What are trains in Denmark like?

Denmark has an efficient railway system with fast Intercity trains connecting all regions and cities of the country, together with international trains to Germany and Sweden. You can read all about the different train types serving Denmark on this page, as well as how to book them.

Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on all trains in Denmark.
Tickets and reservations for services to/from Germany can be bought via the Happyrail planner.
Read all about making reservations for Danish trains: Denmark Eurail Reservations

Happyrail's Rail Tour package deals to Scandinavia can be booked starting in Copenhagen. These package deals feature a day-to-day itinerary planned and booked by us, including all train tickets, hotels, seat reservations, airport transfers, daily guides and more. They are a great way of exploring the most scenic Danish and Scandinavian cities and railways!

Danish train types

National long-distance trains (IC, ICL)

National long-distance trains are run by state operator DSB and run between all major cities in Denmark. ICL trains are the fastest trains and only stop at the largest stations, while IC trains make some stops at smaller stations as well. They are run with comfortable trainsets featuring free wifi, power sockets and free drinks and snacks in first class.

Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on all Danish trains, with the exception of a few local trains (indicated in the Eurail app).
Reservations are optional but generally not necessary. They can be bought via the Eurail app after purchasing a pass via Happyrail.
Second class features comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration with free wifi and power sockets available on almost all trains.
First class features more comfortable and more adjustable seats in either a 2+2 or 2+1 configuration. A free coffee corner with coffee, tea, snacks and newspapers is available (see below), and the train steward will come around with additional snacks. First class is generally quieter.

Eurocity trains Germany-Denmark

Long-distance trains called Eurocity (EC) run between Copenhagen and Hamburg, connecting the two cities in under 5 hours.

All tickets for this service can be bought via the Happyrail planner.
Reservations are mandatory. Reservations can be bought alongside your ticket (select your seat on the seating map).
Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on these trains. A seat reservation (which is mandatory) can be bought in the Happyrail planner by seleecting 'reservations'.
Second class features comfortable seats in a 2+2 configuration in open-plan carriages. Free wifi and power sockets are available but no catering is available until new trains arrive from 2026/2027.
First class features adjustable leather seats in 6-person compartments. Free wifi and power sockets are available. Water bottles and snacks are distributed after boarding by the train attendants, but apart from this no catering is available (until new trains arrive in 2026/2027).

Oresundstag trains Denmark-Sweden

Oresundstag is the name for regional trains running between Denmark and Sweden using the Oresund bridge. They connect major cities like Copenhagen (as well as Copenhagen airport), Malmo, Lund and Helsingborg.

Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on all Oresundstag trains. Reservations are technically available but rarely made; just take any free seat.
Oresundstag trains run very frequently, up to every 20 minutes on the core route between Copenhagen and Malmo.
Second class features comfortable chairs in a 2+2 configuration with free wifi available. At least one coach per train (and often two coaches each train) features a special low-floor entrance with a dedicated luggage space area; useful for example when travelling to/from the airport in Copenhagen with luggage.
First class features more comfortable seats with extra padding, more adjustment and more legroom. First class is generally quieter.

X2/X2000 high-speed trains Denmark-Sweden

High-speed X2 (also called X2000) trains connect Copenhagen with destinations in Sweden like Malmo, Lund and Stockholm. These are operated by Swedish state railways SJ. The trains are supremely comfortable in both 1st and 2nd class, feature Scandinavian-designed electronically adjustable seats and a high-quality bistro carriage.

In the 2025 timetable direct Copenhagen-Stockholmservices are temporarily suspended. You can take a regional Oresundtag (see above) to Malmo to change for a direct X2 high-speed train to Stockholm. Oresundstag are regional trains that run very frequently, and a reservation is not necessary. The Copenhagen-Malmo journey takes just 40 minutes by Oresundstag.

A reservation is required. Read all about making reservations on board of Swedish trains on Sweden: Eurail Reservations.
Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on all X2 trains
Read all about X2 trains and their amenities on the page Sweden: what are X2 high-speed trains like?

Euronight (EN) and Snälltaget sleeper trains Berlin-Hamburg-Copenhagen-Sweden

Travelling from Berlin to Denmark or Sweden, you have a choice between two sleeper trains: the Euronight (EN) train operated by Swedish railways SJ, and the Snälltaget private sleeper train. Going to and from Denmark, both trains stop in Copenhagen, but due to early arrival and late departure, the Euronight can only be booked with seating to/from Copenhagen. Snälltaget can be booked with couchette (hard sleeper) to/from Copenhagen.

Eurail passes as booked via Happyrail are valid on both trains.
Reservations for seats or sleeping options can be booked via the Eurail app after booking your pass via Happyrail.
Couchette compartments (up to 6 people) can be booked either shared or privately on both trains. Soft sleeper compartments on the Euronight train can be booked either shared or privately.

	Euronight (EN)	Snälltaget
Routes	Berlin - Hamburg - Copenhagen Airport - Mälmo - Stockholm	(Dresden* -) Berlin - Hamburg - Copenhagen Oerestad - Mälmo -Stockholm
Eurail pass valid	Yes	Yes
Stop in Copenhagen	Copenhagen Airport station (12 minutes by train from city center)	Oerestad station (6 minutes by train from city center)
Bookings to/from Copenhagen	Seats only, no sleeping options due to early arrival/late departure in Copenhagen	All seated and sleeping options available to/from Copenhagen
2nd class seating	Yes	Yes
Couchette (hard sleeper) compartments	Yes (shared or private)	Yes (shared or private)
Soft sleeper compartments	Yes (choice between 2nd and 1st class, the latter with ensuite bathroom)	No
Onboard catering	Breakfast (included in fare) and mini-buffet in soft sleeper, no catering options in couchette or 2nd class seating	Restaurant car available to all passengers, breakfast available for an extra surcharge

*To/from Dresden on some dates only.

Snälltaget features second-class seating, generally in open-plan carriages. Free wifi is available to all passengers.
Euronight train features second-class seating in closed or semi-open compartments. Power sockets are available. Wifi is not available. Pictured underneath: Euronight 2nd class seating. Picture credit: Swedish Railways SJ.
Both Euronight and Snälltaget feature couchette (hard sleeper) coaches feature shared sleeping compartments for up to 6 people. Bedding is always included in the price or reservation. Both mixed, men-only and women-only shared compartments are available.
Pictured: a 6-person couchette coach in a central-European Euronight train. The Germany-Sweden Euronight and Snälltaget trains features the same type of couchette car, details may be different.
Euronight second-class sleeper coaches feature more comfortable sleeping compartments for 1 to 3 people, booked either shared or privately. The beds are made of real matrasses, more comfortable than in couchette. Bedding and a small breakfast served before arrival are included. included. Each compartment as a power outlet and a sink. Pictured is a ÖBB Nightjet sleeping compartment. Euronight Germany-Sweden uses similar coaches, details may differ.
Euronight first-class sleeper compartments feature wider beds and an ensuite shower and WC in each compartment. Like in second-class sleeper compartments, bedding and breakfast are included.

Local trains

Local trains are named Regionaltog (IR, Rt, R, RE) or Lokaltog (L). Suburban trains around Copenhagen are named S or S-Tog. They are operated by different carriers using different train types.

Eurail passes as bought via Happyrail are valid on all regional trains of all different companies, including the largest operators DSB and GoCollective.
- There are a few exceptions of local lines not covered by your pass (these will show up in the Eurail app as not covered).
Reservations are not possible for regional train. Just turn up at the train station and go!

Local trains generally feature first and second class, as well as free wifi. Some local services only feature 2nd class. Catering is not available on most trains, but many Danish train stations feature a small shop or kiosk with snacks and drinks. Some DSB regional trains may have a vending machine for snacks and drinks on board. Pictured: second class in a regional train operated by Gocollective.