Wondering about Öresund Bridge how to get there? The easiest way is usually by train between Copenhagen and Malmö, although driving across the bridge is also straightforward. This guide explains the best routes, tickets, stations, border requirements, travel times and places where you can see the famous connection between Denmark and Sweden.
Where is the Öresund Bridge?
The Öresund Bridge, also written as Øresund Bridge, connects Copenhagen in Denmark with Malmö in Sweden. It crosses the Øresund strait for approximately 16 kilometres when the bridge, artificial island and tunnel are considered together. The bridge itself stretches from the Danish coast towards Peberholm, an artificial island where the route continues through the Drogden Tunnel to Copenhagen.
On the Swedish side, the bridge begins south of Malmö near Lernacken. On the Danish side, it connects with the motorway near Kastrup, close to Copenhagen Airport. Because the crossing is part of the main road and railway network, visitors generally experience it while travelling by train, car or coach rather than by walking onto the bridge.
The bridge is not open to pedestrians, and cycling across it is not permitted. If you want to cross the Øresund, choose a train, car, bus or organised tour. For most visitors, the train offers the simplest and most scenic option.
Öresund Bridge how to get there by train
Taking the train is the most convenient answer to the question of how to get there from either Malmö or Copenhagen. Direct Öresundståg services run frequently between cities and towns in southern Sweden and Copenhagen. The trains cross the bridge and continue through Copenhagen Airport, making it easy to combine the crossing with a flight or a city visit.
From Copenhagen to Malmö
Start at Copenhagen Central Station, known locally as København H, or board at another suitable station such as Nørreport, Østerport or Copenhagen Airport. Trains to Malmö usually stop at Malmö Central Station, Hyllie and sometimes Triangeln, depending on the service.
The direct journey from Copenhagen Central to Malmö Central normally takes around 40 minutes. From Copenhagen Airport to Malmö Central, the trip is usually about 20 to 25 minutes. The train travels across the bridge after leaving the airport area, so sitting by a window can give you views of the water, pylons and coastline.
- From Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central: approximately 40 minutes.
- From Copenhagen Airport to Malmö Central: approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
- From Copenhagen Central to Hyllie: approximately 30 minutes.
- From Copenhagen to Lund: generally around 50 minutes, depending on the train and stops.
Check the current timetable before travelling, especially late at night, during engineering works and on public holidays. Services can change, and some trains may terminate at Malmö instead of continuing to Lund, Helsingborg or other Swedish destinations.
From Malmö to Copenhagen
From Malmö, the most useful departure point is Malmö Central Station, or Malmö C. Follow the signs for trains to Denmark and select a service heading towards Copenhagen or Copenhagen Airport. The route crosses the bridge before entering the tunnel beneath the Øresund near the Danish coast.
You can also board at Hyllie Station, which is convenient if you are staying in southern Malmö or visiting Emporia shopping centre. Hyllie is the last Swedish station before the bridge. Triangeln is another useful stop for travellers staying in central Malmö, although not every train stops there.
If your destination is Copenhagen city centre, get off at Copenhagen Central. For an international flight, Copenhagen Airport Station is directly connected to Terminal 3. Allow extra time to find the correct platform and check whether your ticket covers the entire journey.
How to buy train tickets for the Malmö Copenhagen bridge crossing
You can buy tickets through the relevant railway operators, transport apps, station ticket machines or staffed ticket offices. In Sweden, the Skånetrafiken app and website are commonly used for journeys from Malmö and other parts of Skåne. Danish travel information and ticketing are available through DSB and local transport services.
Ticket arrangements can vary depending on where you start, where you finish and whether you are travelling on a local or long-distance service. A ticket between Malmö and Copenhagen generally covers the cross-border train journey, but you should check the exact route and validity before boarding.
- Buy your ticket before entering the train whenever possible.
- Use the correct travel date and passenger type.
- Keep your ticket available during the entire journey.
- Check whether mobile tickets require an internet connection or must be activated before boarding.
- Allow time for ticket inspections, particularly on journeys from Denmark into Sweden.
Prices change according to operator, travel date, age, discounts and ticket type. There is no single fixed fare for every journey, so checking the official transport website shortly before departure is the best way to find current information.
Travelling across the Öresund Bridge by car
Driving is a good option if you want to explore both sides of the Øresund region, visit coastal towns or continue beyond Malmö and Copenhagen. The bridge forms part of the E20 motorway. On the Swedish side, follow the E20 towards Malmö and Copenhagen. On the Danish side, follow signs for Malmö, Sweden or the E20 towards the bridge.
From Malmö city centre, drive south towards Lernacken and join the E20. From Copenhagen, follow the E20 towards the airport and Sweden. The motorway route is clearly signposted, but navigation apps are useful because traffic around Malmö, the airport and Copenhagen can be busy at peak times.
Bridge tolls and payment
Cars must pay a toll to cross the Öresund Bridge. The price depends on the vehicle, payment method, account or agreement and current operator rates. Motorcycles, cars, motorhomes, vans and vehicles with trailers may have different prices.
You can normally pay using a card at the toll station or register for an electronic payment agreement. Frequent travellers may find an ØresundGO agreement useful, while occasional visitors should compare the available options before setting off. If you rent a car, ask the rental company how bridge tolls are handled. Some companies charge the toll automatically, while others add an administration fee.
- Check the current toll before your journey.
- Confirm whether your vehicle is covered by a rental company payment system.
- Keep your booking, payment confirmation or agreement details available.
- Leave extra time at the toll area during busy periods.
The drive between central Malmö and central Copenhagen often takes around 45 minutes in light traffic, but the total journey can be longer during rush hour, roadworks or incidents. The crossing itself is only part of the trip, so check traffic conditions before leaving.
Can you walk or cycle over the Öresund Bridge?
No. The Öresund Bridge is a motorway and railway crossing, not a public pedestrian or cycle route. Walking on the bridge is prohibited, and ordinary bicycles cannot use the motorway. Cyclists travelling between Sweden and Denmark need to use another permitted route, such as a ferry service where available, or transport their bicycle on a train subject to the operator’s rules.
Do not attempt to reach the bridge on foot from Malmö or Copenhagen. The approach roads are motorways and are unsafe and unsuitable for pedestrians. If your goal is to photograph the bridge, use a designated viewpoint or waterfront location instead.
Best places to see the Öresund Bridge
Although you cannot walk onto the bridge, there are several places where you can see it from land. Malmö’s western and southern waterfront areas offer views towards the bridge, particularly in clear weather. The area around Ribersborg beach can provide attractive long-distance views, while viewpoints near Lernacken are closer to the Swedish approach.
For a city-based view, travel to Västra Hamnen in Malmö. The modern waterfront is popular for walks and photographs, although the bridge may appear relatively distant. Turning Torso and the coastline around Scaniaparken can also provide memorable views of the Øresund landscape.
On the Danish side, the coast near Amager and parts of Copenhagen offer views towards the bridge, although the structure can be less prominent from the city centre. Copenhagen Airport and the coastal areas south of the city are closer to the Danish approach.
- Ribersborg beach, Malmö: a relaxed waterfront location with broad views across the water.
- Västra Hamnen, Malmö: modern architecture, promenades and distant bridge views.
- Lernacken, Malmö: close to the Swedish end of the bridge, with limited access in some areas.
- Amager coast, Copenhagen: useful for views from the Danish side.
Use public paths and obey signs around the motorway approaches. Some areas near Lernacken are not designed as tourist attractions, and the bridge can be difficult to photograph safely from roadside locations.
What documents do you need to cross between Sweden and Denmark?
Sweden and Denmark are both part of the Schengen Area, but travellers should still carry a valid passport or national identity card. Temporary border checks can be introduced, and transport operators or police may ask to see identification. A driving licence is not normally sufficient as a travel document for international travel.
Citizens from outside the European Union should check the entry rules that apply to their nationality, visa status and planned stay. If you are flying into Copenhagen and then travelling to Sweden, confirm that your documents allow travel across the border.
Families should carry the required identification documents for children. Pet owners should also check current rules for animal travel, including microchips, vaccinations and pet passports where applicable.
Using public transport on both sides of the bridge
The train is usually the best option for a day trip because stations are central and trains avoid the need to park. In Malmö, Malmö Central is close to Gamla Väster, the Old Town and many hotels. In Copenhagen, Copenhagen Central is near Tivoli Gardens, the main shopping streets and the city centre.
For journeys beyond the main stations, check whether your ticket includes local connections. You may need a separate bus, metro or local train ticket after crossing the border. Copenhagen Airport is served by metro, regional trains and buses, while Malmö has city buses and local trains operated within the Skåne network.
If you are travelling with heavy luggage, the airport route is particularly convenient because both Copenhagen Airport and Malmö Central have lifts, escalators and clear signs. During busy commuting hours, however, trains can become crowded, so avoid peak periods when possible.
When is the best time to cross the bridge?
The bridge is open throughout the year, and trains operate in all seasons, although timetables may change. Summer offers longer daylight and better conditions for combining the crossing with waterfront sightseeing. Spring and autumn can be quieter, while winter often brings atmospheric skies and fewer visitors.
For the best views from a train, travel during daylight and sit on the side facing the water when possible. Weather can change quickly across the Øresund, and fog, rain or low cloud may hide parts of the bridge. If you are driving, prioritise road conditions and visibility rather than sightseeing.
Rush hour is usually busiest on weekday mornings and afternoons. Weekend services may be less frequent, and late evening trains can have different stopping patterns. Always check the departure time on the day of travel.
Useful tips for an easy Öresund Bridge journey
- Decide whether train, car or coach best suits your itinerary before you leave.
- Check the latest timetable and service notices on the day of travel.
- Carry a passport or national identity card even when travelling within the Schengen Area.
- Buy cross-border train tickets from an official operator or authorised ticket machine.
- If driving, check the current bridge toll and confirm your payment method.
- Do not stop on the motorway or approach roads to take photographs.
- Keep luggage close and allow time to change trains if your journey starts outside Malmö or Copenhagen.
- Use a designated waterfront viewpoint if you want to photograph the bridge from land.
- Check rules for bicycles, pets and mobility equipment before travelling.
Frequently asked questions about getting to the Öresund Bridge
What is the easiest way to cross from Malmö to Copenhagen?
The direct train from Malmö Central or Hyllie to Copenhagen is usually the easiest choice. It avoids parking and motorway traffic, takes roughly 40 minutes from Malmö Central to Copenhagen Central and stops at Copenhagen Airport.
Is there a train station on the bridge?
No. The train crosses the bridge between stations. You cannot leave the train on the bridge, and there is no public walkway or viewing platform there.
How long does the Malmö Copenhagen bridge trip take?
A direct train journey from Malmö Central to Copenhagen Central generally takes about 40 minutes. Driving times vary more because of traffic, parking and toll payment, but the route between the city centres often takes approximately 45 minutes in light traffic.
Can I see the bridge from Malmö?
Yes. Ribersborg beach, Västra Hamnen, Scaniaparken and selected areas near Lernacken offer views of the bridge. Visibility depends on weather, light and your exact location.
Is crossing the Øresund Bridge worth including in a trip?
Yes, particularly if you are visiting both Malmö and Copenhagen. The crossing is quick, the train route is convenient and the bridge is an impressive part of the region’s landscape and infrastructure. Combining the journey with a city visit, coastal walk or airport transfer makes the most of your time.