Fastest ~4h45–5h15 by train
| 🚆 Train | ~4h45–5h15 (direct) | SJ X 2000/DSB over Øresund Bridge, reservation required |
| 🚌 Bus | ~8–9h | Flixbus over same bridge, cheapest, overnight options |
| ✈️ Flight | ~1h5min air (~3.5–4. | Competitive if near Copenhagen Airport |
| 🚗 Car | ~6–7h | E4 via Malmö/Gothenburg, 650–680km, bridge toll |
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Copenhagen and Stockholm are two of Scandinavia's great capitals, separated by around 650 km and one of the most iconic pieces of engineering in modern Europe: the Øresund Bridge. Direct trains make the crossing several times a day, threading over the bridge, through an underwater tunnel, and then north through Sweden to Stockholm. Here is how each option works.
The quickest way: the X 2000 and direct trains
SJ (Swedish Railways) and DSB (Danish State Railways) operate direct intercity trains between Copenhagen Central (København H) and Stockholm Central, with the fastest services taking around 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes. Most services are operated by SJ's comfortable X 2000 tilting trains, which allow higher speeds on the curved Swedish mainline north of Malmö.
The train departs Copenhagen Central, crosses Øresund on the combined road-rail bridge — opened in 2000 and still one of the most impressive crossings in Europe — and arrives at Malmö Central after about 35 minutes. From Malmö the train heads north through Lund, Gothenburg (where some services stop) and up to Stockholm. The Øresund crossing is a highlight in itself: you leave Denmark on the bridge, dip below sea level through the tunnel on the Danish side, and emerge in Sweden.
Reservations are required on SJ's X 2000 services. Advance fares can be very competitive; flexible and last-minute tickets cost considerably more. Book directly with SJ or DSB to avoid third-party booking fees.
Via Gothenburg: the slower but flexible option
Some trains make more stops and route through Gothenburg (Göteborg), taking closer to 6–6.5 hours total. This can make sense if you want to break the journey in Sweden's second city — Gothenburg has a handsome tram-served centre, a good food scene and easy connections — or if the faster direct services are full or poorly timed for your schedule.
The cheapest way: long-distance bus
Flixbus and other coach operators run between Copenhagen and Stockholm, crossing via the Øresund Bridge in the same way as the train. Journey times are typically around 8–9 hours, and fares at the budget end can be considerably lower than even advance train tickets. The bus makes most sense for travellers who are not in a hurry and for whom the cost saving is meaningful. Overnight coach services exist on this route, allowing you to save a night's accommodation.
The fastest door-to-door: flying
Several airlines fly Copenhagen to Stockholm in around 1 hour 5 minutes. Stockholm has two main airports: Arlanda (the main international hub, about 40 km from the city centre) and Bromma (closer in, but with more limited service). Adding airport transfers, security and check-in, the realistic door-to-door time is typically around 3.5–4.5 hours — competitive with the train, especially if you are near Copenhagen Airport (which is very close to the city centre and on the train line).
Flying can make sense on this route, particularly if you catch a cheap promotional fare. But for travellers who value the journey experience or prefer city-centre arrivals, the train remains a very practical choice.
Driving
The drive is around 650–680 km and takes roughly 6–7 hours without long stops, crossing via the Øresund Bridge (toll applies on the road crossing — check current rates before your trip). The route north through Sweden on the E4 passes through Malmö, Gothenburg and up to Stockholm. It is a straightforward motorway drive, handsome in parts through the Swedish forests and lake landscape, though not especially spectacular. Driving makes sense if you want a car in Stockholm, are travelling in a group, or plan stops along the way.
Which should you choose?
The direct train is the right option for most travellers: faster and more comfortable than the bus, with the bonus of the Øresund crossing as a visual spectacle, and arriving in Stockholm Central right in the city. Choose the bus if budget is the primary concern. Flying is genuinely competitive on time and can win if you catch a good fare. Driving suits those wanting flexibility or a car in Stockholm.
From Stockholm, onward journeys head north to the Arctic or east to Helsinki by overnight ferry. Copenhagen connects west and south to the rest of Europe's high-speed rail network via Hamburg.
Frequently asked questions
Does the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm go over the Øresund Bridge?
Yes — the direct trains cross the Øresund via the combined bridge and tunnel, arriving in Malmö before continuing north through Sweden. The bridge crossing takes around 15–20 minutes and is one of the highlights of the journey.
How long is the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
The fastest direct services take around 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes. Services with more stops or via a different route can take up to 6.5 hours.
Do I need to book in advance?
Reservations are required on SJ X 2000 services. Advance booking is strongly recommended — fares are significantly cheaper when bought ahead, and popular departure times can sell out. See our reservations guide for more.
What is the cheapest way from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
Long-distance coach services (Flixbus and similar) offer the lowest fares, typically at the cost of a journey time of 8–9 hours. An overnight bus can save a night's hotel costs. Advance train fares can be competitive if booked well ahead.