Scandinavia is an incredible place, full of amazing sights to see and experiences to collect. When you’re planning your next trip, you might find yourself struggling to decide which location you want to visit first.
Do you want to check out the cosiness and comfort of Copenhagen, the home of hygge?
Maybe you’d prefer a slightly different vibe? Stockholm might have the same Nordic roots as Copenhagen, but it’s a city that’s all about new experiences and unique cultures.
Making the choice between these two destinations is tough — so why not check out both?
Stockholm and Copenhagen are located close enough to each other that you can include both of them in your Scandinavian journey with a pretty simple trip.
If you’ve been thinking of turning your vacation to Scandinavia into a road trip, or a multi-destination map-hopping adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Here are just some of the best ways to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm.
How to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm
Copenhagen is the home of all things comforting. This fantastic destination is a great choice for families, couples, and single individuals, looking to soothe the soul.
You can spend your days checking out the former royal palaces in the region or learning about history from Copenhagen’s museums. There are also various amazing gardens to explore.
Once you’re finished with soaking up the beauty of Denmark, it’s a relatively short trip to Stockholm. Even the longest route (by bus) only takes around 9 hours, and it’s a very inexpensive journey too.
Your choice of how to travel between Copenhagen and Stockholm will depend on your time restrictions, budget, and your personal preferences.
The most common options are:
- Flight: A flight can cost less than $70 from Copenhagen to Stockholm and lasts only an hour and fifteen minutes.
- Train: Tickets start at $20 for a journey that lasts between 5 and 6 hours.
- Car: You’ll cover around 657 kilometers or 408 miles. The journey lasts 7 hours.
- Bus: Bus journeys often cost just over $30 and will last around 9-10 hours.
Flights from Copenhagen to Stockholm
Choosing to fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm is the fastest way to reach your destination. Direct flights are available and often occur on a daily basis. Usually, flights from Copenhagen to Stockholm only take around an hour and fifteen minutes.
However, it’s worth noting that you do need to factor in other time-consuming practices when you’re travelling by air. Factor in getting to and from the airport, dealing with security, and waiting for baggage, and getting a plane can take just as much time as getting the train.
Be careful to check the fine details of your booking when traveling from Copenhagen to Stockholm by air. Cheaper tickets often come from low-cost airlines that have strict restrictions on baggage.
Some cheaper companies even charge extra for a carry-on.
Getting the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm
The fastest way to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm by train is on the SJ direct service. This journey lasts around 5 hours and 12 minutes, starting from the Copenhagen Central Station. You’ll arrive in your destination at the Stockholm Central Station.
If you prefer to take a more indirect route, through Malmo or Gothenburg, the length of your journey will increase to around 7 or 8 hours. Fortunately, most trains come with access to Wi-Fi, snacks, and power points to keep you comfy.
Remember, the earlier you book your ticket on the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm, the less you’ll spend. Some tickets can cost around $20 one-way.
If you plan on traveling to various other regions, like Oslo for instance, you might want to consider getting the Eurail pass to pay for journeys across the continent.
The drive from Copenhagen to Stockholm
Choosing to drive from Copenhagen to Stockholm might not be the cheapest or best way to get to wherever you’re going. However, driving is the only way you’re going to have the freedom to stop and explore the Swedish countryside in style.
The entire journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm by road will take around 7 hours if you don’t take any breaks. It’s worth breaking up the trip, however, if you want to see more of the sights.
If you’re driving with a group, you can split the cost of gas, then driving is quite affordable. Sweden doesn’t have any toll roads on national highways — there’s just one toll for crossing the Oresund Bridge.
If you aren’t planning on returning to Copenhagen, rental companies can charge large fees for dropping a vehicle off in a different location.
Make sure you have plenty of extra money for gas and ensure your car is an excellent condition before you start your journey.
Driving from Copenhagen to Sweden by bus
Getting from Copenhagen to Stockholm by bus is the journey that’s going to take the longest overall — with no stops included. Various busses leave throughout the day, or you can consider leaving early morning and stay on the bus all day.
For those who want to keep the costs of their Scandinavian adventure low, it might be a good idea to start your journey on the evening, as you can spend the night sleeping on the bus instead of paying for lodging.
Though the bus is one of the cheapest ways to travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm, it can be one of the most arduous. It’s best to check that you’re going to have plenty of breaks to go to the bathroom and stretch your legs along the way.
Some busses take longer than others. For instance, the indirect bus that goes through Gothenburg or Oslo can take around 18 hours (with a layover).
Is there a ferry from Copenhagen to Stockholm?
If traveling by plane, bus, train, or car doesn’t appeal to you, then you might turn your sights to the water instead. Ferries are common throughout Europe and Scandinavia as a comfortable and quick way to get around.
Unfortunately, there is no direct route from Copenhagen to Stockholm by ferry at this time.
If you’re invested in including a boat ride as part of your journey, the best choice will be to get the train from Copenhagen to Gothenburg. From there, you can take the ferry to Frederikshavn in Denmark.
Once you arrive in Denmark, there’s an hourly train that goes to Copenhagen. The journey should take you around five to six hours, depending on traffic and conditions.
If you’re planning on taking regular breaks in your travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm, taking a route like this might be the most obvious option. It’s a great way to see more of the region as part of your journey.
Managing travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm
You probably have a few questions about your journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm, and how you’re going to get the most out of the experience.
For example, you might want to know, “Is the train ride from Copenhagen to Stockholm scenic?” The answer to this is often “yes” depending on what journey you take.
Other questions include:
- Do I need a passport? A common question is whether you need a passport to travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm if you’re a native. When traveling by air, it’s best to have your passport with you, though EU citizens can use any national ID. When travelling by train, car, or bus, there are sometimes passport checks in place between Danish and Swedish borders, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Is there a direct train form Copenhagen to Stockholm: Yes, this train journey lasts around 5 hours and 15 minutes and runs regularly. It’s a great option if you’re in a hurry to get to your destination.
- How far from Stockholm is Copenhagen: The journey from Copenhagen to Stockholm (central) on a trail is around 324 miles long. This equates to 522 km.
Remember to double-check that you have all the right documentation and tickets before you start your journey. You don’t want a run-in with border control or other issues to ruin your vacation.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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