How to get from Stockholm to Copenhagen

Stockholm to Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia’s easiest capital-to-capital trips: fast daytime trains, budget buses, frequent flights, and a straightforward self-drive route via the Øresund Bridge.

At A Glance (Stockholm to Copenhagen)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall (city center to city center, no airport hassle): Option 1 — Direct Train. In practice, this is often the sweet spot for most travelers.
• Cheapest / most economical: Option 2 — Direct Bus, especially if booking early and traveling with flexible timing.
• Fastest if you are connecting to another flight: Option 3 — Flight, particularly when your final destination is near Copenhagen Airport (CPH) or you have onward air travel.
• Most flexible / scenic road-trip style: Option 4 — Self-Drive / Private Transfer via the Øresund Bridge, with optional stops around Jönköping, Gränna, Malmö, or Lund.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book trains early for the best fares: SJ and Snälltåget prices usually rise as departure fills up. If your dates are fixed, book as soon as schedules open.
• Travel from city center to city center when possible: Stockholm Central (Stockholm C) to Copenhagen Central (København H) saves airport transfer time and luggage stress.
• Check baggage rules before choosing bus vs flight: Flights can look cheap until cabin/checked luggage fees are added; buses and trains can be better value with bigger bags.
• Allow extra buffer in winter: Snow/ice can affect rail and road operations. If you must arrive the same day for an event, choose earlier departures.
• Use luggage storage if you arrive before hotel check-in: Stockholm Central luggage storage options and Copenhagen Central luggage storage options can make same-day sightseeing easier.
• Airport transfer backup plan: If trains/metro are delayed late at night, pre-book with Welcome Pickups in Stockholm or compare offers on GetTransfer in Copenhagen; ride-hailing/taxi apps like Uber are also available in Stockholm and Copenhagen.
• If you plan to cycle after arrival: Copenhagen is extremely bike-friendly, and you can compare rentals on BikesBooking Copenhagen.
• Add a stopover if useful: If you arrive late, compare airport-area stays on Booking.com Copenhagen hotels or Booking.com Stockholm hotels.

🚆 Option #1 — Direct Train (Best Overall: Fast + Comfortable)

City-center to city-center Comfortable Best all-rounder

• Overview: Take a direct train from Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C) to Copenhagen Central Station (København H). This is usually the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between the two capitals.
• How to book (with price): Book directly on SJ or Snälltåget. Ballpark fares are often around SEK 400–1,400 one-way depending on timing and seat class. You can also compare on 12Go train listings.
• Typical travel time: Fastest services are commonly around 5h 10m–5h 45m; slower departures and some schedules run closer to 6+ hours.
• Pros: No airport security, generous luggage handling, comfortable seats, easy city-center arrival. Cons: Prices can rise on weekends/holidays; popular departures sell out.
• Official websites: SJ (Swedish Railways) | Snälltåget | DSB (Copenhagen local transit info / City Pass)

Step-by-step: Direct Train

1. Get to Stockholm Central: Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes early (more during holidays) so you can find your platform and carriage position without rushing.
2. Board with your digital ticket: SJ and Snälltåget both support e-tickets. Keep ID handy in case of onboard checks.
3. Ride south through Sweden: You’ll pass major southern corridors before crossing into Denmark via the Øresund link area (depending on service pattern).
4. Arrive at København H (Copenhagen Central): From here you can walk, take S-train/metro connections, or continue by taxi.
5. If your hotel check-in is later: Drop bags near the station via Radical Storage near Copenhagen Central and start sightseeing.

Getting to the main embarking points (Stockholm Central Station / Stockholm C)

• From central Stockholm: Metro, commuter rail, buses, and taxis all connect to Stockholm C. If you prefer a pre-booked ride, compare Welcome Pickups Stockholm or GetTransfer Stockholm.
• From Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN): Take airport train/bus to central Stockholm first, then continue to Stockholm C. You can also book a transfer from Arlanda to city.
• At arrival in Copenhagen: If you need an airport-area hotel for the next day’s flight, browse Copenhagen accommodation options.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

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

Low cost Direct Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Direct coach services (commonly FlixBus) run from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Copenhagen bus terminals. This is usually the cheapest easy-booking option.
• How to book (with price): Book on FlixBus Stockholm → Copenhagen. FlixBus shows fares from roughly €31.98+ and average duration around 9h 31m. You can also compare on 12Go.
• Typical travel time: About 9–10 hours, depending on traffic, stops, and exact terminal.
• Pros: Usually the cheapest, direct ride, easy online booking, good for big luggage. Cons: Slower than train, less legroom, delays possible due to traffic and border/bridge conditions.
• Official websites: FlixBus route page

Step-by-step: Direct Bus

1. Go to Stockholm Cityterminalen: This is the main long-distance coach terminal next to Stockholm Central.
2. Arrive early: Aim for 20–30 minutes before departure, especially if you have checked luggage.
3. Keep your QR code ready: FlixBus accepts digital tickets and provides tracking tools for delays/arrival estimates.
4. Bring snacks + a power bank: Wi-Fi and outlets are common but not guaranteed to be perfect on every coach.
5. Arrive in Copenhagen: Double-check which Copenhagen stop your ticket uses (e.g., bus terminal vs Ingerslevsgade area) so you plan last-mile transit correctly.

Getting to the main embarking points (Stockholm Cityterminalen)

• From Stockholm C: It is typically a short walk via indoor/adjacent connections.
• From Arlanda (ARN): Airport buses/trains into central Stockholm, then walk to Cityterminalen. Compare options on 12Go ARN → Stockholm bus listings.
• For a no-transfer start: Pre-book a ride via Welcome Pickups Arlanda taxi/transfer or compare GetTransfer; Uber and Bolt may also be available depending on pickup area/time.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #3 — Flight (Fastest by Air, Best for Tight Schedules)

Fast flight time Great for onward connections Airport time required

• Overview: Fly from Stockholm (usually Arlanda/ARN, sometimes other Stockholm airports) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH). The air segment is quick, but total trip time depends on airport transfers and check-in/security.
• How to book (with price): Search and compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com Stockholm → Copenhagen flights. Budget fares can be very low, but baggage and timing can push the total cost up.
• Typical travel time: Flight time is often around 1h 10m–1h 20m, but realistic door-to-door time is often 4–6 hours.
• CPH onward transfer: Copenhagen Airport is well connected; city-center transfer is usually ~15–35 minutes depending on train/metro/taxi and final destination.
• Pros: Fast in the air, ideal for connections, lots of departures. Cons: Airport travel time, baggage fees, security lines.
• Official websites: Stockholm Arlanda transport (Swedavia) | Copenhagen Airport Metro info (CPH) | CPH transport overview

Step-by-step: Flight + Airport Transfer

1. Choose airport + fare type carefully: Compare carry-on vs checked-bag fares before booking so the “cheap” ticket remains cheap.
2. Get to Stockholm airport: Use airport train/bus/taxi or a pre-booked transfer. If departing early, consider an airport hotel the night before on Booking.com Stockholm stays.
3. Arrive at the airport with buffer: For international travel in Schengen, many travelers still prefer a comfortable buffer, especially with checked bags.
4. Land at Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Follow signs to Terminal 3 for train/metro access.
5. Transfer to the city: Metro and regional trains are fast; pre-booked options are available via Welcome Pickups CPH transfer or compare GetTransfer Copenhagen. Uber taxi options may also be available.
6. If you want activities after arrival: Browse transport/tour combinations and arrival-day plans on GetYourGuide airport transfers or city cards on Klook Copenhagen Card.

Getting to the main embarking points (Stockholm Arlanda Airport / ARN)

• Public transport: See official airport access options on Swedavia Arlanda transport.
• Taxi guidance from ARN: Swedavia also publishes taxi guidance and airport taxi information on Arlanda taxi services.
• Private transfer: Compare Welcome Pickups Arlanda transfer and GetTransfer Stockholm.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive / Private Transfer (Flexible, Scenic Stops)

Door-to-door Flexible itinerary Bridge toll + fuel

• Overview: Drive south from Stockholm to Malmö and cross into Denmark via the Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen. This is ideal if you want stops along the way or are traveling as a group.
• How to book (with price): Compare rental cars on Booking.com Car Rentals. Private intercity transfer quotes can be compared on GetTransfer Stockholm.
• Typical travel time: Usually ~6.5–8 hours driving time depending on route, breaks, and traffic. A private transfer is often similar but less tiring.
• Bridge toll: Budget for the Øresund Bridge crossing; prices vary by vehicle type and whether you buy a regular ticket, online ticket, or discount product.
• Pros: Full flexibility, easy with children, simple if carrying lots of luggage, possible detours. Cons: Fuel + toll + parking costs, driving fatigue, city parking in Copenhagen can be expensive.
• Official websites: Øresund Bridge prices | Øresund Bridge tickets

Step-by-step: Self-Drive / Private Transfer

1. Choose pickup point: City-center rental pickup is convenient if you’re already in Stockholm; airport pickup may be cheaper or offer more inventory.
2. Plan your toll + fuel costs: Check the latest bridge rates on the official Øresund Bridge price page.
3. Drive south on the E4 / E20 corridors: Common stop options include Jönköping, Gränna, Värnamo/Helsingborg areas, Malmö, and Lund.
4. Cross the Øresund Bridge to Denmark: If you pre-buy an online ticket on Øresund Bridge tickets, the crossing can be smoother.
5. Arrive in Copenhagen: Head straight to your accommodation or park-and-ride. If you only need local mobility after arrival, you can return the rental and use public transit/bikes.
6. Optional last-mile alternatives: For airport/hotel transfer after a one-way drop-off, pre-book Welcome Pickups Copenhagen or compare GetTransfer Copenhagen.

Getting to the main embarking points (Stockholm city rental offices / ARN rental pickup)

• City-center pickup: Good if you’re staying near Stockholm Central and want to avoid airport transfer before departure.
• Airport pickup (ARN): Useful for immediate onward travel after landing. Check airport transport and rental logistics on Swedavia Arlanda transport.
• Compare car types: Use Booking.com Car Rentals for one-way vs round-trip pricing and automatic/manual availability.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Stockholm to Copenhagen)

What is the best way to get from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
For most travelers, the direct train is the best overall choice because it is fast, comfortable, and runs city-center to city-center.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
Usually the direct bus is cheapest, especially if you book early and travel with flexible times.

Is there a direct train from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
Yes, direct services are available (not every departure is direct, so always check the specific timetable when booking).

How long does the train take?
Expect roughly 5h 10m to 6h+ depending on operator and departure.

Is flying faster than the train?
In the air, yes. Door-to-door, not always. The flight option includes airport transfers, check-in, and security time, which can reduce the advantage.

Can I drive from Stockholm to Copenhagen in one day?
Yes. The self-drive option is very doable in a day, but budget for fuel, breaks, and the Øresund Bridge toll.

Which stations/terminals should I use?
For trains, use Stockholm Central (Stockholm C) and Copenhagen Central (København H). For buses, most travelers depart from Stockholm Cityterminalen.

How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center?
Train and metro are usually the fastest public options; Copenhagen Airport also provides official transport guidance on its transport pages. Private transfers via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer are alternatives.

Should I book a hotel near the station or airport?
If you arrive late by train, stay near Copenhagen Central. If you have an early flight, compare airport-area stays on Booking.com Copenhagen hotels.

Can I explore Copenhagen by bike after arriving?
Yes, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s best cycling cities. You can compare rentals on BikesBooking.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on August 9, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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