Malmö Day Trip from Copenhagen: Trains, Prices & Honest Advice
Copenhagen: Tour Across the Øresund Bridge to Lund and Malmö
Duration: Full day
Is a day trip from Copenhagen to Malmö worth it?
Yes — absolutely. The train takes 35–45 minutes from Copenhagen Central, tickets cost around 120–160 DKK return, and Malmö's old town, Turning Torso, and waterfront can comfortably fill a full day. Bring your passport (ID checks happen at the Swedish border), and note that Sweden uses SEK, not DKK — ATMs are easy to find.
Crossing to Sweden: what a Malmö day trip actually involves
Malmö sits 16 km from Copenhagen across the Øresund strait — close enough that many Swedes commute daily to work in Denmark. For visitors, this proximity makes Malmö one of the most accessible international day trips in Europe. You board a regional train at Copenhagen Central, cross the 8-km Øresund Bridge, and arrive at Malmö Central station in 35–45 minutes. No flight, no ferry.
What you find on the other side is genuinely different from Copenhagen. Malmö is Sweden’s third-largest city, younger and more multicultural than either Stockholm or Gothenburg, with a revamped harbour district (Västra Hamnen), a distinctive skyline dominated by the twisted Turning Torso tower, and a compact old town that takes a leisurely half-day to explore properly.
Book the Øresund Bridge and Malmö/Lund guided tourGetting there: the train across the Øresund Bridge
From Copenhagen Central (København H)
The Øresundståg regional trains run between Copenhagen Central and Malmö Central all day, every day. Journey time: 35–42 minutes. Frequency: every 10–20 minutes during the day.
You can also board at:
- Østerport (3 minutes from central) — useful if you are staying in Østerbro
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH/Kastrup) — only 20 minutes to Malmö; a useful option if you are arriving or departing and want to squeeze in a Malmö visit
Tickets and prices
Tickets are sold through DSB (Denmark) and Skånetrafiken (Sweden) — both apps work. You can also buy at station ticket machines using a payment card.
| Journey | Price (approx.) | |---------|----------------| | Copenhagen Central → Malmö Central (single) | 70–95 DKK | | Copenhagen Central → Malmö Central (return) | 120–160 DKK | | Copenhagen Airport → Malmö Central (single) | 55–75 DKK |
The Copenhagen Card does not cover the Malmö train. It covers only Danish transport zones. Buy your ticket separately.
Tip: the DSB app sometimes offers promotional prices. If you are booking a few days ahead, it is worth checking both apps.
Border checks: yes, they happen
Sweden reintroduced identity checks at the Swedish border in 2015, and they remain in place as of 2026. Checks happen either on the train or at Malmö station — not always, but regularly enough that you should always carry valid photo ID.
- EU citizens: passport or national ID card
- Non-EU visitors: passport required
- Your bag may be briefly checked
It is not complicated or slow, but it is worth knowing, especially if you are used to seamless Schengen travel elsewhere.
Currency: DKK and SEK are not interchangeable
This is the most common practical confusion for visitors doing the Malmö day trip. Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), not the Danish Krone (DKK) and not the euro.
As of mid-2026: 1 DKK ≈ 1.55 SEK. So 100 DKK buys you around 155 SEK.
In practice, you rarely need SEK cash — Swedish card acceptance is excellent, even at small cafés and market stalls. But a few vendors at outdoor markets or smaller shops may be cash-only. Having 100–200 SEK in your pocket is sensible.
Where to get SEK:
- ATMs in Malmö Central station and throughout the city centre
- Currency exchange offices at Malmö Central (slightly worse rates than ATMs)
- Avoid exchanging at the Copenhagen airport — you can always use the ATMs at Malmö station
Do not expect Danish kroner to be accepted in Malmö shops — a handful of tourist-adjacent places may take them, but most will not.
A quick price comparison
| Item | Malmö (SEK) | Approx. DKK | |------|------------|-------------| | Coffee | 45–65 SEK | 29–42 DKK | | Café lunch | 120–180 SEK | 77–116 DKK | | Restaurant dinner | 250–450 SEK | 161–290 DKK | | Museum entry | 100–150 SEK | 65–97 DKK | | Regional train (Malmö → Lund) | 35–45 SEK | 23–29 DKK |
Malmö is generally cheaper than Copenhagen for food and drink — a meaningful difference if you are on a tight budget.
What to see and do: an honest itinerary
Gamla Staden (old town)
Malmö’s medieval centre is compact — you can walk across it in 15 minutes. The main square, Stortorget, is lined with 16th-century buildings and anchored by the Rådhuset (town hall) and the equestrian statue of Karl X Gustav. It is attractive rather than spectacular, but it feels genuinely lived-in rather than tourist-managed.
Lilla Torg (Small Square), a few steps away, is the more charming of the two — half-timbered buildings, cobblestones, and a row of restaurants and bars that fill with locals on warm evenings. Good spot for lunch.
Malmöhus Castle
Europe’s oldest surviving Renaissance castle, dating from the 1530s, sits at the western edge of the old town behind a wide moat. The moat area (Slottsparken and Kungsparken parks) is pleasant for a walk even if you skip the interior.
Inside: the Malmö Museum covers the city’s history, an aquarium, and rotating art exhibitions. Entry is 100–130 SEK. Allow 1–1.5 hours if you go in.
Turning Torso
Sweden’s tallest building (190 m), designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2005, is visible from much of the city. You cannot go inside — it is a residential tower — but walking through Västra Hamnen to see it up close is worthwhile for the architecture and the harbour views.
Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour)
The old shipyard district, redeveloped since the early 2000s into a showcase of Scandinavian sustainable architecture. It is worth a 45-minute walk for the contemporary building designs and the views across the Øresund back toward Copenhagen. On a clear day, you can see the bridge.
Möllevångstorget
Locals call it Möllan — a lively market square in the south of the city that represents Malmö’s genuinely multicultural character. The outdoor market sells produce, spices, and cheap street food. The surrounding streets are full of affordable restaurants: Middle Eastern, Somali, Thai, South American. This is where you eat well for 80–120 SEK per person.
Guided tour or DIY?
DIY is easy. Malmö Central is well-signed, the centre is compact, and English is universally spoken. A free map from the station tourist office covers the main sights.
That said, a guided tour adds value if you want historical context about the Øresund region, Swedish-Danish relations, or want to combine Malmö and Lund efficiently in one day. Several tours depart directly from Copenhagen.
Private Malmö highlights trip by train from Copenhagen Self-guided Malmö tour with transport tickets includedPractical sample day
8:30 — Train from Copenhagen Central. Arrive Malmö ~9:10.
9:15–10:30 — Walk through Gamla Staden, Stortorget, Lilla Torg.
10:30–12:00 — Malmöhus Castle grounds and museum (optional).
12:00–13:00 — Lunch in Lilla Torg or a quick meal near Möllan.
13:00–14:30 — Walk through Kungsparken and Västra Hamnen to Turning Torso.
14:30–15:30 — Explore Möllevångstorget area.
16:00 — Return train. Back in Copenhagen by 17:00.
If you want to combine with Lund, take the 15-minute regional train from Malmö Central to Lund (from around 13:00), spend 2 hours there, and return from Lund via Malmö to Copenhagen. Back by 19:00–19:30.
Money-saving tips
- Buy return tickets in advance via DSB or Skånetrafiken apps — sometimes 15–20% cheaper than station window prices.
- Malmö is cheaper than Copenhagen for lunch — the Möllan area is particularly good value.
- Free sights are genuinely good: Stortorget, Lilla Torg, Västra Hamnen, the castle moat and parks are all free. Budget travellers can do Malmö for well under 400 SEK (260 DKK) including the train.
- Malmöhus is not covered by the Copenhagen Card — factor in the 100–130 SEK entry separately.
Is one day enough?
Yes — Malmö works well as a day trip. The city’s size means you can see the key sights without feeling rushed on a full day departure (first train around 7:00–8:00 from Copenhagen Central).
If you are choosing between Malmö alone vs. Malmö + Lund in one day: unless you are an efficient traveller comfortable with back-to-back sightseeing, pick one. Malmö fills a day well by itself; Lund rewards slower exploration. The Lund day trip guide covers the combination in more detail.
For the Øresund Bridge and wider region context, this crossing is one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen — and for good reason.
Frequently asked questions about Malmö day trips from Copenhagen
How long is the train from Copenhagen to Malmö?
The Øresundståg regional train takes 35–45 minutes from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Malmö Central. Trains run every 10–20 minutes. From Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the journey is about 20 minutes.
Do I need a passport for the Malmö train?
Sweden has reintroduced border controls and ID checks happen regularly at the Swedish border — on the train or at Malmö station. Carry a valid passport (non-EU) or passport/national ID (EU citizens). It is not a full customs process, but it is a real check.
Does the Copenhagen Card cover the Malmö train?
No. The Copenhagen Card covers Danish transport zones only. The Øresund train to Malmö must be booked separately through DSB or Skånetrafiken.
What currency do I need in Malmö?
Swedish Krona (SEK). Denmark and Sweden both use their own currencies, not the euro. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere in Malmö, so you rarely need cash — but keep 100–200 SEK on hand for markets and small vendors.
Is Malmö worth visiting from Copenhagen?
Yes. It is easy (35-minute train), genuinely different in character from Copenhagen, and slightly cheaper for food and drink. Even if you have only half a day, the old town and Västra Hamnen waterfront justify the short journey.
Can I combine Malmö and Lund in one day?
Technically yes — Lund is 15 minutes by regional train from Malmö. A 7:30–8:00 departure from Copenhagen allows you to see both cities before returning by 19:00–20:00. It is a busy day; consider whether you prefer depth or breadth. See the Lund day trip guide for details.
How much spending money do I need for a Malmö day trip?
Return train: 120–160 DKK. Lunch: 80–160 SEK (50–100 DKK equivalent). Museum entry if you go: 100–130 SEK. Coffee/snacks: 50–100 SEK. Total: budget around 400–600 DKK for a comfortable day including transport, or less if you skip the museum and eat at Möllan.
Frequently asked questions — Malmö Day Trip from Copenhagen: Trains, Prices & Honest Advice
How long is the train from Copenhagen to Malmö?
The Øresundståg regional train runs from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Malmö Central in 35–45 minutes. Trains depart every 10–20 minutes throughout the day. You can also board at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), which is even closer to Malmö — about 20 minutes.Do I need a passport to go from Copenhagen to Malmö?
Technically, EU/Schengen rules mean you do not need a passport, but Sweden reintroduced border controls in 2015 and checks happen regularly on the train and at Malmö station. Carry valid photo ID — a passport or national ID card is strongly recommended. Non-EU visitors must have their passport.What currency is used in Malmö?
Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Denmark and Sweden are both in the EU but neither uses the euro. As of mid-2026, 1 DKK is roughly 1.5–1.6 SEK. Most Malmö shops and restaurants accept card payments — you rarely need SEK cash, but having 100–200 SEK for small purchases is useful.How much does the train from Copenhagen to Malmö cost?
A standard return ticket costs around 120–160 DKK (roughly 180–250 SEK or €16–22). Prices vary slightly by operator and booking time. The Copenhagen Card does not cover the Malmö train — you pay separately. Buy tickets at the station, via the DSB or Skånetrafiken apps, or at ticket machines.Is one day enough for Malmö?
Yes, one full day is enough to see the highlights: Gamla Staden (old town), Lilla Torg, Malmöhus Castle and its moat, Turning Torso, and the Western Harbour (Västra Hamnen). If you want to combine Malmö with Lund (30 more minutes by train), budget 1.5–2 days or focus on just one city per day.What is there to do in Malmö?
Top sights: Gamla Staden and Stortorget (main square), Lilla Torg (small square with restaurants), Malmöhus Castle and the Malmö Museum, Turning Torso (visible from outside), Västra Hamnen waterfront, and the Kungsparken park. For food, the Möllevångstorget market area offers cheap multicultural food — one of Malmö's real pleasures.Can I do Malmö and Lund in one day?
It is possible but rushed. Malmö to Lund is 15 minutes by regional train (30–40 SEK). If you leave Copenhagen by 8:30 and focus on highlights in each city, you can do both. A more comfortable option is a guided tour that combines both stops — several depart from Copenhagen and cover both cities efficiently.
Top experiences
Bookable activities with verified prices and instant confirmation on GetYourGuide.
