There are so many amazing places to visit and see in Scandinavia that it’s difficult to restrict yourself to a single destination.
How do you know whether you should visit Malmo or Stockholm without seeing them both? How can you experience the unique culture of saunas in Norway if you spend all your time travelling in Finland?
Although some trips around Scandinavia are easier than others, it’s worth planning a few multi-destination adventures if you can.
For instance, why not consider splitting your next vacation between Copenhagen and Oslo?
While it takes a little longer to get from Copenhagen to Oslo than it does to get from Copenhagen to Stockholm, it’s well-worth the effort.
The journey from Copenhagen to Oslo is beautiful, memorable, and brimming with ample opportunities to experience new things along the way.
Here’s your guide on how to get from Copenhagen to Oslo.
How do I get from Copenhagen to Oslo?
Copenhagen and Oslo are the respective capital cities of Denmark and Norway.
In Copenhagen, you’ll find endless pieces of stunning architecture, historical sites, and unique places to visit. Copenhagen is home to the Little Mermaid Statue and some delicious foods, incredible locals, and some of the world’s most famous castles.
On the other hand, Oslo and Norway are better-known for their stunning natural landscapes. From breath-taking fjords to towering mountains, there are plenty of picture-perfect moments to discover in Oslo.
While a day-trip from Copenhagen to Oslo might not be feasible, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy both destinations as part of one trip. We’d recommend setting at least a few days aside to make the most of both regions before you move on.
Keep in mind that the trip between Copenhagen and Oslo can be a significant part of the journey. The distance between both cities is around 600 km, and there’s no convenient bridge available to cover the gap (like with Malmo and Copenhagen).
Fortunately, you have five travel options to consider, and each has its own unique pros and cons.
How to get from Copenhagen to Norway by bus
If you’re interested in getting from Copenhagen to Oslo by road, but you don’t want to be responsible for driving, then the bus might be your best option.
Luckily, there is a direct route between the two cities, starting in Copenhagen’s Ingerslevgade station.
There are two main providers that support this bus route, including Flixbus and Nettbuss. These companies are responsible for many of the cross-country journeys in the Scandinavian region.
Both offer extra features on their busses, including toilets, free Wi-Fi, electrical sockets for charging your devices, and more.
Depending on your needs, you can travel from Copenhagen to Oslo by road during the day or at night. Nettbuss provides four departures each day, while Flixbus usually provides three. There’s also an extra option from Flixbus that gives you a stop at Gothenburg.
If you’re looking for an easy way to save cash, we’d recommend booking your journey to take place at night. If you can sleep on the bus on the way to Oslo, you can save yourself the expense of another night in a hotel or lodge.
You might also be able to get a discount on your ticket.
Bus journeys usually take around 8 hours, with a few stops thrown in so you can stretch your legs.
How do I get from Copenhagen to Oslo by train?
The train journey between Copenhagen and Oslo usually splits into two parts. If you’re travelling by ACP Rail, then you can book a ticket to Gothenburg in Sweden, then get the train the rest of the way from Oslo from there.
Travelling on the Copenhagen to Oslo train, even in two parts, is usually a comfortable experience. There’s lots of leg room and opportunities to move around.
Additionally, the trains from Copenhagen to Oslo often go through many scenic areas, so you can see more of the beautiful landscape along the way.
Usually, the trip will take around eight hours in total if you move straight from one train to the other. If you prefer, you could always spend a night in Gothenburg before moving onto the second leg of your journey.
Although the trip takes about as long as the bus, train tickets are often a lot more expensive, perhaps because of the extra comfort and scenery.
Booking in advance will save you a bit of extra cash, as will taking your journey outside of peak times. If you’re not in a hurry, you can also split your adventure up into three legs, moving through Lund, Linkoping, and Katrineholm.
This secondary Copenhagen to Oslo train route takes over 10 hours, but it’s a bit cheaper.
Getting the ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo
Taking the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry is probably the most luxurious way to get from Denmark to Norway. You can book a direct trip with DFDS seaways, which often travels overnight and takes up to 17 hours to reach its destination.
On the plus side, with a ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo, you can enjoy the comfort of having your own cabin. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you could even have a pretty indulgent trip.
Alternatively, if you feel like really splashing out, you could consider opting for a Copenhagen to Oslo miniature cruise.
Offered by the DFD Seaways team, these mini cruises include return overnight crossings, with 6 and a half hours to spend in Oslo. You won’t have much time to see everything in Oslo this way, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for something similar to a day trip.
Flights from Copenhagen to Oslo
For many trips between cities in Scandinavia, flights are just unnecessary. However, it does make more sense to book a Copenhagen to Oslo flight if you’re looking to save some time. You can usually arrive in your destination within an hour.
SAS runs daily flights between the two cities, although you can find cheaper fares with alternative companies.
Prices for a Copenhagen to Oslo flight differ depending on when you’re travelling and seasonal demand. You can sometimes get a journey for as little as 250 DKK, although it’s best to book early if you want to keep costs low.
Can you drive from Copenhagen to Oslo?
If you feel like a bit of a road trip, and you don’t want to rely on a bus, then you can drive from Copenhagen to Oslo. Generally, getting from Copenhagen to Oslo by car is a little faster than taking the train, bus, or ferry.
Another bonus of this route is that you have complete control.
If you decide you want to stop somewhere and check out the local scenery for a while, nothing is stopping you. The drive will cover around 600km, which means that you can expect to be behind the wheel for around 6 or 7 hours.
There are also a few tolls along the way to be aware of.
If you’re planning on using a car, make sure that you know any rules and restrictions before booking your trip. Some car hire companies will charge you extra if you cross country borders during your rental.
You may also need to pay for someone to come and retrieve the car if you leave it in another destination.
If you want to combine the land and sea for your journey, you can also look into getting a ferry with your car from the Fredrikshavn port. This is usually a pretty cheap option for those who don’t mind the economy experience.
Tips to remember on your journey from Copenhagen to Oslo
There are plenty of ways to get from Copenhagen to Oslo, whether you’re looking for an affordable budget solution or something fast and comfortable.
We’d recommend the train if you want to take in many of the incredible scenery between Denmark and Norway.
Or consider driving yourself to your destination so you can make as many stops as you like.
If you’re keen to get to where you need to be fast, then stick to flights if you can afford them. A car journey will be the second-fastest option because you’ll be able to control any stops you make.
A train or bus will come third in terms of speed, though remember that there’s no direct train between Copenhagen and Oslo.
Good luck with your trip, and enjoy the wonders that Denmark and Norway have to offer.
To learn more about travelling around Scandinavia, don’t forget to check our other articles here at Scandification.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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