Sontbridge: Copenhage - Malmö
Scandlines’ handy combi-tickets are a great way to cut the cost of your trip
Øresund Bridge: from Copenhagen to Malmö
The Øresund Bridge, also known as Øresundsbron or the Sontbridge, links Copenhagen in Denmark with Malmö in Sweden. It is the most direct road and rail connection between the two cities, with cars using the upper level and trains running below.
For drivers heading from Denmark into southern Sweden, the bridge is usually the quickest and simplest choice. You stay on the road, cross straight from the Copenhagen area to Malmö and continue towards southern Sweden without waiting for a ferry.
That does not mean it is always the best option. The Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry can be a better fit if you are heading further north towards Helsingborg, Gothenburg or the Swedish west coast. If you are driving up from Germany, the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry also matters, because it changes how you reach Copenhagen and the bridge in the first place.
Use the map first to compare the main options: Puttgarden–Rødby into Denmark, the Øresund Bridge towards Malmö, and Helsingør–Helsingborg further north. The right choice depends less on the crossing itself and more on where you want to end up in Sweden.
Map: Oresundbridge, Helsingor-Helsingborg and travel routes
You might need to zoom in a bit, but the blue line on the right side of the map marks the route of the Øresund Bridge. This bridge is located near Copenhagen and heads towards Malmö.
As you may have noticed, you can significantly shorten the distance to Copenhagen by taking a ferry. The Puttgarden-Rødby crossing travels from Germany to Zealand (Sjælland), the island where Copenhagen is situated. Alternatively, you can opt for the journey via the Little Belt Bridge and the Great Belt Bridge, both toll bridges. However, this route is a much longer detour.
About this crossing
The Øresund Bridge is part of the fixed link between Denmark and Sweden. The road route runs from the Copenhagen side through the Drogden Tunnel, across the artificial island of Peberholm and then over the bridge section towards Malmö. So although travellers often call the whole connection ‘the bridge’, the crossing is actually a mix of tunnel, island and bridge.
For most drivers, the appeal is simple: it is direct. If your destination is Malmö, southern Sweden or the E6/E20 route north from Malmö, the bridge keeps the journey flowing. You do not need to plan around ferry departures or boarding windows, and you can continue straight onto the Swedish motorway network.
The main alternative is the Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry, further north. That ferry is only a short crossing, but it changes where you enter Sweden. For Malmö and southern Sweden, the Øresund Bridge is usually cleaner. For Helsingborg, Gothenburg or the Swedish west coast, the ferry can make more sense.
If you are coming from Germany, compare the bridge together with your route into Denmark. Many drivers pair the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry with the Øresund Bridge for a direct route towards Copenhagen and Malmö. Others may use Puttgarden–Rødby and then continue north to Helsingør for the ferry to Helsingborg.
Travel times and distances
| Crossing | Mode | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Øresund Bridge (DK → SE) | Car/Train | 5 miles | ~19 minutes |
| Helsingør → Helsingborg Ferry | Car/Foot | 2 miles | ~20 minutes |
| Puttgarden → Rødby Ferry | Car/Foot | 11 miles | ~45 minutes |
Booking Tips & Costs
- £63 for a one-way crossing by car (standard fare)
- Save more by booking via Scandlines using a combo ticket with the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry.
- Advance booking = license plate recognition & faster check-in
- Subscribe to their newsletter for 5% discount
Getting to the Oresundbridge: Travel Routes
In many cases, you will first need to travel to the Netherlands, which can be done via three different ferries: from Hull to Rotterdam, from Newcastle to Amsterdam, or from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Alternatively, you could travel via France, but we believe this route is more convenient, considering the distance to be covered.
You will need to continue travelling from the Netherlands (or France) to Germany or Denmark.
There are two ways to reach the bridge: via the Danish motorway or via the (short) ferry from Puttgarden to Rødby. From Rødby, you can continue towards Copenhagen. You will save time and money if you choose this route, using the ferry from Germany to Denmark.
Option 1: Via the Ferry from Germany to Denmark
- Route: Puttgarden → Rødby + drive to Copenhagen + Øresund Bridge
- Total distance: ~465 miles from the Netherlands
- Advantages: Shorter, quicker, and more fuel-efficient
Option 2: Via Denmark's Toll Bridges (Great Belt)
- Route: Drive through Jutland + Little Belt Bridge + Great Belt Bridge + Øresund Bridge
- Total distance: ~560 miles
- Extra Costs: Toll for the Great Belt Bridge (approx. £27)
Alternative: Helsingør → Helsingborg Ferry
Finally, we would like to mention a cheaper alternative to the bridge.
There is a ferry between Helsingør and Helsingborg. Helsingør is located north of Copenhagen, and from here, a ferry departs for a crossing of just 3 miles. This is an excellent and cheaper alternative. The ferry is slightly more affordable than the Øresund Bridge.
- Shorter distance and often cheaper
- Frequent departures, ideal for spontaneous trips
- Approx. £20 for a car
- Compared to £46 for the bridge (car)
On board, ferry maps and visuals of the route
In early March 2025, we made the crossing over the Øresund Bridge — not once, but twice — to experience it in both directions. We paired it with the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry, creating the fastest route into Sweden. On the way back, we tested the alternative via the Helsingør–Helsingborg ferry to compare the two.
Curious how these crossings compare? You can read our full travel report here, complete with photos, ferry maps, and insights from the journey.
Quick Facts about the Oresundbridge
- Opened: 2000
- Total Length: 5 miles (bridge) + 2.5 mies (tunnel)
- Depth: Up to 20 m below sea level (for tunnel section)
- Levels: Road above, rail below
- Vehicles in 2021: ~4.8 million
- Fun fact: Malmö gets 200 more hours of sunshine per year than Copenhagen!
What to see along the way
- Copenhagen: A must-visit city with culture, food, and design.
- Malmö: Charming and historic, with beautiful parks and a laid-back vibe.
- Bridge itself: Stunning views from both the road and rail.
Final Travel Tip
If you're travelling from continental Europe and heading into Sweden, the combo route via Puttgarden-Rødby + Øresund Bridge is usually the fastest and smoothest option.
Use our booking tool to find the best prices and plan your journey efficiently!
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternative, simply fill in the booking module for crossings between Denmark and Sweden. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
How to Use the Øresund Toll Bridge
Using the toll bridge is straightforward. You can simply pay at the gate—once your payment is processed, the barrier lifts, and you're on your way.
Want a smoother experience? Book your Øresund Bridge ticket in advance online. That way, your number plate is recognised automatically, and you can drive straight through the toll gate. You’ll also get an extra 5% discount if you sign up for their newsletter. If you combine it with the Puttgarden-Rodby crossing you can buy tickets directly at Scandlines.
