The Öresund Bridge is a genuine engineering marvel that changed the map of Scandinavia forever. Travelling by train from the Danish capital to southern Sweden takes less time than a rush-hour crawl across a big city. You may know it from moody Nordic noir crime series, but in reality it is the fastest and most comfortable link for your summer road trip or a long weekend. Before you hit the gas, though, it pays to know a few essential rules. The toll gates can catch out an inexperienced traveller, and paying the wrong way can get expensive fast.
You can cross the bridge with zero preparation, but then you risk paying twice as much as you needed to. Below you’ll find everything that matters: from current 2026 toll prices to the clever subscription and tips on where to stay for less.
A quick summary for those short on time
- Base toll price: A one-way crossing for a standard car costs roughly 470 to 510 DKK (about €63–68) in 2026.
- How to save big: If you’re going both ways, it’s worth registering online for the ØresundGO programme (formerly BroPas), which drops the price of a single trip to just 178 DKK.
- Where you pay: The toll station is located exclusively on the Swedish side, in the Lernacken area. From Denmark you drive onto the bridge without stopping.
- The train is cheaper: For couples and solo travellers, the Öresundståg train is a far better deal. A ticket costs around 145 SEK and the trip from central Copenhagen to Malmö takes 40 minutes.
- Don’t forget your documents: Sweden has extended random border checks until November 2026. A valid passport or ID card is absolutely essential for everyone on board.
- Transport comparison in a nutshell:
Car: about €65 one way, ideal for families with a full boot. Train: about €13 per person, unbeatable for couples heading into the centre. Bus: from around €6 with FlixBus, the cheapest option for solo travellers. Ferry (Helsingør): a perfect alternative for road trips heading straight north to Gothenburg.
- Cheaper accommodation: Hotels in Swedish Malmö are considerably cheaper than in Copenhagen, so it makes sense to base yourself on the Swedish side.
17 Things to Know About the Öresund Bridge Before You Go
It looks like a straightforward motorway drive, but crossing between two Nordic countries has its quirks. From buying the toll to speed limits to unpredictable autumn weather, it’s always better to know what you’re getting into.
We’ve put together the most important points that will save you both stress and money on the route. Let’s take a look at the key things to watch out for so you don’t end up paying more than you have to.
1. What the Öresund Bridge and Peberholm island actually are
When you hear the word “bridge”, most people automatically picture massive concrete pylons rising high above the water from one shore to the other. Here, though, it’s architecturally far more complex and interesting. The whole link is a remarkable 16 kilometres long, of which the cable-stayed bridge makes up just under 8 kilometres. The rest of the route runs cleverly beneath the sea, so tall structures don’t interfere with air traffic. The builders had to solve an enormous logistical problem with Copenhagen’s international Kastrup airport, which sits right on the Danish coast. The high pylons of a classic bridge would have been a fatal hazard for landing planes, so the engineers came up with a truly ingenious compromise. Roughly halfway across the strait they created an entirely new artificial island called Peberholm, where the road dips down.
It’s on this strip of land that both the motorway and the double-track railway smoothly descend underground into the four-kilometre Drogden undersea tunnel, letting you pass safely beneath the flight path. Peberholm also serves today as a unique botanical and biological laboratory. Only scientists are allowed access, and nature here develops entirely freely without any human interference. From your car window you’ll see a slice of newly emerging wilderness in the middle of the sea, something you won’t find anywhere else in Scandinavia. During the crossing itself, watch your speed carefully, because the limit here is 110 km/h. Sweden is generally dotted with discreet grey speed camera posts (ATK) that don’t flash but reliably photograph you, and fines start at 1,500 SEK for even a minor overshoot.
💡 Tip: If you’re driving, roll down your windows just before entering the tunnel. The acoustic shift from the roaring wind on the bridge to the enclosed space beneath the sea is an experience in itself.
2. Öresund Bridge price for a car and 2026 rates
You’ll pay a fair amount for this engineering experience, though, so it’s worth preparing financially. The Öresund Bridge price is adjusted every year and also depends on the season, with the summer months traditionally being the most expensive. A standard one-way ticket bought directly at the toll gate or online, without any discount, costs a regular car up to 6 metres long between 470 and 510 DKK. That works out to roughly €63 to €68 for a single crossing. Official price lists are given primarily in Danish kroner (DKK) or Swedish kronor (SEK). The Öresund Bridge is, incidentally, one of the few toll roads you’ll encounter, as Swedish motorways are otherwise completely free for cars.
When paying at the terminal, I always recommend paying by card and choosing to be charged in the local Nordic currency. Never let the terminal do a dynamic currency conversion (DCC) into your home currency, which would needlessly cost you extra at a very poor exchange rate. Also keep in mind that if you’re towing a trailer, carrying bikes on a rear rack, or driving a motorhome longer than 6 metres, the price at the gate automatically doubles. The six-metre limit is strictly enforced and the sensors measure it with uncompromising precision.
💡 Tip: Before the trip, measure your car including any racks and roof boxes. If you’re just over the six-metre limit, it’s worth taking the bikes off and popping them inside for a moment, saving yourself over €50.
3. Is the annual ØresundGO subscription worth it?
This is the question that comes up in almost every planning session: is the subscription worth it if you’re only crossing once? Most tourists hesitate over whether it makes sense to get the ØresundGO discount programme (previously known as BroPas) when they’re only heading to Sweden for a single summer holiday. The answer is perfectly clear and backed up by the numbers. If you plan to cross the bridge both there and back, it always pays off financially. The programme works on a fixed annual fee of roughly 359 DKK (about €48). Once you pay that amount, you become a subscriber.
Thanks to this, the price of a single crossing drops from 510 DKK to just 178 DKK (about €24). Add up the annual fee and two discounted round trips and you land at a total of around 715 DKK. Two full-price crossings would cost you over 1,000 DKK. The saving is therefore immediate and very noticeable on your very first trip. You have to register online before leaving home and pair your vehicle’s licence plate with the account. The system then recognises your plate at the bridge automatically and you glide through without delays.
💡 Tip: The annual subscription renews automatically after twelve months and charges your card for another year. So don’t forget to simply cancel it in your user profile right after you get back from holiday.
4. How payment at the toll gate actually works
The whole system is designed to avoid unnecessary queues and keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible. The key thing to know is that the Lernacken toll station sits exclusively on the Swedish mainland. So if you’re coming from Denmark, you drive onto the bridge, go through the tunnel, cross the entire sea and only pay after coming off on Swedish soil. On the return trip from Sweden to Denmark, you pay right at the very start. Before the station you’ll see clearly colour-coded lanes that you need to slot into in good time, depending on which payment method you’ve chosen.
The green lanes marked BroBizz/Auto/ØresundGO are for subscribers only, with plate recognition or an electronic transponder. You glide through these lanes at around 30 km/h without stopping. The blue lanes are for paying with a regular card, where you just stop, tap the card (they take all common types including Visa and Mastercard) and drive on. The yellow lanes are then for cash payment or in case you have a problem and need help from a staff member. Remember that Sweden is an almost cashless society, so a card is absolutely essential.
💡 Tip: If you’re paying by card in the blue lane, the terminal menu can easily be switched to English. Pull up close enough so you don’t have to get out of the car, and have your card ready in hand.
5. The Epass24 system and the risk of pointless fines
Sweden widely uses an automatic system of smart cameras to collect various charges, which also applies to city tolls in Stockholm and Gothenburg. On the Öresund Bridge there are still physical barriers, but if you accidentally slotted into a green lane reserved for subscribers, hadn’t paid and the barrier let you through for some reason, you’re definitely not off the hook. The cameras will ruthlessly record your plate and a bill for the full toll plus a hefty administrative fee will make its way to your home address. The authorities can easily track you down through international databases.
That’s why many drivers use the free registration in the Epass24 system. There you simply upload your payment card and vehicle plate. Any potential outstanding charges for bridges or the mentioned city tolls (so-called congestion tax) are then deducted automatically without any penalties or delays. Setting up an account takes five minutes and saves you a lot of stress over possible summonses from abroad. Great news for summer road trips: the Stockholm city toll is often waived across the board during July.
💡 Tip: Set up your Epass24 account at least a week before departure. The system needs some time to activate and pair with your licence plate and payment card.
6. When the Öresund Bridge is closed and what to do in strong wind
The sea between Denmark and Sweden can show its rough and unpredictable side very quickly. Strong wind is the main enemy of smooth traffic and the one thing that can reliably paralyse the bridge. On the bridge’s official website you’ll always find a live status “traffic light” for driveability. If there’s a moderate wind, the electronic signs simply lower the permitted speed as a precaution. But when the gusts exceed a certain safety threshold, things start to escalate.
First, a ban comes into force for wind-sensitive vehicles. This mainly applies to empty trucks, caravans, cars with trailers and tall motorhomes that a side gust could tip over. In extreme cases of autumn storms, the bridge is then fully closed to all traffic for several hours. Fortunately, information boards on the motorway warn you dozens of kilometres in advance, so you won’t get stuck right in front of the water. I recommend following the official app, which sends real-time notifications about speed changes and closures straight to your phone.
💡 Tip: If you’re travelling with a caravan and the bridge closes to wind-sensitive vehicles, don’t try to risk it. Pull into the nearest rest stop, make yourself a coffee and wait. Ordinary closures usually last just a few hours.
7. Train from Copenhagen to Malmö: why it’s often the better choice
If you’re not lugging bulky camping gear and are just heading off for some easy-going city sightseeing, leave the car at home. The Öresundståg trains are an absolutely unbeatable and eco-friendly way to travel. They run every 20 minutes, and even more often during the morning and afternoon rush, and the whole trip from Copenhagen’s central station to Malmö’s central station takes about 40 minutes. An adult ticket costs around 145 SEK (about €13) and children get substantial discounts.
The easiest way to buy tickets is through the Skånetrafiken mobile app, where you can activate them right away. The train has a huge advantage in that it takes you directly into the centre of both cities. Parking in both Copenhagen and Malmö is astronomically expensive (often over €30 a day) and hunting for a free spot in the narrow streets will eat up plenty of your time and nerves. From the train window you’ll also see the bridge structure much better than from behind the wheel. For 2026 there’s one more huge bonus: the Swedish government is heavily subsidising public transport and, from July to December, has cut the prices of monthly tickets across the board by half.
💡 Tip: If you plan to travel more intensively around Skåne or further on to Stockholm by train, check out the multi-day passes in the app. The subsidised prices make them an extremely good deal.
8. Travelling straight from Kastrup airport
This is one of the greatest travel luxuries in all of Europe and the reason why it makes sense to fly into Denmark even when you’re heading for southern Sweden. Copenhagen’s international Kastrup airport (CPH) sits just metres from the entrance to the undersea tunnel. From the arrivals hall you simply ride the escalators straight down to the underground train platforms. You don’t need any transfer buses or overpriced taxis whatsoever. If you’re heading north, just board a train towards Malmö or Gothenburg and in under 25 minutes you’re already stepping out in the Swedish city.
That’s why many savvy travellers buy cheap flights to Copenhagen, served by major carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Lufthansa. It’s much faster and often far cheaper than the hassle of travelling via remote airports like Stockholm Skavsta, which lies over a hundred kilometres from civilisation and where the transfer bus takes an hour and a half. At Copenhagen airport you’ll find signs to the train practically right beyond baggage claim, you really don’t even have to look for them. The trains run so often that you don’t need to stress about the exact departure time at all.
💡 Tip: Buy your train tickets only after arrival, at the red Skånetrafiken machines right in the baggage claim hall, or in the mobile app. There’s no point buying them in advance, as the trains don’t have compulsory seat reservations and can’t sell out.
9. Border checks and preparing your documents
Although both countries are part of the Schengen area, free movement without checks doesn’t quite apply here. For internal security reasons, the Swedish government has extended random checks at its internal borders until at least November 2026 and takes them very seriously. Whether you’re driving your own car through the toll gates or travelling comfortably by train, you must always carry a valid ID card or passport. The checks take place exclusively on the Swedish side after crossing the sea.
Officers often walk through the train carriages, check passengers’ documents and randomly divert cars into special inspection lanes. Don’t forget documents for all children, even the smallest ones (a birth certificate isn’t enough), and travelling on a driving licence alone is not allowed, you risk a fine or being refused entry. German authorities have even issued an official warning that a driver carrying a passenger without valid documents may face serious legal trouble.
💡 Tip: Have your documents ready in hand the moment the train pulls into Malmö Hyllie station (the first stop in Sweden). This speeds up the process and the officers will just check you quickly.
10. The Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry as a cheaper alternative
The Öresund Bridge isn’t the only way to cross the sea between these two countries. About 50 kilometres north of Copenhagen lies the historic Danish town of Helsingør, from where a frequent ferry runs to Swedish Helsingborg. The crossing takes just 20 minutes and the ships of the Öresundslinjen company (formerly known as ForSea) shuttle back and forth constantly. At peak times they even depart every fifteen minutes, so you never wait long to board.
This option is a great fit for road trips heading straight north towards Gothenburg or on to the Norwegian fjords. It lets you avoid Copenhagen’s heavy rush-hour traffic, and the ferry ticket is often a bit cheaper than the bridge toll itself. From the ship’s deck you’ll also enjoy a fantastic view of both coastlines. If you plan your route this way, don’t forget to check out the famous majestic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør before boarding. This is where William Shakespeare set the story of his famous tragedy about the Danish prince Hamlet.
💡 Tip: Buy your ferry tickets online at least a day in advance, as they tend to be cheaper than buying on the spot at the barrier. At the port you then just scan the code from your phone and drive straight onto the ship.
11. Price comparison: car, train, bus
For most people the trip budget plays the leading role when planning. The overview speaks for itself, so pick based on how many of you are going and what you’re hauling in the boot:
- Car: Roughly €65 one way (about €24 with an ØresundGO subscription). It makes huge sense for a family of four with a full boot, tents and food supplies, because the total cost is spread across everyone and the car acts as your base.
- Train: Around €13 per adult. Absolutely ideal for couples, backpackers and solo travellers. Children and students often get substantial discounts, and you also save on expensive city-centre parking. A great alternative for getting to Sweden is also the Snälltåget night train from Dresden via Copenhagen straight to Stockholm.
- Bus: Companies like FlixBus or Vy bus4you offer tickets on the Copenhagen–Malmö route from an incredible €6. It’s by far the cheapest way to cross the water. The buses are modern, comfortable and use the same bridge as cars. You just have to reckon with the trip taking a little longer due to possible traffic jams near the airport or delays at the border check.
💡 Tip: If you’re taking the bus, pay close attention to which stop in Copenhagen you’re departing from. Some lines stop at the central station, others right at Kastrup airport.
12. Practical tips for travelling with kids and a caravan
Family travel with a motorhome has its clear quirks on the bridge. As we’ve already mentioned, the toll for longer vehicles switches up exactly at the six-metre length mark. So measure your car in advance, including bike racks, so the doubled amount on the display doesn’t surprise you. Many caravanners take a well-earned break just past the toll gate on the Swedish side, at a large rest stop with a gorgeous view of the bridge, where there are clean toilets and picnic tables. During the drive along the sixteen-kilometre route there’s a strict no-stopping rule. You can’t just slow down in the hard shoulder to snap a photo, the security cameras see it instantly.
If you’re arriving in a motorhome, watch out for one common mistake. Sweden’s famous right of free access to nature (allemansrätten) does not apply to motor vehicles. With a caravan you can’t park on a beach or a forest meadow, you must use official stopover spots (ställplats) or campsites only. In southern Sweden, also keep an eye on your valuables, as break-ins to motorhomes unfortunately sometimes happen even at busy rest stops.
💡 Tip: If you’re travelling with younger children, play them a documentary in the car about how the undersea tunnel was built. The journey beneath the sea will then be a much more thrilling experience for them.
13. The dark fame from the series The Bridge (Bron/Broen)
For hundreds of thousands of people around the world, this amazing bridge became a global icon thanks to one of the best crime series of the last decade. The dark Swedish-Danish co-production The Bridge (Bron/Broen), with its unforgettable and socially awkward detective Saga Norén, begins with the discovery of a body right on the border between the two countries, in the middle of the bridge deck. The series drew crowds of enthusiastic tourists to the area, and in Malmö you can still pay for special guided tours of the filming locations.
The reality of the bridge itself is of course far less dramatic and it doesn’t host any TV murders. Every day tens of thousands of ordinary people use it, commuting to work from one country to the other. The bridge is quite an everyday thing for the locals. Danes head to Sweden for cheaper flats, Swedes cross the water for higher salaries. A slightly different kind of romance than Saga Norén’s, but fascinating in its own way too. 😉 And if you’re wondering whether Malmö is safe, then yes, it is. The media-famous gang problems play out in far-off suburbs like Rosengård, while the historic centre and the area around the bridge are perfectly calm for tourists.
💡 Tip: If you’re a fan of the series, head to Malmö’s Västra Hamnen district. You’ll instantly recognise many of the modern buildings and streets from the TV screen.
14. What to squeeze into Copenhagen if you only have a day
Copenhagen is absolutely gorgeous, but also very expensive on the wallet. If you’re heading here from your Swedish base just for a day trip, focus on the best of the centre. From the central station walk to the historic Tivoli amusement park and continue along the longest shopping street, Strøget. You absolutely must see the iconic Nyhavn harbour with its colourful houses. It’s a massive tourist cliché, but the sight of wooden boats and the canal simply never gets old, and you just have to grab a photo here.
In the afternoon, definitely rent a bike (for example through the widely used Donkey Republic app). Copenhagen is the world capital of cycling and riding along the wide, safe bike lanes is one of the best experiences the city offers. When you get hungry, grab a traditional Danish open sandwich, smørrebrød, which you can easily find in many excellent vegetarian versions too. It’s often served with a generous layer of potatoes, good mayonnaise, radishes and fresh herbs, which will reliably keep you full until dinner.
💡 Tip: Avoid the overpriced restaurants right in Nyhavn. Duck a couple of streets further away or head to the Torvehallerne market, where you’ll find fantastic food at far more reasonable prices.
15. What to see in modern Malmö
Malmö might surprise you. The first impression of an industrial district is quickly replaced by a modern waterfront and cafés full of design. The city has transformed beyond recognition over the past twenty years. Your first stop will be the Turning Torso, a 190-metre twisting skyscraper by architect Santiago Calatrava. Sadly you can’t go up, as the building has no public viewing platform and holds only luxury apartments. A walk around it in the eco-friendly Västra Hamnen district by the sea is definitely worth it, though.
You’ll find the city’s historic heart on the picturesque Lilla Torg square. The cobbled lanes here are lined with beautiful half-timbered houses that remember the days when the city still belonged to Denmark. It’s an ideal place to slow down and admire the contrast between the old architecture and the modern development on the waterfront.
16. Where to eat: legendary falafel and Swedish fika
If you want to experience the real modern Malmö full of contrasts, head to Möllevångstorget square (Möllan for short). This multicultural district is home to the legendary Malmö falafel, which is something of a local institution. For the very best pieces, aim for bistros like Jalla Jalla or Möllans Falafel. You can get a delicious fresh falafel roll here for a pittance, often for 50 to 70 SEK, which comes to roughly €5 to €6. Vegetarians and all lovers of good food will be well served here for a fraction of the usual Swedish prices, which are otherwise very high in restaurants.
When you fancy something more traditional, stop by the restaurant Smak near the Konsthall gallery, where they offer a great lunch menu at a reasonable price. And when it comes to the famous Swedish fika (a break for coffee and something sweet), I recommend the café Lilla Kafferosteriet in the city centre. They have perfect cinnamon buns and roast the coffee right on site. Coffee here will run you roughly 65 to 100 SEK.
17. A road trip around Skåne and a stop in Lund
If you’ve come by car, definitely don’t stay just in Malmö. The southern province of Skåne offers fantastic material for relaxed trips with very short drives. Right outside the city lies the ancient university gem of Lund. Its majestic cathedral hides a unique astronomical clock from the 15th century, which springs into motion twice a day, usually at exactly 12:00 and 15:00. Wooden knights duel to the sound of a historic organ. Drive further south to picturesque Ystad, full of perfectly preserved half-timbered houses, where you can follow in the footsteps of the fictional inspector Wallander.
Definitely don’t miss the magical megalithic stones of Ales stenar. It’s a kind of Swedish Stonehenge made up of 59 huge boulders arranged in the shape of a 67-metre-long ship. It rises on a high cliff right above the crashing waves of the Baltic Sea and breathes an incredible Iron Age atmosphere over you. If you’re longing for white sand and a swim, head to the Falsterbo peninsula. Its sandy beaches with colourful beach cabins look more like film sets than the rugged European north, and you’ll be a little surprised by what Scandinavia can do. ☺️
💡 Tip: Motorways in Sweden are completely free for cars, so you don’t pay any motorway vignette (unlike, say, Austria or Switzerland). You can therefore criss-cross the whole province of Skåne and explore smaller roads without any extra charges.
Where to stay in Malmö (and why not in Copenhagen)
💡 Tip on accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.
This is one of the biggest secrets of savvy travellers, and it’ll save you a lot of money. Accommodation right in Copenhagen can ruin your budget at an incredible speed. Prices for an ordinary, average hotel there often hit astronomical figures, and hostels frequently cost as much as a nice guesthouse elsewhere. That’s why it makes huge sense to set up your main base in Swedish Malmö. Hotels here are far cheaper, the service is good, and you can hop over to the Danish capital comfortably and quickly by train during the day.
Malmö simply offers top hotels at prices you’d pay in Copenhagen for a bunk in a shared room. It’s worth focusing on the area right around the central station (Malmö Centralstation), which you’ll appreciate on morning trips across the water. The second great location is the modern Västra Hamnen district right by the sea, from where you can easily reach both the train and the main sights, and in the evening you can stroll along the wooden piers with a view of the bridge.
Here you’ll find specific tips for tried-and-tested hotels right in Malmö:
- Moment Hotels: This is a secret tip for those watching their budget. The hotel is just a few steps from the central station, which is absolutely ideal if you plan to take the train to Copenhagen for day trips. The rooms are smaller and minimalist, but clean, modern and breakfast is included (a room goes for roughly €80 a night).
- Clarion Hotel Malmö Live: If you want to squeeze the most out of your stay and love fantastic views, this is a bullseye. The tower stands a short walk from the station, and from the upper floors and the skybar you’ll see the whole city and, on a clear day, even the Öresund Bridge itself (from about €105). The breakfasts here are famous for their abundance and huge selection.
- Story Hotel Studio Malmö: A wonderful boutique hotel with a gorgeous industrial design. It sits in a modern area not far from the harbour and the historic centre. On the roof you’ll find a restaurant with a great terrace, and the rooms are furnished with an incredible eye for detail (from roughly €115). An ideal choice for couples looking for something a little more special and stylish.
- Havshotellet: If you prefer peace and quiet and want to stay a short walk from the sea, try this unique hotel by the Limhamn harbour. Each room is decorated in a distinctive nautical style and the design inspired by historic ships will completely draw you in (from about €98). You can easily reach the centre of Malmö from here by local bus, so you’re not cut off from the action.
A model one-day trip across the bridge
If you’re spending your holiday in Copenhagen but also want to tick off a visit to Sweden, we’ve put together the ideal one-day itinerary. There’s no rush waiting for you, just pleasant exploring with plenty of time for coffee. You can comfortably do the trip by train, so leave the car parked and save thousands on Copenhagen parking and the Swedish toll.
9:00 Departure from Copenhagen: Set off from the central station (København H) or straight from Kastrup airport on the Öresundståg train. A ticket will cost you about 145 SEK, roughly €13. The journey beneath the sea and then high across the bridge is remarkably fast. Don’t forget to have a valid ID card or passport handy for the Swedish border check.
9:45 Morning fika in Malmö: Get off at Malmö Centralstation and walk into the old town, Gamla Staden. Drop into one of the cafés on the historic cobbled Lilla Torg square. Order a strong coffee and a fresh cinnamon bun (kanelbulle), which will cost you about 70 SEK. Soak up the morning atmosphere among the beautiful half-timbered houses.
11:00 Modern architecture: Move towards the sea, into the Västra Hamnen district. Walk along the long wooden piers, from where there’s a great view of the bridge in the distance, and head all the way to the foot of the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper. The district is Sweden’s eco-friendly showcase and contrasts perfectly with the historic centre.
13:00 Lunch for a few kronor: Getting hungry? Head to the multicultural Möllevången district (Möllan). Here, have a legendary Malmö falafel in a pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. This vegetarian treat will cost you just 60 SEK and reliably keep you full for the rest of the afternoon.
14:15 Onwards to Lund: From the nearby underground Triangeln station, hop on a train and ride just 15 minutes to the ancient university town of Lund. Your destination is the majestic Romanesque Lund Cathedral from the 12th century.
15:00 The astronomical clock and the return: Be in the cathedral at exactly 15:00, when the unique 15th-century astronomical clock springs into motion. Wooden knights duel to the sound of a historic organ. After the visit, wander the picturesque lanes full of students and ivy-clad houses. Around 17:00, board a direct train and head back to Copenhagen.
A practical summary for the Öresund Bridge and rough prices
To make planning easier, we’ve prepared a quick overview of rough 2026 prices. Exchange rates change, of course, but the ratio usually stays the same (1 SEK ≈ €0.09, 1 DKK ≈ €0.13).
- Toll (car without a subscription): 470–510 DKK (about €63–68)
- Toll (car with ØresundGO): 178 DKK (about €24)
- ØresundGO annual fee: about 359 DKK (about €48)
- Copenhagen–Malmö train (one way): about 145 SEK (about €13)
- FlixBus (one way): from around €6
- Coffee and a cinnamon bun (fika): about 70 SEK (about €6)
- Falafel in Malmö (Möllevångstorget): about 60 SEK (about €5)
Where to next
If you’ve already got your bridge crossing planned, take a look at our other guides too, which will help you piece together the rest of your Nordic adventure.
- Sweden: 30 tips on what to see and do
- Copenhagen: 25+ tips on what to see and do
- Stockholm: 25 tips on what to see and do
- A holiday in Europe: 17 most beautiful places
Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together answers to the most common questions that trouble travellers before crossing the strait. Quick and to the point, so you can be sure nothing surprises you on the way.
How much exactly does the bridge toll cost?
In 2026, you’ll pay between 470 and 510 DKK (€63–68) for a one-way crossing in a standard passenger car up to six metres long. The price depends on whether you’re travelling during peak summer season and whether you buy your ticket online or on-site. With smart registration and an ØresundGO subscription, the price drops dramatically to 178 DKK (€24) per crossing.
Can I pay at the toll booths with a regular payment card?
Yes, paying with a regular card is absolutely hassle-free and quick. Just make sure to merge into the blue lane in good time. The terminals accept all common cards (Visa, Mastercard) and the menu can be easily switched to English. I recommend always choosing to be charged in the local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
Do I need BroPas (ØresundGO) if I’m only making one round trip?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it and you’ll save money. The annual registration fee pays for itself on your very first round trip. Instead of two full-price tolls, you’ll pay one fixed annual fee and two heavily discounted tolls, which ultimately saves a decent chunk of your travel budget. Just don’t forget to cancel the subscription after you return.
How long does the train journey from Copenhagen to Sweden take?
The modern Öresundståg train runs from the main station in central Copenhagen to the main station in Swedish Malmö in approximately 40 minutes. However, if you board directly at Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport, where the line dives under the sea, the journey to Malmö takes just under 25 minutes.
Do I need a passport when travelling from one EU state to another?
Absolutely yes. Sweden has extended random border controls at least until November 2026, and a valid ID card or passport is mandatory. Without one, you risk hefty fines and being denied entry to the country. Even young children must have their own travel document—a birth certificate is not sufficient.
Can you cycle across the bridge or walk it on foot?
No, the Öresund Bridge is open exclusively to motor vehicles and rail traffic. For safety reasons (strong winds, motorway speeds and the four-kilometre underwater tunnel), pedestrian and cyclist access is strictly forbidden. However, you can take your bike on the train for a fee, which will carry you across the water.
Is it cheaper to take the ferry from Helsingør?
The short twenty-minute ferry from Danish Helsingør to Swedish Helsingborg is often a bit cheaper than the one-off toll on the bridge. This option makes perfect sense if your road trip continues straight north along the coast towards Gothenburg or into the Norwegian fjords.
Can I cross the border with a rental car from Denmark?
Most large international rental companies allow this without any issues, but you must always get it approved in writing beforehand in your rental agreement. Some companies charge a special fee for crossing the border, so read the terms of your specific reservation carefully to avoid surprises when returning the car.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
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Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
