As soon as I stepped off the train in Malmö, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement, and my mind raced with anticipation about the journey that awaited me. The trip from Malmö to Copenhagen by train has been one of those iconic travel experiences I’ve always wanted to try, and today was the day I was going to make it happen. The fact that two countries are connected by a single rail link – the Øresund Bridge – made it all the more exciting. I couldn’t wait to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as I crossed between Sweden and Denmark, with the promise of exploring Copenhagen just on the horizon.

1. Buying the Ticket: A Quick and Easy Process

One of the things that surprised me most about this journey was how simple and efficient it was to get my train ticket. I had been expecting some sort of complicated process involving multiple forms or long queues, but instead, I found it all straightforward. I used the platform SJ.se to book my tickets, which is a popular service for train travel in Sweden, as well as Omio for a broader selection across European routes.

Booking was quick and user-friendly. The ticket prices were reasonable for the distance – the entire journey takes just around 40 minutes to an hour, but I was still amazed at how affordable and smooth everything was. I appreciated the options available for selecting different classes – I opted for second-class since it offered a comfortable enough ride at a good price. I also noted that the train stations, both in Malmö and Copenhagen, were equipped with plenty of clear signage and helpful staff, making the process of boarding and finding my seat a breeze.

2. The Station: Malmö Central

Malmö Central Station is where my journey started. The station, which serves as the hub for rail travel in Malmö, has an interesting mix of old and modern architecture. It’s not particularly large, but it’s busy enough, with trains regularly coming and going to various parts of Sweden and beyond. I had some time to explore the station before my train departed, so I wandered through its clean, spacious concourse.

There are numerous shops and cafés inside the station, offering a great chance to grab a quick snack or coffee before the journey. I opted for a delicious pastry from one of the local bakeries – a Swedish cinnamon bun that melted in my mouth. It was the perfect way to fuel up before the short trip to Copenhagen.

3. Boarding the Train: Comfort and Convenience

The train I boarded was an SJ Regional train, which, despite being relatively simple, was more than comfortable enough for the short trip. The seats were spacious and reclined slightly, offering a good level of comfort for the journey. I took a window seat, knowing that I wanted to be able to enjoy the views once we started moving. The train was clean, with large windows that offered panoramic views of the Swedish countryside as we sped along the tracks.

Before long, the train left the station, and I felt the familiar hum of the rails beneath me. The journey from Malmö to Copenhagen might be short, but there’s something quite magical about crossing an international border with nothing more than the click-clack of a train to mark the transition. As we began to leave Malmö behind, the landscape outside transformed from city streets to open fields, with the occasional windmill dotting the horizon.

4. Crossing the Øresund Bridge: A Stunning View

The moment that really stands out to me from the whole journey was crossing the Øresund Bridge. This impressive structure is the lifeline between Sweden and Denmark, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking. The bridge spans nearly 8 kilometers across the Øresund Strait, connecting Malmö in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark. As we moved along the bridge, I marveled at the sweeping views of the water and the shoreline in the distance. To my left, the gleaming skyline of Copenhagen slowly started to emerge.

What made this part of the journey especially exciting was the way the train passed over the bridge’s elevated tracks, offering a rare perspective that you can’t easily get from a car or bus. The view of the shimmering water below, dotted with ships and the occasional ferry, made me feel like I was part of something special. The bridge itself is a feat of engineering, and seeing it from the train added a whole new dimension to the experience. The calm water, the slightly hazy sky, and the sound of the train moving swiftly along the tracks created a kind of serene, almost surreal atmosphere.

5. Entering Copenhagen: A Glimpse of a Vibrant City

Before I knew it, the train was descending from the bridge, entering the tunnel that runs under the Øresund Strait and making its way toward Copenhagen Central Station. The transition from one country to another was seamless and quiet, but as we emerged from the tunnel and the station came into view, I felt a rush of excitement. Copenhagen, with its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and bicycle lanes, awaited me. I had heard so much about the city’s relaxed vibe and its blend of modern design and medieval charm. Now, I was finally here.

Copenhagen’s train station is bustling with travelers from all over the world, yet it manages to maintain a certain elegance. Once I disembarked from the train, I made my way through the station and out into the city. The air was crisp and fresh, typical of early spring, and I felt energized by the new surroundings. I could already see the iconic spires of churches and the towering buildings that make Copenhagen so unique.

6. Experiencing Copenhagen: What to Do Next?

With Copenhagen now at my doorstep, I was eager to explore. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to get around the city by foot or by bike. Copenhagen is famously bike-friendly, and I soon understood why. The streets are wide and well-organized, and there are clearly marked bike lanes everywhere. I rented a bike right by the train station and rode through the city’s cobblestone streets, heading towards the famous Nyhavn harbor. The colorful houses lining the canal were exactly as I had imagined them – a picture-perfect image of Copenhagen’s charm.

In addition to its canals and vibrant neighborhoods, Copenhagen is home to a number of world-class museums, restaurants, and parks. I spent a few hours wandering around the Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and marveling at the blend of history and modernity that makes Copenhagen such a fascinating destination.

7. Final Thoughts on the Train Journey

Though the journey itself was brief, the experience of crossing an international border by train was nothing short of magical. The route from Malmö to Copenhagen is incredibly scenic, and the Øresund Bridge adds a layer of excitement that I don’t think I could have gotten from any other mode of transport. The train journey gave me a chance to relax, take in the view, and enjoy the serenity of the landscape as I made my way from Sweden to Denmark.

Booking the ticket through Omio and SJ.se made everything simple and straightforward. The combination of efficiency and affordability of the Swedish train system was a great start to my adventure, and I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who is considering traveling between Malmö and Copenhagen.

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey: Explore, Experience, and Enjoy!