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Copenhagen to Stockholm: How to Travel

Quick Answer

The distance from Copenhagen to Stockholm is 659 km. This is a route where flying makes strong sense due to the distance. A 1h 15m flight is hard to beat when the train takes over 5 hours. However, the train journey across the Øresund Bridge — the engineering marvel connecting Denmark to Sweden — is a unique experience. If you have the time, the train journey through southern Sweden's forests and lakes is genuinely pleasant. SJ (Swedish Railways) releases cheap tickets 90 days ahead.

How to Get from Copenhagen to Stockholm

ModeDurationCostBest For
🚆 Train 5h–5h 30m €30–€120 Travelers who enjoy train journeys and want to see the Øresund Bridge
✈️ Fly 1h 15m (flight only) €40–€180 Time-pressed travelers, especially with good airport connections
🚌 Bus 8h–9h 30m €15–€35 Budget travelers willing to endure a long ride
🚗 Drive 5h 30m–6h 30m €80–€110 (fuel + Øresund Bridge toll) Road trippers who want to explore southern Sweden
💡 Pro Tip

The best option depends on your priorities — read the detailed breakdown below.

🚆 Train from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Duration: 5h–5h 30m | Cost: €30–€120

Pros

  • Scenic ride across the Øresund Bridge
  • Comfortable SJ or DSB trains
  • Views of Swedish countryside and lakes

Cons

  • Long journey
  • No high-speed rail on this route
  • Must sometimes change at Malmö

✈️ Fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Duration: 1h 15m (flight only) | Cost: €40–€180

Pros

  • Quick flight
  • SAS, Norwegian, and Ryanair operate the route
  • Both airports are well-connected to city centers

Cons

  • Airport transfers add 1.5+ hours
  • Carbon footprint higher
  • Security and check-in time

🚌 Bus from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Duration: 8h–9h 30m | Cost: €15–€35

Pros

  • Very affordable with FlixBus
  • Crosses the Øresund Bridge
  • Night buses save accommodation cost

Cons

  • Very long journey
  • Uncomfortable for sleeping
  • Limited stops

🚗 Drive from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Duration: 5h 30m–6h 30m | Cost: €80–€110 (fuel + Øresund Bridge toll)

Pros

  • Cross the iconic Øresund Bridge
  • Stop in Malmö, Helsingborg, or Gothenburg
  • Explore the Swedish countryside

Cons

  • Øresund Bridge toll is ~€60
  • Long drive
  • Fuel prices in Scandinavia are very high

Our Recommendation

This is a route where flying makes strong sense due to the distance. A 1h 15m flight is hard to beat when the train takes over 5 hours. However, the train journey across the Øresund Bridge — the engineering marvel connecting Denmark to Sweden — is a unique experience. If you have the time, the train journey through southern Sweden's forests and lakes is genuinely pleasant. SJ (Swedish Railways) releases cheap tickets 90 days ahead.

Book Your Copenhagen to Stockholm Trip

Copenhagen and Stockholm are Scandinavia's two great capitals, and traveling between them offers a glimpse into the Nordic way of life. Both cities are renowned for design, sustainability, and quality of life, yet they have distinct personalities — Copenhagen is flat, cozy, and bike-obsessed, while Stockholm is spread across 14 islands with a more dramatic setting.

The most iconic moment of the journey — by any land-based mode — is crossing the Øresund Bridge, the 16 km combined road-and-rail bridge connecting Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden. Opened in 2000, it's an engineering marvel that literally connects two countries. If you're taking the train, the crossing takes about 35 minutes and offers views of the strait (weather permitting).

Malmö, on the Swedish side of the bridge, has blossomed from an industrial port into a vibrant, multicultural city. The Turning Torso skyscraper, the Ribersborg beach, and the excellent food scene (especially Middle Eastern cuisine) make it worth a stopover. Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, is also reachable via a slight detour and offers a west-coast alternative with seafood, an archipelago, and a thriving music scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Øresund Bridge toll cost?

About €60 (SEK 575) for a standard car, one way. You can get discounts with an Øresundsbron BroPas subscription or by booking online in advance.

Do I need to change trains between Copenhagen and Stockholm?

Some services are direct; others require a change in Malmö. Direct trains (usually SJ) are more convenient. Check sj.se for schedules.

What currency do they use in Sweden?

Swedish Krona (SEK). Denmark uses Danish Kroner (DKK). Neither country uses the Euro. However, card payment is universal in both — cash is almost never needed.

Is there a night train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?

SJ operates night trains on this route during certain periods. A sleeping berth costs about €80–€120. Check sj.se for availability — they're popular and sell out.

Is Malmö worth a stop?

Yes, especially for a half-day. It's just 35 minutes from Copenhagen by train. The Turning Torso, old town (Gamla Staden), and Malmö Saluhall food market are highlights. It's Sweden's most diverse city.

Plan Your Complete Trip

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