Malmö to Stockholm train with SJ

Traveling from Malmö to Stockholm by Train

Introduction

When I was traveling from Germany to Finland, taking the train from Malmö to Stockholm was one of the key legs of my journey. This five-hour trip connects two of Sweden’s major cities and bridges the distance from the Danish border to eastern Sweden. Swedish trains are comfortable, punctual, and an excellent way to travel!

Route Overview

Starting at Malmö Central Station, this route traverses southern Sweden to Stockholm Central Station. The train reaches speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour, taking just 4 hours and 30 minutes. When researching, I found this train route to be the best way to get from Malmö to Stockholm — it’s around half the time of buses to Stockholm, which take at least 9 hours!

Transportation Experience

Booking train tickets on Omio was fast and effortless. Just download the app, select your journey, and make a payment. Once done, the tickets are available directly in the app.

Can you take the plane from Malmö to Stockholm?

Yes, there are some flights from Malmö to Stockholm, which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. However, because the trains are so fast, rail is often the quicker option, especially since you don’t need to arrive as early, and the stations are located in the city center.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The train departs from Malmö Central Station, a large hub with plenty of cafes and shops. I bought a coffee from Espresso Time and some fruit from Pressbyrån. It’s in the city center, and there are plenty of hotels around (I once stayed at the Radisson Blu for just €60!). Check-in is easy, too. Tickets aren't usually checked until after the train starts moving, so make sure you get on the correct vehicle. At Stockholm Central Station, there’s a large mall with several cafes, plus a supermarket and a range of stores.

Schedule & Frequency

Malmö to Stockholm is one of the most well-serviced routes in Sweden, with around 17 direct trains between the cities each day. The first train is just after 5 am, and the following departures run roughly every hour. The final one is an overnight train that departs at 10:17 pm and arrives at 05:53 am. Sweden’s national rail operator, SJ, and Snälltåget, a private company running trains between Hamburg and Stockholm, both operate this route.

Onboard Experience & Services

I traveled in Standard Class, but as I had previously taken the night train from Berlin to Malmö, I had breakfast included in my ticket, which included a cinnamon bun, sandwich, and hot drink. Service in the dining car was friendly and helpful. There was WiFi on board, although I struggled to connect to it.

Wi-Fi was available, although very slow — seats were comfortable, plugs were provided, and the restrooms were clean.

After we left Malmö’s suburbs, the scenery became increasingly more beautiful, with dense fir forests and bright blue lakes. After four hours or so, it became urban again as we approached Stockholm.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Like most things in Sweden, traveling from Malmö to Stockholm by train can be expensive — although Sweden subsidizes its trains to encourage more people to use them. Still, I recommend booking as early as possible. If you’re traveling from Germany or Denmark, consider buying a through ticket with Snälltåget, which is also available on Omio, as it can be cheaper.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check breakfast options: It’s often cheaper as an add-on versus buying it separately at the station.
• Luggage storage in Stockholm is pricey: Consider using a left-luggage service like Bounce if needed.
• Stay in Malmö: Hotels are significantly cheaper than in Stockholm.
• Choose a window seat on the left: You’ll get better views of the lakes and forests as the train curves inland.

Conclusion

Traveling from Malmö to Stockholm by train is definitely the best mode of transport for this leg of my journey — it’s comfy, quick, and scenic. Plus, if you add a meal, it can be a vacation experience of its own. With Omio, it’s quick and easy to book, too.

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist and Videomaker
• Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.