Wondering how to get to Simrishamn? The easiest option for most visitors is to travel by train from Malmö via Ystad, while buses, cars and taxis provide useful alternatives once you reach the Österlen region. This guide explains the main transport to Simrishamn, including trains to Simrishamn from Malmö, Copenhagen and other parts of southern Sweden.
Where is Simrishamn?
Simrishamn is a small coastal town in eastern Skåne, on Sweden’s Österlen coast. It is known for its colourful harbour, historic streets, seafood restaurants, nearby beaches and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
The town does not have a major airport or a long distance railway station. Instead, Simrishamn is connected to the regional transport network by the Skånetrafiken railway running through Ystad and by regional buses. For international visitors, the usual route is to travel first to Malmö, Lund, Copenhagen or one of the regional airports, then continue east towards Simrishamn.
How to get to Simrishamn by train
For many travellers, the train is the most convenient form of transport to Simrishamn. Skånetrafiken operates regional Pågatåg services between Malmö and Simrishamn, travelling through Lund, Eslöv area connections, Ystad and several smaller towns in southern Skåne. The exact service pattern can vary, so check the current timetable before travelling.
The journey from Malmö to Simrishamn normally takes around one hour and 40 minutes to two hours, depending on the service and any changes. Some departures run directly, while others may require a change in Ystad or another station. The route is scenic, especially as it approaches the coast and the open landscapes of Österlen.
Trains to Simrishamn from Malmö
Malmö is the main transport hub for travellers arriving from elsewhere in Sweden or from Denmark. At Malmö Central Station, look for a Pågatåg service towards Simrishamn, or check whether the fastest connection requires a change at Ystad.
When planning your journey, allow extra time if you are travelling with luggage or connecting from an international train. Malmö Central is a busy station with several platforms, shops and cafés, so it is worth arriving a little early. Digital departure boards show the platform and final destination, while the Skånetrafiken app provides live information about delays and service changes.
A standard regional ticket usually covers the complete journey when purchased for the correct zones. You can buy tickets through the Skånetrafiken app, at ticket machines in larger stations or through the transport operator’s website. On many regional services, tickets must be purchased before boarding.
Trains to Simrishamn from Copenhagen
If you are travelling from Copenhagen, take an Øresundståg train from Copenhagen Central Station, Copenhagen Airport or another station on the Danish side to Malmö. From Malmö, continue by Pågatåg towards Simrishamn.
The total journey from Copenhagen Central Station generally takes about three hours, although the exact time depends on the connection in Malmö. From Copenhagen Airport, the overall journey is often a little shorter. Remember that you may need to buy a cross border ticket for the Copenhagen to Malmö part and a separate Skånetrafiken ticket for the onward journey, depending on the ticket type you choose.
Bring a valid passport or national identity card when crossing the Denmark Sweden border. Border checks can occasionally affect travel times, even though both countries are part of the Schengen Area.
How to get to Simrishamn by bus
Buses are useful when you are already in Österlen or when a bus connection offers a better route than the railway. Skånetrafiken operates regional buses linking Simrishamn with nearby towns and villages, including Kivik, Brantevik, Skillinge, Borrby, Tomelilla and Ystad.
Bus routes and timetables change according to the season, school holidays and local travel demand. Some services run regularly throughout the day, while others operate less often or are mainly designed for commuters and school travel. Always check the latest timetable before setting out, particularly on Sundays and during the winter.
Bus from Ystad to Simrishamn
Ystad is one of the most useful transfer points for reaching Simrishamn. You can travel from Malmö to Ystad by train and then continue by train or regional bus, depending on the departure time and your destination in Österlen.
The train route from Ystad to Simrishamn is generally the simplest option when it is running at a convenient time. A bus may be more practical if you want to stop in a coastal village or visit a location away from the railway line. Check the journey planner for a door to door route rather than searching only for the railway station.
Local buses in Simrishamn
Simrishamn town centre, the railway station and the harbour are within walking distance of one another. Local and regional buses are more important for reaching attractions outside the centre, such as coastal villages, beaches and countryside sites.
If you are staying in Simrishamn and planning several day trips, compare the bus timetable with the train timetable. Services may not run frequently enough to make spontaneous connections easy, especially outside the summer season. A return ticket or day ticket can be useful if you plan to travel more than once in a day.
How to get to Simrishamn by car
Driving is a flexible way to explore Simrishamn and the rest of Österlen. It is particularly useful if you want to visit small coastal communities, nature reserves, farm shops and beaches that are not close to a railway station.
From Malmö, drive east towards Ystad and then follow the main roads towards Simrishamn. The journey usually takes around one hour and 30 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic and your starting point. From Lund, the driving time is broadly similar, while the journey from Copenhagen involves crossing the Øresund Bridge and usually takes several hours.
Road conditions are generally good, but rural roads can be narrow and winding. In summer, traffic increases around popular beaches and villages. Allow more time if you are travelling during a sunny weekend or the peak holiday period.
Parking in Simrishamn
There are public parking areas in and around central Simrishamn, although rules, charges and time limits vary. Follow local signs carefully, especially near the harbour and historic centre. Some spaces may be reserved for residents, loading or short term parking.
If your accommodation offers parking, ask about its location before arriving. Historic streets can be narrow, and some hotels or guesthouses have parking a short walk from the main entrance. During summer, arriving earlier in the day makes it easier to find a convenient space.
Arriving by air
Most international visitors reach Simrishamn through Copenhagen Airport or Malmö Airport. Copenhagen Airport has the widest range of international flights and is usually the easiest airport for travellers coming from outside Sweden.
From Copenhagen Airport to Simrishamn
From Copenhagen Airport, take an Øresundståg train across the bridge to Malmö Central Station. The train journey to Malmö is usually around 20 minutes. At Malmö Central, transfer to a Pågatåg service towards Simrishamn, or travel to Ystad and continue from there.
The entire public transport journey normally takes around three hours, not including a long waiting time between connections. This is often a better choice than hiring a car if you are staying in central Simrishamn and do not plan to explore remote parts of Österlen.
From Malmö Airport to Simrishamn
Malmö Airport, also known as Sturup Airport, is located southeast of Malmö. Airport buses connect the airport with Malmö, but the exact service and timetable should be checked before booking a flight. From Malmö, continue to Simrishamn by regional train or bus.
A taxi or rental car from Malmö Airport can be more convenient if you are travelling with heavy luggage, arriving late or travelling as a group. Public transport may require a change in Malmö and can take longer than the road distance suggests.
From Kristianstad Airport
Kristianstad Airport serves a limited selection of routes and may be useful for certain domestic or seasonal journeys. It is not normally the first choice for international visitors travelling to Simrishamn. If you fly there, you will probably need a taxi, rental car or a combination of local buses and trains.
How to get to Simrishamn from other Swedish cities
Travellers from Stockholm, Gothenburg and northern Sweden will usually travel first to Malmö or Lund. Long distance trains operated by SJ and other rail companies connect these cities with Malmö. From Malmö, continue east by Pågatåg towards Simrishamn.
From Helsingborg, take a regional train south to Malmö or Lund and then connect with the service towards Simrishamn. From Kristianstad, local transport connections through Ystad, Tomelilla or another Skåne town may be available, although the best route depends on the current timetable.
When planning a long journey, search for the full trip in a national journey planner or the Skånetrafiken app. Booking each part separately can sometimes produce a cheaper fare, but a single itinerary makes it easier to understand the connections and allow time for delays.
Choosing the best transport to Simrishamn
The best option depends on your arrival point, budget and plans in Österlen. These general guidelines can help:
- Choose the train if you are travelling from Malmö, Copenhagen or another city with a good rail connection.
- Choose the bus if you are already in Österlen or travelling to a village that is not served by the railway.
- Choose a car if you want to visit beaches, farm shops, nature reserves and small villages at your own pace.
- Choose a taxi for late arrivals, short transfers or journeys with several passengers and heavy luggage.
- Combine trains and buses when your accommodation is outside Simrishamn town centre.
Tickets, travel planning and useful tips
Use the Skånetrafiken journey planner to compare trains and buses in southern Sweden. Enter your exact starting point and accommodation address rather than only searching for Simrishamn station. This can reveal a direct bus or a shorter final connection.
- Check departure times on the day of travel because engineering works and seasonal changes can affect services.
- Buy regional tickets before boarding whenever the operator requires it.
- Allow time to change trains at Malmö or Ystad, especially if you have luggage or are arriving on an international service.
- Keep your ticket available on your phone during the journey.
- Check whether bicycles are permitted on your chosen train or bus and whether restrictions apply during busy periods.
- Plan your return journey before visiting remote parts of Österlen, as evening services may be limited.
- Carry a payment card because many Swedish transport services are cash free.
Travelling around Simrishamn after arrival
Once you arrive at Simrishamn station, the town centre and harbour are easy to reach on foot. Walking is the most practical way to explore the historic centre, where colourful houses, small shops, cafés and restaurants are close together.
For longer trips, use regional buses, hire a bicycle or rent a car. Cycling is popular in Österlen, but distances between villages can be greater than they appear on a map. Coastal winds, limited roadside shoulders and summer traffic are worth considering before choosing a bicycle for the entire trip.
Whether you travel by train from Malmö, cross the bridge from Copenhagen or drive through the countryside, reaching Simrishamn is straightforward with a little planning. The railway is usually the simplest starting point, while a car gives you the greatest freedom to explore the wider Österlen coast.