Copenhagen to Stockholm by Train ⋆ Lifeguin

A Scandinavian Train Adventure

There is more than one way to get from the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. But when it comes to exploring the enchanting landscapes of Scandinavia, there’s no better way than by train. The fastest way is by plane. But that is boring, and everyone is doing it. We decided to try another way and bought a train ticket from Copenhagen to Stockholm. Our journey was by far smooth but fun nonetheless. Read to find out more.

If you are trying to travel more eco-friendly and “green,” then a train is the right choice. We love train rides in general, so why not take a train from Copenhagen to Stockholm? It’s five hours of enjoying the lush green forests Sweden is covered with. Or at least that’s what we thought. First, let’s answer some of the usual questions when you are in the process of deciding whether to go by train or not.

Is there a direct train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?

Yes! It leaves from the main train station in Copenhagen (which is located next to Tivoli Gardens). The train takes you through the famous bridge Øresund Bridge, stops at Malmö, and then goes to Stockholm. Well, it has a few more stops on the way.

How long does it take by train from Copenhagen to Stockholm?

It depends on what kind of train you take. They have trains that take more stops but they also have fast trains with only a few stops, and in approximately 5 hours, you are in Stockholm.

Choosing Your Train Company

For this journey, we recommend hopping aboard a train operated by SJ (Statens Järnvägar), the national railway company of Sweden. SJ offers high comfort and efficiency, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. Their trains are known for their punctuality and well-maintained carriages.

How much is the train from Copenhagen to Sweden?

Ticket prices for this route can vary depending on factors like class of travel, time of booking, and availability. On average, a one-way ticket in standard class ranges from 600 to 900 SEK (Swedish Krona). For those seeking a bit more luxury, first-class tickets are available at a higher cost, offering extra legroom and complimentary services. Check the prices before your journey, as they might change.

We bought tickets online (which is recommended as seats are limited). You can purchase tickets at SJ. We also bought our tickets here. It is the official Swedish railway site. Make sure to find a train that goes directly, and you don’t have to change trains on the way, usually in Malmö.

We purchased a first-class ticket with the fastest train. It costs us around 250 SEK. The train’s departure was from the Copenhagen main train station.

You can also buy tickets directly at the station in the red machines or at the service desk. Though the prices vary.

Our Experience on the Train From Copenhagen to Stockholm

Well, our experience was more than interesting. Nevertheless, it was worth it. Already before the start of our journey, we received a message to take a train to Malmö, and from there, we needed to switch to a train to Stockholm. There goes our straight ride to Stockholm.

We didn’t want to risk it and took an early train to Malmö. As the train pulled away from Copenhagen’s Central Station, we enjoyed the last glimpse of the city’s striking architecture. Then, as the train approached Øresund Bridge, a true engineering marvel, it felt exciting to cross the border into Sweden while enjoying the views of the Baltic Sea.

In Malmö, we managed to waddle around a little, and here is what we explored in Two Hours in Malmö.

The train station in Malmö is also very nice to explore. It is small but has lots to offer.

The train station in Malmo, known as “Malmö Centralstation” in Swedish, is a bustling transportation hub. It is located in an impressive and historic building with a blend of architectural styles, blending traditional and modern elements. The station offers a range of facilities to cater to travelers’ needs. These include ticket counters, self-service ticket machines, waiting areas, restrooms (paid, of course), luggage lockers, shops, restaurants, cafes, and newsstands. There are also facilities for people with reduced mobility.

Using the Luggage Lockers at Malmö Centralstation

The luggage lockers at Malmö Centralstation provide a convenient service if you need a secure place to store your belongings temporarily. We used them as we knew we didn’t want to waddle around the city with our backpacks. They are located within the station; look for signs or ask station staff for directions if you’re unsure where to find them. They come in different sizes, so no matter the size of your bag, you will fit it there.

Payment. You can conveniently pay with your card. The price depends on the duration you wish to store your bags there. Also note you pay when you pick up your bags, and a credit card was not working with the machine, only debit cards.

Before departing on your waddle adventure to discover the city, note down the specific time to pick up your bags, or you will pay more upon return. However, do not worry that the locker will open or something; the security is tight.

Back to our journey now. While exploring Malmö, we received another message that our train was switched to another due to technical issues. By this point, we started to sweat a little. Not to mention, all messages came in Swedish, but thank Sergey Brin for Google Translate. But the information was very much appreciated – it was timely, and all the information was there. Though the switch meant not traveling in the high-speed train. Instead, when we returned to the train station in Malmö, we saw an old school train waiting for us. If we had to guess, it is from the 1960ties. It looked like they pulled it out from a museum.

Let’s keep it short. The train was old, had no air conditioning, and even though we were in Scandinavia, the weather was ruthless. The five hours felt like forever, even with the windows open on all sides. Whatever water we had, we drank it all and sweated out as well.

We found our assigned seats, but the conductor never came to check the tickets. Only a few people were in the carriage, all Swedes, and very friendly and helpful.

During the ride, the train conductor announced a few more issues on the track, all in Swedish again. However, the other passengers around us were very nice and always translated everything for us.

In the end, we had a one-hour delay arriving in Stockholm and sweated out at least a quarter of our body weight. We didn’t enjoy the views as much as we tried not to move much. It was a very long ride, but we would do it again. The company also compensated half of our trip for the inconvinience. Even with our experience, we do recommend taking the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm. The train journey continues through the heart of Sweden, passing lush forests, serene lakes, and charming villages.

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