Planning to travel between Sweden and Denmark? Öresund Bridge tickets make it possible to cross one of Scandinavia’s most impressive landmarks by car, train, bus or coach. This guide explains how tickets work, where to buy them, what they cost, and which option is best for your journey between Malmö and Copenhagen.
What are Öresund Bridge tickets?
Öresund Bridge tickets are payments for crossing the Øresund connection between Sweden and Denmark. The route includes the Öresund Bridge itself, the artificial island of Peberholm and the Drogden Tunnel. Together, these structures connect Malmö in southern Sweden with Copenhagen on the Danish side of the strait.
The bridge opened in 2000 and has become one of the easiest ways to travel between the two cities. It carries road traffic on the upper level and trains on the lower level. Although many travellers refer to the whole crossing as the Malmö Copenhagen bridge, the official name is the Øresund Bridge, or Öresundsbron in Swedish.
The type of ticket you need depends on how you travel. Drivers pay a road toll, while passengers travelling by train or bus normally buy a public transport ticket. A train ticket is not usually sold as a separate bridge ticket, because the crossing fee is included in the fare.
How much do Öresund Bridge tickets cost?
Road toll prices vary according to the vehicle, payment method, travel agreement and current pricing policy. A standard private car costs more than a motorcycle, while larger vans, motorhomes, buses and vehicles towing trailers are charged according to their size and category.
There are generally three ways to pay for a road crossing:
- Buy a single crossing online before travelling.
- Pay at the toll station with a bank card or another accepted payment method.
- Use an electronic agreement or tag, such as an ØresundGO agreement, for discounted crossings.
Online prices are often lower than the standard price paid at the toll station. The exact amount can change, so check the official Øresund Bridge website shortly before your trip. The calculator usually asks for your vehicle type, date of travel and payment choice before showing the current fare.
For a return journey, compare the price of two single crossings with any available return product or travel agreement. Some offers are designed for frequent users and may not provide value for a one day visit. If you are crossing several times during a holiday, however, a discount agreement can be worth considering.
Where to buy Öresund Bridge tickets
Buying online
Buying online is usually the simplest choice for visitors driving from Copenhagen to Malmö or in the opposite direction. Use the official Øresundsbron website and select the relevant vehicle category. You can normally pay in advance and receive confirmation by email.
Keep the booking confirmation available on your phone. Depending on the product, you may need to enter a registration number or use a digital reference at the toll station. Check the terms carefully, especially if you are using a rental car. Some bookings are connected to a specific registration plate and may not work if you change vehicles.
Paying at the toll station
You can also pay when you arrive at the bridge toll plaza. Follow the signs for the lane that accepts your preferred payment method. Card lanes are convenient for most international travellers, but it is sensible to check your bank’s foreign transaction fees before setting off.
The toll station is located at Lernacken on the Swedish side, close to Malmö. There is no traditional border checkpoint in the same way as at many international land borders, but temporary border controls can be introduced. Keep a valid passport or national identity card with you and allow extra time during busy periods.
Using an electronic agreement
Frequent drivers can use an electronic toll agreement or tag. The ØresundGO agreement is intended for people who cross regularly and normally provides a lower price per trip in return for an annual fee. It may also make the toll plaza faster because the vehicle can be registered automatically.
Read the conditions before signing up. An annual agreement is most useful for commuters, regular visitors and people making several return trips. Occasional tourists should compare the total cost with online single tickets.
Öresund Bridge tickets for trains
If you are travelling without a car, the train is usually the fastest and most convenient way to cross the Øresund. Trains run between Malmö Central Station and Copenhagen Central Station, with additional services stopping at places such as Hyllie, Triangeln, Copenhagen Airport and Ørestad.
Passengers do not normally buy a separate road style bridge ticket. Instead, purchase a train ticket from the relevant transport operator. From the Swedish side, this may be Skånetrafiken or another operator. From Denmark, DSB is a common choice. The fare includes the cost of travelling across the bridge.
Before buying, check whether your ticket is valid for the entire journey or only for a specific local transport zone. A ticket from Malmö to Copenhagen Central may be different from a ticket to Copenhagen Airport. If you are changing trains or continuing by metro, bus or regional rail, make sure the final destination is included.
Train services are frequent, but schedules can change because of engineering works, special events or border controls. Check the timetable on the day of travel. Travellers with bicycles should also check the operator’s bicycle rules, as space may be limited and bicycles can be restricted at busy times.
Travelling by car across the Malmö Copenhagen bridge
Driving gives you more flexibility, particularly if you are exploring Skåne, Zealand or the Danish countryside. The road connection is well signposted from both Malmö and Copenhagen, and the crossing itself is straightforward for most drivers.
From Malmö, follow signs towards the E20 and Copenhagen. The toll area is near Lernacken before the bridge. From Denmark, follow the E20 towards Sweden and Malmö. Once you have paid, continue through the bridge section, across Peberholm and through the Drogden Tunnel before reaching the other country.
Check your vehicle documents before departure. You should have a valid driving licence, registration documents and insurance that covers travel in both Sweden and Denmark. Rental car drivers should confirm that cross border travel is allowed. Some rental companies require advance permission or charge an additional fee.
Speed limits and road signs may differ slightly between Sweden and Denmark. Follow the posted signs rather than relying only on your navigation app. Strong winds can affect high sided vehicles, and winter conditions may make the approach roads slippery. Traffic can also increase around weekends, public holidays, summer travel dates and major events in Copenhagen or Malmö.
Can you walk or cycle across the Øresund Bridge?
Pedestrians and ordinary cyclists cannot simply walk or cycle across the bridge. The crossing is designed for motor traffic and trains, and there is no public footpath or cycle lane along the road deck.
If you want to travel with a bicycle, the train is usually the practical option. Rules vary by operator and time of day, so check whether you need a bicycle ticket, a reservation or a folding bicycle. Another alternative is a long distance bus service that permits bicycles, although availability is limited.
There are no standard Öresund Bridge tickets for sightseeing walks. To see the bridge, consider taking the train, driving across it, or viewing it from the shoreline in Malmö, Copenhagen or nearby coastal areas.
Öresund Bridge tickets for buses and coaches
Several local and long distance bus services cross the Øresund. If you travel by bus, you normally buy a ticket from the bus operator rather than paying the bridge toll yourself. The company handles the road charge as part of its operating costs.
Local buses may connect Malmö with Copenhagen Airport and other destinations, while international coaches can link Copenhagen with cities in Sweden and beyond. Ticket rules, luggage allowances and travel times vary. A bus can be cheaper than the train, but it may take longer because of traffic and stops.
For coach tours, the tour company usually arranges the bridge payment. Ask the operator whether the crossing is included in the advertised price, especially when comparing packages from different companies.
Is it cheaper to take the train or drive?
The cheaper choice depends on the size of your group, how long you are staying and whether you already have a car. A solo traveller may find the train more economical because there is no toll, fuel cost or parking charge to add. A family or group may prefer a car if several people are sharing the costs.
Remember that the road toll is only one part of the driving budget. Add fuel, parking in Copenhagen or Malmö, possible rental car charges and city congestion. Parking in central Copenhagen can be expensive, while Malmö has its own paid parking zones. Public transport is often easier if your main plans are in the city centre.
Compare the full door to door journey rather than only the ticket price. The train runs directly between central stations and Copenhagen Airport, while a car may be more useful for destinations outside the main urban areas.
Useful tips for buying Öresund Bridge tickets
- Check the official bridge fare calculator before travelling because prices and vehicle categories can change.
- Compare the online price with the toll station price. Advance purchase may save money.
- Enter the correct vehicle type and registration number when making an online booking.
- Keep your booking confirmation accessible until you have completed the crossing.
- Check whether a rental car company permits travel between Sweden and Denmark.
- Carry valid travel identification, even though routine border checks are not always in place.
- Allow extra time during summer, weekends, public holidays and major events.
- For trains, verify the destination, ticket validity and bicycle conditions before boarding.
- Do not attempt to walk or cycle on the road bridge.
- Check exchange rates and foreign card fees if your payment account is in another currency.
What to see on each side of the bridge
The crossing works well as part of a day trip in either direction. In Malmö, visitors can explore the old town around Lilla Torg, walk along the waterfront and see Turning Torso from the Västra Hamnen district. Malmö also offers museums, parks and restaurants within easy reach of the train station.
In Copenhagen, the central station is close to Tivoli Gardens, Strøget, Christiansborg Palace and the historic harbour area. Copenhagen Airport is also connected directly by train, making the Øresund route useful for both city visits and flights.
If you have more time, continue beyond the cities. On the Swedish side, Skåne has beaches, castles and countryside. On the Danish side, Zealand offers coastal towns, museums and royal residences. A car can be particularly useful for these longer excursions, while the train is usually best for a city centre visit.
Frequently asked questions about Öresund Bridge tickets
Do I need to book a bridge ticket in advance?
No. Drivers can usually pay at the toll station, but booking online may offer a lower price and makes the payment process easier. Train passengers should buy a valid public transport ticket before boarding or through the operator’s approved channels.
Can I use one ticket for a return trip?
Some products may be sold as return offers, while other online purchases are for one crossing only. Read the conditions before payment. If no return option is available, you need two valid single crossings for a car journey from Sweden to Denmark and back.
Are bridge tickets included in train fares?
Yes, the cost of the rail crossing is normally included in the train fare. You do not need to buy an additional road toll ticket when travelling as a passenger on a train.
Can I pay with a foreign bank card?
International cards are commonly accepted at the toll facilities, and online payment options depend on the booking system. Your bank may apply a currency conversion or foreign transaction fee, so check your card terms if the ticket is charged in Danish or Swedish currency.
How long does the crossing take?
The bridge crossing itself takes only a short time, but your total journey depends on traffic, the station or destination and any border checks. A direct train between Malmö and Copenhagen is also a relatively short trip, although the timetable and stops affect the exact travel time.
Is the Øresund Bridge open all year?
The bridge generally operates throughout the year, but temporary closures or restrictions can occur because of severe weather, accidents, maintenance or official decisions. Check traffic and transport updates before leaving, particularly during storms or winter weather.
Choosing the right ticket for your journey
For a one time car trip, compare an online road ticket with the price at the toll station and select the option that matches your vehicle. For frequent crossings, investigate an electronic agreement such as ØresundGO. For most visitors travelling between city centres, a train ticket is likely to be the simplest option because it avoids tolls, parking and traffic.
Whichever way you travel, the Øresund connection makes the journey between Sweden and Denmark remarkably straightforward. With the right Öresund Bridge tickets or public transport fare, you can combine Malmö and Copenhagen in one trip and enjoy two countries within the same day.