Oslo to Copenhagen

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

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Oslo to Copenhagen is a journey of about 600 kilometres as the crow flies, crossing the waters that separate Scandinavia from Denmark. What makes it interesting is the variety: an overnight ferry that doubles as your hotel, a long but scenic rail journey via Sweden, budget coaches and short flights. Each mode has a genuine case to be made for it.

The classic way: the overnight ferry

The most distinctive way to travel this corridor is aboard the DFDS overnight ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen. The ship leaves Oslo in the late afternoon and arrives in Copenhagen the following morning — typically around 9 to 10 hours at sea. Because you sail while you sleep, you effectively travel for free in terms of waking hours, and the cost of a cabin replaces a night's hotel bill.

Cabins range from basic inside berths to larger sea-view rooms; the upper categories are more comfortable and quieter, and worth considering for a decent night's sleep. The ferry includes restaurants, a bar and duty-free shopping. Book well ahead in summer when the service is popular with Scandinavian families. The departure point in Oslo is the Vippetangen ferry terminal, a short taxi or tram ride from the city centre.

The Copenhagen arrival pier is at Fredericia Quay (Dampfærgevej), from where buses and a short metro or taxi ride take you to the city centre. If you are flexible on your travel date, shoulder-season prices for a cabin can be genuinely good value.

The rail route: train via Sweden

There is no single direct train from Oslo to Copenhagen, but the journey is perfectly do-able by rail with one or two changes in Sweden. A typical routing goes Oslo – Gothenburg – Copenhagen, taking roughly 7–8 hours depending on connections. The Oslo–Gothenburg leg runs on the Bohusbanan and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours on SJ or Vy services; Gothenburg to Copenhagen continues across the Øresund Bridge in about 3 hours more.

Rail-pass holders can use Interrail or Eurail across all three legs, though seat reservations may be required or recommended on specific services — particularly the Swedish high-speed trains. Read more about when reservations are needed on European trains. Booking each leg separately through the relevant national operators (Vy for Norway, SJ for Sweden, DSB for Denmark) sometimes yields lower fares than booking a single through-ticket.

The cheapest way: long-distance coach

Coach services — including FlixBus — connect Oslo and Copenhagen in roughly 9–11 hours, crossing Sweden by road. Fares are typically the lowest of any mode, especially with advance booking. It is a long sit, but for budget travellers it is often the most affordable door-to-door option. Check the FlixBus guide for booking tips and what to expect on long European coach journeys.

Departures are from Oslo Bus Terminal; arrival in Copenhagen is usually at Copenhagen Central Station or the bus terminal nearby. Take a pillow and snacks — there are comfort stops but this is still a very long journey by road.

The fastest way: flying

The flight is around 1 hour 20 minutes in the air, with multiple daily services between Oslo Gardermoen and Copenhagen Kastrup. Add airport transfers at both ends — Gardermoen is about 20 minutes by Flytoget express train from Oslo S, while Kastrup is very well connected by metro to Copenhagen centre — and the real door-to-door time is around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Norwegian, SAS and other carriers compete on this route, keeping fares relatively competitive, particularly if you book ahead and travel light. Flying makes most sense if speed matters more than comfort or experience, or if you connect easily to Gardermoen from elsewhere.

Which should you choose?

The ferry is the standout choice if you want something memorable — it is genuinely one of the more enjoyable ways to move between two Scandinavian capitals, and the overnight option is efficient and sometimes surprisingly affordable. The train via Gothenburg is the right pick if you enjoy rail travel and want to see the Swedish west coast. Choose the plane for pure speed, and the coach if budget is the overriding concern.

Onward from Copenhagen

Copenhagen's central station (København H) is one of the best-connected hubs in northern Europe, with direct trains to Hamburg and Berlin via the new Fehmarnbelt route (from 2029), and ferry connections onwards to Poland and the Baltic states. The city is also a natural hub for night trains heading further into Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Oslo to Copenhagen?

Not currently. You need to change at Gothenburg (or occasionally Malmö) — but the connection is straightforward and the total journey takes roughly 7–8 hours depending on timings.

How long does the DFDS ferry take?

The overnight sailing takes about 16 to 17 hours from departure to arrival — you board in the late afternoon and arrive the following morning. Actual sailing time is around 9–10 hours, with time spent in port at either end.

Can I use an Interrail pass on the Oslo–Copenhagen route?

Yes — an Interrail or Eurail pass covers the train legs (Oslo–Gothenburg–Copenhagen), though seat reservations may be required on certain services. The DFDS ferry also accepts pass discounts on cabin bookings; check the current terms with Interrail or Eurail directly.

What is the cheapest way from Oslo to Copenhagen?

A long-distance coach is usually the cheapest option, with advance fares well below the ferry or train. Budget airlines can also be competitive if you book early and pack light.