Ystad is one of southern Sweden’s most attractive coastal towns, known for its medieval streets, sandy beaches, colourful harbour and easy access to Österlen. The best way to reach it depends on where you start, but trains are usually the simplest option. This guide explains how to get to Ystad from Malmö, Copenhagen, Copenhagen Airport, Stockholm and other popular starting points, with practical advice about tickets, driving, buses and ferries.
Where is Ystad?
Ystad is located on the south coast of Skåne, approximately 55 kilometres southeast of Malmö. The town sits on the Baltic Sea and is connected to the regional rail network, making it relatively easy to visit without a car.
Ystad is also an important ferry port. Regular ferry services connect the town with the Danish island of Bornholm, while seasonal or international services may connect Ystad with destinations in Poland. This makes the town useful both as a day trip destination and as a gateway to other parts of the Baltic region.
For most visitors, the main transport hubs are Malmö, Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport. From these locations, the journey to Ystad is straightforward and normally requires one change in Malmö.
How to get to Ystad by train
Taking the train is generally the easiest form of transport to Ystad. Ystad station is centrally located, within walking distance of the old town, the harbour and many hotels. Regional trains are frequent, comfortable and usually more convenient than driving if you are visiting the historic centre.
From Malmö to Ystad
To travel from Malmö to Ystad, first make your way to Malmö Central Station. From there, take a Skånetrafiken train towards Ystad or Simrishamn and get off at Ystad station. The journey usually takes around 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the service and any intermediate stops.
There are normally several departures each day, although the exact timetable can change on weekends, public holidays and during engineering works. Check the Skånetrafiken website or app before leaving, particularly if you have a ferry connection or another fixed booking.
The train route passes through the open landscapes of southeastern Skåne. It is a pleasant journey at any time of year, with fields, small villages and glimpses of the coast appearing along the way. A standard regional ticket is usually valid for the selected route and can often be purchased through the Skånetrafiken app, at a ticket machine or online.
From Copenhagen to Ystad
Travelling from Copenhagen to Ystad by train normally involves a change in Malmö. Take an Öresundståg train from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station. These trains cross the Øresund Bridge and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes, although the total travel time can vary depending on the connection.
At Malmö Central, change to a Skånetrafiken train towards Ystad or Simrishamn. The full journey usually takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes to two hours. This makes Ystad a realistic day trip from Copenhagen, especially if you leave in the morning and plan your return in advance.
When buying a ticket, make sure that it covers the complete journey from Copenhagen to Ystad. You can usually purchase an international or cross-border ticket through the relevant transport operator. Some travel cards and mobile tickets have specific conditions for travel across the Øresund Bridge, so check the validity rules before boarding.
From Copenhagen Airport to Ystad
Copenhagen Airport, known as Kastrup, is often the most convenient international arrival point for travellers heading to Ystad. The airport has its own railway station beneath Terminal 3. From there, take an Öresundståg train to Malmö Central Station and change to a regional train for Ystad.
The journey from Copenhagen Airport to Malmö normally takes about 20 minutes. After changing in Malmö, the train to Ystad takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. In total, allow around one hour and 30 minutes to two hours, including the connection time.
Follow the signs for trains in Terminal 3 rather than taking the metro. The train station serves both Copenhagen and destinations in Sweden. Before boarding, check the destination shown on the platform display and confirm that your ticket covers the entire trip to Ystad.
If you are travelling with large bags, the train is still manageable, but avoid changing during the busiest commuting periods if possible. Malmö Central has lifts, escalators and clear signs, although a little extra time is useful when moving between platforms.
How to get to Ystad from Stockholm
Stockholm is a long way from Ystad, so travelling by train is possible but requires several hours. A common route is to take a long-distance train from Stockholm Central Station to Malmö Central Station and then change to a regional train for Ystad.
The Stockholm to Malmö leg usually takes between four and five hours, depending on the service. The final train journey from Malmö to Ystad adds approximately one hour. Allow at least five and a half hours for the complete trip, and more if you want a comfortable connection.
Booking long-distance tickets in advance can help you find lower fares. Operators and timetables vary, so compare the available services before booking. If you are travelling during summer, weekends or school holidays, reserve your long-distance seat early and leave enough time for the connection in Malmö.
Another option is to fly to Copenhagen Airport and continue by train. This may be quicker for some travellers, but remember to include airport transfers, check-in time and security procedures. For a journey between Stockholm and Ystad, compare the complete door-to-door travel time rather than looking only at the flight duration.
How to get to Ystad from Gothenburg
Visitors travelling from Gothenburg can usually take a train to Malmö and then continue to Ystad. Depending on the timetable, the route may involve a change in Helsingborg or another Skåne city before reaching Malmö. The total journey commonly takes around four hours or more.
Because connections can vary, check the route carefully when booking. Some services arrive at Malmö Central with only a short time before the Ystad train departs. A longer connection is safer if you have luggage or are travelling at a busy time.
Driving is another practical alternative from Gothenburg, especially if you are planning to explore Österlen after arriving in Ystad. The drive is considerably longer than the train journey, but a car gives you more flexibility for visiting beaches, farm shops, nature reserves and villages outside the town.
How to get to Ystad by car
Driving to Ystad is convenient if your itinerary includes several places in Skåne. From Malmö, follow the main roads east towards Ystad. The drive usually takes around one hour, depending on traffic and your exact starting point. From Copenhagen, drive across the Øresund Bridge, continue towards Malmö and then follow the roads to Ystad. The total drive normally takes around one hour and 45 minutes to two hours, excluding stops and traffic delays.
From Stockholm or Gothenburg, the drive takes much longer, but it can make sense if Ystad is part of a wider road trip. Satellite navigation is reliable, although it is wise to check traffic and road conditions before starting. Summer traffic near popular coastal destinations can be heavier than expected.
Parking in Ystad
Ystad’s historic centre contains narrow streets and pedestrian areas, so you cannot drive directly to every attraction. Several public car parks are located around the centre and near the harbour. Parking rules, payment methods and time limits vary, so read the signs carefully.
Once parked, most central sights can be reached on foot. If you are staying overnight, ask your accommodation about nearby parking before arrival. Some hotels have private spaces, while others may recommend a public car park a short walk away.
A car is particularly useful for exploring the wider region. Popular places near Ystad include Ales Stenar at Kåseberga, the beaches around Sandhammaren, the town of Simrishamn and the scenic landscapes of Österlen. Public transport reaches some of these destinations, but services may be less frequent than trains between the larger towns.
Taking a bus to Ystad
Buses are useful for shorter journeys within Skåne and for reaching places that do not have a railway station. However, for the main route between Malmö and Ystad, the train is usually faster and more convenient.
Regional buses may be useful if you are coming from smaller towns or visiting coastal villages near Ystad. Routes and departure times change, particularly outside the summer season. Use the Skånetrafiken journey planner to find the correct bus, check whether a change is required and confirm the final stop in Ystad.
Local buses can also help you travel from Ystad station to residential areas, beaches and nearby communities. For the central sights, walking is often easier because the old town is compact and many streets have restricted vehicle access.
How to reach Ystad by ferry
Ystad is a significant ferry port, and travelling by sea is an excellent option if you are coming from Bornholm or planning to combine Sweden with another Baltic destination.
Ferries from Bornholm
Ferries from Rønne on Bornholm to Ystad are operated by Bornholmslinjen. The crossing usually takes around one hour and 20 minutes, although the exact duration depends on the vessel and service. Both foot passengers and vehicles can normally travel on the ferry.
The ferry terminal in Ystad is close to the town centre. Foot passengers can walk or take a short local connection towards central Ystad after arriving. If you are travelling by car, follow the signs for the ferry terminal and arrive in good time, since vehicle check-in normally closes before departure.
Ferry schedules can be seasonal and may change according to demand. Book ahead during summer and around public holidays, especially if you are taking a car. For a day trip, compare the departure and return times carefully, as the available timetable may limit how long you can spend in Ystad.
International ferry services
Ystad has also been used for ferry connections with Poland, including services to Świnoujście. Availability, operators and schedules can change, so check the current timetable before planning your route. International ferry journeys may take several hours or overnight and often require passengers to arrive well before departure.
If you arrive at Ystad ferry terminal as a foot passenger, the town centre is close enough to reach on foot in many cases. Taxis may be more practical if you have heavy luggage or are travelling outside normal daytime hours.
Transport from Malmö Airport to Ystad
Malmö Airport, also called Malmö Airport or Sturup, is located southeast of Malmö and closer to Ystad than Copenhagen Airport. However, there is not always a direct public transport connection that is as simple as the route from Copenhagen Airport.
The most convenient option is often a taxi or a rental car. The drive to Ystad usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. If you prefer public transport, check the current airport bus services and connect through Malmö or another nearby transport hub before continuing by train or bus.
Because airport services can change, verify the route shortly before travelling. If your flight arrives late or you are carrying substantial luggage, a pre-booked taxi may save time and avoid multiple changes.
Tickets, apps and travel planning
For journeys within Skåne, the Skånetrafiken app is one of the most useful tools. It provides journey planning, ticket purchases and service updates. Tickets are generally linked to a specific period or route, so read the conditions before starting your journey.
For travel between Denmark and Sweden, check whether you need a ticket from a Danish operator, a Swedish operator or an international ticket covering the complete route. Travellers using a Copenhagen public transport pass should not assume that it automatically covers the journey to Ystad.
Always check the timetable on the day of travel. Maintenance work, bad weather and special events can affect trains and ferries. If you are connecting to a ferry, allow more time than the minimum suggested connection. A missed ferry can be difficult and expensive to replace.
Travel cards and payment
Contactless payment, mobile tickets and card payments are widely accepted, but the available options depend on the operator and route. Buying your ticket before boarding is usually safest. On some regional services, you may not be able to purchase a ticket from the driver or onboard staff.
If you are making several journeys in Skåne, compare the cost of individual tickets with a regional travel pass. A pass may be worthwhile for visitors travelling between Malmö, Ystad, Simrishamn and other destinations over several days.
Which way to travel to Ystad is best?
- Choose the train for the easiest journey from Malmö, Copenhagen or Copenhagen Airport.
- Choose a car if you plan to explore Österlen, remote beaches and villages beyond Ystad.
- Choose the ferry if you are travelling from Bornholm or combining Ystad with a Baltic itinerary.
- Choose a bus for smaller local destinations that are not served directly by rail.
- Choose a taxi when arriving late, carrying heavy luggage or travelling from Malmö Airport.
For most first-time visitors, the best transport to Ystad is a train to Malmö followed by a regional service to Ystad. The station is central, the journey is simple and you can begin exploring the old town shortly after arrival. If you want to see the countryside and coastline around the town, renting a car for part of your trip may be a useful addition.
What to do after arriving in Ystad
Ystad station is close to the medieval centre, where you can explore cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and St Mary’s Church. The harbour and ferry terminal are also nearby, while the long sandy beach of Ystad Saltsjöbad is a short distance from the centre.
Allow time to walk rather than relying on local transport. Many of the town’s most interesting streets are best experienced on foot, and the compact layout makes it easy to combine the old town with the harbour in a single visit.
If you are staying longer, use Ystad as a base for day trips along the coast. Ales Stenar, Kåseberga and the beaches of eastern Skåne are among the most popular excursions. Check return connections in advance, since evening public transport can be less frequent outside the main summer season.