Denmark to Sweden: alternatives to the Øresund Bridge
On this page, you will discover the cheapest, fastest and most comfortable ways to make the crossing from Denmark to Sweden without using the Øresund Bridge.
Why consider alternatives?
The Øresund Bridge is fast, but not always the best option for your journey. Many UK travellers look for an alternative because of the toll costs, the extra miles through Copenhagen, or simply because they prefer to take a break.
Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives that are often cheaper, more comfortable or more strategic. Below you will find the best ways to travel from Denmark to Sweden, or to skip Denmark entirely.
- Øresund Bridge and Great Belt Bridge
- Ferry
- 1Helsingør-Helsingborg
- 2Direct from Germany
- 3From Jutland
The alternatives to the Øresund Bridge: the Helsingør-Helsingborg ferry (1), the direct ferries from Germany to Sweden (2) and the ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg (3).
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg is a good alternative to the Øresund Bridge and is easy to combine with a combo ticket from Puttgarden to Rødby. View the current prices for both crossings at Scandlines here.
1. Ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg
The most popular alternative to the Øresund Bridge is found approximately 45 kilometres north of Copenhagen. At the narrowest point of the Øresund (just 4 km wide), the ferries of Öresundslinjen (formerly ForSea) sail continuously back and forth.
For many drivers, this is a strategic and relaxed choice. Where you drive continuously on the bridge, the ferry offers a welcome breathing space.
Comparison: Øresund Bridge vs. Helsingør Ferry
The table below shows the differences between the two most popular crossings at a glance.
When to choose this route? This route is especially recommended if your destination is further north. Are you travelling to Gothenburg or through to Norway? Then the crossing via Helsingør is often more logical than via Malmö, because you avoid the Copenhagen ring road and cut off a corner.
- Tip: Advantageous combo tickets are also available for this route in combination with the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry.
| Feature | 🌉 Øresund Bridge (Copenhagen-Malmö) | 🚢 Ferry (Helsingør-Helsingborg) |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing type | Bridge & Tunnel (driving) | Ferry (sailing) |
| Travel time (crossing) | Approx. 15 minutes | Approx. 20 minutes |
| Waiting time | None (open 24/7) | Short (sails every 20 min. during the day) |
| Experience | Speed and iconic view | Moment of rest, coffee, stretching legs |
| Ideal for | Destination South Sweden (Malmö/Ystad) | Destination North Sweden, Gothenburg or Oslo |
2. Direct from Germany to Sweden via the night route
If you want to avoid the route through Denmark completely and save miles, you can sail directly from Germany to Sweden. These crossings are particularly popular as night routes, where you sleep on board and arrive rested without long car journeys.
This is a different way of travelling than via the Øresund Bridge. The sailing takes longer, but you save driving time, often a hotel overnight stay, and arrive directly in Sweden, sometimes even further inland than Malmö.
- Ferries from Germany to Sweden
The direct ferries from Kiel, Travemünde and Rostock to Gothenburg, Malmö, Trelleborg and Karlshamn. The ferry to Karlshamn calls at Trelleborg on selected departures.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
When is this route interesting?
These direct crossings are especially interesting if you:
- Want to skip Denmark entirely.
- Want to limit long car journeys.
- Like to travel at night and sleep on board.
- Want to arrive directly in Sweden without bridge or toll.
If you travel via the Øresund Bridge, keep in mind the toll for the crossing. That often makes the route via Denmark faster, but not always the cheapest option.
Please note: These ferries almost always need to be booked in advance and are often more expensive than the route via the Øresund Bridge, especially when you reserve a cabin. On the other hand, you drive less yourself and begin your journey relaxed.
| Route | Sailing time indication | Traveller type | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travemünde to Malmö | approx. 9 hours | The sleeper. Ideal if you want to arrive rested in South Sweden. | View ferry tickets |
| Rostock to Trelleborg | approx. 6 to 7 hours | The in-between solution. Shorter crossing and fast connection towards Malmö. | View ferry tickets |
| Travemünde to Trelleborg | approx. 9 hours | The planner. Flexible arrival and good spread of driving distance. | View ferry tickets |
| Kiel to Gothenburg | approx. 14 to 15 hours | The long crosser. Ideal for West Sweden without detours. | View ferry tickets |
| Travemünde to Karlshamn | approx. 17 hours | The peace seeker. Less crowded, direct arrival in South Sweden. | View ferry tickets |
Travemünde to Malmö: straight to Sweden overnight
To skip Denmark altogether, Finnlines sails from Travemünde near Lübeck directly to Malmö. The crossing takes about 9 hours, with two to three departures a day, most of them overnight. You sleep on board and drive off the ferry rested, already in Sweden.
- Operator
- Finnlines
- Crossing
- about 9 hours (8 hrs 45 min to 9 hrs 15 min)
- Departures
- up to 3 a day, up to 17 a week
- Cabin
- not compulsory, but advisable on an overnight crossing
- Tolls
- none: you skip the Great Belt and the Øresund Bridge
If you add up the Øresund Bridge toll (about £55), the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry and a hotel on the way, the overnight ferry can work out well, especially for a family. The fare varies a lot by departure and cabin, so compare prices for your date.
3. Via Jutland to the Swedish west coast
Should you be holidaying on the Danish mainland (Jutland), driving back to the Øresund Bridge is an illogical detour. In that case, the ferry connections from the east coast of Jutland are a fine alternative. From Frederikshavn you can cross directly to Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast.
- Frederikshavn-Gothenburg ferry
- Great Belt Bridge and Øresund Bridge
The ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg, compared with the route over the Great Belt Bridge and the Øresund Bridge.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Choose the fastest route from Jutland
Want to save time and miles? View the departure times immediately and book your ticket for the crossing that best suits your journey.
| Route | Travel time (indication) | Traveller type | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frederikshavn to Gothenburg | approx. 3 to 4 hours | The quick crosser. Ideal if you want to go directly from Jutland to West Sweden. | View ferry tickets |
Bonus Tip: A day trip to Malmö? Take the train!
Are you already in Copenhagen for a city trip and want to go across to discover Malmö for a day? Then our strong advice is: leave the car behind.
For a day trip, the train is often a lot cheaper and more practical:
- Cheaper: You save the toll costs for the bridge and the high parking fees in Malmö.
- Fast & Easy: The train departs every 20 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station and takes you to the heart of Malmö without parking stress.
Read more about the route by train or view our tips for a day trip to Malmö.
