Gothenburg to Copenhagen train with Oresundstag

From Gothenburg to Copenhagen with Øresundståg

Introduction

Traveling between Sweden and Denmark is remarkably easy these days, thanks to the Øresund Link - a fixed connection most famous for its unique transition from an underwater tunnel to a bridge mid-route. While a few intercity trains cross the Øresund Strait each day, most rail traffic is handled by the Øresundståg (a mix of the Danish Øresundstog and Swedish Öresundståg, meaning “Øresund Train”). This rail network links the Swedish cities of Karlskrona, Kalmar, and Gothenburg to the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

I traveled from Gothenburg (Göteborg in Swedish) to Copenhagen (København in Danish ), so here’s everything you need to know.

Route Overview

The route from Gothenburg to Copenhagen follows a nearly straight line, spanning 345 kilometers (214 miles), and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes from end to end - this isn’t a high-speed train! It makes stops in many places along the way, including the major cities of Halmstad, Helsingborg, and Malmö, before serving a few stations within central Copenhagen. It’s also a particularly convenient option as the second leg of a longer journey from Oslo to Copenhagen.

If we include the other branches of the Øresundståg, there is one train every 15 minutes (10 in the peak) crossing the Øresund Strait between Malmö and Copenhagen! Of course, no border checks take place, as both Sweden and Denmark belong to the Schengen zone of free movement within the EU and EEA.

Booking Tickets

It isn’t compulsory to reserve a seat on this train, and booking in advance is not necessary either, as there are no advance fares. You can, therefore, buy online on Omio or simply at the station. I arrived in Gothenburg on the night train, so I opted for a midday departure at 12:40, arriving in Copenhagen at 16:27.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Göteborg Central (Göteborg C) is the main railway terminus in Gothenburg. As its name rightly suggests, the station is located in the city center. There is a good connection to the tram. Plenty of food and drink outlets are available for purchase, both in and around the station. You may want to make use of them since food isn't sold on the nearly 4-hour train journey.

In Copenhagen, trains serve Copenhagen Central Station (København H), as well as a few other stations within the city. I recommend checking where your accommodation is to see which Øresundståg station is closer. At some stations, you can change to the Copenhagen Metro or S-tog (local train) - both networks are very efficient for traveling around the city.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains run at regular intervals every 30-60 minutes, depending on the time of day. At a minimum, one departs each hour at 40 minutes past. The last train leaves Gothenburg at 7:40 PM.

Onboard Experience and Services

I traveled in First Class on this train, which is generally much quieter and less crowded than Second Class - but beyond that, the differences are minimal. The seats are comfortable and comparable to those on typical intercity trains, with armrests, headrests and large tables for working on a laptop. Power sockets and fast Wi-Fi are also available. Like on most trains in Scandinavia, each seat comes with a personal rubbish bag. If you use it, it’s customary to take it with you when you leave, rather than leaving it at your seat.

This is essentially a regional train service, so no food or drinks are sold on board. However, the train is equipped with toilets, including a handicap-accessible restroom next to a designated wheelchair space. The area is positioned near a low-floor door, which allows step-free access between the train and the platform. There’s a designated quiet zone in Second Class, but not in First Class, which is unofficially considered quiet by default, simply because it tends to be less crowded. Passengers can bring luggage with no strict limits, as long as it is manageable and fits in overhead racks, under seats, or the designated storage areas.

A Scenic and Relaxed Ride

The comfortable ride on this train, combined with the scenery along the route, is truly special. It is very varied, ranging from urban cityscapes in Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg to vast open countryside for many kilometers, along with some stunning coastal views of the Øresund Strait. And, of course, not forgetting the impressive Fixed Link Bridge, which crosses from Sweden to Denmark.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Gothenburg to Copenhagen train tickets are priced at a fixed fare of 542 SEK (approximately €49) for Second Class, while First Class costs 625 SEK (approximately €57). As you can see, the price difference isn’t massive, and the onboard experience reflects that. If you’re simply looking for a comfortable seat to work in, you may be better off reserving a seat in the Second Class quiet carriage.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Stock up on food and drinks before boarding, as nothing is sold on the train.
• The train often terminates in Østerport, so this may be what is written on the departure boards.
• Soak up the views after Malmö as the train emerges from the tunnel onto the Øresund Bridge, leaving Sweden behind.
• Make sure you check which Copenhagen station is closest to your destination, as the train serves many within the city.

Conclusion

This journey is as Scandinavian as it gets. Trains run regularly and are generally on time. Despite crossing an international border, the ride is smooth and comfortable. It’s undoubtedly one of the best ways to return from Norway back toward mainland Europe. You can easily connect to the Øresundståg in Gothenburg after arriving on a direct train from Oslo. If you choose this route, consider taking a later train to Copenhagen to give yourself time to explore Gothenburg.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: I create YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also share blog posts and travel deals on my website.