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Train, ferry or plane: what is the best way from Oslo to Copenhagen?

Train, bus, overnight ferry and flights compared.

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Short answer

The train is quicker than the bus or the ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen, taking about seven and a half hours via Gothenburg with at least one change. The overnight ferry takes about 17 hours and leaves Oslo at 16:30, and SAS also sells flights on the route.

a red train crossing a bridge, a small airplane above and a ferry on blue water below

Why

  1. West Sweden's tourist board gives train times to Gothenburg of just under 4 hours from Oslo and about 3.5 hours from Copenhagen.
  2. Go Nordic Cruiseline sails between Oslo and Copenhagen overnight, leaving at 16:30 and arriving at 10:00 the next morning.
  3. By bus, the same tourist board gives about 3.5 hours from Oslo to Gothenburg and 5 hours from Copenhagen, and FlixBus runs Copenhagen-Malmö-Gothenburg-Oslo.

Details

Vy sells trains from Oslo to Malmö via Gothenburg, and from Malmö the local train to Copenhagen takes about 30 minutes. The ferry uses Akershusstranda in Oslo and Dampfærgevej in Copenhagen, where a shuttle bus runs to Nørreport and Copenhagen Central Station. SAS sells flights between Oslo and Copenhagen if you want to avoid the long trip on land.

Tip

If you choose the ferry, note that Go Nordic Cruiseline will sail only every other day for a period in 2027 while Nordic Pearl is in dock, so check the sailing schedule.

What may differ

During the Vy train drivers' strike in October 2026, some departures on the RE20 Oslo-Gothenburg line were cancelled. Check the journey planner before you travel.

People also ask

  • Is there a train from Oslo to Copenhagen?
  • How long is the drive from Copenhagen to Oslo?

Sources

Timetables and fares change, so check the operators before you travel.

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