer more economical options if you plan to explore things to do in Malmö on foot or by public transport.
Street parking in central Malmö requires payment via parking meters or mobile apps during business hours. Many hotels offer parking packages, which can be more cost-effective for overnight stays.
Day Trip to Malmö from Copenhagen
A day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is one of the most popular cross-border excursions in Scandinavia. The short travel time makes it easy to explore Sweden’s third-largest city within a single day while staying based in Copenhagen. According to All The Ways You Wander, visitors can comfortably experience Malmö’s highlights in 6-8 hours.
Planning Your Day Trip
An ideal copenhagen to malmo day trip itinerary follows this timeline:
- 9:00 AM – Depart Copenhagen Central Station
- 9:35 AM – Arrive Malmö Central Station
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM – Explore old town (Gamla Staden) and Malmö Castle
- 12:00-1:00 PM – Lunch at local restaurant
- 1:00-3:00 PM – Visit Turning Torso and waterfront
- 3:00-5:00 PM – Shopping and cafes in city center
- 5:30 PM – Return train to Copenhagen
This schedule allows flexibility while ensuring you catch the train back without rushing. Purchase round-trip tickets in advance to avoid queues at the station.
Top Attractions
When planning things to do in malmo day trip from copenhagen, prioritize these highlights:
- Turning Torso – Scandinavia’s tallest building with distinctive twisted design
- Malmö Castle – Historic fortress housing museums
- Lilla Torg – Charming cobblestone square with restaurants
- Malmö Form/Design Center – Swedish design exhibitions
- Västra Hamnen – Modern waterfront district with sustainable architecture
Most attractions are within walking distance of the central station, though the city also offers bike rentals and efficient public transport for reaching outlying areas.
Practical Day Trip Tips
Essential Day Trip Advice
Swedish krona (SEK) is the local currency, though most places accept cards. Check passport requirements even though both countries are in the Schengen Area – occasional border checks occur. Download offline maps before departure in case of connectivity issues. Malmö is generally walkable, but comfortable shoes are essential for covering the main sights. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so plan meal times accordingly.
Travel from Copenhagen Airport to Malmö
Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) serves as a major transportation hub for both Denmark and southern Sweden. Many travelers heading to Malmö to Copenhagen airport or vice versa find this connection more convenient than traveling through Stockholm.
Train and Bus Connections
Direct trains run from Copenhagen Airport to Malmö every 20 minutes during peak hours. Welcome Pickups reports that the train from Copenhagen airport to Malmö takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Malmö Central Station, making it the fastest public transport option.
The airport station is located in Terminal 3, easily accessible from all terminals via covered walkways. Ticket machines and service desks are available in the station area. The same Öresundståg trains that serve Copenhagen Central Station continue to Malmö, so you can board directly without transfers.
Bus services also connect the airport to Malmö, though they take longer (approximately 45 minutes) and are less frequent than trains. They may offer slightly lower prices but the time savings of the train generally outweigh the cost difference.
Time and Cost
Travel times and costs for copenhagen airport to malmo transport options:
- Train: 20 minutes, €10-12 (110-130 SEK)
- Bus: 45 minutes, €8-15 (90-160 SEK)
- Taxi: 35 minutes, €80-100 (900-1100 SEK)
- Private transfer: 35 minutes, €90-120 (1000-1300 SEK)
Prices reflect 2025 estimates and may vary based on time of booking and service provider. Always confirm current rates before traveling.
Taxi and Private Transfer Options
Taxis and private transfers offer door-to-door convenience for travelers with heavy luggage or those arriving late at night when train frequency decreases. The copenhagen airport to malmo train price advantage diminishes for groups of three or more, where splitting taxi costs becomes competitive.
Pre-booking private transfers guarantees fixed prices and eliminates language barriers. Regular taxis are available at designated stands outside all terminals, though prices are significantly higher than public transport. Some services offer meet-and-greet options, particularly useful for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the airport layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the train from Copenhagen to Malmö take?
The train journey from Copenhagen to Malmö takes approximately 35 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with departures every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 40 minutes during off-peak times. The Öresundståg service crosses the Öresund Bridge, connecting Copenhagen Central Station directly to Malmö Central Station.
What is the cheapest way to get from Copenhagen to Malmö?
The cheapest option is booking advance train tickets, which start from approximately €8 (90 SEK) when purchased 7+ days ahead. Buses can sometimes offer competitive rates at €13-30, though they take longer (about 60 minutes). Walk-up train fares cost €12-15, which is still generally more economical than driving when factoring in the €60 round-trip bridge toll.
Do I need a passport to travel from Copenhagen to Malmö?
While both Denmark and Sweden are Schengen Area members (meaning border controls are typically minimal), you should carry valid identification such as a passport or national ID card. Temporary border checks are occasionally implemented, and you may be asked to present documents. EU citizens can use national ID cards, while non-EU visitors should carry their passport.
Is Malmö worth visiting as a day trip from Copenhagen?
Yes, Malmö makes an excellent day trip from Copenhagen due to the short 35-minute train journey. The city offers distinct Swedish culture, architecture including the famous Turning Torso, historic Malmö Castle, charming old town streets, and waterfront areas. You can comfortably see the main highlights in 6-8 hours, making it perfect for travelers who want to experience both countries during a Scandinavian visit. The ease of travel between the cities adds to its appeal.
Can I use the same currency in Copenhagen and Malmö?
No, Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK) while Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). However, most establishments in both cities accept credit and debit cards, minimizing the need for cash. Some tourist areas in Malmö may accept euros or Danish kroner, but you’ll generally get better value using Swedish currency or cards. ATMs are readily available in both cities for currency withdrawal.
What is the best time to visit Malmö from Copenhagen?
Malmö can be visited year-round, though summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and waterfront areas. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Winter visits offer Christmas markets and a cozy atmosphere, though daylight hours are limited. Trains run consistently throughout all seasons, making any time suitable for a visit to Malmö.
