The Ultimate Day Trip from Copenhagen to Malmö: A Complete Guide (2025)
Ever stood in Copenhagen and thought, “I could be in another country in less than an hour”? With Malmö, Sweden, you can. The question isn’t just *can* you do a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö, but *should* you? The answer is a resounding yes! This journey is your chance to swap Copenhagen’s charming canals for Malmö’s unique blend of 16th-century squares and jaw-dropping modern architecture. It’s an incredibly easy, quick, and rewarding adventure across the magnificent Øresund Bridge, proving that sometimes the best travel experiences are just a short train ride away.
Your Copenhagen to Malmö Day Trip at a Glance
Here are the quick facts you need to know before you go. This is one of the easiest international day trips you can take anywhere in Europe!
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~41 km (25 miles) across the Øresund Strait |
| Travel Time | 35-40 minutes by train (city center to city center) |
| Estimated Cost | €50 – €100 per person (transport, food, one attraction) |
| Best Time to Go | May-September for great weather; December for Christmas markets |
| Currency | Swedish Krona (SEK). Cards are widely accepted. |
| Essential Item | Your Passport or National ID Card! |
How to Get from Copenhagen to Malmö: Train, Bus, or Car?
While there are a few options to cross the Øresund Strait, the train is the champion for 99% of day-trippers. It’s fast, efficient, and drops you right in the heart of the action. Let’s break down why it’s the clear winner.
| Mode | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Øresundståg) | ~35-40 mins | ~130 DKK / 190 SEK | Fast, frequent (every 10-20 mins), scenic bridge views, city center to city center. | Slightly more expensive than the bus. |
| Bus (Flixbus) | ~1 hour | ~50 DKK / 75 SEK | Cheapest option, especially when booked in advance. | Slower, less frequent, drops you at a bus terminal which can be less central. |
| Car | ~45 mins | ~€55-60 (Bridge Toll) + Parking | Flexibility for exploring the wider Scania region. | Extremely expensive bridge toll, city-center parking is a hassle and costly (~20-30 SEK/hr). |
The Easiest Way: Taking the Train
Getting your ticket and hopping on the train is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Head to Copenhagen Central Station (København H). You can also board at Nørreport or Østerport station.
- Use the red DSB ticket machines to buy a ticket to “Malmö C”. They are multilingual and easy to navigate. You can also use the DSB app.
- Find the platform for trains heading towards Sweden. At Copenhagen Central, this is often Platform 1 or 2, but always check the departure boards.
- Crucial Tip: Have your passport or a valid national photo ID easily accessible. While checks are not guaranteed, Swedish border control can board the train at any time to inspect documents. Don’t get caught without it!
Addressing Common Questions: Can You Walk, Cycle, or Ferry to Malmö?
This is a frequent point of confusion, so let’s clear it up:
- Walking/Cycling: No, it is absolutely not possible to walk or cycle across the Øresund Bridge. The bridge is a motorway and railway line only.
- Ferry: No, there is no longer a direct passenger ferry operating between Copenhagen and Malmö. The Øresund Bridge replaced this service when it opened in 2000.
Top 10 Things to Do in Malmö on a Day Trip
Malmö is compact and walkable, making it perfect for a day of exploration. Here’s a prioritized list to help you make the most of your time.
- Stroll through Gamla Väster (Old Town): Get lost in the city’s historic heart. Start at Stortorget (Main Square) with its grand town hall, then find your way to the impossibly charming Lilla Torg (Little Square), lined with half-timbered houses and bustling restaurants.
Insider Tip: Lilla Torg is peaceful for morning photos but truly comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere from lunchtime onwards. - Photograph the Turning Torso: You can’t miss this iconic neofuturist skyscraper. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it twists a full 90 degrees from base to top. It’s a residential building, so you can only admire it from the outside.
Insider Tip: For the best photos, head to the Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour) waterfront or walk along Ribersborgsstranden (the beach). - Explore Malmöhus Castle: The oldest preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region! Your ticket gives you access to a cluster of museums inside its walls, including the Malmö City Museum and the Aquarium.
Insider Tip: The 40 SEK combo ticket is an incredible bargain for the amount of history and culture packed inside. - Relax in Kungsparken & Slottsträdgården: Right next to the castle, these lush parks are the green lungs of the city. Stroll along the canals, admire the beautiful flowers, and don’t miss the historic windmill in the Castle Garden (Slottsträdgården).
Insider Tip: Stop by Slottsträdgårdens Kafé for a coffee and cake in a beautiful, serene garden setting. - Experience Modern Malmö at Västra Hamnen: The Western Harbour is a showcase of sustainable, modern architecture and urban planning. It’s a fantastic area for a walk along the waterfront promenades.
Insider Tip: This is the absolute best spot to get a clear view of the entire Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. - Embrace Fika Culture: When in Sweden, do as the Swedes do! Fika is more than just a coffee break; it’s a social institution. It means taking a moment to slow down and enjoy a coffee and a pastry with friends.
Insider Tip: You must order a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabulle (cardamom bun) for the authentic experience. - Visit Moderna Museet Malmö: A branch of Stockholm’s famous modern art museum, this gallery has free entry to its main collection and is housed in a striking former power station.
Insider Tip: A perfect, high-culture activity if you get caught in a sudden rain shower. - Shop on Södergatan: This is Malmö’s main pedestrian shopping street, connecting Stortorget with Gustav Adolfs Torg. You’ll find a mix of Swedish brands and international stores.
- (Optional/Quirky) Face Your Fears at the Disgusting Food Museum: Not for the faint of heart! This museum challenges your idea of what is and isn’t food, with exhibits featuring 80 of the world’s most “disgusting” delicacies.
Insider Tip: Go with an empty stomach… or perhaps a very full one. Your ticket is a vomit bag, just in case! - Discover Malmö Saluhall: This modern, airy food hall is a foodie’s paradise. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch, offering everything from Swedish meatballs to artisanal pizza and amazing falafel.
Insider Tip: It’s also a great place to pick up some local Swedish foods to take back with you.
Sample Itinerary: The Perfect Malmö Day Trip
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a simple schedule you can follow to see the best of Malmö without the stress.
- 9:00 AM: Catch the Øresundståg train from Copenhagen Central Station.
- 9:45 AM: Arrive at Malmö Central. Take a 5-minute walk into the Old Town to see Stortorget & Lilla Torg before the crowds arrive.
- 11:00 AM: Head to Malmöhus Castle and explore the museums.
- 1:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious and varied lunch at Malmö Saluhall.
- 2:30 PM: Take a leisurely stroll through Kungsparken towards the Västra Hamnen district to see the Turning Torso and the Øresund Bridge.
- 4:00 PM: Time for Fika! Find a cozy café back in the Old Town for a well-deserved coffee and cinnamon bun.
- 5:30 PM: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping on Södergatan or pop into the Moderna Museet for a quick dose of art.
- 7:00 PM: Walk back to Malmö Central and catch the train back to Copenhagen, arriving in time for a late dinner.
Want More? How to Add Lund to Your Day Trip
If you’re ambitious, you can easily add the charming university town of Lund to your itinerary. Lund is just a 10-minute train ride from Malmö Central Station. A great plan is to go directly to Lund in the morning to see its magnificent cathedral and historic university buildings, then head back to Malmö for the afternoon and evening, following the itinerary from lunchtime onwards.
Where to Eat in Malmö (For Every Budget)
Malmö has a fantastic food scene, famous for its diversity and quality.
Budget-Friendly Bites (€)
- Falafel Stands: Malmö is legendary for its falafel. It’s cheap, delicious, and a local specialty. Look for stands around the Möllevången area.
- Malmö Saluhall: The food hall offers tons of high-quality options that won’t break the bank.
Mid-Range Meals (€€)
- Restaurants around Lilla Torg: The restaurants in this picturesque square offer great food with unbeatable ambiance. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Bastard: A carnivore’s dream. This popular restaurant focuses on nose-to-tail dining with a rustic, cool vibe.
Coffee & Cake (The Essential Fika)
- Lilla Kafferosteriet: A beloved local coffee roaster with a beautiful courtyard. The coffee is top-notch.
- Konditori Hollandia: A classic, old-world patisserie that has been serving Malmö since 1903. Elegant and delicious.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Trip in 2025
- Bring Your Passport: We’ve said it before, but it’s critical. You are crossing an international border, and ID checks can and do happen.
- Currency is Key: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), not Euros or Danish Kroner. However, you likely won’t need cash. Sweden is a nearly cashless society; your credit/debit card will be accepted everywhere.
- Check the Weather: Located on the coast, Malmö can be windy. Pack a light jacket or windbreaker, even on a sunny day.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The best way to see Malmö is on foot. The Old Town has cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Estimated Budget for a Day Trip to Malmö
Here’s a sample breakdown of what you can expect to spend per person.
| Item | Budget Traveler Cost (SEK) | Mid-Range Traveler Cost (SEK) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Train Ticket | ~380 SEK | ~380 SEK |
| Lunch | 100 – 150 SEK | 250 – 400 SEK |
| Fika (Coffee & Pastry) | 80 SEK | 100 SEK |
| Attraction Entry (e.g., Castle) | 40 SEK | 195 SEK (e.g., Food Museum) |
| Total (Approx.) | ~600 SEK (€52) | ~875 SEK (€76) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it worth doing a day trip to Malmö from Copenhagen?
Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take. In under an hour, you experience a different country, a different currency, and a unique city that wonderfully contrasts with Copenhagen’s vibe. It’s a perfect blend of history and modern Scandinavian design.
What day trips can you take from Copenhagen?
Malmö is the most popular international day trip. Within Denmark, other fantastic options include visiting the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, exploring Kronborg Castle (of Hamlet fame) in Helsingør, or seeing world-class art at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
What to do in Malmö in 1 day?
For a perfect single day, focus on the highlights. Start in the Old Town (Gamla Väster), especially Lilla Torg. Walk to the Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen) to see the Turning Torso and the Øresund Bridge. Visit Malmöhus Castle for a dose of history, and cap it all off with a traditional Swedish fika in a cozy café.
Is Malmö in Sweden worth visiting?
Yes! While it may not be as large as Stockholm, Malmö is a vibrant, green, and innovative city. It’s celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere, fantastic food scene (especially street food), beautiful parks, and the seamless integration of its historic center with stunning modern architecture.
TLDR: Your Quick Guide to Malmö
In a hurry? Here’s the summary:
- Go by Train: It’s the fastest and easiest way (35-40 mins).
- Must-Sees: Lilla Torg (Old Town), Turning Torso (Modern Harbour), Malmöhus Castle.
- Must-Do: Experience “fika” (coffee and a cinnamon bun).
- Bring: Your passport/ID and a credit card (cash is not needed).
- Verdict: 100% worth it for an easy and fun two-country vacation.
The journey from Copenhagen to Malmö is more than just a trip; it’s a delightful experience of “country-hopping” for a day. Its ease, affordability, and the unique cultural exchange make it an unmissable adventure. So, when you’re planning your Copenhagen itinerary, be sure to leave a day free to cross the bridge—you won’t regret it.
