Denmark
General train travel information for DENMARK. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
In 1847, the first passenger rail line between Copenhagen and Roskilde was opened in Denmark, laying the foundation for passenger rail transportation in the country.
In the late 19th century, private railroad companies built and operated various lines, expanding the network and connecting Denmark's main cities and regions.
During the 20th century, passenger rail transportation in Denmark continued to develop and improve. In the 1930s, the introduction of diesel trains increased the efficiency and speed of transportation. By the end of the century, the country had modernized its railway infrastructure, including electrification of many lines.
In present times, Denmark offers a modern and efficient passenger rail transportation system. The national rail operator DSB provides a wide range of routes and timetables for passengers. Technological innovations such as e-ticketing and mobile ticketing applications facilitate the travel process and increase passenger convenience.
General Information and Statistics
In Denmark, the main rail passenger transportation operator is Danske Statsbaner (DSB). In 2020, DSB's customers took 120.1 million journeys – a decrease of 36 percent compared to 2019.
The Danish rail transportation system consists of 2,633 km of rail lines, of which 951 km are electrified. As of 2022, the total number of stations in Denmark is 567.
What connections to other countries there are.
Frequent rail connections to neighboring countries including Sweden, Germany and Norway (via Gothenburg, Sweden).
Are trains fast in Denmark in general? How much time to cross the country?
As part of "The Hour Model" strategy, a new high-speed rail line between Copenhagen and Ringsted was opened in 2019. This line allows trains to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
The plans also include improvements and modernization of existing rail lines, including increasing speeds to 200 km/h on the route between Ringsted and Odense. The journey from Hjørring to Husum 7:38 hours and from Frankfurt am Copenhagen to Esbjerg 3:35 hours.
What railway companies are available?
Maintenance work on most Danish railway lines is done by Banedanmark, a state-owned company that also allocates tracks for train operators. The majority of passenger trains are operated by DSB, with Arriva and Nordjyske Jernbaner operating on some lines in Jutland. Goods transport is mainly performed by DB Schenker Rail, although other operators take care of a significant portion of the non-transit traffic.
What train types are available in Denmark
• Eurocity is an international high-speed train on two rail lines. One connects Copenhagen to Hamburg via Vogelfluglinie station and the Rodby - Puttgarden ferry. The second connects Aarhus to Hamburg via Padborg and Flensburg.
• Intercity is Denmark's most important long-distance train, running hourly from Copenhagen to cities such as Aarhus, Aalborg and Flensburg or Esbjerg and Fredericia. These trains are similar to Eurocity trains, but they also have power outlets, Wi-Fi, disabled access and bicycle transportation.
• IntercityLyn - important long-distance trains in Denmark that have similar amenities and connections to intercity trains, but make fewer stops.
• Regionaltog - a regional train used on all Danish routes. Trains are slow and stop at all stations. Seat reservations are not possible.
- The MF series is also used as IntercityLyn and Intercity and offers air conditioning, low floor and disabled facilities, as well as 1st and 2nd class with power sockets.
- ME series with bunk cars, air conditioning, low floor and handicapped equipment, and 1st and 2nd class. These commuter trains run from Copenhagen to Holbæk, Kalundborg, Nestevd, Nykobing F and Rodby.
- The MQ type is used for the regional service between Odense and Svendborg
- The S-tog is an S-Bahn train from Copenhagen that runs on a circular line around the city center and also serves various parts of the city and suburbs.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
The first high-speed railway in Denmark was the Copenhagen–Ringsted Line, completed in late 2018 and opened in 2019. Further high-speed lines are currently under planning
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Denmark are Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg.
Websites to buy train tickets for Denmark?
dsb.dk, omio.com
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Denmark?
Deutsche Bahn has a nice app “DSB App”.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Denmark?
Tickets can be bought online, in DSB Salg & Service at the main train station in Aarhus, Copenhagen or Odense or call +45 70 13 14 18 well in advance of departure.
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Tickets can be bought online, in DSB Salg & Service at the main train station in Aarhus, Copenhagen or Odense or call +45 70 13 14 18 well in advance of departure.
Return the ticket.
If you wish to have your ticket refunded, you may send it to DSB's Customer Centre at the address: DSB Kundecenter, P.O. box 363, DK-2630 Taastrup. Tickets bought via dsb.dk/netbutik or via the DSB App are refundable until the day before.
Train ticket prices
DSB doesn't often offer special prices, tickets are divided into:
• Orange ticket: This ticket offers affordable fares for travel within a certain zone or region on DSB trains.
• Rejsekort ticket: Use Rejsekort for convenient and easy travel on DSB trains, with the fare deducted automatically.
• DSB 1,7,30 ticket: Unlimited number of DSB train journeys for one, seven or 30 days within a certain zone or region.
You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Germany for as little as EUR 17 - even on major routes such as Munich to Berlin.
Prices vary according to distance, for example a train from Copenhagen to Esbjerg will cost from 13.3 € for an Orange ticket.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
Different companies provide international connections between Denmark and neighboring countries. From Copenhagen to Malmö from EUR 13. And from Fredericia to Hamburg from EUR 33.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on www.dsb.dk/en, https://www.trainoclock.com/en-DK/timetable
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
Booking tickets in advance, no more than two months prior to travel, is recommended.
Types of tickets.
-Orange ticket: This ticket offers affordable fares for travel within a certain zone or region on DSB trains.
-Rejsekort ticket: Use Rejsekort for convenient and easy travel on DSB trains, with the fare deducted automatically.
-DSB 1,7,30 ticket: Unlimited number of DSB train journeys for one, seven or 30 days within a certain zone or region.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Denmark
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Denmark
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website using their app.
Saver price.
The most favourable off-peak tickets can be found on the railway operator's website under "DSB Orange".
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
"Standard" is completely flexible and refundable. It is valid for a specific date, but not for a specific departure time, so if you decide to go earlier or later in the day, it won't hurt. Seat reservations can be added to the ticket – for a specific departure time, of course.
Rules of boarding.
Your ticket should have your ID written on it, so you will need your personal ID when you board, in addition to your ticket.
Discounts for group travel.
A minimum of 8 adults must be traveling together to receive the DSB group ticket discount.
Save up to 50% if you buy your ticket in advance and travel at a less popular time.
Book your tickets 6 months before departure.
Children travel at half price.
Everyone must have a seat ticket
Age groups and discounts.
Children between 12 and 16 pay half price. Two children under the age of 12 travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
Pensioners 67 years of age and older are eligible to purchase a Pensioner Card. The Pensioner Card is not valid during peak hours from 7:00 to 9:00 on weekdays. Prices start from 88.5 €
Orange Fri tickets are even cheaper if you are 16-25 years old, if you are over 65 years old or if you are participating in an educational program eligible for a Danish government education grant. If you book in advance, you can save up to 78% compared to a standard adult ticket.
Age limitations for minors.
From the age of 12, children can travel unaccompanied.
Handicapped passengers.
The service for disabled persons is an additional individualized assistance for a person with a disability. You can receive assistance with luggage weighing up to 20 kg. Book the disabled service by filling in the form or by calling DSB customer service on +45 70 13 14 19 at least 12 hours in advance on a 24-hour basis.
How do I get on a train with a wheelchair?
For category S trains, the entrance to the train must be via a ramp. The train driver must provide one at your request.
Øresund trains on the Kistbanen-Kastrupbanen route and throughout Øresund have level access, so people with disabilities can travel spontaneously, without having to order assistance in advance.
Seat reservations in Denmark trains.
Within Denmark, you can generally hop on any train with just your pass in hand. Reservations are required, though, on some international routes (such as overnight trains and Swedish-run high-speed trains serving Copenhagen), as indicated in online train schedules.
Comfort classes on the trains.
There are two types of comfort, stadnart and DSB 1'.With DSB 1' you get the added comfort of more personal space, coffee, tea, bottled water and snacks. Of course, this ticket is also fully flexible and refundable.
Food and drink in Denmark trains / train restaurant.
• If you are traveling on InterCity or InterCityLyn trains, you will find a vending machine at the entrance to the train where you can buy soft drinks. You can choose from several flavors and pay by credit card.
• DSB Kaffe Expressen offers freshly prepared coffee, tea and cocoa, butter buns, cinnamon rolls and snacks on Express, IC and International trains between Copenhagen-Arhus/Padborg and Aarhus-Padborg.
• Get a 20% discount at the 7-Eleven store
If you make it to the 7-Eleven store at the train station before you board your train, you can get 20% off everything from croissants, coffee, cocoa, crispy snails and French hot dogs. All you need to do is sign up for the DSB Plus program.
Night trains in Denmark?
A small number of trains are present on the Danish railroad:
SJ Euronight (EN)
Berlin (from March 31) - Hamburg - Copenhagen Airport - Malmö - Stockholm (Daily)
Snälltåget
Berlin - Hamburg - Copenhagen Ørestad - Malmö - Stockholm
Runs daily except Saturdays
Also used as a day train from Copenhagen Ørestad to Stockholm
Important train routes in Denmark.
Copenhagen - Aalborg / from 5:04 hours / from 21.7 EUR / 3 trains a day (August 2023)
Copenhagen - Aarhus / from 3:42 hours / from 15,90 EUR / 3 trains a day (August 2023)
Copenhagen - Esbjerg / from 2:36 hours / from 15.90 EUR / 4 trains a day (August 2023)
Copenhagen - Odense / from 1:32 hours / from 11.90 EUR / 2 trains a day (August 2023)
Aalborg - Hirtshals / from 1:10 hours / from 10.70 EUR / 2 trains a day (August 2023)
Aalborg - Frederikshavn / 1:11 hours / from 13.40 EUR / 2 trains a day (August 2023)
International train routes.
Frequent rail connections to neighboring countries including Sweden, Germany and Norway (via Gothenburg, Sweden).
Tourist / scenic routes in Denmark.
Copenhagen, the very affordable and safe capital of Denmark, will make you feel welcome. It is on par with London and Amsterdam in terms of costliness, but don't let that put you off. There are various free attractions and activities throughout the city that will save you from spending a lot of money. Check out the popular National Museum, housed within the walls of an 18th century mansion. Another interesting free attraction is the National Museum of Art (Statens Museum for Kunst). Copenhagen is very easy to get around, either on foot or by free city bike.
The National Museum is a 5-minute walk from the main train station, and the National Gallery is a 10-minute walk from Nørreport Station.
Denmark's second largest city, Aarhus, is characterized by a dynamic music and entertainment scene that is as vibrant as the capital's. The city attracts partygoers from all over Scandinavia with its youthful and student atmosphere, not to mention a variety of cultural events. Train is a partygoer's dream, with some of the best international DJs and musicians coming here. As it is a student city, there are also many bars offering student nights out and special deals on entry and drinks.
Train is a 10-minute walk from Aarhus main train station
Visit Denmark's treasure house, the elegant and majestic Frederiksborg Castle. The castle was built on three islands located on the sparkling Palace Lake in Hillerød. The magnificent Renaissance castle and manicured Baroque gardens are a legacy of the Danish monarchy. The castle is also home to the National History Museum, which houses the most significant collection of Danish paintings.
Luggage information.
Usually, you may only bring luggage you can easily carry yourself. Hand luggage whose dimensions do not exceed 100 x 60 x 30 cm must be placed above or under your seat or in the designated luggage areas. It is allowed to bring three pieces of hand luggage per person.
Bicycle on the train.
Local and regional trains usually allow you to take your bike free of charge at off-peak times. For long-distance trains, you need to buy a ticket and make a reservation for your bike, which usually costs EUR 9. Folding bikes can usually be taken free of charge.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Large items, such as skis, prams and large musical instruments can only be brought onboard if the train have designated areas.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Denmark.
Luggage boxes are available at the main train stations in Denmark. The luggage box can be used for a maximum of 7 days.
Lost and Found Items.
If you have forgotten something on your train journey with DSB, you can make an enquiry using the form at dsb.dk/en/lost-and-found
Pets on the trains.
Small animals in a carrier no larger than 100 x 60 x 30 cm can travel free of charge. Large dogs require a child ticket and must be on a leash. Guide dogs are admitted free of charge. Pictograms indicate the pet spaces. Large dog registration can be done at Rejsekort Flex.
select city
Do you have further questions and need assistance? Do not hesitate to ask in our friendly forum where you always get detailed help.
