Stockholm to Copenhagen: Train, Flight & Every Travel Option Compared
Stockholm and Copenhagen are roughly 522 km apart, connected by direct trains, flights, and buses. This guide breaks down journey times, realistic costs, and which option makes sense depending on your priorities, budget, and travel style.
TL;DR
- The Stockholm to Copenhagen train takes 5 to 6 hours and costs roughly 400–1,300 SEK depending on how early you book.
- Flying takes around 1 hour 10 minutes in the air, but factor in airport time on both ends.
- Bus is the cheapest option (from around €32) but takes 9 to 10 hours each way.
- There is no direct ferry between the two cities. For overnight or multi-city travel in Scandinavia, see the Stockholm to Oslo guide for comparison.
- Book train tickets up to 6 months ahead on SJ.se for the lowest fares. Prices rise steeply close to departure.
The Route at a Glance
Stockholm to Copenhagen is one of Scandinavia's most-traveled intercity routes, covering approximately 522 km between Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C) and Copenhagen Central Station (København H). The two capitals sit in different countries but share strong cultural and historical ties, and the infrastructure between them is well-developed. You have three realistic options: train, plane, or bus. Each involves a different set of trade-offs that go well beyond the headline journey time.
Before committing to any mode, it helps to understand the geography. The train route runs south from Stockholm through Södertälje, continues to Malmö, then crosses the Øresund Bridge into Denmark to reach Copenhagen. The bridge crossing is one of the more memorable parts of the journey. If you have extra time, day trips from Stockholm can be tacked on before or after this intercity leg if your schedule allows.
Train: The Default Choice for Most Travelers
The Stockholm to Copenhagen train is the most popular way to make this journey, and for good reason. It connects the city centers directly, with no check-in queues, no baggage restrictions, and no need to arrive two hours early. The main operators are Snälltåget and SJ (Swedish Rail), with Snälltåget running the direct services currently available.
- Journey time Fastest services take around 5 to 5.5 hours. Standard services average 5 to 6 hours. Some slower options via Gothenburg can take 7 to 8 hours, so check the timetable carefully.
- Frequency Roughly 15 to 23 trains per day depending on the timetable and season. That gives you real flexibility in departure times.
- Fares Early-bird prices start from around 400 SEK (roughly €34). Average fares for bookings made a week or two out range from 700 to 1,300 SEK. Booking close to departure can push prices above 1,500 SEK.
- Where to book SJ.se is the primary booking platform. Tickets go on sale up to 6 months in advance. Rail Europe and Omio also aggregate options including Snälltåget services.
The train experience itself is comfortable by European standards. SJ trains have power outlets, free Wi-Fi (variable reliability), a bistro car, and decent seat spacing in second class. The stretch through Skåne (southern Sweden) is flat and agricultural, not dramatic, but the Øresund Bridge crossing at the end adds a real sense of arrival. You cross open water with both Malmö and Copenhagen visible in the distance.
✨ Pro tip
The cheapest SJ fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. If your travel dates are uncertain, pay a small premium for a flexible ticket. The price difference between the cheapest and most flexible fare is often 300 to 500 SEK, which is worth it if there is any chance your plans will shift.
One important correction to a common misconception: the Stockholm to Copenhagen train is not an overnight journey. Standard direct rail takes 5 to 6 hours. The 9 to 18 hour figures that appear online refer to multi-leg routes including ferries or heavily indirect itineraries. The direct train is a straightforward daytime journey.
Flying: Fast Air Time, Slower Door-to-Door
The flight from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) takes around 1 hour 10 minutes in the air. SAS and Norwegian operate the route with combined frequencies that result in several daily departures, around a dozen or more on busy days. Budget fares start from around 700 SEK one-way, with an average closer to 900 to 1,200 SEK when booked a week or two out.
The problem with flying on this route is the door-to-door math. Arlanda is roughly 40 km from central Stockholm. The Arlanda Express takes around 20 minutes to Stockholm C but costs around 300 SEK each way. Budget 2 hours before departure at the airport, plus the flight itself, plus the time to clear CPH and reach central Copenhagen by Metro (around 15 minutes). Your actual door-to-door time is 4 to 5 hours on a good day. Check our Stockholm Arlanda Airport guide for detailed advice on getting to and from the airport efficiently.
⚠️ What to skip
Flying is only genuinely faster than the train if you are already near Arlanda, or if you catch a very cheap fare that offsets the extra cost of airport transfers. For most city-center-to-city-center travelers, the train wins on convenience and total travel time.
Bus: The Budget Option Worth Knowing About
Bus services, primarily FlixBus, run directly between Stockholm Cityterminalen and Copenhagen, with some services stopping at Copenhagen Airport. Journey time is around 9 to 10 hours for direct routes. Prices start from roughly €32 one-way, making this the cheapest option by a meaningful margin.
The bus is a reasonable choice for overnight travelers or those on a tight budget who do not mind the longer duration. It is not the right call for a quick trip or if comfort matters to you. Seats are less spacious than the train, rest stops are limited, and arrival times can slip due to traffic or border logistics. That said, modern FlixBus coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets, and booking a sleeper-style overnight departure means you wake up in Copenhagen without paying for a hotel night.
ℹ️ Good to know
There is no direct ferry between Stockholm and Copenhagen. Any itinerary involving a boat would require a detour via Gothenburg and Frederikshavn, adding significant time and complexity. This is not a practical option for a standard city-to-city trip.
Pricing Breakdown and When to Book
- Train (SJ / Snälltåget) From around 400 SEK early-bird to 1,300+ SEK close to departure. Book on SJ.se up to 6 months ahead for the best prices. Midweek departures in shoulder season (April, May, September, October) tend to have more availability at lower fares.
- Flight (SAS / Norwegian) From around 700 SEK one-way in advance, average 900 to 1,500 SEK plus baggage fees and airport transfer costs on both ends. Compare total trip cost, not just the base fare.
- Bus (FlixBus) From roughly €32 one-way. Prices are fairly stable but summer routes fill up. Book at least a week ahead for peak travel dates.
Summer (June to August) and the Christmas holiday period see the highest demand on all three modes. Train fares in particular spike significantly during Midsommar weekend and major Swedish public holidays. If you are traveling during peak season, booking two to three months in advance is not excessive. The difference between booking eight weeks out versus two weeks out on a popular summer train can be 400 to 700 SEK per ticket.
💡 Local tip
SJ releases tickets in batches, and the cheapest fare class sells out quickly on popular departures. Set up a price alert via a comparison tool like Omio or Rail Europe if you want to monitor the Stockholm to Copenhagen train route without checking manually.
Stockholm vs Copenhagen: Is the Trip Worth It?
For travelers already based in Stockholm, Copenhagen is a worthwhile overnight destination (a same-day round trip is possible but long). The two cities share Scandinavian DNA but feel quite different on the ground. Stockholm is more spread out across islands, with a greater emphasis on nature, waterways, and museums. Copenhagen is denser, more walkable in its core, and arguably more food-driven in its international reputation. The comparison is subjective, but the 5-hour train journey makes it easy to experience both without a domestic flight. For more context on what makes Stockholm worth your time, the is Stockholm worth visiting guide covers that question directly.
If you are planning a broader Scandinavian itinerary, Stockholm also connects well northward. The Stockholm to Oslo route runs in the opposite direction and takes a similar amount of time by train, making a triangle itinerary of Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo entirely feasible in a week or two. Alternatively, the Stockholm to Helsinki ferry is a popular overnight option for travelers heading east.
If you want to maximize your time in Stockholm before or after the Copenhagen leg, the 3 days in Stockholm itinerary is a solid starting point. The city has enough depth to justify several days on its own before you board the train south.
FAQ
How long does the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen take?
The fastest direct trains take around 5 to 5.5 hours between Stockholm Central Station and Copenhagen Central Station. Most services fall in the 5 to 6 hour range. Slower indirect routes via Gothenburg can take 7 to 8 hours, so check the specific service when booking.
Is there a direct train from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
Yes. Snälltåget operates direct services, and SJ direct X2000 trains are currently temporarily suspended. You do not need to change trains on the direct service. The route runs via Malmö and crosses into Denmark via the Øresund Bridge. You do not need to change trains. The route runs via Malmö and crosses into Denmark via the Øresund Bridge.
What is the cheapest way to get from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
Bus is typically the cheapest option, with FlixBus fares from around €32 one-way. However, the journey takes 9 to 10 hours. If you book a train ticket well in advance on SJ.se, you can find fares starting around 400 SEK (roughly €34), which is competitive with the bus and significantly faster.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
For most travelers, the train is the better option. The flight is only 1 hour 10 minutes in the air, but door-to-door time including airport transfers, check-in, and boarding is 4 to 5 hours, similar to the train. The train also connects city centers directly, avoids baggage restrictions, and is generally more comfortable. Flying makes more sense if you find a very cheap fare or are already near Arlanda Airport.
Is there a ferry from Stockholm to Copenhagen?
No direct ferry service exists between Stockholm and Copenhagen. Any boat route would require a significant detour via Gothenburg and Frederikshavn, adding many hours to the journey. The train is the standard way to travel between these two cities.