Copenhagen to Malmo

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Copenhagen and Malmö are separated by just 16 kilometres of water and the Øresund strait, yet they feel like two distinct worlds. The Øresund Bridge makes the crossing almost absurdly easy: a direct regional train takes about 35 minutes, runs every few minutes, and delivers you straight into the heart of Malmö. It is one of the smoothest border crossings in Europe, and the options do not stop at the train.

The quickest and most convenient way: the Øresund Train

The Øresund Train (Øresundståget) is the undisputed best way to make this crossing for almost every traveller. Services run between Copenhagen Central Station (København H) and Malmö Central Station throughout the day and into the early hours, typically several times per hour during peak times. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and no reservation is required — you simply buy a ticket and board.

Fares are moderate and cover both the Danish and Swedish sides of the crossing. If you hold a Scandinavia-wide rail pass (Interrail or Eurail), you can use it here, though the pass must cover both Denmark and Sweden since the route crosses both countries. See our comparison of Interrail and Eurail passes for how to choose the right pass for a Nordic trip.

Trains stop at Copenhagen Airport midway, which makes the airport a convenient interchange if you are arriving by plane and heading directly to Malmö — or vice versa. The full journey from the airport to Malmö Central takes around 20 minutes.

The cheapest way: the bus

Express buses cross the Øresund Bridge several times a day, operated by companies including FlixBus and regional services. Journey times are typically around 45–60 minutes, slightly longer than the train, and fares can be cheaper, especially if you book ahead or travel at off-peak times. Buses stop near central locations in both cities. This option suits travellers who are connecting onward and find a bus departure time convenient, or those who prefer not to use the train ticketing systems.

For broader coach travel in the region, see our guide to coaches in Scandinavia.

Driving across the Øresund Bridge

The bridge carries both rail and road traffic on separate decks. By car the crossing takes around 10 minutes of driving time, but add the queue at the toll plaza and it is realistically 20–30 minutes between city centres. There is a toll to pay, which varies by vehicle type; passenger cars pay at the Swedish end (Lernacken). Payment is by card at the tollbooths. Fuel prices and rules differ between Denmark and Sweden, so it is worth being aware of parking rules in Malmö if you plan to leave the car there.

Driving makes the most sense if you are continuing beyond Malmö into southern Sweden, or if you are travelling with luggage or as a group where sharing the cost makes sense.

Cycling the Øresund Bridge (not an option)

One option that does not exist is cycling across the bridge — it is not permitted for cyclists or pedestrians. However, cyclists can transport their bikes on the Øresund Train at no extra charge during quieter periods (check the current rules with DSB and Skånetrafiken). Malmö itself is an excellent cycling city once you arrive, with an extensive network of bike lanes.

Arriving in Malmö: what to know

Malmö Central Station is right in the city centre and well connected to local buses and the city's own light rail network. Most of Malmö's sights — the old town (Gamla staden), the Twisted Torso skyscraper, and the Lilla Torg square — are easily walkable from the station.

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK) rather than Danish krone or euros. Card payment is widely accepted throughout Malmö, and most shops will not accept foreign cash. It is worth having a card that charges low or no foreign transaction fees.

Day tripping versus staying overnight

The short distance and frequent trains make Malmö one of the most natural day-trip destinations from Copenhagen — and the traffic flows in both directions, with many Malmö residents commuting daily into the Danish capital. That said, Malmö rewards an overnight stay: the food scene is excellent, the city's architecture spans centuries, and the Malmö Museum is worth several hours on its own.

For those doing a longer Scandinavian circuit, Malmö also connects easily by train to Gothenburg in under three hours and to Stockholm in about four and a half hours, making it a natural waypoint on a Sweden itinerary. The route from travelling around Sweden by train is well served by the national network.

Which should you choose?

For almost everyone, the Øresund Train is the answer: cheap enough, very fast, runs constantly, and delivers you from central station to central station. Take the bus only if fares are meaningfully lower on your date. Drive if you have a car already and are continuing into Sweden. The bridge makes this one of the easiest international crossings in Europe — there is no real wrong choice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to travel from Copenhagen to Malmö?

Both Denmark and Sweden are in the Schengen Area, so there are no customs formalities. However, Sweden has operated identity checks at the Øresund Bridge since 2015, so you should carry a valid passport or national ID card even for a day trip.

How often do trains run between Copenhagen and Malmö?

Several times per hour during the day, with reduced but still regular services in the evenings and on weekends. The timetable is operated jointly by DSB (Denmark) and Skånetrafiken (Sweden).

Can I cycle from Copenhagen to Malmö?

You cannot cycle across the Øresund Bridge — it is road and rail only. You can take your bicycle on the Øresund Train, subject to the current terms of the rail operator.

Is the Øresund crossing covered by a rail pass?

Yes, if your Interrail or Eurail pass covers both Denmark and Sweden. A pass covering only one country is not valid for the full crossing.