Denmark’s rail network is run by DSB (Danske Statsbaner), the national train company. It connects all major cities and most towns across the mainland and islands, and trains are frequent enough that you rarely need to plan far ahead for domestic trips. The IC3 is the main intercity trainset; the S-tog covers the Copenhagen suburban network.
This guide covers the key routes, train types, tickets, seat reservations, international connections, and pass options for travelling in Denmark by train.
The Danish rail network
DSB runs the main intercity and long-distance regional network. Most domestic routes use the IC3, a three-car diesel tilting train that has been DSB’s workhorse since 1990. You do not need to book ahead on most IC3 services. Just buy a ticket and board. On the busiest routes during peak periods, a seat reservation (DKK 30) is worth buying for peace of mind.
A handful of regional routes in Jutland are run by other operators; Arriva and Nordjyske Jernbaner cover parts of the north and west. Tickets and timetables for these are integrated into the Danish system. Use rejseplanen.dk, the national journey planner, to check connections across all operators.
For Copenhagen city travel, the S-tog suburban network handles most short-distance trips within Greater Copenhagen. The S-tog integrates with the Metro and the Øresundstog at several central stations.
Main routes and journey times
| Route | Operator | Typical journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen to Aarhus | DSB IC3 | Around 3 hours | Hourly |
| Copenhagen to Odense | DSB IC3 | Around 1 hour 30 minutes | Hourly |
| Copenhagen to Aalborg | DSB IC3 | Around 4 hours | Hourly |
| Copenhagen to Malmo (Sweden) | Øresundstog | Around 35 minutes | Every 10 to 20 minutes |
| Copenhagen to Hamburg (Germany) | DSB/DB (incl. ferry crossing) | Around 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours | Several per day |
Treat these as orientation, not a guarantee for every departure. Check your exact train when you book.
Train types
IC3 (InterCity)
The IC3 is the train you will use on most long-distance domestic journeys. It runs between Copenhagen and Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odense, Copenhagen and Aalborg, and on various other routes across Jutland and Funen. The rubber-nosed end and three-car coupling are distinctive. Second class seating and first class (DSB 1′) are available. Seat reservations are not compulsory on domestic IC3 services.
Talgo trains (international routes)
From 2025/2026, DSB introduced Talgo trains on the Copenhagen to Hamburg international route. These are the trains that cross to Germany via the Rodby to Puttgarden ferry.
Regional trains
Regional services link smaller towns and cities. DSB runs some; Arriva and regional operators cover others. Frequency varies: most lines run every 30 minutes to an hour on main routes, less often on quieter branches.
S-tog (suburban rail)
The S-tog network has eight lines radiating from central Copenhagen. Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes during the busiest parts of the day. The S-tog uses zone-based ticketing; a long-distance DSB ticket does not cover S-tog journeys unless the right zones are included.
Øresundstog
The Øresundstog is the cross-border regional service between Denmark and Sweden. Operated jointly by DSB and Skånetrafiken, it crosses the Øresund Bridge and serves Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup), Copenhagen Central, and Malmo Central. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes. From Malmo, Pagataget and other Swedish regional trains connect northward.
Tickets and pricing
Standard tickets
Standard DSB tickets are fully flexible and refundable before travel. Valid on any suitable service on your travel date, no fixed departure required. The most expensive option, but useful when plans are uncertain.
DSB Orange tickets
Orange tickets are DSB’s advance fares. They are tied to a specific train and offer limited refund options, but they cost considerably less than a standard ticket. Orange fares for the Copenhagen to Aarhus route can start from around DKK 99 in advance. Book early. Prices rise as departure approaches and as seats fill.
First class (DSB 1′)
First class offers wider seats, a quieter carriage, and a seat reservation included automatically. Refreshments from the onboard cafe. Available on IC3 trains.
Children’s fares
Up to two children under 12 travel free with an adult ticket holder. Children aged 12 to 15 pay a reduced fare. Check current conditions at dsb.dk before you travel, as the exact age thresholds and group rules can change.
Rejsekort (smart card)
If you will be making several short or regional journeys around Denmark, especially in Copenhagen, on Zealand, or hopping between smaller towns, a Rejsekort smart card is worth considering. It works on DSB regional trains, the S-tog, the Metro, and most local buses. Tap in when you board, tap out when you leave; the card calculates the fare automatically. You can buy one at most DSB stations or at dsb.dk.
For a single long-distance trip, an individual ticket is easier. The Rejsekort makes sense when short trips add up.
Seat reservations
Seat reservations on Danish domestic trains are optional. The standard fee is DKK 30. First class tickets include one automatically. Without a reservation you can still board any train; you just do not have a guaranteed seat.
Book a reservation if you are travelling on the Copenhagen to Aarhus corridor at peak times, during summer, or around Danish public holidays. Popular trains fill up; a DKK 30 reservation removes the chance of standing.
Interrail and Eurail pass holders: Most IC3 domestic trains in Denmark do not require a separate reservation for pass holders. Check the timetable at interrail.eu before you travel. Trains with a compulsory reservation are marked with an R. DSB can book reservations for your European journey; call +45 70 13 14 18 or visit DSB Salg & Service at Copenhagen Central, Aarhus, or Odense.
Copenhagen Airport by train
Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) has a train station directly inside Terminal 3. Two separate services stop here:
- Øresundstog runs to Copenhagen Central (Kobenhavn H) in about 13 minutes, then continues across the Øresund Bridge to Malmo. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes.
- DSB regional trains also call at the airport on routes through Copenhagen and beyond.
A 3-zone ticket from the airport to Copenhagen Central costs around DKK 36. Buy at station machines, through the DSB app, or use a Rejsekort if you have one. Check current fares before you travel, as zone prices can change.
For arrivals from Sweden via Malmo, you can take the same Øresundstog service straight to the airport without stopping in central Copenhagen first.
International connections
Sweden
The fastest and most frequent connection is Copenhagen to Malmo on the Øresundstog: about 35 minutes, trains every 10 to 20 minutes. The Øresund Bridge is one of the more pleasant ways to cross a national border by train.
For onwards travel into Sweden, Malmo connects to Gothenburg (around 2 hours 30 minutes by X2000 or regional train) and Stockholm (around 3 hours 30 minutes from Malmo, around 5 hours from Copenhagen). DSB and SJ co-operate on some longer connections.
Germany
The Copenhagen to Hamburg route is the main rail link between Denmark and Germany. It runs several times daily and takes around 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the service. The journey currently includes a ferry crossing: trains board the ferry at Rodby and disembark at Puttgarden, a crossing of around 45 minutes. You can stay in your seat on the train or walk up to the ferry deck.
DSB operates Talgo trains on this route from 2025/2026. Tickets can be bought on dsb.dk or db.de. Compare both before you book, as prices and available times differ by channel.
From Hamburg, IC and ICE trains run to Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, and across the wider German network.
Fehmarnbelt tunnel: A fixed rail and road tunnel under the Fehmarn Belt, between Rodby in Denmark and Puttgarden in Germany, is under construction. When it opens, the ferry crossing will end and Copenhagen to Hamburg journey times will fall significantly, potentially to under 3 hours. The tunnel is not yet open. The opening date has been delayed from an initial 2029 target; completion may slip to 2031 or later. Do not assume the tunnel is open when planning travel.
Night trains
No domestic night train operates within Denmark. For international overnight travel, the main option is the Snalltaget night train between Copenhagen and Stockholm. From May 2026, Snalltaget also operates Hamburg to Stockholm via Copenhagen. Book at snalltaget.se. The service is seasonal; confirm your dates before booking.
From Hamburg, Nightjet trains run to Austria, Switzerland, and other Central European destinations.
Rail passes in Denmark
Interrail or Eurail?
The most common mistake is buying the wrong pass. Interrail and Eurail are separate products for separate markets.
Interrail is for people resident in Europe, including EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, and other eligible European states. If you live in Europe, Interrail is your pass.
Eurail is for travellers resident outside Europe, including the US, Australia, Canada, and Japan. If you are visiting Europe from outside, Eurail is your pass.
Both cover Denmark and allow travel on most DSB trains. Neither is valid as a reservation; reservations are additional and optional on most IC3 domestic services.
Interrail Global Pass prices start from around €212 for a 4-day flexi pass (adult, second class). Continuous passes and longer flexi options cost more. Check current prices at interrail.eu.
Eurail Global Pass prices are broadly comparable. Check eurail.com.
Denmark one-country pass
Both Interrail and Eurail sell a Denmark-only pass. This is worth considering if Denmark is your only destination and you plan to make several long-distance journeys. Check whether it covers international routes, such as the Øresundstog into Sweden or the Copenhagen to Hamburg service, before buying. It may not.
Is a pass worth it?
For one or two domestic routes, individual DSB tickets are usually cheaper. An Orange ticket on Copenhagen to Aarhus can start from around DKK 99. A Global Pass makes more sense if Denmark is part of a multi-country trip, or if you plan three or more long-distance journeys in a short time.
Practical information
Booking
Domestic DSB tickets: buy at dsb.dk, the DSB app, station machines, or DSB counters. Standard tickets can be purchased right up to departure. Orange advance tickets open up to two months before travel.
Copenhagen to Hamburg: compare dsb.dk and db.de. The two operators price independently and departures may be split between them. Book early for summer travel.
Ticket checks
Danish train stations have no barriers. Inspectors check tickets onboard. Have your ticket or QR code ready. Rejsekort users must have tapped in before boarding; inspectors can verify the card.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed on IC3 trains outside rush hours. The restricted hours on weekdays are 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:30 to 17:30. A bike ticket is required; check the current price at dsb.dk. Folding bikes that fit in overhead storage are generally allowed without restriction.
Copenhagen Central Station (Kobenhavn H)
All long-distance DSB trains to and from Copenhagen stop at Kobenhavn H, the main station in the city centre. S-tog lines depart from the same building. Metro access is a short walk to Vesterport or via Norreport (a few minutes by S-tog). The station has ticket machines, luggage storage, cafes, and DSB Salg & Service counters.
DSB customer service
- General enquiries: +45 70 13 14 15, open 08:00 to 20:00 daily
- Interrail and Eurail reservations: +45 70 13 14 18, weekdays 08:00 to 18:00, weekends 08:00 to 15:00
- Website: dsb.dk
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a seat reservation on DSB trains in Denmark?
No. Seat reservations on domestic IC3 trains are optional. The standard fee is DKK 30, and first class tickets include a reservation automatically. If you are travelling during summer, around public holidays, or on a busy route at peak times, a reservation is worth buying. Interrail and Eurail pass holders do not need a separate reservation on most IC3 domestic services. Check the timetable at interrail.eu for any trains marked with an R.
What train runs from Copenhagen to Aarhus, and how long does it take?
DSB IC3 trains run between Copenhagen and Aarhus roughly every hour throughout the day. The journey takes around 3 hours. No advance reservation is required, though one is recommended on busy days.
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre by train?
Take the train from the station inside Terminal 3. Øresundstog and DSB regional trains both run to Copenhagen Central (Kobenhavn H) in about 13 minutes. A 3-zone single ticket costs around DKK 36. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes during the day.
Can I get from Denmark to Germany by train?
Yes. The Copenhagen to Hamburg route runs several times a day and takes around 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. The current journey includes a ferry crossing between Rodby in Denmark and Puttgarden in Germany. The Fehmarnbelt fixed link tunnel is under construction and not yet open; do not plan travel based on it being available.
What is the difference between Interrail and Eurail for travelling in Denmark?
Interrail is for people resident in an eligible European country. If you live in Europe, Interrail is your pass. Eurail is for travellers from outside Europe. Both cover Denmark and allow travel on most DSB trains. Most domestic IC3 services do not require a separate reservation for pass holders. Check current prices at interrail.eu (for European residents) or eurail.com (for others).
Is there a night train from Denmark to Sweden?
Yes. The Snalltaget night train runs between Copenhagen and Stockholm. From May 2026, the service also operates between Hamburg and Stockholm via Copenhagen and Malmo. Snalltaget is a seasonal operator; check current schedules and availability at snalltaget.se before booking.
