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Riding the Öresundstag (Öresund Train)

Florian Buechting Other Transportation No Comments

Öresundstag

Öresundstag
3.9

Rating

 3.9/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Very convenient transport, especially between Copenhagen Airport and Sweden
  • Nice regional network in Southern Sweden
  • First Class option
  • Much cheaper than car crossing

Flyctory.com Cons

  • Not the most comfortable train setup

The Öresund Bridge connecting Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden revolutionized did not only revolutionize travel and transport between the two countries. The 7.8 kilometer cable-stayed bridge, connected to a 4 kilometer long tunnel, is a key milestone to connect all European countries. Apart from car and commercial vehicle traffic, the bridge also features rail connections. One key provider of rail connections between Denmark and Sweden is Öresundstag (Öresund Train). I take you on a ride with the regional rail company driven by Transdev and Skanetrafiken.

 

Öresundstag – Network & Tariff

Even though the company name does suggest a rather small network. Öresundstag in fact has quite some connections in Denmark and Southern Sweden. There are just six stations served in Denmark, all in Copenhagen, with Osterport being the terminal stop and Copenhagen Main Station and the Copenhagen Airport (CPH) station being the most prominent ones. After passing the Öresund Bridge, the first station in Sweden in Hyllie, right next to Malmö Arena. However, trains do not only connect to Malmö, but also to Kalmar, Karlskrona and Gothenburg. At Copenhagen Airport, there are designated ticket machines for tickets to Sweden.

To give you some sample fares, a flexible ticket from Copenhagen Airport to Malmö Centralstation in second class is 162 SEK, roughly 14 Euro. Riding the route in first class is 215 SEK. The 3 1/2 hour trip from Copenhagen’s aiport to Gothenburg is roughly 550 SEK 2nd class / 640 SEK First Class. If you book in advance, you may also reserve a seat (for a rather limited fee). You cannot buy tickets onboard the train. A convenient way of ticketing is also using the company’s app. As both countries are in Schengen area, there are typically no border controls. There may be scattered customs controls, though, which are typically performed in Hyllie.

 

Öresundstag – The Rolling Stock

The typical Öresundstag rolling stock are the ET/X31K electrically powered trains, which are manufactured by Bombardier. The trains are equivalent to the IC3 family used by Danish rail DSB, but can work on Swedish as well as on Danish power supply. A trainset of three carriages holds 237 seats. Typically, there are are two or more trainsets linked to each other. The top speed of the trains is 180 km/h.

 

Öresundstag – 2nd Class

The entrance area of some of the second class coaches have extra space for luggage, bicycles and wheelchairs. However, the main compartment comes in a 2-2 configuration. Most of the seats are just in line with foldable tables in the backseat in front of you. However, there are also groups of four seats facing each other with a small table. Öresundstag provides (Euopean style) power outlets. Potential reservations are shown in a display above the seat, where is also space for additional luggage. Seat pitch is reasonable for a regional train and absolutely fine if you just want to commute over the Öresund. In the second class area, there are also bathrooms, which include wheelchair-accessible options. Free WiFi is available throughout the train and works reasonably well.

 

Öresundstag – 1st Class

The small first class compartment at one end of the train come with a 2-2 seating as well. The section is rather small and just holds twelve seats. However, the seats are more comfy and also have a better seat pitch. The seats facing each other have a full size table, which is very convenient if you want to work in the train. There is also a luggage rack at the entrance to the first class section, which is not too large, but typically works out. On the opposite side, there is also a wardrobe. Power outlets are located underneath each seat.

 

Öresundstag – My View

I love being in Malmö and thus really enjoy the Öresund Bridge and the Öresund train. The train is nice for short travel. I also had a trip from Gothenburg to Copenhagen Airport once, which worked out really fine. The train is really popular, so that second class may be rather packed. There are also scattered coach services, especially between Copenhagen Airport and Malmö as well as Gothenburg, but overall, I really enjoy Öresund train, even though comfort is limited compared to long-distance train competitors.Compared to driving a car over the bridge (one time crossing, basic fee: 455 DKK / 60 Euro (there are multiple ways to already discount a return trip, though), it is a real bargain.

 

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