Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen

Trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen

Taking a train from Stockholm to Copenhagen is a popular route, running various times per day, every day of the week. The main operator of this Stockholm to Copenhagen train is the Swedish SJ company. The journey by train covers a distance of about 324 miles (522 km) and takes around 5h 20min to make depending on the time of day and if any stopovers are required.

Stockholm to Copenhagen Train Time: Daily Departures

The first train of the day to Copenhagen from Stockholm departs at around 5:19 a.m. during the week and 6:17 a.m. on the weekends. The last daily train to Copenhagen from Stockholm leaves at approximately 7:21 p.m. on weekdays and 6:22 p.m. on the weekend. There are more or less 10 to 15 departures making this journey per day. This adds up to about 100 train trips per week.

How long is the journey by train from Stockholm to Copenhagen?

The trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen cover a total distance of approximately 324 miles (522 km). These trips can take from as little as 5h 2min to about 6h 14min. The duration of the journey depends on the provider, as well as the time of day and the number of stopovers required before arriving in Copenhagen. There are both direct trips as well as ones with one stopover, generally in Malmö.

Couple visiting Stockholm. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen?

Departure train station: The departure station for this train from Stockholm to Copenhagen is Stockholm Centralstation. This train terminal in the Swedish capital is a hub just northwest of the Old Town center of Stockholm. To get to the station from the city center, it’s just about a 15min walk. The train station is equipped with a wide selection of restaurants, shops and services, such as public restrooms and ATMs.

Arrival train station: The arrival station for these routes is Copenhagen Central Station (Köbenhavn H). This is the main train terminal in the city located just west of the city center. The distance is walkable, however, there are also two subway lines that go directly into the city center as well in about 10min. The station has various restaurants, shops and travel services available, as well as ATMs and public restrooms.

Which train companies travel from Stockholm to Copenhagen?

The main train company operating the routes from Stockholm to Copenhagen is the Swedish national Railway, SJ. SJ runs at least nine trips per day to Copenhagen. Some of these journeys are direct, while the others require one stopover normally in the Swedish city of Malmö. The SJ trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen leave as early as around 5:19 a.m. during the week and 6:17 a.m. on the weekends. The last SJ trains of the day are at approximately 7:21 p.m. on weekdays and 6:22 p.m. on the weekend. The other provider is Snälltåget, running long-distance trains in Sweden. There is normally one Snälltåget journey per day, leaving at approximately 4:15 p.m. and stopping in Malmö along the way.

Night trains Stockholm

If you're planning your trip and looking through the Omio magazine, it may give you the idea to travel on a night train. There currently aren’t any direct night train options from Stockholm to Copenhagen. However, SJ does operate overnight routes from Stockholm to Malmö, from where there is public transportation connecting with Copenhagen in about 40min, just crossing over Öresund.

SJ trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen

SJ is the main train operator for the Stockholm to Copenhagen routes. There are over nine trips per day leaving as early as 5:19 a.m. and as late as about 7:21 p.m. The trip to Copenhagen on an SJ train takes more or less 5h 20min. The service available can either be direct, not requiring passengers to switch trains, or with a stopover in Malmö. However, the SJ train tends to be the more expensive provider.

Snälltåget trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen

Snälltåget is the Sweden long-distance railway company operating some journeys between Stockholm and Copenhagen. In this case, there is only one trip per day, operating both during the week and on the weekends. The Snälltåget train normally departs out of Stockholm at around 4:15 p.m. The Snälltåget trips require a short stopover in Malmö before continuing to Copenhagen. These daily train rides are generally the cheapest train option from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

Trains from Stockholm to Copenhagen: Sustainability travel

Nowadays, achieving a sustainable method of travel is a global goal for transport companies. Traveling by train is known to be one of the most eco-friendly ways of travel. SJ is constantly working on achieving this with their trains and stations. To the day, SJ uses electricity to run their trains, significantly lowering their carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions. Snälltåget is another provider with a focus on obtaining more sustainable solutions and reducing the use of resources.

Train Stockholm to Copenhagen: Services on Board

When traveling on the SJ routes from Stockholm to Copenhagen, passengers may choose to ride in either 2nd Class, 2nd Class Calm or 1st Class. The SJ options with a stopover do not have the 2nd Class Calm option. As for the Snälltåget trains, only 2nd Class is available. The SJ luggage allowance is limited to two bags weighing under 44lbs (20kg) in addition to a small handbag. Snälltåget on the other hand allows one bag that cannot exceed 22”x16”x9” (55x40x23 cm), another less than 31.5”x20”x14” (80x50x35 cm), plus a personal item, like a purse. Both SJ and Snälltåget allow only foldable bicycles on board these routes along with luggage, however, they must be stored in a bike bag. Pets are also allowed on board both trains with prior reservation. SJ allows two pets per passenger and Snälltåget requires pets to travel on the floor. Passengers with disabilities may request assistance from their train provider during boarding and while on the train. Trains are equipped with wheelchair accesses.

How to find cheap train tickets from Stockholm to Copenhagen?

The most common way to find cheaper tickets for your train from Stockholm to Copenhagen is to make sure you book them in advance. The sooner you purchase your train fares, the less probability of the prices increasing as the departure date gets closer. If travelers are flexible with their dates, this also helps to find more affordable journeys, by getting to pick and choose the train options that are more affordable. Generally, the routes with stopovers tend to be cheaper as well, in comparison to those that are direct. In this case, the daily train operated by Snälltåget is normally slightly cheaper than the SJ trains.

Woman in Copenhagen in winters. Source: Shutterstock

To Copenhagen by train—travel tips

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is full of royal palaces, picturesque streets and canals. A popular spot to visit in Copenhagen is the Tivoli Gardens. This is a 19th-century amusement park right near the Copenhagen Central Station. As you make your way into the city center, stop by the Christiansborg Palace. One of the most iconic images of Copenhagen is the Nyhavn 17th-century waterfront. The harbor stands out due to its colorful houses along the canal.

• Learn about the country’s history and culture at the National Museum of Denmark
• Get views of the city from the top of the Rundetårn observatory
• Explore the cafés and boutiques along Strøget
• See the famous statue of the Little Mermaid perched on the rocks of the harbor
• Discover the hippie settlement of Christiania

Train tickets from Stockholm to Copenhagen: when to book to save $