Day Trip to Malmö from Copenhagen: Train, Bus & Childfree Travel Guide

A day trip to Malmö, Sweden from Copenhagen is easy, scenic, and surprisingly stress-free — the kind of trip that’s made for adults who travel light and appreciate a bit of spontaneity in their itinerary. This is a relaxed, budget-conscious way for childfree travelers to experience a second Scandinavian country without adding a hotel change or airport security line to your plans.

If you're basing yourself in Copenhagen (here’s how we spent 4 days there), Malmö makes for an easy international side trip. This guide covers how to get from Copenhagen to Malmö, what to do there, and why it’s a perfect day trip for travelers who enjoy a slower pace, coffee breaks, and exploring on foot.

Why Take a Day Trip to Malmö from Copenhagen?

This budget-friendly day trip to from Malmö to Copenhagen gives you that “I’m in a different country” feeling with minimal effort. Malmö feels similar to Copenhagen, yet unique in it’s own way. It’s more compact, a little quieter, and gives you a taste of Sweden without needing to repack your suitcase. It’s ideal for a childfree day trip: no long lines, no set schedule, and no pressure to squeeze in lots of activities. Instead, you can spend the day wandering, eating, and soaking up the atmosphere — with as much or as little structure as you like.

Øresund Bridge

How to Get from Copenhagen to Malmö

Train (Quickest Option):

Trains from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Central Station run roughly every 20–30 minutes. The ride takes around 40 minutes, and no reservations are needed — just buy your ticket at the station or via the DSB app.

• Cost: Around DKK 100–120 (~$15-18 USD) round trip

• Tickets: Get them at a kiosk, machine, or on the DSB app

• Bring ID: Border checks are random but possible, so carry your passport or national ID

Bus (Slightly Cheaper Option):

If you're looking for the cheapest way to do a day trip to Malmö from Copenhagen, taking the bus can save you a few bucks compared to the train. It’s not quite as fast or flexible, but it’s still a straightforward option — especially for early risers or night owls.

Note: Buses typically depart from Copenhagen Airport (CPH), not the city center.

Bus Companies That Run Between Copenhagen and Malmö:

1. FlixBus

   • Frequency: Multiple departures daily (including early morning and late night) From Copenhagen Airport to Malmö Central Station

   • Duration: ~1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes

   • Cost: From €10–€20 (~$10-20 USD) one way

   • Booking: flixbus.com or FlixBus app

2. Vy Bus4You

   • Frequency: Multiple departures daily (mostly afternoon and night) from Copenhagen airport to Malmö C Norra Vallgatan

   • Duration: ~45 minutes

   • Cost: From DKK 109 (~$16 USD) one way

   • Booking: vy.se

Copenhagen Central Station

Top Things to Do in Malmö in One Day

With its laid-back vibe and mix of old-meets-modern charm, Malmö is ideal for adult travelers who prefer to wander without a schedule. Below some of Malmö’s highlights:

• Stortorget & Lilla Torg: Two beautiful public squares with cozy outdoor cafés and great people-watching. Both are less than a 10-minute walk from Malmö Central Station.

• Malmö Castle (Malmöhus Slott): A 16th-century fortress with small museums inside — worth a look if you appreciate history. You may want to grab an Uber for this one — it’s about a 20-minute walk from the train station.

• Fika Culture: Sweden’s famous coffee-and-pastry ritual. Stop at Lilla Kafferosteriet (a 10-minute walk), or any other coffee shop for that matter — you can’t go wrong!

• Ribersborgsstranden (the "city beach"): A chill spot to walk along the coast and see the Øresund Bridge. Even in cooler months, it’s peaceful and scenic. Grab an Uber to go here as well, as it’s a bit further out.

• Turning Torso: A quick photo stop to admire Scandinavia’s tallest building and Malmö’s modern architecture. You can get a glimpse of it from many parts of the city but to see it up close you’ll want to Uber.

Malmö cityscape with Turning Torso

Practical Tips

• Currency: Sweden uses SEK (Swedish Krona) — but most places accept credit cards, so no cash needed.

• Language: Swedish is the official language, but many people also speak English.

• Travel light: No need to bring much — just your passport and whatever else you need for the day.

• Timing: Leave in the morning, be back in Copenhagen by dinner time, or have an authentic Swedish dinner in Malmö if you’re feeling spontaneous.

Is a Malmö Day Trip Worth It for Childfree Travelers?

Yes — it’s low-fuss, scenic, and calm in all the right ways. You can explore at your own pace, with no need to plan around schedules or keep anyone else entertained. Malmö is a delightful mix of culture, architecture, and Scandinavian café life — all just one train ride from Copenhagen. If your ideal day trip includes wandering quiet streets, trying great coffee, and casually crossing an international border, Malmö is a perfect fit.

Staying in Copenhagen? Don’t miss my Copenhagen itinerary for more relaxed, adult-friendly travel ideas and to find out what we did on our day trip to Malmö.

Have you done a day trip to Malmö — or are you thinking about it? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear how you spent your time there.