How to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm

Copenhagen to Stockholm is one of the easiest capital-to-capital trips in Scandinavia: fast direct trains, frequent flights, and budget-friendly buses all run daily, while private transfers work well for door-to-door comfort.

At A Glance (Copenhagen to Stockholm)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 Direct Train (SJ / Snälltåget)	~5h15–6h30 (some departures longer)	Fast city-center to city-center travel
🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 300–1,500+ one-way depending on time/date » compare routes | multi-mode planning
🚌 Direct Bus (FlixBus / Vy Bus4You)	~9.5–12h (overnight options common)	Lowest cost, flexible luggage, overnight travel
🏷️ Cost: ~EUR 25–80 / ~SEK 300–900 » check bus schedules
✈️ Flight (CPH→ARN/BMA) + Airport Transfer	~1h10–1h20 flight (+ airport time & city transfer)	Fastest airport-to-airport, tight schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 500–2,500+ depending on season/bag rules » search flights | alt. flight search
🚗 Private Transfer / Self-Drive	~7–9h drive (+ breaks/border traffic)	Families, heavy luggage, custom stops
🏷️ Cost: Self-drive varies widely (rental + fuel + tolls/bridge) » compare car rentals | private transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall (city center to city center): Usually the direct train, because airport security and airport-city transfers often erase the time advantage of flying.
• Fastest airport-to-airport: Flight (best if you are connecting onward from Stockholm or leaving straight from CPH).
• Cheapest / most economical: direct bus, especially overnight departures booked early.
• Most comfortable / easiest with kids or lots of luggage: private transfer or rental car.
• Most scenic and relaxed: train via southern Sweden (easy onboard movement, no airport hassle).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book trains early for the best fares, especially Fridays, Sundays, holidays, and summer travel dates.
• Check departure station carefully: most long-distance trips start at København H (Copenhagen Central), but some rail options are also easy from CPH Airport station.
• For flights, compare total trip time (airport transfer + check-in + security + arrival transfer), not just flight duration.
• For buses, verify arrival point in Stockholm (Cityterminalen vs other stops such as Haga Norra/Arlanda routes).
• Pack layers and keep essentials handy; train and bus temperatures can vary.
• Luggage storage option: if you have a long layover before departure/after arrival, check Radical Storage in both cities.
• Last-mile transfers: private pickup via Welcome Pickups in Copenhagen or GetTransfer in Stockholm; ride-hailing alternatives commonly used include Uber and Bolt (availability varies by area/time).

🚆 Option #1 — Direct Train (Best Overall, City-Center to City-Center)

Fast downtown-to-downtown Comfortable Prices rise close to departure

• Overview: The easiest choice for most travelers is a direct train from København H to Stockholm Central (or a train with a simple connection, often via Malmö). Main operators include SJ and Snälltåget.
• Typical duration: Around 5h15–6h30 on faster departures; some services are longer depending on timetable and stops.
• How to book (with price): Search directly on SJ and Snälltåget, or use 12Go route search for a quick comparison. Ballpark fares are often SEK 300–1,500+ one-way depending on timing, class, and how far in advance you book.
• Pros: City-center arrival, no airport security, comfortable seats/Wi-Fi on many services, good for working en route. Cons: Peak-date fares can jump; some departures require a change.
• Best for: First-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, and anyone prioritizing simplicity.

Step-by-step: Direct train

1. Go to København H (Copenhagen Central Station). If you are coming from the airport, use local rail/metro connections into the city or take a private pickup via Welcome Pickups.
2. Check your train operator and train number in advance (SJ / Snälltåget). Arrive 15–30 minutes early.
3. If your itinerary includes a connection in Malmö, follow platform signage and keep your ticket/QR code ready for onboard inspection.
4. Arrive at Stockholm Centralstation, then continue by metro, local train, taxi, or prebooked transfer. If you are heading straight to the airport later, compare Stockholm airport transfer options.
5. If you plan to continue rail travel in Scandinavia, a Scandinavia rail pass can be useful for multi-city itineraries (check pass reservation rules before buying).

Getting to the main embarking points (København H / CPH Airport station)

• From central Copenhagen: København H is walkable from many central hotels or reachable by S-train/metro/bus/taxi.
• From Copenhagen Airport (CPH): You can travel into the city first, or on some rail itineraries board from the CPH Airport rail station and connect toward Malmö/Stockholm. Check operator rules and reservations when booking.
• Hotel to station transfer: Prebook a private car with GetTransfer Copenhagen or use Uber/Bolt where available.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Direct Bus (Most Popular Budget Pick, Good Value)

Low cost Overnight-friendly Longer travel time

• Overview: Direct coaches from Copenhagen to Stockholm are widely available and are usually the cheapest way to travel. Common operators include FlixBus and Vy routes listed on aggregator sites like 12Go.
• Typical duration: Usually around 9.5–12h, depending on traffic, departure time, and arrival stop.
• How to book (with price): Compare schedules on FlixBus and 12Go. Typical fares are roughly SEK 300–900, with lower prices when booked early.
• Pros: Cheapest option, many overnight departures, easy online booking. Cons: Long journey, sleep quality varies, rest-stop timing can be fixed.
• Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, and travelers comfortable with overnight transport.

Step-by-step: Direct bus

1. Book your preferred departure time on FlixBus or compare on 12Go.
2. Go to the exact departure point shown on your ticket (often Copenhagen Bus Terminal / Ingerslevsgade area). Arrive 20–30 minutes early for boarding and luggage loading.
3. Keep passport/ID accessible; although Denmark and Sweden are both in Schengen, carriers may still check identity documents.
4. On arrival in Stockholm, confirm whether your stop is Cityterminalen, Haga Norra, or another location, then continue by local transit, taxi, or ride-hailing.
5. If you reach Stockholm late and want a smoother last mile, prebook a transfer on GetTransfer Stockholm or use Uber/Bolt.

Getting to the main embarking points (Copenhagen Bus Terminal / Ingerslevsgade area)

• From central Copenhagen hotels: Usually a short taxi/ride-hail ride or local transit trip to the bus terminal area near Copenhagen Central.
• From CPH Airport: Take train/metro into the city, then transfer to the bus terminal area; private transfer via Welcome Pickups Copenhagen is the easiest option if arriving with lots of luggage.
• Luggage storage before departure: If you arrive early, check nearby options on Radical Storage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #3 — Flight (Fastest Airport-to-Airport)

Shortest air time Frequent departures Airport transfer overhead

• Overview: Flights from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) are frequent, with airlines including SAS (and other carriers depending on date). Some routes may also use Bromma (BMA) depending on airline schedules.
• Typical duration: Flight time is usually about 1h10–1h20, but total door-to-door time is often 4–6h once airport transfers, check-in, and security are included.
• How to book (with price): Compare on Booking.com Flights, Trip.com Flights, or airline sites like SAS. Ballpark fares can range from SEK 500–2,500+ depending on season, baggage, and flexibility.
• Pros: Fastest for airport-to-airport, easy for onward international connections. Cons: Airport security time, bag fees, and city transfer costs can reduce the advantage.
• Best for: Tight schedules, mileage collectors, and travelers connecting through CPH/ARN.

Step-by-step: Flight (CPH to Stockholm)

1. Check fares and baggage rules on Booking.com Flights, Trip.com, or SAS.
2. Get to Copenhagen Airport (CPH) by train/metro/taxi, or prebook Copenhagen airport transfer services if you want a meet-and-greet style ride.
3. Arrive early (usually 1.5–2 hours is comfortable for short-haul flights, more in peak periods if checking baggage).
4. After landing at ARN, continue to central Stockholm via Arlanda transport options (including train, bus, taxi), or use a prebooked transfer via GetYourGuide airport transfers.
5. If your trip is only a short stop in Stockholm, store bags with Radical Storage before sightseeing.

Getting to the main embarking points (Copenhagen Airport CPH / Stockholm ARN or BMA)

• To CPH from central Copenhagen: Metro and regional trains are usually the easiest; private transfer is convenient for early flights or large groups.
• From ARN to Stockholm city: Choose train/bus/taxi depending on budget and destination; see Swedavia transport information.
• From BMA to Stockholm city: Usually easy by airport bus/taxi; always check the arrival airport before booking your hotel transfer.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Private Transfer / Self-Drive (Door-to-Door Flexibility)

Door-to-door Flexible stops Usually expensive solo

• Overview: Best if you want a custom schedule, sightseeing stops, or maximum luggage flexibility. Choose a rental car or a prebooked private transfer.
• Typical duration: Around 7–9h drive time, depending on traffic, breaks, route choice, and weather.
• How to book (with price): Compare car rentals on Booking.com Cars. For chauffeur-style transfers, compare GetTransfer (Copenhagen) and GetTransfer (Stockholm). Private transfer pricing varies widely by vehicle size, date, and one-way distance.
• Pros: Full flexibility, hotel-to-hotel convenience, easier with family or sports gear. Cons: Higher cost, long driving day, parking in Stockholm can be expensive.
• Best for: Families, groups splitting costs, photographers, and travelers planning stops (e.g., Malmö/Jönköping area).

Step-by-step: Private transfer / self-drive

1. Decide between self-drive and chauffeured transfer based on budget, comfort, and whether you want to drive in a new country.
2. For self-drive, compare rental options on Booking.com Cars; check fuel policy, cross-border rules (Denmark→Sweden), and insurance coverage before payment.
3. For private transfer, request quotes via GetTransfer and confirm luggage capacity, pickup address, and total price in writing.
4. If you are starting from the airport, Welcome Pickups Copenhagen can handle the first leg into the city if you prefer collecting a rental car later.
5. Plan breaks and arrival parking in Stockholm in advance, especially on weekends and event dates.

Getting to the main embarking points (hotel pickup / rental car depots in Copenhagen)

• Hotel pickup: Easiest for private transfer; share exact address, luggage count, and child-seat needs before confirmation.
• Rental car depots: Available in central Copenhagen and at CPH Airport; airport pickup can be convenient for same-day departure.
• Alternative local rides to pickup points: Uber/Bolt plus local taxis, depending on your district and time of day.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Copenhagen to Stockholm)

What is the best way to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
For most travelers, the direct train is the best overall choice because it is comfortable and runs city-center to city-center. If you are on a tighter budget, the bus is usually cheapest.

Is there a direct train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
Yes, direct trains are available on many dates (with operators such as SJ and Snälltåget), and some itineraries may involve a simple connection in Malmö.

How long is the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
Fast rail departures are commonly around 5h15–6h30, though exact times vary by operator, date, and stops.

Is flying faster than the train?
The flight is faster in air time, but once you include airport transfers, check-in, and security, total trip time can be similar to (or sometimes longer than) the train.

What is the cheapest way to travel?
Usually the direct bus, especially if you book early and choose an overnight departure.

Do I need a passport to travel from Denmark to Sweden?
Carry a valid passport or national ID (as applicable to your nationality and travel rights). Both countries are in Schengen, but transport operators and authorities may still conduct identity checks.

Can I start from Copenhagen Airport instead of going into the city first?
Yes, for some routes (especially rail connections via Malmö or flights), starting from CPH Airport can save time. Check the exact departure point when booking.

Are private transfers worth it?
They can be excellent for families, groups, or travelers with large luggage. Solo travelers usually get better value from train or bus.

Can I rent a bike for this route?
For the full Copenhagen-to-Stockholm trip, cycling is a multi-day touring route rather than a simple transfer. If you only want bikes locally on arrival/departure, compare city rentals on BikesBooking.