Stockholm, Malmö or Göteborg to Oslo (and Norway)

On most weekdays, SJ run 3 high speed trains between Stockholm and Oslo. Tickets (which include seat reservations) can be purchased from SJ.  Tickets for onwards travel in Norway can be purchased from Entur. I recommend 2 hours for changing trains in Oslo (or flexible tickets for onward travel from Oslo). This is because the Agreement for Journey Continuation is not valid as none of the rail providers in Norway have signed it.

An exception if your point of departure in Sweden is Göteborg: Vy operate trains from Göteborg to Oslo, and onwards from Oslo. This means that, if you buy tickets from them for your entire journey, they need to take care of you if you miss your connection in Oslo. (Note that if your point of departure is Malmö, you will still be changing trains to one that is operated by a rail provider who has not signed the Agreement for Journey Continuation. This will happen either in Göteborg or Oslo I recommend allowing 2 hours for this transfer (or flexible tickets for the onward part of your journey).

For business travel from Sweden to southern Norway, I recommend buying separate tickets from SJ (to either Göteborg or Oslo) and from Entur for onwards travel from Oslo.

For Trondheim or Narvik, I recommend buying tickets from SJ.

For Trondheim: SJ usually sells tickets for 1 or 2 combinations of day trains (change in Östersund and Storlien) and 1 night train (change in Storlien in the morning).

For Narvik: SJ usually operates one night train that takes you all the way (an 18-hour journey!).

I do not recommend Interrail for business travel from Sweden to Norway. This is because:

• Most journeys can be accomplished within 1 day, and the shortest Interrail pass is 4 days in 1 month.

• Seat reservations are required in both Sweden and Norway, which adds to the cost and reduces flexibility.

Example train times*

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 05:40 – 11:10 Oslo S 14:25 (a) – 21:32 Bergen

Return

• Bergen 06:21 (b) – 13:05 Oslo S 16:52 – 22:21 Stockholm C

(a) There is an earlier train from Oslo (12:03) that arrives in Bergen at 19:10. This works if you have changeable tickets from Bergen to Oslo.

(b) There is a later train from Bergen (08:08) that arrives in Oslo at 15:05. This works if you have changeable tickets from Oslo to Stockholm.

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Stockholm to Haparanda/Tornio (and Finland)

On most days, SJ operates at least 1 combination of night and day trains between Stockholm and Haparanda (change in Luleå). You get to Haparanda with plenty of time (9 hours!) to transfer (on foot) to Tornio for the night train to Helsinki, which usually runs 4 times each week and is operated by Finish Railways. You also have plenty of time (6 hours) on the return journey. Tickets can be purchased from SJ (https://www.sj.se/) as far as Haparanda, and from Finish Railways for onwards travel from Tornio to Helsinki (and other destinations in Finland).

(Tip: To buy tickets for the return journey by train (not bus), use the filter “Via: Boden C”.)

Rail travellers recommend walking by the footbridge from Haparanda Railway Station to Tornio Railway Station. I have not tried it (yet), but according to Google Maps, it’s a 3 km walk that takes 45 minutes.

For rail journeys from Sweden to Finland, I recommend buying tickets from SJ to get to Haparanda Railway Station, and from Finish Railways for onwards travel in Finland from Tornio Railway Station.

I also recommend a private sleeper cabin on SJ (2nd class are nicer – but often more expensive for single occupancy – than 1st class). First class sleeper cabins are en suite (but this tends to mean that they smell a bit …). In 2nd class, toilets (and showers) are at the end of each wagon (which is where you want them if the plumbing isn’t great …).

I recommend a sleeper cabin in Finland. This will be single occupancy, because Finish Railways do not sell individual sleeping berths in cabins. There are cabins with an en suite toilet/shower and air conditioning, and (cheaper) cabins with a toilet at the end of the corridor, and without air conditioning.

If four nights on night trains feels like one too many, one way of reducing the carbon footprint of a business trip to Finland is to take the train to Finland and return to Sweden by ferry. This can make practical sense, because night trains between Tornio and Helsinki do not run every day.

I do not recommend Interrail for business travel from Sweden to Finland. This is because:

• In Sweden, unless you are willing to share a sleeper cabin, you will only get a reduced price with Interrail if there are 1st class sleepers available (not all night trains have 1st class).

• In Finland, the price reduction for Interrail is only 50% of the standard ticket price.

Example train times*

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 21:55 – 10:51 (Day 2) Boden C

• Day 2: Boden C 12:04 – 13:29 Haparanda – Tornio 22:16 – 10:32 (Day 3) Helsinki

 Return

• Day 1: Helsinki 20:29 – 08:21 (Day 2) Tornio

• Day 2: Haparanda 14:28 – 15:53 Boden C 17:54 – 07:01 (Day 3) Stockholm C

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Sweden to Copenhagen (and Denmark)

For most days, SJ sells tickets for hourly combinations of trains that will get you from Stockholm to Copenhagen (change in Malmö). Typical journey times are around 6 hours. This includes the transfer in Malmö. Tickets (which include seat reservations) can be purchased from SJ.  Tickets for onwards travel in Denmark can be purchased from Danish State Railways. Make sure to buy not only passenger (“rejsende”) tickets but also seat reservations (“pladsbiletter”), because these are sold separately (see “Buying tickets”).

I recommend 2 hours for changing trains in Copenhagen (or changeable tickets, i.e., “DSB Standard” or “DSB 1’”) for your onwards journey in Denmark. Although both SJ and Danish State Railways have signed the Agreement for Journey Continuation, you are changing trains not only in Copenhagen but also in Malmö (which doubles your chances for something going wrong …). The same is true for the return journey (more so, because SJ require seat reservations). An (early) morning train to Copenhagen, lunch near/at the station, before continuing from Copenhagen to your final destination in the afternoon can make for a far less stressful journey.

I do not recommend Interrail for business travel from Sweden to Denmark. This is because most journeys can be accomplished within 1 day, and the shortest Interrail pass is 4 days in 1 month.

Example train times*

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H

 Return

• Köpenhamn H 13:14 (a) – 13:55 Malmö C 15:07 – 19:32 Stockholm C

(a) To access these (or similar times), you will need to use the filter to set the minimum transfer time to 1 hour in Malmö. This allows time for a snack in Malmö and plenty of time for what might otherwise be a stressful transfer.

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Option 1 – Day trains to Hamburg

This is my preferred option. I recommend travelling with SJ between Stockholm and Malmö, with Öresundståg between Malmö and Copenhagen and with DSB International or DB International between Copenhagen and Hamburg. I recommend 2 hours for changing trains in Copenhagen, because you are changing trains not only in Copenhagen but also in Malmö (or 2½ hours, so that, if your train is on time, you have time for an open sandwich at the harbour in Nyhavn, a pleasant 30-minute walk through Copenhagen).

I do not recommend using Interrail for this journey. This is because it’s a 1-day journey, and the shortest Interrail pass is 4 days in 1 month. Instead, I recommend buying tickets from SJ (as far as Copenhagen) and either Danish State Railways and DSB International for the onward journey will be cheaper (see Buying tickets).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

Return

• Hamburg Hbf 08:50 (a) – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 (b) – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(a) Check this time with DSB International on the morning of your departure as it tends to be changed (and sometimes to an earlier time) at short notice.

(b) To access these (or similar times), you will need to use the filter to set the minimum transfer time to 1 hour in Malmö. This allows time for a snack in Malmö and plenty of time for what might otherwise be a stressful transfer.

(Tip: If the direct trains between Copenhagen and Hamburg are fully booked, one option is to make seat reservations or buy tickets between Fredericia and Flensburg. You can travel with DSB between Copenhagen and Fredericia, without a reservation, and with DB between Flensburg and Hamburg, also without a reservation. This route takes more time, but it gets you there.)  

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Option 2 – Night train from Stockholm (or Malmö) to Hamburg (or Berlin)

I only recommend this option if you must arrive in Hamburg in the morning and/or depart from Hamburg in the evening. If not, I recommend Option 1.

Both SJ and Snälltåget operate night trains between Stockholm/Malmö and Hamburg/Berlin. Snälltåget does not offer sleeper cabins. They do offer couchettes with 6 berths. Even if these can be fun if you are on holiday, for business travellers, I don’t recommend them, as a berth in a shared couchette is unlikely to be all that restful. You can pay for one for private use, but this is very expensive (even with Interrail). SJ’s Euronight does offer a handful of (reasonably priced) sleeper cabins making it a better option for business travellers. These need to be booked far in advance because there are not very many of them. I have only attempted to use this train twice. On both occasions, one of its very few wagons was missing. It was also more than 2 hours delayed. I assume that delays happen regularly, because on their own webpage, SJ recommend “at least 2 hours, between changes” for “connections to other trains in Europe”.

I do not recommend using Interrail for this journey. This is because it’s an overnight journey with one rail provider (SJ). Instead, I recommend buying tickets from SJ (see Buying tickets). I also recommend a private sleeper cabin (see Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf (10:31 Berlin)

Return

• (Berlin 17:31) Hamburg Hbf 22:03– (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

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Option 3 – Night train to Malmö and day trains to Hamburg

This is occasionally a good option if for some reason you want to arrive in or depart from Hamburg mid-afternoon. I recommend travelling with SJ overnight between Stockholm and Malmö (see Night trains), with Öresundståg between Malmö and Copenhagen and with DSB International or DB International between Copenhagen and Hamburg. I recommend 2 hours for changing trains in Copenhagen, because you are changing trains not only in Copenhagen but also in Malmö. If your trains are on time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast (outward journey) at or near Copenhagen Station and/or a relaxed dinner (return journey) at or near either Copenhagen or Malmö Station.

I do not recommend using Interrail for this journey. This is because it’s a 1-day journey, and the shortest Interrail pass is 4 days in 1 month. Instead, I recommend buying tickets from SJ (as far as Copenhagen) and either DSB International or DB International for the onward journey will be cheaper (see Buying tickets).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 23:17 – 06:59 (Day 2) Malmö C 07:20 – 07:57 Köpenhamn H 10:22 (a) – 15:00 Hamburg Hbf

Return

• Hamburg Hbf 14:54 (b) – 19:38 Köpenhamn H 20:30 (c) – 21:10 Malmö C 22:17 – 05:53 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(a) There is a 08:22 departure. Only choose it if you have a backup plan!

(b) This connection should work (but for less stress, opt for the 12:53 departure, and enjoy an evening meal in Copenhagen or Malmö). Also, check this time with DSB International on the morning of your departure as it tends to be changed (and sometimes to an earlier time) at short notice.

(c) To access these (or similar times), you will need to use the filter to set the minimum transfer time to 1 hour in Malmö. This allows time for a snack in Malmö and plenty of time for what might otherwise be a stressful transfer.

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Option 4 – Day train to Göteborg, night ferry to Keil and day train to Hamburg

An alternative, if you must arrive in Hamburg in the morning and/or depart from Hamburg in the evening is to travel with SJ to/from Göteborg, with Stena Line ferries between Göteborg and Keil and with DB International between Keil and Hamburg.

For the outward journey (from Stockholm), I recommend:

• Take a high-speed train (X2000) from Stockholm to Göteborg (3½ hours, every 1–2 hours)

• Take tram 3/9 from Göteborg Central Station (18 minutes, every 6 minutes) to Chapman Torg

• Walk (5 minutes) from Chapman Torg to Stena Line’s “Germany Terminal”
  (Stena Line has two terminals in Göteborg.)

• Travel on Stena Line’s ferry (see Overnight ferries) from Göteborg (18:45) to Keil (09:15):

• Check-in 16:30–18:15

• Boarding for foot passengers by shuttle bus “45 minutes before departure”

• Disembarkation begins after 09:15 (Day 2) by shuttle bus

• Walk (15 minutes) along Kaistraße to Keil.

• Take a regional (or ICE) train from Keil to Hamburg (1¼ hours, every 20–40 minutes).

For the return journey (to Stockholm), I recommend:

• Take a regional (or ICE) train from Hamburg to Keil.

• Walk (15 minutes) along Kaistraße to Stena Line’s Ferry Terminal.

• Travel on Stena Line’s ferry (see Overnight ferries) from Göteborg (18:45) to Keil (09:15):

• Check-in 16:30–18:15

• Boarding for foot passengers by shuttle bus “45 minutes before departure”

• Disembarkation begins after 09:15 by shuttle bus

• Walk (5 minutes) from Stena Line’s “Germany Terminal” to Chapman Torg.

• Take tram 3/9 from Chapman Torg to Göteborg Central Station.

• Take a high-speed train (X2000) from Göteborg to Stockholm.

Example train and ferry times *

* Train and ferry times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 12:00 – 15:40 Göteborg C – Göteborg Port 18:45 – 09:15 (Day 2) Keil Port

• Day 2: Keil Hbf 11:11 – 12:21 Hamburg Hbf

Return

• Day 1: Hamburg Hbf 14:43 – 15:57 Keil Hbf – Keil Port 18:45 – 09:15 (Day 2) Göteborg Port

• Day 2: Göteborg C 11:19 (a) – 14:45 Stockholm C

(a) You might get off the ferry in time for an earlier train, but no guarantees …

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Option 5 – Day trains to Trelleborg, night ferry to Travemünde and day train to Hamburg

Another (somewhat challenging) alternative, if you must arrive in Hamburg in the morning and/or depart from Hamburg in the evening is to travel with SJ to/from Trelleborg, with TT-line ferries between Trelleborg and Travemünde and with DB International between Travemünde and Hamburg.

For the outward journey (from Stockholm), I recommend:

• Take a high-speed train (X2000) from Stockholm to Malmö (4½ hours, every 1–2 hours).

• Take a “Pågatåg” train from Malmö to Trelleborg (32 minutes, every 30 minutes).

• Travel on TT Line’s ferry (see Overnight ferries) from Trelleborg (21:30) to Travemünde (07:00):

• Check-in 19:30–21:00

• Boarding for foot passengers by shuttle bus “45 minutes before departure”

• Disembarkation begins after 07:00 by shuttle bus

• Take bus 36 from Lübeck Skandinavienkaj Terminal to Lübeck Rönnauer Weg (9 minutes, every hour).
  (Although it’s a short distance to the railway station, walking is (annoyingly) not permitted.)

• Walk (4 minutes) to Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai railway station.

• Take a local train from Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai to Lübeck (16 minutes, every hour).

• Take a regional train from Lübeck to Hamburg (ca. 50 minutes, every ca. 30 minutes).

For the return journey (to Stockholm), I recommend:

• Take a regional train from Hamburg to Lübeck.

• Take a local train from Lübeck Hbf to Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai.

• Walk (4 minutes) to Lübeck Rönnauer Weg bus stop.

• Take bus 36 from Lübeck Rönnauer Weg to Lübeck Skandinavienkaj Terminal.

• Travel on TT Line’s ferry (see Overnight ferries) from Travemünde (21:30) to Trelleborg (06:30):

• Check-in 19:30–21:00

• Boarding for foot passengers by shuttle bus “well before departure”

• Disembarkation begins after 06:30 by shuttle bus

• Take a “Pågatåg” from Trelleborg to Malmö.

• Take a high-speed train (X2000) from Malmö to Stockholm.

This is a challenging route with plenty of chances for things to go wrong. This is because the TT-Line ferries are setup for car passengers and foot passengers are (at best) a “side line”. Only attempt it if it’s your only alternative.

Example train and ferry times *

* Train and ferry times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 14:25 – 18:52 Malmö C 19:08 – 19:40 Trelleborg – Trelleborg Port 21:30 – 07:00 (Day 2) Travemünde Port

• Day 2: Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai 08:40 (a) – 08:56 Lübeck Hbf 09:09 – 09:53 Hamburg Hbf

Return

• Day 1: Hamburg Hbf 17:06 – 17:52 Lübeck Hbf 18:03 – 18:20 Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai – Travemünde Port 21:30 – 06:30 (Day 2) Trelleborg Port

• Day 2: Trelleborg 07:27 (a) – 07:49 Malmö C 09:07 – 13:29 Stockholm

(a) You might get off the ferry in time for an earlier train, but no guarantees …

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Onwards travel from Hamburg to the rest of Germany

If you are continuing from Hamburg to another destination in Germany, I recommend buying tickets (or seat reservations if you have an Interrail pass) from DB International from Copenhagen, Kiel or Lübeck-Travemünde Skandinavienkai (see Buying tickets and/or Seat reservations). If you must be on a specific train, plan for a minimum of 1 hour (2 hours if you are on SJ’s Euronight) for changing trains in Hamburg. If you chose “Option 1” and your scheduled arrival time in Hamburg is 19:00, I recommend overnighting in Hamburg before continuing your journey.

There are several hotels with good reviews near the railway station. The Man in Seat 61 recommends Reichshof Hotel. This hotel is fine, but if you can afford it, I recommend Atlantic Hotel. The Ibis is a lower price option with mediocre reviews.

If you stay overnight in Hamburg before continuing to another destination in Germany, I recommend using an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month).

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Stockholm to Brussels (AND BELGIUM)

To travel from Stockholm to Brussels, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Brussels

2. Night trains between Sweden and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Brussels

Option 1 – Stockholm to Brussels

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB Internationalfrom Hamburg to Brussels via Cologne on Day 2. There are connections at least every 2 hours. I recommend 1–2 hours for changing trains on your outward journey. This is because cross-border trains run less frequently and are often quite busy. If your inbound train is on time, you can enjoy lunch near the railway station and/or visit Cologne Cathedral. If your inbound train is delayed (likely), you might still make your onwards connection to Brussels.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Brussels with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 07:54 – 11:58 Köln Hbf 13:26 – 15:35 Brussels Midi

Return

• Day 1: Brussels Midi 10:25 – 12:32 Köln Hbf 14:11 – 18:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Cologne to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Brussels

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Brussels via Cologne on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Brussels with the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 07:54 – 11:58 Köln Hbf 13:26 – 15:35 Brussels Midi

Return

• Day 1: Brussels Midi 10:25 – 12:32 Köln Hbf 14:11 – 18:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Cologne to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in Belgium

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Belgium, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Short connections in the Belgium are fine. This is because regional trains run regularly and seat reservations are not required (and cannot be purchased).

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Stockholm to Luxembourg

To travel from Stockholm to Luxembourg, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Luxembourg

2. Night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Luxembourg

Option 1 – Stockholm to Luxembourg

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Luxembourg via Cologne (and/or Koblenz). There are connections every 1–2 hours. I recommend choosing an option with only one transfer (Cologne or Koblenz) with 1–2 hours for changing trains.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Luxembourg with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:45 – 12:49 Köln Hbf 14:17 – 17:48 Luxembourg

Return

• Day 1: Luxembourg 07:33 – 09:56 Koblenz Hbf 11:13 – 15:51 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Cologne or Koblenz to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Luxembourg

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Luxembourg via Cologne (and/or Koblenz) on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Brussels (see Seat reservations) with the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:45 – 12:49 Köln Hbf 14:17 – 17:48 Luxembourg

Return

• Day 1: Luxembourg 07:33 – 09:56 Koblenz Hbf 11:13 – 15:51 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Cologne or Koblenz to access your preferred itinerary.)

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Stockholm to Amsterdam (AND THE NETHERLANDS)

To travel from Stockholm to Amsterdam, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Amsterdam

2. Night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Amsterdam

Option 1 – Stockholm to Amsterdam

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Amsterdam via Osnabrück (or Duisburg). There are connections at least every 2 hours. I recommend 1–2 hours for changing trains on your outward journey. This is because cross-border trains run less frequently and are often quite busy.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Amsterdam (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes. You will then only need to pay one seat reservation fee for the entire journey from Copenhagen to Amsterdam.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:45 – 10:35 Osnabrück Hbf 13:06 (a) – 15:58 Amsterdam C

Return

• Day 1: Amsterdam C 12:00 – 14:51 Osnabrück Hbf 15:23 (b) – 17:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(a) There is also a 11:06 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 13:59 in Amsterdam). If you choose this option (by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes), I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on the l3:06 departure. This is because the cross-border train can be very busy.

(b) You can only access this option by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes. There is also a 16:23 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 18:14 in Hamburg). It is fine to opt for the earlier departure, because trains from Osnabrück to Hamburg do not tend to be all that busy, so you will almost definitely find a free seat on a later train if you miss your connection.

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Osnabrück to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Amsterdam

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Amsterdam via Osnabrück on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Amsterdam (see Seat reservations) with the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:45 – 10:35 Osnabrück Hbf 13:06 (a) – 15:58 Amsterdam C

Return

• Day 1: Amsterdam C 12:00 – 14:51 Osnabrück Hbf 15:23 (b) – 17:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(a) There is also a 11:06 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 13:59 in Amsterdam). If you choose this option (by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes), I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on the l3:06 departure. This is because the cross-border train can be very busy.

(b) You can only access this option by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes. There is also a 16:23 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 18:14 in Hamburg). It is fine to opt for the earlier departure, because trains from Osnabrück to Hamburg do not tend to be all that busy, so you will almost definitely find a free seat on a later train if you miss your connection.

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Osnabrück to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in the Netherlands

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in the Netherlands, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Short connections in the Netherlands are fine. This is because regional trains run regularly and seat reservations are not required (and cannot be purchased).

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Stockholm to Paris (AND FRANCE)

To travel from Stockholm to Paris, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Paris

2. Night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Paris

Option 1 – Stockholm to Paris

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Paris via Karlsruhe. There are connections at least every 2 hours. I recommend 1–2 hours for changing trains on your outward journey. This is because cross-border trains run less frequently and are often quite busy.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Karlsruhe or (better) Paris Est (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

(Tip: If you choose a connection between Hamburg and Paris with a French TGV train – rather than a German ICE train – make sure to purchase a passholder seat reservation with Rail Europe – see Seat reservations. These are required for Interrail passengers. For this reason, I recommend choosing a German ICE if at all possible.)

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 (a) – 13:09 Karlsruhe Hbf 15:32– 15:58 Paris Est

Return

• Day 1: Paris Est 10:53 – 13:25 Karlsruhe Hbf 14:51 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(a) There is also a 10:24 departure from Hamburg (arriving at 15:09 in Karlsruhe). If you choose this option (by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes), I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on a later departure from Karlsruhe. This is because seat reservations are often required on cross-border trains.

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Karlsruhe to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Paris

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Paris via Karlsruhe on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Paris Est (see Seat reservations) with the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 (a) – 13:09 Karlsruhe Hbf 15:32– 18:05 Paris Gare de l'Est

Return

• Day 1: Paris Gare de l'Est 10:53 – 13:25 Karlsruhe Hbf 14:51 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(a) There is also a 10:24 departure from Hamburg (arriving at 15:09 in Karlsruhe). If you choose this option (by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes), I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on a later departure from Karlsruhe. This is because seat reservations are often required on cross-border trains.

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Karlsruhe to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in France

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in France, I recommend planning your onward journey and buying passholder seat reservations (which are required for most long-distance trains operated by French National Railways) with Rail Europe (see Seat reservations).

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Stockholm to Basel/Zürich (AND SWITZERLAND)

To travel from Stockholm to Basel/Zürich, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Basel/Zürich

2. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and night trains between Hamburg and Basel/Zürich

3. Night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Basel/Zürich

Option 1 – Stockholm to Basel/Zürich

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue your journey with DB International from Hamburg to Basel or Zürich. There are direct trains approximately every 2 hours.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Basel or Zürich (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 – 14:55 Basel SBB (16:00 Zürich HB)

Return

• Day 1: (Zürich HB 07:59) Basel SBB 09:06 – 15:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Basel/Zürich

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Continue your journey from Hamburg to Basel or Zürich with Nightjet (see Night trains).

For this journey, I do not recommend an Interrail pass, because passholders pay the same for private sleeping cabins on Nightjet trains. Instead, I recommend buying tickets with SJ as far as Copenhagen, DSB International or DB International from Copenhagen to Hamburg and Austrian Federal Railways from Hamburg to Switzerland (see Buying tickets).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 22:08 – 08:10 Basel SBB (10:00 Zürich HB)

Return

• Day 1: (Zürich HB 20:59) Basel SBB 22:13 – 07:53 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 3 – Stockholm to Basel/Zürich

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue your journey with DB International from Hamburg to Basel or Zürich on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Basel or Zürich (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 – 14:55 Basel SBB (16:00 Zürich HB)

Return

• Day 1: (Zürich HB 07:59) Basel SBB 09:06 – 15:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in Switzerland

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Switzerland, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Short connections in Switzerland are fine. This is because regional trains run regularly, seat reservations are not required (and cannot be purchased), and Swiss trains (unlike German ones) tend to run on time.

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Stockholm to Vienna (AnD AUSTRIA)

To travel from Stockholm to Vienna, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Vienna

2. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and night trains between Hamburg and Vienna

3. Night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Vienna

Option 1 – Stockholm to Vienna

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue your journey with DB International from Hamburg to Vienna either direct (08:02 from Hamburg Hbf) or via Nürnberg (connections every 1–2 hours).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Vienna (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf

Return

• Day 1: Wien Hbf 07:13 – 11:27 Nürnberg Hbf 12:33 – 16:55 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Nürnberg to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Vienna

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Continue your journey from Hamburg to Vienna with Nightjet (see Night trains).

For this journey, I do not recommend an Interrail pass, because passholders pay the same for private sleeping cabins on Nightjet trains. Instead, I recommend buying tickets with SJ as far as Copenhagen, DSB International or DB International from Copenhagen to Hamburg and Austrian Federal Railways from Hamburg to Vienna (see Buying tickets).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 20:10 – 09:17 (Day 2) Wien Hbf

Return

• Day 1: Wien Hbf 20:10 – 08:47 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 10:50 (a) – 15:38 Köpenhamn H 16:14 – 16:55 Malmö C 18:07 – 22:31 Stockholm C

(a) I once managed to catch the 08:50 to Copenhagen, but this transfer requires alignment of the stars in your favour, so I recommend backup reservations on the next departure for Copenhagen (which is usually at 10:50).

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Nürnberg to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 3 – Stockholm to Vienna

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue your journey with DB International from Hamburg to Vienna on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Vienna (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf

Return

• Day 1: Wien Hbf 07:13 – 11:27 Nürnberg Hbf 12:33 – 16:55 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Nürnberg to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in Austria

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Austria, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Short connections in Austria are fine. This is because regional trains run regularly, seat reservations are not required (and cannot be purchased), and Austrian trains (unlike German ones) tend to run on time.

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Stockholm to PraguE (and czechia)

To travel from Stockholm to Prague, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Brussels

2. Night trains between Sweden and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Prague

Option 1 – Stockholm to Prague

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Prague via Berlin. There are connections every 2–3 hours. I recommend 1–2 hours for changing trains on your outward journey. This is because cross-border trains run less frequently and are often quite busy.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Prague (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:52 – 11:23 Berlin Hbf 12:57 – 17:23 Praha hl. n.

Return

• Day 1: Praha hl. n. 08:28 – 13:01 Berlin Hbf 14:37 – 17:17 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Berlin to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Prague

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Prague via Berlin on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Prague (see Seat reservations) with the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:52 – 11:23 Berlin Hbf 12:57 – 17:23 Praha hl. n.

Return

• Day 1: Praha hl. n. 08:28 – 13:01 Berlin Hbf 14:37 – 17:17 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Berlin to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in Czechia

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Czechia, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Seat reservations are required and can be purchased from Czech Railways (see Seat reservations).

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Stockholm to Warsaw (and poland)

To travel from Stockholm to Warsaw, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Warsaw

2. Night trains between Sweden and Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Warsaw

Option 1 – Stockholm to Warsaw by day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue with DB International from Hamburg to Warsaw via Berlin. There are connections every 2 hours. I recommend 1–2 hours for changing trains on your outward journey. This is because cross-border trains run less frequently and are often quite busy.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Warsaw (see Seat reservations) with a stopover (e.g., 12–14 hours) at Hamburg Hbf and the minimum transfer time set to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 09:37 – 12:18 Berlin Hbf 13:52 – 17:17 Warszawa C

Return

• Day 1: Warszawa C 09:00 – 14:16 Berlin Hbf 15:38 – 17:17 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Berlin to access your preferred itinerary.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Warsaw by night and day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2) on Day 1.

• Continue with Deutsch Bahn from Hamburg to Warsaw via Berlin on Day 2 (see Option 1).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with a sleeper cabin booked with SJ as far as Hamburg (see Night trains), and seat reservations booked with DB International from Hamburg to Warsaw (see Seat reservations) with the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 17:34 (Malmö 23:21) – 05:58 (Day 2) Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 09:37 – 12:18 Berlin Hbf 13:52 – 17:17 Warszawa C

Return

• Day 1: Warszawa C 09:00 – 14:16 Berlin Hbf 15:38 – 17:17 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 22:03 – (04:01 Malmö C) 09:55 (Day 2) Stockholm C

(Tip: You might need to vary the stopover length and/or add a stopover in Berlin to access your preferred itinerary.)

Onwards travel in Poland

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Poland, I recommend planning your entire journey (from Copenhagen) with DB International. Seat reservations are required for long-distance trains and can be purchased from Polish Railways (see Seat reservations).

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Stockholm to London (AND GREAt BRITAIN)

To travel from Stockholm to London, choose either day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg and an overnight stay in Hamburg (recommended) or night trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, followed by one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Hamburg and London via Brussels with Eurostar

2. Day trains and overnight ferry between Hamburg and London via Amsterdam

Option 1 – Stockholm to London via Brussels and Eurostar

This is the fastest option. It is also the option with the smallest carbon footprint.

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Brussels via Cologne and Hamburg (see Stockholm to Brussels) on Days 1 and 2.

• Continue with Eurostar to London 2–3 hours after reaching Brussels. This is to allow for delays in Germany (very likely) as well as 45–90 minutes for Eurostar check-in. In the (unlikely) event of arriving in Brussels on time, consult the Man in Seat 61for recommended places to eat.

For the return journey:

• Travel with Eurostar to Brussels on Day 1.

• Continue from Brussels to Stockholm via Cologne and Hamburg (see Stockholm to Brussels) on Days 1 and 2. I recommend a minimum of 1 hour for changing trains in Brussels.

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International from Copenhagen to Brussels Midi, and passholder seat reservations booked with Rail Europe for the Eurostar to London (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

 * Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 07:54 – 11:58 Köln Hbf 13:26 – 15:35 Brussels Midi 17:56 (a) – 19:00 London St. Pancras International

Return

• Day 1: London St. Pancras International 06:16 (a, b) – 09:13 Brussels Midi 10:25 – 12:32 Köln Hbf 14:11 – 18:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(a) Check-in is 45–90 minutes before departure.

(b) There is also a 07:04 departure from London St. Pancras International (arriving at 10:05 in Brussels). If you choose this option, I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on the 12:25 train from Brussels to Cologne, because if your Eurostar is even a few minutes delayed, you will miss the 10:25 departure and this cross-border train can be very busy.

Option 2 – Stockholm to London via Amsterdam with overnight ferry

This is a slower option (ca. 24 hours) but it can be less stressful. The carbon footprint is somewhat higher (but still far less than flying).

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Amsterdam via Osnabück (see Stockholm to Amsterdam) on Days 1 and 2.

• Continue from Amsterdam to Schiedam Centrum with Dutch National Railways. Trains run every 30 minutes and the journey time is approximately 1 hour. You do not need (and cannot buy) seat reservations.

• Take the metro (line B) from Schiedam Centrum to the Stena Line ferry terminal at Hoek van Holland Haven. Trains run every 15–30 minutes and the journey time is approximately 30 minutes. The metro is not included with your Interrail pass, but you can check in and out with your credit card.

• Aim to arrive at the ferry terminal at around 19:30, because this is when check-in and boarding starts. Boarding closes at 21:15 and the ferry sails at 22:00. You buy tickets from Stena Line (see Overnight ferries).

• Disembarkation at Harwich International begins at 06:30. You will be on the railway platform (which is beside the ferry terminal) with plenty of time to continue your journey by train to London Liverpool Street (possibly with a change of trains at Manningtree), arriving there in time for (second) breakfast on the morning of Day 3. You do not need seat reservations for this train (or any other train in Great Britain).

For the return journey:

• Take a train from London Liverpool Street to Harwich International (possibly with a change of trains at Manningtree) on Day 1.

• Aim to arrive at the ferry terminal at around 20:30, because this is when check-in and boarding starts. Boarding closes at 22:15 and the ferry sails at 23:00.

• Disembarkation at Hoek van Holland begins at 08:00.

• Take the metro to Schiedam Centrum and continue to Amsterdam with Dutch National Railways.

• Travel from Amsterdam to Stockholm (see Stockholm to Amsterdam) on Days 2 and 3.

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (5 or 7 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Amsterdam (see Seat reservations). Seat reservations are not needed for trains in the Netherlands or Great Britain.

Example train and ferry times *

* Train and ferry times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:45 – 10:35 Osnabrück Hbf 13:06 (a) – 15:58 Amsterdam C 17:36 – 18:44 Schiedam C 19:03 Hoek van Holland Haven 22:00 – 06:30 (Day 3) Harwich International

• Day 3: Harwich International 07:09 – 08:45 London Liverpool Street

Return

• Day 1: London Liverpool Street 19:00 – 19:54 Manningtree 20:00 – 20:16 – Harwich International 23:00 – 08:00 Hoek van Holland Haven

• Day 2: Hoek van Holland Haven 08:44 – 09:11 Schiedam C 09:46 – 10:54 Amsterdam C 12:00 – 14:51 Osnabrück Hbf 15:23 (b) – 17:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 3: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(a) There is also a 11:06 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 13:59 in Amsterdam). If you choose this option (by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes), I recommend a “backup” seat reservation on the l3:06 departure. This is because the cross-border train can be very busy.

(b) You can only access this option by not setting the minimum transfer time to 45 minutes. There is also a 16:23 departure from Osnabrück (arriving at 18:14 in Hamburg). It is fine to opt for the earlier departure, because trains from Osnabrück to Hamburg do not tend to be all that busy, so you will almost definitely find a free seat on a later train if you miss your connection.

Onwards travel in Great Britain

For onwards travel in Great Britain by day train, I recommend planning your onward journey (and making seat reservations) from London with Great Western Railways (see Seat reservations). Continuing by day trains works well if you arrive by overnight ferry (Option 2).

For journeys to:

• Southeast England, trains depart from London Bridge or London Waterloo.

• Southwest England and South Wales, most trains depart from London Paddington

• West Midlands, North Wales, Northwest England and West Scotland, most trains depart from London Euston

• East Midlands, Yorkshire and The Humber, Northeast England and East Scotland, most trains depart from London Kings Cross

• East Anglia, most trains depart from London Liverpool Street

For cross-London transfer, I recommend:

• Thameslink for transfers between London St. Pancras / Kings Cross and London Bridge (30 minutes for the entire transfer, Interrail passes are valid).

• Thameslink and Elizabeth Line for transfers between London St. Pancras/Kings Cross and either London Liverpool Street or London Paddington (via Farringdon, 30 minutes for the entire transfer, Interrail passes are valid).

• Elizabeth Line for transfers between London Liverpool Street and London Paddington (30 minutes for the entire transfer, Interrail passes are valid).

• London Underground for any transfer to/from London Waterloo (60 minutes for the entire transfer, Interrail passes are not valid).

• Walking along Euston Road between London Saint Pancras/Kings Cross and London Euston (20 minutes).

• Walking between London St. Pancras and London Kings Cross (5 minutes).

(Tips: Interrail passholders should select “London St. Pancras” not “London St. Pancras International” in the Eurail app for any cross-London transfers. Also, Interrail passholders can be fairly relaxed about missed connections, because seat reservations are not required and Interrail passes are valid on all British trains.)

For onwards travel in Great Britain by night train, Caledonian Sleepers are operated between London Euston and Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William) on all days except Saturdays (see Night trains). Continuing by night trains works well if you arrive by Eurostar (Option 1).

 If so, I recommend walking along Euston Road from Saint Pancras to Euston (20 minutes) and 1–2 hours (preferably 2 hours) for the entire transfer. This is to allow for the walk and any delays to your inbound Eurostar. For the return journey, I recommend 2–3 hours (preferably 3 hours) for the entire transfer. This is to allow for the walk, the 45–90 minutes check-in for Eurostar, and any delays to your inbound Caledonian Sleeper.

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Stockholm to DubliN (AND IRELAND)

To travel from Stockholm to Dublin, I recommend different routes for outward and return journeys. This is to for time efficiency and to avoid one (expensive) overnight stay in London.

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to London via Brussels and Eurostar on Days 1 and 2 (see Stockholm to London - Option 1).

• Stay overnight in London. Hotels with good reviews near London St. Pancras Station include The Megaroand the Great Northern Hotel. Both are expensive: The Megaro is quirky and modern, whereas the Great Northern Hotel is elegant and old-fashioned. The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is elegant. However, for any (vaguely) reasonable price, you will find yourself staying in their “contemporary” wing, which is fairly ordinary and modern. The Kabannas Youth Hostelhas good reviews, and a private room there is a much cheaper option, but it’s a small place, so book early.

• Travel by direct high-speed train from London Euston to Holyhead, making sure to arrive before 13:00 on Day 3

• Walk to the ferry terminal. It is next to the station.

• Travel with Irish Ferries at 14:10 (check-in before 13:40) or Stena Line at 14:45 (check-in before 14:05) to Dublin Port at 17:25 and 18:00, respectively.

• Take the shuttle bus (check times here) or a taxi from Dublin Port to Dublin City (3 km). The shuttle bus for Irish Ferries stops at Connolly Station (for onwards travel to Belfast or Sligo). The shuttle bus for Stena Line stops at Connolly Station as well as Parkgate Street for Heuston Station (for onwards travel to Cork, Limerick and Galway).

• You will arrive in time for onwards connections to Belfast, Sligo, Cork and Galway with either ferry. If you are travelling to Limerick, make sure to book with Irish Ferries for the crossing from Holyhead, and transfer to Heuston Station by taxi.

For the return journey:

• Take the shuttle bus from Dublin City (check times here).

• Travel with Irish Ferries at 08:05 (check-in before 07:35) or Stena Line at 08:15 (check-in before 07:35) to Holyhead at 11:30 and 11:50, respectively.

• Walk to the railway station. It is next to the ferry terminal.

• Travel by direct high-speed train from Holyhead to London Euston, making sure to depart after 13:00.

• Continue by day trains and overnight ferry from London to Hamburg via Amsterdam (see Stockholm to London- Option 2) on Days 1–3.

You buy tickets from Irish Ferries as follows:

• Select “Britain - Ireland”, enter your travel dates, return or one way, number of passengers, that you are travelling “on foot …” and click on “Get sailings”.

• Select your sailing (Holyhead - Dublin) and choose “Economy”, “Flexi” or “Flexi+”.

• Click on “Continue”, enter your passenger details, click on “Confirm” and pay for your tickets.

You buy tickets from Stena Line as follows:

• Select “Holyhead - Dublin”, enter your travel dates, return or one way, and click on “Search trip”.

• Enter the number of passengers, check “On foot” and click on “Continue”.

• Select your sailing and choose “Flexi” or “Economy”.
  (Tip: “Premium” is excellent value for money. It is more flexible and includes lounge access, with complementary food and beverages.)

• Click on “Continue” a few times, and then “To checkout”, enter your passenger details, click on “Continue” and pay for your tickets.

Example train and ferry times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 07:54 – 11:58 Köln Hbf 13:26 – 15:35 Brussels Midi 17:56 (a) – 19:00 London St. Pancras International

• Day 3: London Euston 8:00 – 11:44 Holyhead 14:10/14:45 – 17:25/18:00 Dublin Port

Return

• Day 1: Dublin Port 08:05/08:15 – 11:30/11:50 Holyhead 12:48 – 16:47 London Euston – London Liverpool Street 19:00 – 19:54 Manningtree 20:00 – 20:16 – Harwich International 23:00 – 08:00 Hoek van Holland Haven

• Day 2: Hoek van Holland Haven 08:44 – 09:11 Schiedam C 09:46 – 10:54 Amsterdam C 12:00 – 14:51 Osnabrück Hbf 15:23 (b) – 17:14 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 3: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (7 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International from Copenhagen to Brussels Midi, passholder seat reservations booked with Rail Europe for the Eurostar to London (see Seat reservations), seat reservations booked with Great Western Railways (see Seat reservations).

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STOCKHOLM TO LJUBLJANA AND ZAGREB

Option 1 – Stockholm to Ljubljana or Zagreb by day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Continue your journey to Ljubljana/Zagreb  via Munich and Villach by day trains on Day 2.

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Ljubljana or Zagreb (see Seat reservations). To access this route, use normal transfer times (because the onward train (should!) wait for you in Villach), add one stopover in Hamburg Hbf (e.g., 8–10 hours) for staying overnight and one stopover in München Hbf (e.g., 1 hour) for a realistic transfer.

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 04:54 – 10:45 München Hbf 12:17 – 16:44 Villach Hbf 16:53 – 18:33 Ljubljana (21:01 Zagreb Glavni kolodvor)

Return

• Day 1: (Zagreb Glavni kolodvor 07:05) Ljubljana 09:30 – 11:07 Villach 11:16 – 15:41 München Hbf 17:16 – 22:55 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Option 2 – Stockholm to Ljubljana or Zagreb with Nightjet from Hamburg to Munich

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see “Stockholm to Hamburg” – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Continue from Hamburg to Munich with the Nightjet. You need a reservation and I recommend a sleeper cabin on this train.

• Continue from Munich via Villach to Ljubljana and Zagreb on Day 2. You need a seat reservation on this train.

For the return journey:

• Travel from Zagreb or Ljubljana to Munich on Day 1.

• Continue with the Nightjet to Hamburg.

• Travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by day trains (see “Stockholm to Hamburg” – Option 1, but with a later departure) on Day 2.

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Hamburg, and with DB International from Munich to Ljubljana or Zagreb (see Seat reservations). To access this route, use normal transfer times (because the onward train (should!) wait for you in Villach). You should book sleeper cabins with Austrian Federal Railways (see Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 20:10 – 07:06 (Day 2) München Hbf

• Day 2: München Hbf 08:16 – 12:44 Villach Hbf 12:53 – 14:32 Ljubljana (16:11 Zagreb Glavni kolodvor)

Return

• Day 1: (Zagreb Glavni kolodvor 12:50) Ljubljana 15:27 – 17:07 Villach 17:16 – 21:41 München Hbf 23:06 – 08:47 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 10:50 – 15:38 Köpenhamn H 16:14 – 16:55 Malmö C 18:07 – 22:31 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Slovenia or Croatia

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Slovenia or Croatia, seat reservations are (often) required. These can be purchased at the railway station.

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Stockholm to Madrid (AND SPAIN)

For the outward journey from Stockholm to Madrid:

• Travel from Stockholm to Paris on Days 1 and 2 (see Stockholm to Paris).

• Walk (10 minutes) from Gare de l’Est along Rue d’ Alsace and Rue de Dunkerque to Gare du Nord.

• Take RER line D from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. The easiest way to buy tickets are on a smartphone: iPhone users should add a “Navigo” travel card to their Apple Wallet, click on “Metro Train Ticket”, click “Buy” and pay with Apple Pay; Android users should download the “Bonjour RATP” app and follow the instructions to buy tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the station.

• Stay overnight near Gare de Lyon. The Novotel Paris Gare de Lyonhas good reviews. It is opposite the station.

• Take a TGV from Paris Lyon to Barcelona on Day 3. You can continue from there, with an AVE train, to Madrid.

For the return journey:

• Take a TGV train from Barcelona to Paris Lyon (or take an AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona and a (later) TGV train from there to Paris Lyon) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight near Gare de Lyon.

• Take RER line D to Gare du Nord and walk from there to Gare de l’Est.

• Travel from Paris to Stockholm by day trains on Days 2 and 3 with an overnight stay in Hamburg or by day trains to Hamburg on Day 2 and night train to Stockholm (see Stockholm to Paris).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (7 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Paris, and with passholder seat reservations booked separately with Rail Europe between Paris and Barcelona and between Barcelona and Madrid (see Seat reservations).

(Tip: The Man in Seat 61 recommends L’ Hôtel for a more luxurious overnight stay in Paris. It’s by the Seine and equidistant – 45 minutes on foot – from Gare de l’Est and Gare de Lyon.)

Onwards travel in Spain

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Spain (e.g., Madrid), I recommend planning your onward journey (from Barcelona) with Rail Europe as well as purchasing passholder seat reservations, which are required on most trains in Spain, from them (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 (a) – 13:09 Karlsruhe Hbf 15:32– 18:05 Paris Gare de l’Est

• Day 3: Paris Gare de Lyon 07:42 – 14:29 Barcelona Sants 16:00 – 19:19 Madrid Puerta De Atocha

Return

• Day 1: Madrid Puerta De Atocha 09:27 – 12:41 Barcelona Sants 15:20 – 22:18 Paris Gare de Lyon

• Day 2: Paris Gare de l’Est 10:53 – 13:25 Karlsruhe Hbf 14:51 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 3: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

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Stockholm to Lisbon

For the outward journey from Stockholm to Lisbon:

• Travel from Stockholm to Madrid on Days 1–3 (see Stockholm to Madrid).

• Stay overnight in Madrid. The Hotel Mediodía has excellent reviews and is close to the station.

• Take a long-distance train from Madrid Atocha-Cercanías (which is close to Madrid Puerta De Atocha) to Badajoz on Day 4. You need to buy a passholders seat reservation for this train from Rail Europe (see “Seat reservations”).

• Change to a regional train from Badajoz to Entroncamento. You do not need a seat reservation for this train, but check train times here.

• Change to a regional train from Entroncamento to Lisbon. You do not need a seat reservation for this train, but check train times here.

For the return journey:

• Take a regional train from Lisbon to Entroncamento on Day 1. You do not need a seat reservation for this train, but check train times here.

• Change to a regional from Entroncamento to Badajoz. You do not need a seat reservation for this train, but check train times here.

• Take a high-speed train from Badajoz to Madrid. You need to buy a passholders seat reservation for this train from Rail Europe (see “Seat reservations”).

• Stay overnight in Madrid, before continuing to Stockholm via Barcelona, Paris and Hamburg on Days 2–4 (see Stockholm to Madrid).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (10 days in 2 months) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen and DB International from Copenhagen to Paris, and with passholder seat reservations booked separately with Rail Europe between Paris and Barcelona, between Barcelona and Madrid and between Madrid and Badajoz (see Seat reservations).

(Tip: Before boarding a train at a major Spanish railway station, you need to pass through “airport-style” security and wait in in an “airport-like” departure area. For this reason, plan on an extra 20–30 minutes for changing trains.)

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:24 (a) – 13:09 Karlsruhe Hbf 15:32– 18:05 Paris Gare de l’Est

• Day 3: Paris Gare de Lyon 07:42 – 14:29 Barcelona Sants 16:00 – 19:19 Madrid Puerta De Atocha

• Day 4: Madrid Atocha-Cercanías 08:51 – 12:36 Badajoz 14:31 – 15:55 Entroncamento 16:36 – 18:13 Lisbon Santa Apolonia

Return

• Day 1: Lisbon Santa Apolonia 10:45 -12:21 Entroncamento 13:36 – 17:26 Badajoz 17:48 – 22:18 Madrid Atocha-Cercanías

• Day 2: Madrid Puerta De Atocha 09:27 – 12:41 Barcelona Sants 15:20 – 22:18 Paris Gare de Lyon

• Day 3: Paris Gare de l’Est 10:53 – 13:25 Karlsruhe Hbf 14:51 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 4: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

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Stockholm to Milan (AND ITALY)

To travel from Stockholm to Milan, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Milan

2. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, night trains between Hamburg and Basel, and day trains between Basel and Milan

Option 1 – Stockholm to Milan by day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Take a direct ICE train from Hamburg to Basel SBB on Day 2.

• Enjoy lunch at Basel station. I recommend Lora. Their restaurant (behind their pizzeria) is a great place for a relaxed lunch).

• Take a EuroCity train from Basel to Milan. You need a passholder seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity trin from Milan to Basel on Day 1. You need a passholder seat reservation for this train.

• After lunch at Basel station, continue your journey with a direct ICE train from Basel to Hamburg.

• Either stay overnight in Hamburg and travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains on Day 2 (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) or continue from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Basel SBB, and passholder seat reservations booked with Rail Europe between Basel SBB and Milan (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 06:18 – 13:10 Basel SBB 15:03 – 19:50 Milan Centrale

Return

• Day 1: Milan Centrale 07:10 – 11:32 Basel SBB 13:06 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tips: If you are overnighting in Milan and continuing to another destination in Italy, make sure to get an Interrail pass with validity for 5 or 7 days in 1 month. Also, even if it is (theoretically) possible to travel between Hamburg and Rome in one day, I don’t recommend it. Overnighting in Milan makes for a much more pleasant journey.)

Option 2 – Stockholm to Milan with Nightjet between Hamburg and Basel

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Take the Nightjet from Hamburg to Basel. You need a reservation and I recommend a sleeper cabin on this train.

• Take a EuroCity train from Basel to Milan. You need a passholder seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity train from Milan to Basel on Day 1.

• After dinner at Basel station, continue to Hamburg on the Nightjet.

• Travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by day trains on Day 2 (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Hamburg, sleeper cabins booked with Austrian Federal Railways between Hamburg and Basel (see Night trains) and passholder seat reservations booked with Rail Europebetween Basel SBB and Milan (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 22:08 – 08:10 (Day 2) Basel SBB

• Day 2: Basel SBB 11:06 – 15:50 Milan Centrale

Return

• Day 1: Milan Centrale 15:10 – 19:32 Basel SBB 22:13 – 07:53 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

(Tips: This option works well if you want to continue to many other destinations in Italy (e.g., Rome). However, if you are continuing to a destination in southern Italy and need to stay overnight on route, make sure to get an Interrail pass with validity for 5 or 7 days in 1 month.)

Onwards travel in Italy

If you are continuing to (or travelling to) another destination in Italy, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Milan) with Rail Europe as well as purchasing passholder seat reservations, which are required on most trains in Italy, from them (see Seat reservations).

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Stockholm to Patras/Athens (AND GREECE)

For the outward journey from Stockholm to Patras/Athens:

• Travel from Stockholm to Milan by day trains on Days 1 and 2 (see Stockholm to Milan – Option 1).

• Stay overnight in Milan. I recommend NYX Hotel Milanfor business travellers. It’s a nice friendly place, 5 minutes from the railway station.

• Take the Frecciarossa which departs from Milan at 07:50 and reaches Bari at 15:30 on Day 3. Passholder seat reservations are required for this train.

• Walk for 30 minutes from Bari Centrale across the old town to the cruise terminal (Terminal Crociere) at Bari Port.

• Travel with Superfast Ferries at 19:30 (check-in from 16:30) to Patras Port at 13:00 on Day 4.

• Walk for 60 minutes from Patras Port (South Ferry Terminal) to Patras “Railway” Station.

• Travel with Hellenic Railways by bus as far as Kiato and connecting train from Kiato to Athens (or Piraeus, for ferries to the Cyclades). Seat reservations are required for the bus. These are free. They can be obtained from the ticket office at Patras Railway Station.

For the return journey:

• Travel with Hellenic Railways from Athens to Kiato and connecting bus from Kiato to Patras. Seat reservations are required for the bus. These are free and can be obtained from the ticket office at Athens Larissa Station.

• Walk for 60 minutes from Patras “Railway” Station to Patras Port (South Ferry Terminal).

• Travel with Superfast Ferries at 18:00 (check-in from 15:00) to Bari Port at 09:00 on Day 2.

• Walk for 30 minutes from Bari Port to Bari Centrale.

• Take the Frecciarossa which departs from Bari at 11:28 and reaches Milan at 19:10 on Day 3. Passholder seat reservations are required for this train.

• Stay overnight in Milan.

• Travel from Milan to Stockholm by day trains as far as Hamburg on Days 3 and either an overnight stay in Hamburg followed by day trains to Stockholm on Day 4, or the night train from Hamburg to Stockholm (see “Stockholm to Milan” – Option 1).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (10 days in 2 months) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations between Copenhagen and Basel SBB booked with DB International, passholder seat reservations booked with Rail Europe separately between Basel SBB and Milan and between Milan and Bari, and private cabins booked with Superfast Ferries between Bari and Patras (see Seat reservations and Overnight ferries).

Example train and ferry times *

* Train and ferry times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 06:18 – 13:10 Basel SBB 15:03 – 19:50 Milan Centrale

• Day 3: Milan Centrale 07:50 – 15:30 Bari Centrale – Bari Port 19:30 – 13:00 (Day 4) Patras Port

• Day 4: Patras Station 15:25 – 16:50 Kiato 16:59 – 18:20 Athens Larissa (18:41 Piraeus)

Return

• Day 1: (Piraeus 10:14) Athens Larissa 10:35 – 11:55 Kieto 12:05 – 13:30 Patras Station – Patras Port 18:00 – 09:00 Bari Port

• Day 2: Bari Centrale 11:28 – 19:10 Milan Centrale

• Day 3: Milan Centrale 07:10 – 11:32 Basel SBB 13:06 – 19:36 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 4: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Greece

If you are continuing to another destination in Greece, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Patras/Athens) with Hellenic Railways. Seat reservations are required. They are free and can be obtained at railway stations.

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Stockholm to Budapest

To travel from Stockholm to Budapest, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Budapest (via Vienna)

2. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, night trains between Hamburg and Vienna, and day trains between Vienna and Budapest

Option 1 – Stockholm to Budapest by day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Take the ICE train which departs from Hamburg at 08:02 and reaches Vienna at 16:47 on Day 2.

• Enjoy an evening meal near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take a EuroCity from Vienna to Budapest. One departs from Basel at 18:42 and reaches Budapest at 21:19. You need a seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity from Budapest to Vienna. One departs from Budapest at 08:40 and reaches Vienna at 11:20. You need a seat reservation for this train.

• Enjoy lunch near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take the ICE train which departs from Vienna at 13:13 and reaches Hamburg at 21:55.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg and travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains on Day 2 (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Budapest, with stopovers (e.g., 12–14 hours) in Hamburg for overnight stays and stopovers (e.g., 1 hour) in Vienna for realistic connections (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf 18:42 – 21:19 Budapest-Keleti

Return

• Day 1: Budapest-Keleti 08:40 – 11:20 Wien Hbf 13:13 – 21:55 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Option 2 – Stockholm to Budapest with Nightjets between Hamburg and Vienna

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Take the Nightjet from Hamburg to Vienna on Day 2. You need a reservation and I recommend a sleeper cabin on this train.

• Take a EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest. You need a seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity train from Budapest to Vienna on Day 1.

• Enjoy lunch near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take the Nightjet from Vienna to Hamburg, and continue to Stockholm by day trains on Day 2 (see Stockholm to Vienna – Option 2).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Hamburg, sleeper cabins booked with Austrian State Railways between Hamburg and Vienna, and seat reservations booked with DB International between Vienna and Budapest (see Seat reservations and Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 20:10 – 09:17 (Day 2) Wien Hbf

• Day 2: Wien Hbf 10:42 – 13:19 Budapest-Keleti

Return

• Day 1: Budapest-Keleti 15:55 – 18:20 Wien Hbf 20:10 – 08:47 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 10:50 – 15:38 Köpenhamn H 16:14 – 16:55 Malmö C 18:07 – 22:31 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Hungary

If you are continuing to another destination in Hungary, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Budapest) with Hungarian State Railways. Seat reservations are required on long-distance trains. They can be purchased at railway stations.

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Stockholm to Budapest

To travel from Stockholm to Budapest, I recommend one of (or a combination of) the following options:

1. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, and day trains between Hamburg and Budapest (via Vienna)

2. Day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, night trains between Hamburg and Vienna, and day trains between Vienna and Budapest

Option 1 – Stockholm to Budapest by day trains

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Take the ICE train which departs from Hamburg at 08:02 and reaches Vienna at 16:47 on Day 2.

• Enjoy an evening meal near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take a EuroCity from Vienna to Budapest. One departs from Basel at 18:42 and reaches Budapest at 21:19. You need a seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity from Budapest to Vienna. One departs from Budapest at 08:40 and reaches Vienna at 11:20. You need a seat reservation for this train.

• Enjoy lunch near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take the ICE train which departs from Vienna at 13:13 and reaches Hamburg at 21:55.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg and travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains on Day 2 (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Budapest, with stopovers (e.g., 12–14 hours) in Hamburg for overnight stays and stopovers (e.g., 1 hour) in Vienna for realistic connections (see Seat reservations).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf 18:42 – 21:19 Budapest-Keleti

Return

• Day 1: Budapest-Keleti 08:40 – 11:20 Wien Hbf 13:13 – 21:55 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Option 2 – Stockholm to Budapest with Nightjets between Hamburg and Vienna

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Take the Nightjet from Hamburg to Vienna on Day 2. You need a reservation and I recommend a sleeper cabin on this train.

• Take a EuroCity train from Vienna to Budapest. You need a seat reservation for this train.

For the return journey:

• Take a EuroCity train from Budapest to Vienna on Day 1.

• Enjoy lunch near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take the Nightjet from Vienna to Hamburg, and continue to Stockholm by day trains on Day 2 (see “Stockholm to Vienna” – Option 2).

For this option, I recommend an Interrail pass (4 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Hamburg, sleeper cabins booked with Austrian State Railways between Hamburg and Vienna, and seat reservations booked with DB International between Vienna and Budapest (see Seat reservations and Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf 20:10 – 09:17 (Day 2) Wien Hbf

• Day 2: Wien Hbf 10:42 – 13:19 Budapest-Keleti

Return

• Day 1: Budapest-Keleti 15:55 – 18:20 Wien Hbf 20:10 – 08:47 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 10:50 – 15:38 Köpenhamn H 16:14 – 16:55 Malmö C 18:07 – 22:31 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Hungary

If you are continuing to another destination in Hungary, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Budapest) with Hungarian State Railways. Seat reservations are required on long-distance trains. They can be purchased at railway stations.

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Stockholm to Bucharest (AND ROMANIA)

To travel from Stockholm to Bucharest, I recommend day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, day trains between Hamburg and Vienna, and night trains between Vienna and Bucharest.

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg.

• Take an ICE train from Hamburg to Vienna on Day 2.

• Enjoy an evening meal near the railway station in Vienna.

• Take the Dacia Express from Vienna to Bucharest. You need a reservation and I recommend a sleeper cabin on this train.

For the return journey:

• Take the Dacia Express from Bucharest to Vienna, starting on Day 1.

• Continue with ICE trains from Vienna to Hamburg (via Nürnberg) on Day 2. There are connections every 1–2 hours.

• Stay overnight in Hamburg and continue from Stockholm to Hamburg by day trains (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 1) on Day 3, or continue from Stockholm to Hamburg by night train (see Stockholm to Hamburg – Option 2).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (7 days in 1 month) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Vienna, and private sleeper cabins booked with Austrian State Railways between Vienna and Bucharest (see Seat reservations and Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf 19:42 – 15:26 (Day 3) Bucuresti

Return

• Day 1: Bucuresti 15:07 – 08:20 (Day 2) Wien Hbf

• Day 2: Wien Hbf 10:13 – 14:30 Nürnberg Hbf 15:34 – 19:54 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 3: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Romania

If you are continuing to another destination in Hungary, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Bucharest) with Romania National Railways. Seat reservations are required and can be purchased at railway stations.

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Stockholm to Sofia (AND BULGARIA)

To travel from Stockholm to Sofia, I recommend day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, day trains between Hamburg and Vienna, and night trains between Vienna and Bucharest (see “Stockholm to Bucharest”), followed by day trains between Bucharest and Sofia.

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Bucharest (see Stockholm to Bucharest) on Days 1 to 3.

• Stay overnight in Bucharest.

• Take the long-distance train from Bucharest to Sofia (via Ruse) on Day 4. Seat reservations are required and need to be purchased at the railway station.

For the return journey:

• Take the long-distance train from Sofia to Bucharest (via Ruse) on Day 1.

• Stay overnight in Bucharest.

• Travel from Bucharest to Stockholm on Days 2 to 4 (see Stockholm to Bucharest).

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (10 days in 2 months) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Vienna, private sleeper cabins booked with Austrian State Railways between Vienna and Bucharest (see Seat reservations and Night trains).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf 19:42 – 15:26 (Day 3) Bucuresti

• Day 4: Bucuresti 10:11 – 20:35 Sofia

Return

• Day 1: Sofia 07:00 – 17;32 Bucuresti

• Day 2: Bucuresti 15:07 – 08:20 (Day 3) Wien Hbf

• Day 3: Wien Hbf 10:13 – 14:30 Nürnberg Hbf 15:34 – 19:54 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 4: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

Onwards travel in Bulgaria

If you are continuing to another destination in Bulgaria, I recommend planning your onward journey (from Sofia) with Bulgarian State Railways. Seat reservations are required and can be purchased at railway stations.

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Stockholm to Chişinău (AND MOLDOVA)

I have not tried (and I am unlikely to try) this route as it is a little too adventurous for me, but if you do want to try travelling from Stockholm to Chişinău, I recommend day trains between Stockholm and Hamburg, overnight in Hamburg, day trains between Hamburg and Vienna, and night trains between Vienna and Bucharest, followed by night trains between Bucharest and Chişinău.

For the outward journey:

• Travel from Stockholm to Bucharest (see Stockholm to Bucharest) on Days 1 to 3.

• Take the night train from Bucharest to Chişinău at 08:44. You need a reservation and I recommend a private sleeper cabin on this train.

For the return journey:

• Take the night train from Chişinău to Bucharest, starting on Day 1.

• Travel from Bucharest to Stockholm on Days 2 to 4 (see Stockholm to Bucharest).

Example train times *

* Train times are always subject to change!

Outward

• Day 1: Stockholm C 06:25 – 10:52 Malmö C 11:20 – 11:57 Köpenhamn H 14:22 – 19:00 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 2: Hamburg Hbf 08:02 – 16:47 Wien Hbf 19:42 – 15:26 (Day 3) Bucuresti

• Day 3: Bucuresti 19:10 – 08:44 (Day 4) Chişinău

Return

• Day 1: Chişinău 17:05 – 06:47 (Day 2) Bucuresti

• Day 2: Bucuresti 15:07 – 08:20 (Day 3) Wien Hbf

• Day 3: Wien Hbf 10:13 – 14:30 Nürnberg Hbf 15:34 – 19:54 Hamburg Hbf

• Day 4: Hamburg Hbf 08:50 – 13:38 Köpenhamn H 14:14 – 14:55 Malmö C 16:07 – 20:32 Stockholm C

For this journey, I recommend an Interrail pass (10 days in 2 months) with seat reservations booked with SJ as far as Copenhagen, seat reservations booked with DB International between Copenhagen and Vienna, private sleeper cabins booked with Austrian State Railways between Vienna and Bucharest (see Seat reservations and Night trains). Sleeper cabins for the night train Bucharest and Chişinău can be booked with Romania National Railways as follows:

• Enter route details (to/from “Bucaresti” and “Chisinau”), travel dates and click on “Search”

• Choose your preferred journey and click on “Show offers”.

• Select a sleeper cabin (I recommend a single one) and click on “Get offers”

• Choose your preferred tariff and click on “Make reservation”.

• Register and buy your tickets.

If you do try this route, please let me know how you get on!

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