Denmark by Train: How to Plan Your Journey

Denmark by Train: How to Plan Your Journey

Travelling to Denmark by train is one of the most relaxed and sustainable ways to explore Northern Europe. You avoid the hustle of the airport, enjoy the scenery along the way and arrive right in the heart of the city, ready to start exploring. In this guide, you’ll discover how to travel smoothly to Denmark by train, from routes and ticket prices to practical tips and inspiration for beautiful destinations across the country.

Why Travel to Denmark by Train?

Travelling to Denmark by train comes with plenty of advantages:

• Sustainable choice: Travelling by train produces significantly less CO₂ than flying or driving, making it a great option for anyone who wants to explore responsibly.
• No long waits: Unlike airports, you don’t need to arrive hours before departure. Turning up a few minutes in advance is usually enough.
• Comfortable journey: Read a book, enjoy the scenery, stretch your legs or visit the onboard café: your travel time genuinely feels like relaxing time.
• Flexible baggage rules: There are usually no strict weight limits, and bringing your own snacks and drinks is never a problem.
• Arrive in the city centre: Train stations in Denmark are located right in the heart of the city, saving you time and extra transfers.
• Often more affordable than expected: With early bookings or a rail pass, travelling north can be surprisingly budget-friendly.
• Excellent public transport: Denmark has a modern and efficient rail network. Trains are typically punctual and offer smooth connections throughout the country.

Itinerary

There are several ways to travel to Denmark by train, but most routes pass through Germany. From Belgium and the Netherlands, you first travel to Hamburg, the main hub for international connections to Scandinavia. From this vibrant port city, direct trains run to Odense and Copenhagen. From Odense or Kolding, it is easy to continue to destinations such as Aalborg or Aarhus.

Popular Routes

• From Brussels you can travel via Cologne and then Hamburg to reach various destinations in Denmark. Expect a journey of around 14 hours to Copenhagen.
• From Amsterdam the route runs via Duisburg or Osnabrück and then Hamburg, taking just over 11 hours to reach Copenhagen.

Accommodation Tip: Break up your journey in Hamburg and stay at the Gastwerk Hotel, a stylish design hotel housed in a former gasworks in the western part of the city.

Tickets & Budget

Here are some useful tips to help you find the best train tickets and travel to Denmark at a good price:

• Book early. With the German railway company Deutsche Bahn tickets often go on sale up to six months in advance, and early-bird fares can be significantly cheaper.
• Reserve your seat. For a small surcharge, you can secure a comfortable seat in advance, handy on busy travel days. On the popular route between Hamburg and Copenhagen, seat reservations are mandatory during the high season, from late May to late August.
• Through comparison websites like Omio or Trainline, you can quickly compare prices and book the cheapest tickets for your chosen route.
• With a rail pass such as Interrail (for Europeans) or Eurail (for travellers from outside Europe) your trip can sometimes turn out even more affordable, especially if you plan to visit several cities in Denmark or neighbouring countries. These passes are ideal for those who like to travel flexibly within a set period and don’t want to fix every train in advance. Do keep in mind that for some routes you still need to make seat reservations, especially on popular lines and during busy periods.

Travelling by Train in Denmark

Travelling by train in Denmark is remarkably straightforward. The country has a modern and efficient railway network operated by DSB. Major cities are well connected by fast InterCity services, while regional trains link smaller towns and rural areas.

Train Tickets & Reservations

For longer journeys on InterCity trains, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance. Seat reservations aren’t mandatory, but they can be useful during the summer months. For shorter trips on regional trains, you can simply purchase your ticket just before departure, either at the station ticket machines or easily online.

Inspiration for Destinations in Denmark

Zealand

Zealand is Denmark’s largest island and home to the capital, Copenhagen. Visit iconic sights such as Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid and Tivoli or discover a few hidden gems off the beaten track. From Copenhagen, it’s easy to take day trips to the castles of Kronborg and Frederiksborg, cross over to Malmö in Sweden, or relax on the many beautiful beaches nearby.

Accommodation Tip: The colourful 25hours Hotel Indre By is located right in the centre of Copenhagen and features 243 rooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar, sauna, library and gift shop. You can also rent bikes to explore the city like a local.

Jutland

Jutland, the Danish mainland, offers a beautiful mix of nature and culture: wide sandy beaches, sweeping landscapes, charming villages and vibrant cities such as Aalborg and Aarhus. It’s also a family-friendly destination, with LEGOLAND among the country’s most popular attractions.

Funen

The island of Funen lies between Zealand and Jutland and is known as the green heart of Denmark. Here you’ll find gardens, castles, pretty small towns and a coastline stretching more than 1,100 kilometres. Even in Odense, the birthplace of fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen, nature is never far away.

Traveling by train makes it easy to reach Denmark’s most beautiful destinations, from lively cities to peaceful islands and untouched coastlines. Visiting during the high season? Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.

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