Ferry from Denmark to Sweden: routes compared
Compare the main ferry and bridge options from Denmark to Sweden, then choose the route that best fits your onward journey.
Denmark to Sweden by ferry: which route should you choose?
Travelling from Denmark to Sweden is straightforward, but the best crossing depends on where you start in Denmark and where you are heading in Sweden.
For most travellers there are three main choices: the short Helsingør-Helsingborg ferry, the Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö, or the longer Stena Line ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg. Ystad-Rønne also links Denmark and Sweden, but that route is for Bornholm rather than mainland Denmark.
The former Grenaa-Halmstad ferry is no longer an option. Stena Line ended the route on 30 April 2026.
Use this page to compare the main corridors, see how they fit into a longer Scandinavian road trip and decide whether ferry or bridge makes more sense for your journey.
Map: ferries to Sweden from Denmark
Use the map to compare the main Denmark-Sweden corridors and see how each crossing fits with your onward drive. Helsingør-Helsingborg and the Øresund Bridge are the key choices around Zealand and southern Sweden, while Frederikshavn-Gothenburg connects northern Jutland directly with Sweden’s west coast.
Current Denmark-Sweden options at a glance
| Route | Type | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helsingør-Helsingborg | Ferry | Northern Zealand, Helsingborg and western Sweden | Around 20 minutes and very frequent, including overnight services |
| Copenhagen-Malmö | Bridge and tunnel | Copenhagen, Malmö and southern Sweden | No ferry check-in; road toll applies for vehicles |
| Frederikshavn-Gothenburg | Ferry | Northern Jutland, Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast | Longer Stena Line crossing that can save a substantial drive through Denmark and southern Sweden |
| Rønne-Ystad | Ferry | Bornholm to southern Sweden | Useful for Bornholm, but not a mainland Denmark shortcut |
Two fast ways from Denmark to Sweden
The Helsingør-Helsingborg ferry takes about 20 minutes and runs very frequently. The Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö is the main fixed-link alternative. Which one is better depends on where you start and where you are heading next.
Which Denmark-Sweden crossing makes most sense?
The fastest crossing is not always the best overall route. Your starting point in Denmark and your destination in Sweden matter more than the sailing time alone.
Helsingør-Helsingborg: the short ferry
Helsingør-Helsingborg is the obvious ferry if you are in northern Zealand or travelling towards Helsingborg and western Sweden. ØRESUNDSLINJEN crosses the Sound in about 20 minutes and runs around the clock, with very frequent daytime departures.
The ferry is especially useful if you want a short break from driving or if taking the bridge would mean heading south towards Copenhagen and Malmö first.
Øresund Bridge: best for Copenhagen and Malmö
The Øresund Bridge is usually the most direct choice if Copenhagen and Malmö are already on your route. You stay in the car, pay the road toll and continue directly into Sweden.
If you are starting further north on Zealand, however, Helsingør-Helsingborg can be the more logical route. We compare both options in our ferry versus Øresund Bridge guide.
Frederikshavn-Gothenburg: the long ferry to western Sweden
For travellers starting in northern Jutland or heading towards Gothenburg and Sweden’s west coast, the Stena Line ferry from Frederikshavn is often the most interesting alternative. The crossing is much longer than Helsingør-Helsingborg, but it can replace a substantial amount of driving.
What happened to Grenaa-Halmstad?
Grenaa-Halmstad is closed. Stena Line ended the route on 30 April 2026 after citing long-term profitability challenges, competition from fixed links and difficult market conditions.
If you previously used Grenaa-Halmstad, compare Frederikshavn-Gothenburg with the route via Helsingør-Helsingborg or the Øresund Bridge. The best replacement depends on where in Denmark your journey begins and where in Sweden you need to be.
Coming from Germany or continuing through Denmark?
Many road trips between continental Europe and Sweden pass through Denmark. The classic route combines the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry with either Helsingør-Helsingborg or the Øresund Bridge.
If your route naturally passes Copenhagen and Malmö, the bridge is usually straightforward. If you are heading towards Helsingborg or western Sweden, the short ferry from Helsingør can be more logical and gives you a useful break from driving.
Compare the full journey rather than one crossing in isolation. Bridge tolls, ferry fares, driving distance and vehicle type can all change which route offers the best value.
Alternatives if Denmark is only part of the journey
If you are travelling from Germany, Poland or Central Europe to Sweden, it is worth comparing direct ferries before automatically routing through Denmark.
The Kiel-Gothenburg ferry is particularly useful for western Sweden and can replace a long drive through Denmark. Southern Sweden also has several ferry connections with Germany, while Poland-Sweden ferries can make more sense for travellers approaching from Central or Eastern Europe.
See our guides to ferries from Germany to Sweden and ferries from Poland to Sweden before deciding. A longer overnight ferry can sometimes remove several hours of driving and multiple bridge or ferry crossings.
Our Denmark-Sweden crossings and route impressions
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- Sontbridge
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- the electric ferry Forsea from Denmark arrives at the port of Helsingor, Sweden, June 16, 2019
Compare tickets and current sailings
Use the booking search to compare current ferry options for your travel date. Timetables and prices can vary by season, departure time and vehicle type, so check the exact sailing rather than relying on an old headline fare.
For Helsingør-Helsingborg and Frederikshavn-Gothenburg, compare the ferry with the total road journey you would otherwise take. For Copenhagen-Malmö, remember that the Øresund Bridge is a road toll rather than a ferry ticket.
Cars can travel on the main Denmark-Sweden ferries, but add your vehicle when booking and enter the correct dimensions if you are travelling with a camper, caravan, roof box or trailer.
ØRESUNDSLINJEN operates Helsingør-Helsingborg, while Stena Line operates Frederikshavn-Gothenburg. Bornholmslinjen serves Rønne-Ystad between Bornholm and southern Sweden.
Useful for travellers to Scandinavia
