How to Travel From Copenhagen to Malmö by Train, Bus, and Car

Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia and a popular port of call for passenger ships. Malmö, 17 miles (28 kilometers) away in Sweden, is a vibrant and progressive town known for its 600-year-old castle and enchanting old town center. Even though the Kattegat strait separates Denmark and Sweden, ground travel is pretty much the sole option for getting between the two cities and it only takes an hour at most. Thanks to the innovative Øresund Bridge that spans the strait (even going under the water), you can get from Copenhagen to Malmö by bus, train, and car.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Copenhagen to Malmö? 

The cheapest way to get to Malmö from Copenhagen is by bus. There are a few bus services that travel between the two countries via the five-mile Øresund Bridge, a landmark in its own right. Vy Travel and FlixBus both run the route every four hours, whereas others only travel between the two a handful of times per week. They depart from Copenhagen Central Station and arrive at Malmö Central Station roughly an hour and 15 minutes later. A one-way ticket starts at $7.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Copenhagen to Malmö? 

While the bus might be the cheapest option, the train takes about half the time. The Öresundståg and Danish Railways trains both depart from Copenhagen Central Station every 20 minutes and arrive at Malmö Central Station 39 minutes later. There's also Swedish Railways, which is generally the cheapest—starting at $5—but only departs five times per day. Otherwise, expect to pay between $9 and $13 per ticket. If you plan to take the train more often, you may rather purchase a flexible train pass for Denmark and Sweden at RailEurope.com before you go.

How Long Does It Take to Drive? 

If you'd like to rent a car to get from Copenhagen to Malmö, it's a 45-minute drive (26 miles, or 42 kilometers, by road). The route is simple: Take the E20 across the Øresund Bridge (there's a toll of $59). It's a stunning and memorable drive through the tunnel and across the bridge. If you plan to travel across more than a couple of times, you can purchase a Bropas (bridge pass), and save 50 percent on tolls.

You can also save by using the SmutTur (getaway) discount, which is available on weekdays from 5 p.m. to midnight, as well as all day on weekends and holidays if you return within six hours. The six-hour clock begins when you pass the toll station on the Swedish side.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Malmö?

Mamlö's weather is best from June through August. During the summer, temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and allow for swimming and other warm-weather activities. However, June, July, and August are also the rainiest months of the year. This is also when you should expect the biggest crowds, so the cost of lodging and travel is slightly more expensive than other times of the year. If you don't mind the cold, visit Malmö during the winter when it's quieter and perhaps even a bit snowy. Temperatures in February tend to linger just above freezing.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Malmö? 

U.S. citizens do not need visas to travel in Denmark nor Sweden, so you can travel between the two without having to worry too much about border formalities. Without a visa, travelers can stay in either country for up to 90 days.

What Is There to Do in Malmö? 

Malmö, Sweden, is the quintessential contrast between old and new. One of the most well-known landmarks of the region is the 16th-century Malmö Castle, Scandinavia's oldest surviving Renaissance castle. Other examples of historic architecture include St. Peter's Church (a brick Gothic church built during the 14th century) and just about every building in Gamla Staden, Malmö's historic district.

On the flip side, this Swedish city is also home to such futuristic feats as the Turning Torso, the tallest skyscraper in Scandinavia, and the Øresund Bridge, the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.