Copenhagen to Malmo: The Only Guide You Need for a Perfect Day Trip
CopenhagenThingsToDo contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See Privacy Policy for more information.
Planning a trip from Copenhagen to Malmo? These two cities are incredibly close, just 40 km apart. Yet, they sit in two different countries, with Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden, connected by the iconic Øresund Bridge.
Many travelers visiting Copenhagen also wish to see Sweden. I’ve done this myself many times, as I live in Copenhagen.
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Copenhagen or planning to explore both cities in one itinerary, you’re in the right place.
I’ll help you get from Copenhagen to Malmö by train, bus, or car, and share what to do and how to get around once you’re there—so you can make the most of your time.
Let’s get started!
Copenhagen to Malmo Bridge – Øresund Bridge
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, and Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden. The two countries are connected by the Øresund Bridge.
Stretching across the Øresund Strait, the Øresund Bridge is about 16 km long, consisting of an 8 km bridge and a tunnel.
It’s a two-level structure, with a four-lane highway on top for cars and a double-track railway below for trains.
You might also recognize it from the popular Nordic crime fiction series, The Bridge.
Skip the Planning — Explore Malmö & Lund on an Easy Day Trip from Copenhagen!
Copenhagen to Malmo by Train
Getting from Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden, is easy and quick, thanks to the direct train connection across the Øresund Bridge.
The regional train is easily the most convenient way to travel between the two cities. In just around 40 minutes, you can go from Denmark to Sweden.
I usually catch the regional train from Copenhagen Central Station.
Copenhagen to Malmö Train Frequency
The first train starts at 00:09 from Copenhagen Central Station. Between 01:00 and 05:00, the frequency of the train is less, only once every hour. The last train of the day departs at 23:44.
Around 70–85 trains run daily from Copenhagen to Malmo. The train departs roughly every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak times.
Most trains start from Østerport and stop along the way at Nørreport, København H, Ørestad, Tårnby, CPH Airport, Malmö Hyllie, Malmö Triangeln, Malmö C, and continue to Lund (10 minutes farther).
How to Book Train Tickets from Copenhagen to Malmo?
The trains, Øresundståg (Danish) or Öresundståg (Swedish), are a joint collaboration between Denmark and Sweden. The trains are operated by Sweden’s Skånetrafiken, not Denmark’s DSB.
The Copenhagen-Malmö train tickets can be purchased only through the official Skånetrafiken website or app. Personally, I’d recommend downloading the app—it makes the whole journey much smoother and easier.
Skånetrafiken ticket machines are located at train stations in Skåne County in Sweden, as well as at CPH Airport and Copenhagen Central Station in Denmark.
If you buy tickets through the app, remember to activate them before boarding. The physical tickets purchased at the station are automatically activated at the time of purchase.
One thing I really like is that ticket prices are generally fixed, so you don’t have to stress about dynamic pricing or expensive last-minute fares.
Even during summer, trains rarely sell out, so you can usually arrive at the station, buy your ticket, and hop on the next train.
From Copenhagen to Malmo Train Ticket Price
A standard one-way ticket from Copenhagen Airport or Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station usually costs around 150 SEK and is valid for 2 hours after activation.
If you’re planning a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip, the 24-hour ticket available in the Skånetrafiken app costs 300 SEK, the same as buying two separate one-way tickets. This is valid for 24 hours after activation, making it much more convenient for a round trip. The main advantage is that it gives you unlimited travel options in the selected zone in both countries.
If you want to visit both Malmö and Lund, just buy a 24-hour ticket to Lund, as it also covers Malmö.
For a group of two or more, you get an extra 20% discount on train tickets. One paying adult can bring up to two children under 7 for free, and children aged 7–15 receive 50% discount.
Copenhagen Airport to Malmo Sweden
The train station is situated within Copenhagen Airport. Just follow the signs to go downstairs and take the next direct train to Malmö.
The journey covers around 28 km and usually takes about 35–40 minutes. Tickets typically cost around 150 SEK one way.
The train tickets can be bought from the ticket machines at the airport, 7-Eleven convenience stores, or through the Skånetrafiken app. Card payments are widely accepted.
Personally, I think this is the easiest option if you’re flying into Copenhagen and planning a quick day trip to Malmo.
Copenhagen to Malmo Buses
Taking a bus from Copenhagen to Malmo is the cheapest way to travel between Denmark and Sweden.
FlixBus run regularly between the two cities, with ticket prices often starting from 49 DKK plus a small service fee.
Most buses depart from the Copenhagen Bus Terminal near Dybbølsbro station and arrive at Malmö Central Station. The journey takes roughly 60 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Buses might sell out during summer and holidays, so pre-booking through their official website or app is a good idea if your trip is confirmed.
Copenhagen to Malmo Bus vs Train: What I Recommend?
If saving money is your priority, FlixBus is the cheaper option, especially when booked in advance.
If you are traveling from Copenhagen to Malmo with kids, the train is the easiest and best for the overall experience. One paying adult can bring up to two children under 7 for free, and children aged 7–15 receive 50% discount.
The biggest advantage of the bus is definitely the view. You get a much clearer look at the Øresund Bridge and the sea. On the train, the tracks sit below road level, so you only get to see the sea view.
For comfort and convenience, I’d choose the train. For views and cheaper fares, I’d go for the bus.
Explore Two Swedish Cities Malmo and Lund in One Day — Directly from Copenhagen!
Copenhagen to Malmö by Car
If you enjoy road trips and flexible travel, driving from Copenhagen to Malmö by car is for you.
The drive from central Copenhagen to central Malmö usually takes around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a bridge toll fee when crossing the Øresund Bridge by car, with one-way prices typically starting from 370 DKK, depending on the vehicle type and discount.
On a clear day, the views of the sea during the drive are truly amazing.
Can You Walk or Cycle Across the Øresund Bridge?
No, the public is not allowed to walk or cycle across the Øresund Bridge on normal days. The bridge is only open for cars, buses and trains.
Special events like the Bridgr Run 2025 or the Tour de France have allowed people to run or cycle across the bridge, but these are rare occasions.
However, you can still bring your bicycle on trains and buses between Copenhagen and Malmö at an additional cost.
Copenhagen to Malmo Sweden by Ferry
No, there are currently no ferries operating between Copenhagen and Malmö. Ferry services existed before the opening of the Øresund Bridge, but were discontinued once the train and road connections became much faster and more convenient.
Can I travel from Copenhagen to Malmo using a Copenhagen Card?
No, the Copenhagen Card cannot be used in Malmö for both transportation and attractions since Malmö is in another country. The card is only valid within Denmark.
For travel between Copenhagen and Malmö, you can instead use a Basiskort (Denmark travel card) for both bus and train journeys.
Important Border Control Checks Between Copenhagen and Malmo
While traveling between Copenhagen and Malmo, remember that you are still crossing an international border between Denmark and Sweden.
Border control checks are common and can happen on either side. So, it’s important to carry the valid identification documents with you during the journey.
European citizens usually need a valid passport or national ID card, while non-European travelers should carry their passport, a required visa or a residence permit.
See Malmö & Lund Without the Stress of Planning Everything Yourself
Copenhagen to Malmo Day Trip
A Copenhagen to Malmo day trip is definitely worth it and is a popular thing to do while visiting Denmark. Since the two cities are so close, you can comfortably explore Malmo’s main attractions, cafés, parks, and waterfront areas in a day or two.
If you’ve already spent a few days in Copenhagen, I’d definitely recommend extending your trip across the border into Sweden. It’s a fun way to experience a different culture, architecture, and atmosphere in the same trip.
Many locals commute daily between the two cities. Plenty of people live in Malmö and travel to Copenhagen for work every day, which shows just how well-connected and convenient the journey really is.
Best Things to Do in Malmo
If you’re planning a Copenhagen to Malmo day trip, you’ll be surprised by what this Swedish city has to offer.
Malmö is compact, easy to explore, and very cycle-friendly, so I’d personally recommend renting a bike and exploring at your own pace. There are bike lanes everywhere.
Here are some of the best things to do in Malmo, Sweden:
- Shop at Emporia, Malmo’s largest shopping center
- Visit Malmöhus Castle, a 16th-century Renaissance castle and home to Malmö Museum
- Step inside a real submarine at Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus
- See exotic reptiles and birds at Malmö Reptile Center
- Wander around Gamla Väster with its cobbled streets and colorful historic buildings
- Spend time around Västra Hamnen and the seaside Daniaparken
- Relax in the green parks of Slottsparken, Kungsparken, and Pildammsparken
- Visit the Malmö City Library
- Stop by Malmö Saluhall for food and coffee
- Shop along Södra Förstadsgatan
- Explore art spaces like Moderna Museet Malmö and Malmö Konsthall
- Admire the iconic Turning Torso, the tallest building in Scandinavia
- Visit the unique Disgusting Food Museum, one of Malmo’s most talked-about attractions
- Take a harbour or canal boat tour around the city
- If visiting in summer, don’t miss Malmöfestivalen, a huge free festival filled with music, food, art, and cultural events
If you have more time in Sweden, I’d absolutely recommend extending your trip to Lund, Helsingborg, or Ystad—all beautiful places that are easy to reach from Malmö.
Take the Easy Route to Sweden — Guided Malmö & Lund Day Trip from Copenhagen
Is Malmo cheaper than Copenhagen?
Yes, Malmo is generally more affordable than Copenhagen. You’ll usually notice lower restaurant prices, cheaper hotels, and budget-friendly transport options compared to Denmark’s capital.
After the Swedes, the Danes are the second largest group of inhabitants of Malmo. Many people working in Copenhagen actually choose to live in Malmo. The numbers grew significantly after the bridge was built in 2000.
Final Thoughts: Copenhagen to Malmo Travel Guide
A trip from Copenhagen to Malmo is the best way to experience two Scandinavian countries in a single journey. Malmö offers a different atmosphere from Denmark’s capital city.
With Denmark and Sweden connected by the Øresund Bridge, traveling between the two cities is quick and perfect for a day trip.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip from Copenhagen to Malmö with confidence, from choosing the best transport option to exploring the city once you arrive.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a smooth cross-border experience and make the most of your time in both Denmark and Sweden.
