Wondering how to get to Lund? This historic university city in southern Sweden is easy to reach from Malmö, Copenhagen, Copenhagen Airport and other parts of Scandinavia. The most convenient option is usually the train, but buses, cars, taxis and flights can also be part of your journey. This guide explains the best transport to Lund, including ticket advice, travel times and practical tips for arriving smoothly.
Where is Lund?
Lund is in Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost region, around 17 kilometres northeast of Malmö. It is also within easy reach of Copenhagen and the island of Zealand in Denmark. The city is well connected because it sits on the main railway line between Malmö and Stockholm, as well as the international rail route crossing the Öresund Bridge.
Lund Central Station is in the heart of the city. From the station, you can walk to Lund Cathedral, Lund University, the historic centre, shops and many hotels. This central location makes trains to Lund particularly convenient for visitors who do not want to arrange additional transport after arriving.
How to get to Lund from Copenhagen Airport
For most international visitors, the easiest way to reach Lund is by direct train from Copenhagen Airport, known locally as Københavns Lufthavn or Kastrup. Direct Öresundståg trains run across the Öresund Bridge from the airport to Lund.
The journey normally takes around 35 to 40 minutes, although travel times can vary slightly according to the service and any temporary changes. Trains generally run several times per hour during much of the day, making this one of the simplest airport transfers in Scandinavia.
Step-by-step airport instructions
- Follow the signs for trains in Terminal 3 after collecting your luggage.
- Buy a ticket to Lund Central before boarding. You can usually use the Skånetrafiken app, ticket machines or the relevant ticket facilities at the airport.
- Check the destination board and choose a train travelling to Sweden, usually towards Malmö, Lund or another Swedish destination.
- Get off at Lund Central Station. Do not leave the train at Malmö unless you need to change there.
Although the airport is in Denmark, Lund is in Sweden, so you are crossing an international border. Keep your passport or national identity card accessible. Border checks are not always carried out, but travellers may be asked to show valid identification.
Ticket advice for Copenhagen Airport
Make sure you buy a ticket that covers the full journey to Lund, rather than a ticket only to Malmö. A standard adult fare is often in the general range of 130 to 160 Swedish kronor, but prices and ticket conditions can change. Check the latest fare before travelling, especially if you are travelling with children, luggage or a bicycle.
Do not board without a valid ticket. Inspections are common, and tickets bought through an app may need to be activated before you enter the train. Also remember that transport tickets are normally not sold by the train conductor.
How to get to Lund from Malmö
Travelling from Malmö is quick and straightforward. Regional Öresundståg and Pågatåg services connect Malmö Central Station with Lund Central Station throughout the day. The train journey usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
At Malmö Central, follow signs for platforms serving Lund, Helsingborg, Gothenburg or destinations farther north. Several services may stop at Lund, but always check the departure board because platforms and routes can change.
There are also local buses between Malmö and Lund, but the train is usually faster and easier for most visitors. A bus may be useful if you are staying outside Malmö Central or travelling to a part of Lund that is closer to a bus stop than the railway station. Use the Skånetrafiken journey planner to compare options and see live departure information.
How to get to Lund from Copenhagen city centre
If you are staying in Copenhagen, direct Öresundståg services depart from Copenhagen Central Station, known as København H. The trip to Lund normally takes around 45 to 55 minutes. Some services also stop at Copenhagen Airport before continuing across the bridge.
You can also board at other Copenhagen-area stations, including Nørreport and Østerport, depending on the service. Copenhagen Central is usually the most convenient departure point for visitors staying near the main shopping streets, Tivoli Gardens or Vesterbro.
Buy a cross-border ticket before boarding and allow extra time to find the correct platform. A Copenhagen public transport ticket that covers the city centre does not automatically cover the journey to Sweden. If you plan to return to Denmark later the same day, compare the cost of a return ticket with two single fares.
Trains to Lund from other Swedish cities
Rail travel is often the best transport to Lund from other parts of Sweden. Lund Central is served by both regional and long-distance trains, so you can usually make the journey without travelling through Malmö first.
From Stockholm
High-speed SJ trains from Stockholm to Lund generally take about four and a half to five hours. Some services continue to Malmö, while others may have different southern destinations. Booking in advance is recommended because long-distance fares can rise as the departure date approaches.
For an overnight journey, you can compare sleeper options or travel during the day and enjoy the scenery through central and southern Sweden. Check whether your selected service arrives at Lund Central or requires a change in Malmö.
From Gothenburg
Journeys from Gothenburg usually take approximately two and a half to three hours, depending on the train and any changes. Some routes are direct, while others require a connection in Malmö or another city. Look for SJ or regional services when searching for trains to Lund.
From Helsingborg
From Helsingborg, regional trains usually reach Lund in around 30 to 40 minutes. This is a convenient option for day trips and travellers arriving from southern Sweden’s northwest coast.
From other towns in Skåne
Lund has frequent rail and bus links with towns such as Landskrona, Eslöv, Ystad, Trelleborg and Kristianstad. Pågatåg services are particularly useful for shorter journeys within Skåne. Travel times vary, so check the Skånetrafiken app or website on the day of travel.
How to buy train tickets to Lund
For journeys within Skåne, Skånetrafiken is the main public transport provider. Its app is useful for buying tickets, planning journeys and checking disruptions. You can also use ticket machines at many railway stations.
For longer journeys within Sweden, SJ sells tickets for its own trains and displays many other rail connections. If you are crossing between Denmark and Sweden, you may see tickets offered by both Danish and Swedish transport providers. Compare the journey details carefully and confirm whether the ticket is valid for the entire route.
- Purchase your ticket before entering the train.
- Check the departure time, platform and final destination on the station board.
- Allow time for ticket activation if you are using a mobile app.
- Keep your ticket available until you leave the station at Lund.
- Check luggage, bicycle and pet rules before travelling.
Fares can depend on the route, time of travel, ticket type and how far ahead you book. A flexible ticket may cost more but can be useful if your plans are uncertain. For regional travel, tickets are often linked to a specific validity period rather than one named train, but always read the conditions shown at purchase.
Getting to Lund by bus
Buses can be a practical alternative when trains are disrupted or when your starting point is not close to a railway station. Skånetrafiken operates regional buses throughout Skåne, and local city buses serve different neighbourhoods in Lund.
Long-distance coach companies may also connect Lund with Malmö, Copenhagen and other destinations, although schedules are usually less frequent than rail services. Coaches can be cheaper when booked early, but the journey may take longer and the stop may be outside the centre. Confirm the arrival point before booking.
From Malmö Airport, also called Sturup Airport, travellers commonly take an airport bus to Malmö and then continue to Lund by train. Depending on the timetable, a bus connection may be available toward Lund, but a route through Malmö is often easier to find. The total journey can take around 50 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and the connection.
Driving to Lund
Driving gives you flexibility, particularly if you want to visit several places in Skåne or travel with bulky luggage. Lund is connected to the E22 motorway, which links the city with Malmö, Helsingborg, Kristianstad and other parts of southern Sweden.
From Malmö, the drive usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point. From Copenhagen, the journey involves crossing the Öresund Bridge and commonly takes around one hour, although traffic, bridge conditions and border controls can affect the timing.
Parking in Lund
Driving into the historic centre is not always convenient. Some streets have restrictions, and parking spaces can be limited, especially during university term time and on busy shopping days. Check municipal parking information or use a navigation app to find a car park near your accommodation.
Many hotels do not include parking in their standard room rate. Ask about availability, prices and the need to reserve a space before arrival. If you are visiting for the day, a car park outside the central pedestrian areas may be easier than trying to park next to Lund Cathedral or the university buildings.
Taking a taxi to Lund
Taxis are useful for short transfers from Lund Central Station to a hotel, for late-night arrivals or for travellers with limited mobility. The central areas are generally walkable, so many visitors will not need a taxi after arriving by train.
From Copenhagen Airport, a taxi to Lund is possible but usually much more expensive than the direct train. The trip also depends on road traffic and may involve additional cross-border charges. If you choose this option, use a licensed taxi company and agree on the fare or check the pricing method before departure.
Getting around after you arrive in Lund
Lund is compact and easy to explore on foot. Lund Central Station is close to the main attractions, including Lund Cathedral, Kulturen open-air museum, Lund University and the city centre’s cafés and shops.
The city also has an extensive local bus network. City buses connect the centre with residential areas, the university campus, the hospital and places farther from the station. Skånetrafiken tickets can often be used on both buses and regional trains within the relevant travel zones, but check the ticket details before starting your journey.
Cycling is another popular way to get around. Lund has many cycle paths and a strong student cycling culture. If you rent a bicycle, follow local traffic rules, use lights after dark and park only in designated areas. Walking may still be the simplest option for a short visit in the centre.
Which way to travel to Lund is best?
For most travellers, the train is the best choice. Direct services from Copenhagen Airport and Copenhagen make international arrivals simple, while frequent trains from Malmö provide a fast connection from other parts of the region. Rail travel is also more convenient than driving if you are staying in the central city.
- From Copenhagen Airport: Take a direct Öresundståg train, usually around 35 to 40 minutes.
- From Malmö: Take a regional train, usually around 10 to 15 minutes.
- From Copenhagen city centre: Take an Öresundståg train from Copenhagen Central, normally around 45 to 55 minutes.
- From Stockholm or Gothenburg: Compare SJ and regional rail services and book long-distance travel early.
- From Malmö Airport: Take an airport bus connection, often via Malmö, and continue by train or bus.
- For a multi-stop trip in Skåne: Consider renting a car, but plan parking before visiting central Lund.
Useful tips for planning your journey
Check the latest timetable shortly before departure, particularly on weekends, public holidays and during engineering works. Rail replacement buses may operate when tracks are being repaired, and these can take longer than the normal train journey.
Leave extra time if you are connecting from an international flight. Copenhagen Airport is efficient, but baggage collection, passport checks and walking to the station can take longer at busy times. If you are travelling onwards from Lund on a separate ticket, avoid booking a connection with only a few minutes to spare.
Weather rarely prevents trains from operating, but winter conditions can cause delays. During major events, university term starts and summer weekends, services may be busier than usual. Booking a seat on long-distance trains is sensible, while regional trains usually work on a first-come basis.
With frequent rail connections, a central station and short distances from neighbouring cities, Lund is one of the easiest destinations in southern Sweden to reach. Choose the route that fits your arrival point, buy the correct ticket before boarding and check live travel information on the day.