Introduction: A Bridge That Changed Two Countries
When the Øresund Bridge opened on 1 July 2000, it did more than connect two cities. It joined two countries, two cultures, and two economies in a way that had never been done before across the Øresund strait. What had previously required a ferry crossing of 45 minutes or more became a 35-minute train ride or a 10-minute drive. The transformation of the Øresund Region — the cross-border metropolitan area centred on Copenhagen and Malmö — is one of the most remarkable infrastructure stories in modern European history.
Today, the bridge carries approximately 18,000 vehicles per day, and the Øresund Line railway transports millions of passengers annually. Whether you are a first-time tourist planning a day trip, a commuter who crosses regularly, or simply curious about one of Europe's most celebrated engineering achievements, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Independent Resource
This guide is produced by an independent editorial team. It is not affiliated with Øresundsbron, Danish or Swedish authorities, or any official toll operator. Always verify current prices and schedules with official sources before travel.
The Structure: Bridge, Island, and Tunnel
The Øresund Link — the official name for the full crossing — is not simply a bridge. It is a remarkable three-part engineering system that combines a cable-stayed bridge, an artificial island, and an immersed tunnel into a single seamless route.
The Bridge Section
The bridge itself stretches 7,845 metres from the Swedish coast to the artificial island of Peberholm. It is a cable-stayed design with two main pylons rising 204 metres above the water. The longest span between the pylons measures 490 metres, and the clearance beneath the bridge is 57 metres — sufficient for large ocean-going vessels to pass underneath. The bridge carries a four-lane motorway on its upper deck and a double-track railway on its lower deck, making it one of the few structures in the world to serve both road and rail traffic simultaneously.
Peberholm Island
Peberholm is an artificial island created specifically for the Øresund Link. Positioned in the middle of the strait, it serves as the transition point between the bridge and the tunnel. The island was constructed from material dredged during the tunnel excavation, and it has since developed into an unexpected nature reserve — largely undisturbed by human activity, it has become home to numerous plant and animal species that have colonised it naturally.
The Drogden Tunnel
From Peberholm, the route continues as a 4,050-metre immersed tunnel beneath the Drogden channel to the Danish island of Amager, near Copenhagen Airport. The tunnel was chosen for this section rather than a continuation of the bridge for three practical reasons: to avoid interference with flight paths at Copenhagen Airport, to maintain a clear shipping channel in all weather conditions, and to prevent ice floes from blocking the strait in winter.
| Section | Length | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drogden Tunnel | 4.05 km | Immersed tunnel | Under Drogden channel, near Copenhagen Airport |
| Peberholm Island | ~4 km | Artificial island | Transition between tunnel and bridge; nature reserve |
| Cable-stayed Bridge | 7.845 km | Cable-stayed | 204m pylons; road + rail dual deck |
| Total Link | ~15.9 km | Combined | Denmark to Sweden |
Crossing by Car: What to Expect
Driving across the Øresund Bridge is a straightforward experience, though there are a few things worth knowing before you set off. The motorway approach from Copenhagen leads through the Drogden Tunnel first — you will spend the first few minutes of your crossing underground before emerging onto the bridge and experiencing the full panoramic view across the Øresund strait.
The Toll System
All vehicles crossing the bridge must pay a toll. The toll is collected on the Swedish side of the bridge, at the Lernacken toll plaza near Malmö. Payment can be made in several ways: at the toll booth by card or cash, via a pre-purchased online ticket, or through the ØresundGO discount agreement for frequent users.
Important Note
Toll prices are subject to change. The figures in this guide reflect rates as of May 2026. Always check the official Øresundsbron website for the most current pricing before your journey.
Speed Limits and Driving Rules
The speed limit on the bridge is 90 km/h. On the approach roads and in the tunnel, standard Danish and Swedish motorway rules apply. The bridge is generally well-maintained and safe to drive in all weather conditions, though in rare cases of extreme wind, the bridge may be closed to high-sided vehicles or, in exceptional circumstances, to all traffic.
Car vs. Train: A Practical Comparison
| Factor | By Car | By Train |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | ~10–15 min (bridge only) | ~35 min (city centre to city centre) |
| Cost (solo) | 465–520 DKK + fuel | ~80–130 DKK |
| Cost (4 people) | ~130 DKK per person (ØresundGO) | ~320–520 DKK total |
| Flexibility | High — depart any time | Good — trains every 20 min |
| Parking needed | Yes (both cities) | No |
| Environment | Higher emissions | Lower emissions |
Crossing by Train: The Øresund Line
For most travellers — especially solo visitors and city-to-city commuters — the train is the most practical and economical way to cross the Øresund. The Øresund Line (Øresundståg in Swedish, Øresundstog in Danish) runs directly across the bridge, connecting Copenhagen Central Station (København H) with Malmö Central Station (Malmö C) in approximately 35 minutes.
Trains run approximately every 20 minutes during the day and every hour late at night. The service is operated jointly by DSB in Denmark and Öresundståg in Sweden. Tickets can be purchased at station machines, through the DSB or Skånetrafiken apps, or at ticket offices. Prices vary depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book.
Key Train Stations
On the Danish side, trains stop at Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) before crossing the bridge — making the Øresund Line an excellent option for travellers arriving at or departing from Copenhagen Airport who wish to continue to Malmö. On the Swedish side, the first stop after the bridge is Hyllie, followed by Malmö C.
Practical Travel Checklist
Before You Cross
- Carry valid ID or passport (border controls may be in place)
- Check current toll prices at oresundsbron.com
- Consider purchasing an online ticket in advance to save time
- Check for any traffic or weather disruptions before departure
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy for motorway driving
- Have a payment method ready (card accepted at toll booths)
- Download the Øresundsbron app for real-time traffic updates
Border Crossing and Documentation
Both Denmark and Sweden are members of the Schengen Area, which in principle means that passport checks are not required when crossing between the two countries. However, both countries have at various times introduced temporary border controls in response to security concerns or migration pressures. It is strongly advisable to carry a valid passport or national identity card when crossing, regardless of your nationality.
Non-EU/EEA citizens should always carry their passport and any relevant visas or residence permits. If you are driving, you will also need your driving licence, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance valid in both countries.
History: From Proposal to Reality
The idea of a fixed link across the Øresund is far older than the bridge itself. Proposals for a crossing were first formally advanced in the 1930s, and serious planning began in the 1950s. The Danish and Swedish governments signed an agreement to build a fixed link in 1973, but the project was cancelled in 1978 due to economic pressures and growing environmental concerns.
Interest revived in the 1980s, and a new agreement was signed in 1991. Construction began in 1995, and the bridge was completed ahead of schedule. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden officially inaugurated the bridge on 1 July 2000, meeting in the middle of the bridge in a ceremony that symbolised the new era of Scandinavian connectivity.
The bridge received the 2002 IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, recognising its engineering excellence and its significance for European infrastructure.
The Øresund Region Today
The opening of the bridge transformed the Øresund Region into one of the most integrated cross-border metropolitan areas in the world. Today, tens of thousands of people commute daily between Denmark and Sweden. The region has a combined population of approximately 4 million people, a shared labour market, and a thriving innovation ecosystem anchored by institutions including the University of Copenhagen, Lund University, and the Copenhagen-Malmö Port.
The bridge also had a profound cultural impact. The Danish-Swedish crime drama Broen (The Bridge), which premiered in 2011, used the Øresund Bridge as its central setting and became an international television phenomenon, introducing the bridge to audiences worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency is accepted at the toll booth?
The toll can be paid in Danish kroner (DKK), Swedish kronor (SEK), or euros (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. The toll is officially priced in DKK.
Is the bridge open 24 hours?
Yes. The Øresund Bridge is open to road traffic 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, except in rare cases of extreme weather or emergency maintenance. Train services run throughout the night, though less frequently.
Can I take a bus across the bridge?
Yes. FlixBus and other coach operators run services across the Øresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö (and beyond). This can be a very economical option for budget travellers.