Hamburg to Copenhagen

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

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Hamburg to Copenhagen is a trans-national crossing between Germany and Scandinavia — roughly 390 kilometres by road, with the route crossing either a long bridge-and-ferry connection or an eventually-to-open fixed link under the Fehmarn Belt. Currently the most interesting aspect of this journey is the choice of crossing method: the train route involves a ferry crossing, the road is straightforward, and the journey is a gentle introduction to the geographical shift from Germany to Denmark.

The quickest way: the train (and the ferry)

Direct trains run between Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and Copenhagen Central (København H), taking approximately 4 hours 50 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes. The service is jointly operated by Deutsche Bahn and DSB (Danish State Railways) and runs several times daily. The peculiarity of this route is the crossing of the Fehmarn Belt: the train boards a ferry at Puttgarden (Germany) and is transported across to Rødby (Denmark) in about 45 minutes. You can stay in your seat during the crossing or walk up to the ferry decks.

This unusual train-on-a-ferry experience — known as a Rullende Ladegut (rolling cargo) crossing — is one of the quirky pleasures of north European rail travel. It may not last indefinitely: the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link (an undersea road and rail tunnel between Puttgarden and Rødby) is under construction and expected to significantly cut journey times when it opens — projected for the late 2020s. For now, the ferry crossing remains part of the journey.

No advance reservation is required on German DB/DSB intercity trains in the same way as on ICE high-speed trains, though booking ahead secures better fares. Rail pass holders should confirm what supplements, if any, apply to international services and the ferry section.

The cheapest way: long-distance coaches

FlixBus and other operators run services between Hamburg and Copenhagen, typically taking 5–6 hours and also using the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry. Fares are generally lower than the equivalent train ticket, making this a viable option for budget travellers. Coaches depart from Hamburg's ZOB and arrive in central Copenhagen. See our European coach guide for booking tips.

The fastest door-to-door: flying

Several airlines fly between Hamburg Airport (HAM) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH), with a flight time of around 55 minutes. Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is excellent — just 12 minutes from central Copenhagen by Metro. Hamburg Airport is 25 minutes from the city centre by S-Bahn.

With quick airport connections at both ends, flying is genuinely competitive for total journey time — door-to-door might reach 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours on a smooth day, significantly less than the 5-hour train. Fares can also be competitive on this route. Flying is worth serious consideration here, unlike on shorter routes where the airports absorb all the time savings.

That said: if you value the journey experience, want to sit back with a book, or prefer to arrive at a central station rather than airport, the train remains the more relaxed option. The choice here is more genuinely balanced than on most European corridors of similar length.

The scenic way: driving through Denmark

The drive from Hamburg follows the E45 motorway north through Schleswig-Holstein, crosses into Denmark near Padborg, and continues north through Jutland and across the Storebælt (Great Belt) bridge to Funen and Zeeland, ending in Copenhagen. Distance is roughly 390 km, and driving time is around 4–5 hours without stops, depending on traffic at the Storebælt toll bridge.

The Storebælt bridge toll (for cars) is a meaningful cost; combined with fuel, the drive can add up. But the route through southern Denmark and across the Storebælt — one of Scandinavia's most dramatic bridge crossings — is a genuinely fine drive. It makes sense for those with a car or wanting to explore more of Denmark en route.

Note: crossing the border from Germany into Denmark requires a passport check (Denmark is in the Schengen Area but has reintroduced temporary border controls at times — check current requirements before travelling).

Which should you choose?

This route offers a more genuine choice than many: the train with the ferry crossing is comfortable, interesting and city-centre-to-city-centre; flying is faster overall and worth considering if time is tight; the coach is the budget option; and driving suits those with a car or wanting to explore Denmark. The future Fehmarnbelt tunnel will eventually tip the balance further toward rail, but for now, air is the faster and train is the more atmospheric option.

Practical tips

• Hamburg Hbf is one of Germany's busiest stations, central and well connected. Copenhagen Central (København H) is the main hub of the Danish capital, with direct Metro, S-Tog and regional rail connections.
• The ferry crossing at Puttgarden–Rødby is operated by Scandlines. The ferry portion is included in the train ticket; no separate booking is required if you are on the through train.
• Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro. Germany uses the euro. Remember to change money or ensure your card covers both currencies.
• Both Germany and Denmark are Schengen Area members; non-EU visitors should be aware of the Schengen 90/180-day rule for their wider European trip.
• Copenhagen is a very cycle-friendly city. If you arrive by train or plane, public transport and cycling infrastructure are excellent for getting around without a car.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the train from Hamburg to Copenhagen involve a ferry?

The rail route crosses the Fehmarn Belt between Germany and Denmark, where there is currently no fixed link for rail. The train boards a Scandlines car ferry at Puttgarden and is carried across to Rødby — a 45-minute crossing. Passengers can stay in their seats or go up to the ferry decks. A tunnel under the Fehmarn Belt is under construction and is expected to replace this crossing in the late 2020s.

Is flying or taking the train faster from Hamburg to Copenhagen?

Flying is faster overall — door-to-door time can be around 2.5–3 hours with smooth connections, versus about 5 hours by train. The train wins on atmosphere, no airport hassle and a city-centre arrival. Both are reasonable choices depending on your priorities.

Do I need a visa or special document to travel from Germany to Denmark?

Both are Schengen Area members, so for most EU/EEA citizens there are no border checks. However, Denmark has periodically reintroduced temporary controls at the German border — check current requirements before travel. Non-EU visitors should review the Schengen 90/180-day rule and carry a valid passport.

How long does the coach take from Hamburg to Copenhagen?

Coach services typically take around 5–6 hours, depending on the operator and stops. They also use the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry. Fares are generally lower than the train, making this the budget option on the corridor.