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Øresundståg
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An unrefurbished Øresundståg at Copenhagen Central Station | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Regional train | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Locale | Øresund Region | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| First service | 2 July 2000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current operator | VR Sverige under contract from Skånetrafiken | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rolling stock | X31K & X32K / ET | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating speed | 180 km/h (112 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rake maintenance | Amager (Denmark) Hässleholm (Sweden)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Øresundståg (Danish: [ˈøːɐsɔnsˌtsʰɔˀw], Swedish: [œrɛˈsɵ̂nːdsˌtoːɡ]) (since 2023 to a higher degree written Öresundståg by themselves) is a passenger train network operated by VR Sverige in the transnational Øresund Region of Denmark and Sweden.
The name is a hybrid of the Danish Øresundstog and the Swedish Öresundståg, both meaning "Øresund train". The rolling stock, also known as Class ET in Denmark and X31K in Sweden, are electric passenger trainsets in the Flexliner family.
Operations
[edit]Four trains per hour cross the Øresund Bridge each way. Trains run at 15-minute intervals between Østerport via Copenhagen in Denmark to Malmö and Lund in southern Sweden, increasing to six trains per hour during rush hours. From Lund, the trains continue hourly in three directions, to Gothenburg, to Kalmar and to Karlskrona (the fourth train ends in Helsingborg). After midnight, traffic is reduced to one hourly train between Østerport in Copenhagen and Lund (the train between 01:00 AM and 02:00 AM starts from Copenhagen H).
Each train consists of up to three 79-metre-long units coupled together, each with 229 seats, providing a capacity of max 4122 seats per hour. This has turned out to be insufficient, as differences in salaries and house prices between Copenhagen and Malmö have resulted in an unexpected increase of cross-border commuting.
The trains cannot be lengthened because of platform length constraints. And increasing frequency beyond six trains per hour is not possible because there are only two platform tracks to share with other trains at the stations Nørreport, Ørestad, Copenhagen Airport and Triangeln. Increasingly, people have to stand during rush hours, into Copenhagen in the morning and towards Malmö in the afternoon, which beside the inconvenience also raises safety concerns.[3]
The network at its peak covered 854 kilometres (531 mi) of railway. In Denmark, the trains run on the Boulevard Line and the Øresund Line, between Østerport and the Airport in 10-minute frequency. In Sweden, they run through the Malmö City Tunnel, and on the Southern Main Line to Lund. From Lund, most Øresundståg services continue to either Gothenburg, Kalmar, or Karlskrona, using the West Coast Line, the Southern Main Line, the Coast-to-Coast Line or the Blekinge Coast Line.
Passengers mostly encounter Swedish staff on the trains over the Øresund Bridge, but before 2023 there could be either Danish and Swedish staff. For travel inside one of the Swedish counties or inside Denmark, the local traffic authority tickets are used. For travel from Sweden to Denmark tickets can be purchased from the Swedish regional transit authorities and ticket sales channels which are part of the Resplus system, such as SJ.
Until December 2020, the trains were operated by Transdev in Sweden and by DSB in Denmark. In December 2020, Swedish rail operator SJ Öresund, a subsidiary of the state-owned operator SJ, took over the operations in Sweden. Due to an early cancellation of the contract with SJ as a result of differences in opinion regarding conditions for the rolling stock maintenance, Transdev took over as a temporary operator for both operations in Denmark and Sweden in December 2022.[4][5] VR Sverige took over operations in December 2025.[6]
In December 2022 the Danish authorities left the Øresundståg operations, and from that time it is operated with Swedish responsibility only. At the same time Øresundståg stopped operating the route between Østerport and Helsingør, which was taken over by DSB domestic trains.
Operation
[edit]On 27 June 2007 it was decided that DSBFirst was to assume responsibility from 2009 for the running of all Øresundståg services on the Øresund Line and connected destinations. DSBFirst started operations on 11 January 2009. In 2011, the Danish and Swedish ministries of transport instructed DSBFirst Sweden to cease operating the Swedish part of the service from 10 December 2011[7][8] Veolia Transport took over the Swedish side and DSBFirst Denmark's services passed to DSB Øresund. The Øresundståg operation has suffered from financial problems as well as delays and cancelled trains on both the Danish and Swedish part of its network,[9][10][11][12] notably during the 2010 winter.

On the Danish side the trains stop often, about every 4 km, like a commuter train. On the Swedish side the trains stop much less often, more like inter-city trains, and they reach stations about 300 km from Copenhagen, such as Gothenburg, Kalmar and Karlskrona. Most travellers use it like a regional train for work commuting and similar shorter journeys, and local monthly passes are valid on the train.
The combination of routes of an inter-city nature in Sweden with commuter-like routes in Denmark is often a source of trouble. The long-distance trains from Sweden often accumulate delays during the long journey. But delays cause trouble to commuter passengers having fixed work hours and not wishing to add long margins, since they travel every day. Therefore, some stand-by trains were ready at Kastrup that run to Helsingør if the train from Sweden was delayed. In these circumstances the train from Sweden terminated early and did not continue to Helsingør.
Because of the complexity involved in the Øresundståg operation and the result of delays on the Danish side of the network, the decision was taken to split the operations in December 2021.[13] The Danish services are now tendered by the Danish authorities, while Skånetrafiken will be responsible for the tendering process for the international and Swedish services. The trains to Helsingør now start at Holbæk or Næstved.
In 2023 a fourth circulation of Øresundståg was started between Helsingborg and Østerport due to demand and enabled by the opening of a new platform in Helsingborg, so that trains go once per 15 minutes instead of once per 20 minutes most of the day.
Competitors
[edit]Between Gothenburg and Malmö (until 2012 to Copenhagen, but not to Helsingør), SJ AB (the Swedish national railway) operates competing trains. From 2009 they have different tickets compared to the Øresundståg services. SJ runs X2000 trains via Hässleholm, and from 2009 to 2011 SJ ran intercity IC3 (X31) trains using via Helsingborg. Different tickets are needed. There was a similar situation with DSB's "Intercity Bornholm" trains to Ystad, which did not accept Øresundståg tickets despite the "Øresundstog" rolling stock used.
ID checks from Denmark to Sweden
[edit]In response to the 2015 European migrant crisis the Swedish government mandated ID checks on all trains coming from Denmark from December 2015. As checks performed by the Swedish police took up to 20 minutes per train, timetables were severely disrupted. Beginning on 4 January 2016, transport operators would be fined if any improperly documented people were found to be brought into Sweden. As a result, DSB restructured the timetable, constructed a fence between the platforms at Copenhagen Airport station, and introduced its own ID checks in order to gain entrance to the Malmö-bound platform at CPH Airport station. The frequency of trains across the bridge had been reduced to a maximum of 3 tph. Apart from the reduced frequency, services from Sweden to Denmark ran as usual to Helsingør during the day and Østerport in the evenings, with no ID checks entering Denmark. Since 4 May 2017 the line had changed to perform ID checks only at Malmö Hyllie station for trains travelling to Sweden.
As of 2023, frequency of 6 trains per hour during rush hour had resumed, and trains are timetabled to wait 6 minutes at Malmö Hyllie where the Swedish police check ID of alighting passengers.[14][15][16]
Rolling stock
[edit]ET / X31K & X32K
[edit]| X31 | |
|---|---|
A refurbished X31 at Ängelholms station. | |
| Stock type | Electric multiple unit |
| In service | 2000–present |
| Manufacturer | Adtranz/Bombardier Transportation |
| Family name | Flexliner |
| Constructed | 1999–2012 |
| Number built | 111 total, 104 X31K, 7 X32K |
| Fleet numbers | 4301-4342, 4350-4411 (X31K/ET), 4343-4349 (X32K) |
| Capacity | 229 seats |
| Owners | Blekinge Halland Kronoberg Skåne Kalmar Västtrafik |
| Operators | VR Sverige for Øresundståg |
| Depots | Hässleholmsdepån |
| Lines served | Västkustbanan Södra stambanan Citytunneln Öresundsbanan Kust till kust-banan Blekinge kustbana |
| Specifications | |
| Doors | four doors per carriage 1-2-1 in a configuration |
| Maximum speed | 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph) |
| Weight | 156 tonnes |
| UIC classification | Bo'Bo'+2'2'+Bo'Bo' |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
X31 is a electric multiple unit made by Bombardier Transportation. Owned collectively by the regional transit organisation of Blekinge, Halland, Kronoberg, Skåne, Kalmar och Västra Götaland[17] aswell as leasing company Transitio, and used on the entirety of the Øresundståg network. Mainly in Sweden but also on the Danish railway network with regular services running to and from Copenhagen Central Station and Østerport railway station.
The first 67 units were built at Kalmar Verkstad before the production line was moved to Germany where the rest of the 111 train sets were made. The last train was delivered to Transito in 2012 and the production line has since then been closed.[18][19][20]
Services
[edit]Current
[edit]The trains are currently operated on the Øresundståg network in the Øresund Region and the surrounding area.
Former
[edit]Formerly used by DSB on their services Copenhagen-Ystad called InterCity Bornholm that connected to the BornholmerFærgen services. It was also used to operate regional services on Sjælland and on the Kystbanen. This services ended and DSB sold their ten trains designated DSB ET to Skånetrafiken.[21] SJ also operated Intercity services on Västkustbanan. This service ended in 2011. The SJ units were equipped with a bistro, and the same seating as the X2000 trains. The bistro and seats were removed after the service ended.
Design
[edit]A X31 train has three cars and five units can be coupled together. Each unit is 79 metres long and weighs 156 tonnes. A two class system is employed with a total of 229 seats of which 20 are in first class. The bodies are 297 cm in width and is built using stainless steel, Different from other Flexliner family trains made of aluminium. When coupled together the fronts are folded away to provide a full width gangway The front ends are also used as an emergency exit in the Drogden tunnel in which it is mandatory.[22] The train is also designed with an emergency brake override to comply with Citytunneln regulation.
To work with the differences in Swedish and Danish power systems the train is able to swap voltages and regularly does so on the island of Peberholm. It is also equipped with both Swedish and Danish ATC.
Refurbishment
[edit]As the larger part of the fleet of trains were over 15 years old, Øresundståg announced a refurbishment of the fleet would take place. As part of this refurbishment the seats received a makeover with new fabric aswell as a new luggage rack in first class, the toilets were also replaced. New flooring and a wheelchair accessible area was installed. The exterior also reciverd a makeover with new paint and decals.
The total for the renovation came to 51 millions SEK and was paid for by the operators of the trains Blekinge, Halland, Kronoberg, Skåne, Kalmar, Västra Götaland and DSB. The renovation took place at the depot in Tillberga, Västerås and finished in 2023.[23]
X32
[edit]X32 is a variant of the X31 multiple unit which was ordered in the 2002 by Skånetrafiken and Blekingetrafiken to be used on an electrified Bleking Kustbana when completed, in the meantime it was loaned to SJ and put in to service on the Coast-to-Coast Line between Göteborg och Karlskrona/Kalmar.
The trains had a more comfortable interior then the X31 due to it traveling longer distances. It also had three toilets instead of two on the X31. When the service ended in 2007 the trains were rebuilt to X31 standard as a result of Danish requirements, and the only evidence of their existence is the three toilets and them still bearing the name X32.
Gallery
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "NY tågdepå i Hässleholm". Jarnvagar.nu. 15 May 2020.
- ^ "Sidste direkte tog fra Sverige til Helsingør afgik lørdag aften" (in Danish). 2021.
- ^ Alla under 50 uppmanades stå på trångt Öresundståg
- ^ "Who are we". www.oresundstag.se. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Andersson, Patrik (21 April 2022). "SJ slutar köra Öresundstågen i förtid". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- ^ Simmons, Mark (31 October 2024). "VR Sweden wins Öresundståg contract". International Railway Journal.
- ^ "Børsen". Borsen.dk. 28 June 2011.
- ^ "Beretning til Statsrevisorerne om Kystbanen" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2011.
- ^ "DSBFirst får dødsstødet af KPMG". Dr.dk. 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Forsinkede DSB-tog skaber vrede i Sverige". Dr.dk. 13 October 2011.
- ^ "Millionbonus til DSBFirst trods flere forsinkelser på kystbanen". Ing.dk. 11 May 2010. Archived from the original on 15 May 2010.
- ^ "DSBFirst forårsager masseaflysninger i Sverige". Ing.dk. 5 July 2011.
- ^ "Cross-Øresund services to be split". Railwaygazette.com. 18 December 2017.
- ^ "Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control - Migration and Home Affairs - European Commission". Ec.europa.eu. 6 December 2016.
- ^ "COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2017/818 of 11 May 2017 setting out a Recommendation for prolonging temporary internal border control in exceptional circumstances putting the overall functioning of the Schengen area at risk". Eur-lex.europa.eu.
- ^ "Timetables". www.oresundstag.se. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Vilka är vi?".
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Skånetrafiken köper tio begagnade Öresundståg från DSB". 24 May 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
- ^ SIN-L Lokale instrukser Archived 2022-11-29 at the Wayback Machine sida 259
- ^ "Många positiva tågnyheter 2024". Öresundståg. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official Swedish website of Öresundståg (in English and Swedish)
Øresundståg
View on GrokipediaHistory
Establishment and Launch (1999–2000)
The Øresundståg regional passenger train network was formed as a collaborative initiative between Danish and Swedish rail authorities to integrate rail services across the newly constructed Øresund fixed link, comprising a bridge-tunnel structure with dedicated railway tracks. The infrastructure project, approved in 1991 and commencing construction in 1995, reached completion in 1999 at a cost of approximately 19.6 billion Danish kroner (equivalent to about 2.6 billion euros).[8] This development aimed to enhance connectivity between the capitals of Copenhagen and Malmö, reducing travel time and fostering economic ties in the transnational Øresund Region.[1] Operations launched on July 1, 2000, synchronized with the official opening of the Øresund Bridge to rail and road traffic. Initial services, jointly managed by Danish State Railways (DSB) and Swedish State Railways (SJ), prioritized high-frequency commuter routes linking Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö, with trains crossing the 16-kilometer link in about 15-20 minutes.[1] The network's ownership resides with six southern Swedish regional transport authorities—Blekinge, Halland, Kronoberg, Skåne, Kalmar County, and Västra Götaland (via Västtrafik)—which coordinated the service to extend beyond the border into regional Swedish lines.[1] Early implementation emphasized seamless integration without border stops, leveraging standardized ticketing and signaling systems compatible with both national networks. By late 2000, extensions incorporated services to Helsingborg, Helsingør, and Kristianstad, establishing Øresundståg as a foundational element of cross-border mobility with initial daily frequencies of up to 100 trains in peak hours on the core Copenhagen-Malmö corridor.[1] This launch capitalized on the bridge's dual-track railway capacity, designed for electric multiple units capable of operating under both Danish 25 kV AC and Swedish 15 kV AC electrification standards.Early Operations and Initial Challenges (2000–2008)
The Øresundståg regional train services launched on July 1, 2000, coinciding with the inauguration of the Øresund fixed link connecting Copenhagen Kastrup Airport in Denmark to Malmö Central Station in Sweden. Initially operated as a joint venture between Danish State Railways (DSB) and Swedish State Railways (SJ), the services provided frequent cross-border connections, with trains running every 20 minutes between Copenhagen and Malmö during peak periods to capitalize on the new infrastructure's capacity for integrated rail operations.[9][10] These trains utilized purpose-built electric multiple units compatible with both Danish 25 kV AC and Swedish 15 kV AC electrification systems, enabling seamless transnational travel without changes.[5] Early operations saw rapid growth in ridership, with rail traffic volumes across the Øresund tripling within the first five years post-opening, driven by enhanced regional connectivity and commuter demand between the Danish capital region and Skåne County.[11] However, integration challenges emerged due to discrepancies in national railway standards, including Danish Automatic Train Control (ATC) signaling requirements and door interlocking mechanisms, which caused operational friction on shared routes. Punctuality was further strained by infrastructure bottlenecks, such as single-track sections and capacity limits on the bridge's rail tunnel, leading to cascading delays particularly during peak hours.[12] In December 2005, DSB transferred its Øresund operations to DSBFirst, a joint entity with UK-based FirstGroup, to streamline management and introduce private-sector efficiencies amid rising costs. This transition initially aimed to boost service reliability but instead amplified difficulties, as DSBFirst encountered escalating operational expenses from maintenance, staffing, and technical adaptations for cross-border compliance. By 2008, financial shortfalls prompted DSBFirst to seek additional subsidies, highlighting underestimations in budgeting for variable demand and unforeseen repair needs on aging fleet components like doors and signaling interfaces. Delays averaged several minutes per service, with cancellation rates elevated on the Danish network due to these systemic issues, eroding passenger confidence despite overall traffic expansion.[13][12]Operator Transitions and Reforms (2009–2023)
In January 2009, DSBFirst—a joint venture between Danish State Railways (DSB) and the British transport firm FirstGroup—assumed responsibility for operating Øresundståg services across the Øresund network, following a 2007 decision by Danish and Swedish transport authorities to consolidate operations under a single entity for improved coordination.[14] This transition aimed to streamline cross-border services amid growing demand, with DSBFirst handling routes from Copenhagen to Malmö, Helsingborg, and beyond into Sweden. By March 2011, DSBFirst faced severe financial difficulties, reporting mounting losses that threatened bankruptcy and operational disruption, prompting intervention by Danish and Swedish transport ministries.[15] To avert collapse, authorities negotiated a new, higher-cost contract with Veolia Transport (later rebranded as Transdev), which took over DSBFirst's Swedish operations by mid-2011, while DSB retained control on the Danish side; this reform emphasized financial safeguards in future tenders, including stricter performance bonds and cost audits.[16][17] Simultaneously, SJ—Sweden's state-owned operator—stepped in with a short-term agreement from 2011 to stabilize services post-DSBFirst, operating under transitional terms until longer contracts could be tendered. In 2017, Danish and Swedish authorities reformed the operational model by splitting Øresundståg contracts along national lines, allowing independent tendering for Danish (primarily DSB-managed) and Swedish segments to enhance competition, reduce cross-border coordination risks, and address past financial vulnerabilities exposed by DSBFirst's failure.[18] Under the Swedish tender awarded in May 2019, SJ secured an eight-year contract (with a two-year extension option) starting December 2020, expanding its role to include maintenance of the fleet's 111 Adtranz X31 electric multiple units at a dedicated depot in Malmö, aiming to improve reliability and integrate operations more tightly.[3] However, disputes arose over the contract's maintenance scope, leading authorities to terminate SJ's agreement early in April 2022; Transdev was then granted a two-year emergency contract from December 10, 2022, to maintain service continuity while a new tender proceeded, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing performance clauses amid rising operational costs and fleet aging.[19] These transitions underscored reforms toward more granular risk allocation in contracts, such as segregating maintenance responsibilities and prioritizing operators with proven cross-border experience, though they also revealed persistent issues with cost overruns and inter-operator disputes in a binational framework.Operations
Network Routes and Coverage
Øresundståg provides regional passenger train services across the Øresund Region, linking southern Sweden with the Copenhagen metropolitan area in Denmark via the Øresund Bridge and associated rail lines. The network encompasses three primary corridors originating from northern endpoints in Sweden—Göteborg, Kalmar, and Karlskrona—and terminating in Copenhagen or Østerport in Denmark, facilitating cross-border connectivity for commuters and travelers.[20][21] These services operate on electrified tracks, with trains crossing the 16-kilometer Øresund fixed link, which integrates rail and road infrastructure completed in 2000.[20] The Göteborg line runs from Göteborg Centralstation through Halmstad and Helsingborg to Malmö Central and København H, serving coastal and urban routes in Västra Götaland and Halland counties before entering Skåne and Denmark.[21] The Kalmar corridor connects Kalmar via Växjö and Hässleholm to Malmö and Copenhagen, traversing Kronoberg and Kalmar counties with intermediate stops at stations such as Alvesta, Älmhult, and Emmaboda.[21] Similarly, the Karlskrona route extends from Karlskrona through Kristianstad and Hässleholm to the same southern destinations, covering Blekinge county with calls at Ronneby, Sölvesborg, and Karlshamn.[21] Shorter regional variants, such as those between Lund, Malmö, and Copenhagen, supplement the main lines for denser local coverage.[21] Coverage spans six southern Swedish counties—Blekinge, Halland, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Skåne, and Västra Götaland—along with the Danish Capital Region, encompassing a total of 46 stations as of the 2024 timetable.[7] Key stations include Göteborg, Malmö Central, Helsingborg, Lund, Hässleholm, Växjö, and in Denmark: København H, Østerport, and Københavns Lufthavn (Copenhagen Airport).[20] The network notably bypasses Burlöv station in Malmö until its reopening on December 10, 2023, after reconstruction, enhancing local access in Skåne.[20] This configuration supports daily cross-border traffic, with services integrated into national rail systems while prioritizing regional connectivity between major urban centers like Göteborg (population over 580,000), Malmö (over 350,000), and Copenhagen (over 650,000).[20]| Line | Northern Endpoint | Key Intermediate Stations | Southern Endpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | Göteborg | Halmstad, Helsingborg | København H / Østerport |
| Småland | Kalmar | Växjö, Hässleholm | København H / Østerport |
| Blekinge | Karlskrona | Kristianstad, Hässleholm | København H / Østerport |
Service Patterns, Timetables, and Frequencies
Øresundståg operates a network of regional passenger services connecting southern Sweden and eastern Denmark, with service patterns designed for commuter traffic, regional travel, and cross-border integration via the Øresund Bridge. Core services emphasize frequent shuttles on the Malmö–Copenhagen route, supplemented by longer-distance lines extending into Sweden, such as Göteborg–Halmstad–Helsingborg–Malmö–Copenhagen, Kalmar–Växjö–Hässleholm–Malmö–Copenhagen, and Karlskrona–Kristianstad–Hässleholm–Malmö–Copenhagen, alongside shorter intra-regional links like Lund–Malmö–Copenhagen.[21] These patterns prioritize bidirectional connectivity without mandatory border changes, though trains adhere to differing electrification and signaling standards on each side of the bridge. On the high-volume Malmö–Copenhagen corridor, which includes stops at Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup), trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours (roughly 6:00–9:00 and 15:00–18:00 on weekdays) and every 30 minutes off-peak, providing up to 63 daily departures in each direction.[22][23] Extended routes maintain lower frequencies, typically hourly during daytime operations, with services from Göteborg or eastern Swedish cities like Kalmar operating 8–12 times daily on weekdays, reducing on weekends to focus on core segments.[24] Operations generally span 5:00 to 24:00, with no dedicated night services; early and late trains align with regional demand peaks.[25] Timetables for the 2024–2025 period (valid 15 December 2024 to 13 December 2025) are coordinated across operators DSB and SJ, incorporating adjustments for maintenance or disruptions, accessible via official booking tools for real-time verification.[21] Weekend schedules often curtail longer routes, limiting Göteborg–Copenhagen services to daytime hours with 30–60 minute headways, while intra-Øresund frequencies remain stable to support tourism and shift work.[25] Frequencies reflect empirical demand data, with cross-bridge capacity prioritized at 3–6 trains per hour during peaks to balance infrastructure limits and passenger loads exceeding 1,000 per hour in both directions.Ticketing, Fares, and Integration
Tickets for Øresundståg services are purchased through the operator's website (oresundstag.se), regional public transport apps such as Skånetrafiken, ticket vending machines at stations including Copenhagen Central and Copenhagen Airport, or authorized points of sale like 7-Eleven in Denmark; onboard purchases are not permitted.[26][27] Available ticket types include single-journey fares, Resplus tickets for occasional or longer trips, rechargeable travel funds, and period-based cards for frequent commuters.[26] Electronic tickets in apps must be activated prior to boarding, with validity displayed on the device.[26] Fares operate on a fixed-price, zone-based system determined by distance and regional authorities, with unlimited availability and no dynamic pricing or advance discounts; prices remain consistent regardless of purchase timing.[24] For example, a single ticket from Copenhagen to Malmö typically costs around 80 DKK (approximately €11 as of recent data), while longer routes like Copenhagen to Gothenburg involve multiple zones and higher fares scaled accordingly.[28] Cross-border Øresund Tickets, available via DSB for travel from Greater Copenhagen (zones 1-99) to stations in southern Sweden, cover specific journeys and can be compared by route on DSB platforms.[27] Reservations are not required, as trains sell open tickets valid for any departure on the same line within the ticket's timeframe (e.g., 3 hours from Copenhagen departures), though optional seat reservations exist for a portion of seats in first and second class.[26][24] Integration with broader public transport systems enhances connectivity across the Øresund region. In Sweden, Øresundståg tickets include access to local city buses for 1 hour before and after train travel, and are fully compatible with Skånetrafiken's zonal network covering buses, trams, and regional trains in Skåne.[26] In Denmark, tickets extend validity all day within F+L zones 1, 3, and 4, encompassing S-trains, Movia buses, Copenhagen Metro, and Harbor Bus services.[26] Cross-border tickets facilitate seamless multimodal trips, such as combining Øresundståg with local services in Copenhagen or Malmö without additional fares, though travelers must ensure zonal coverage matches their itinerary; Skånetrafiken apps, for instance, allow purchase of tickets valid for Øresundståg extensions to Denmark.[26][29] This zonal interoperability supports efficient regional mobility but requires verification of specific route coverage, as fares vary by starting zone and destination.[27]Rolling Stock
Current Fleet Composition
The Øresundståg fleet comprises 111 electric multiple units (EMUs), designated as class X31K in Sweden and class ET in Denmark, all deployed across the network.[5] These units form the exclusive rolling stock for the service, enabling cross-border operations between Denmark and Sweden.[5] Each standard trainset consists of three coupled carriages, labeled 11 through 14, providing 229 seats in total.[5] For peak demand or longer routes, up to three trainsets can be coupled together to increase capacity.[5] The fleet's uniformity supports consistent service patterns, with maintenance handled jointly by Danish State Railways (DSB) and the Swedish operator, though operations transition to VR Sverige AB from December 2025 without altering the rolling stock.[6]Technical Specifications and Adaptations
The Øresundståg fleet consists of 111 identical three-car electric multiple units (EMUs) designated class ET in Denmark and X31K in Sweden, manufactured by Bombardier Transportation as part of the Flexliner family.[5] Each trainset measures 79 meters in length and weighs approximately 157 tonnes, with a power output of 2,300 kW enabling a top speed of 180 km/h.[30][5] The units feature a Bo'Bo'+2'2'+Bo'Bo' wheel arrangement on standard 1,435 mm gauge tracks and provide 229 seats, with the capability to couple up to three sets for higher capacity operations.[31] These trains incorporate dual-voltage electrical systems compatible with Denmark's 25 kV 50 Hz AC and Sweden's 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC overhead lines, facilitating seamless cross-border travel without power interruptions.[30] Designed from inception to meet both Danish and Swedish technical, safety, and interoperability standards, the rolling stock includes adaptations such as compatible signaling interfaces and structural compliance for the Øresund Bridge's specific loading and aerodynamic requirements.[14] The middle car features low-floor design for enhanced wheelchair accessibility, with wider interior space and dedicated areas for assisted boarding.[32]Border Controls and Security
Implementation of ID Checks
Swedish police authorities implement identity (ID) checks on Øresundståg trains traveling from Denmark to Sweden primarily at Hyllie station in Malmö, the first stop after crossing the Øresund Bridge.[33][34] Officers board the train during an extended dwell time of 5–10 minutes, systematically verifying passengers' documents by moving through the cars.[33][35] Valid identification, such as a passport or national ID card, is required for all passengers, with non-compliance potentially leading to denial of entry, removal from the train, or referral for further immigration processing.[36][37] These onboard procedures, formalized since early 2016 in response to migration pressures, allow passengers to remain seated without disembarking, unlike initial setups that occasionally required train changes or pre-boarding verifications in Denmark.[38][39] Checks are selective or routine depending on threat levels, with extensions authorized under EU Schengen rules for internal security, as seen in the current regime valid through November 11, 2025.[40][41] Random verifications may occur elsewhere, but Hyllie remains the focal point to minimize disruptions while ensuring compliance.[22][42] The process integrates with broader EU systems, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, which automates tracking of non-EU nationals but does not alter the manual ID verification for Øresundståg intra-Schengen travel.[43][41] Delays from these checks average several minutes per train but can extend if high-risk individuals are identified, prompting coordination with Danish authorities for returns if needed.[33][44] No equivalent routine checks apply in the reverse direction, though Denmark maintains temporary controls from Sweden amid ongoing security concerns.[45][46]Reasons, Evolution, and Operational Impacts
The implementation of border controls on Øresundståg services stemmed primarily from Sweden's response to the 2015 European migrant crisis, during which the country received over 160,000 asylum applications, many routed through Denmark via the Øresund Bridge.[47] To curb irregular migration and undocumented entries, Swedish authorities initiated police checks on trains entering from Denmark starting November 12, 2015, marking the first large-scale border controls in two decades despite prior passport-free travel under the Nordic Passport Union and Schengen Agreement.[47] [48] These measures evolved from ad hoc police verifications to formalized requirements effective January 4, 2016, mandating valid photo identification for all passengers on trains, buses, and ferries crossing from Denmark to Sweden, with transport operators facing fines of 50,000 Swedish kronor per undocumented traveler to enforce compliance.[49] [50] Initially temporary for six months, the controls were repeatedly extended amid persistent migration pressures and security concerns, briefly lifted in May 2017 due to declining arrivals but reimposed and prolonged thereafter, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and into 2025 for ongoing threat assessments.[51] [36] By 2023, Swedish police continued routine ID verification at inner borders like Hyllie station or onboard Øresundståg trains, reflecting a shift toward normalized scrutiny rather than exceptional crisis response.[35] Operationally, the controls disrupted Øresundståg's seamless cross-border service, introducing mandatory stops for identity verification that extended typical Malmö-Copenhagen journeys from 35 minutes to over an hour, with commuters facing average delays of 45 minutes during peak implementation in early 2016.[52] [53] Fears of operator fines prompted service reductions, including cancellations of up to 20% of trains by December 2015 and lower frequencies thereafter, as companies like DSB prioritized compliance over capacity.[54] This affected daily ridership, particularly the 40,000-50,000 cross-border commuters, increasing costs for additional staffing and scheduling adjustments while reducing overall efficiency and punctuality on the network.[50] Denmark's reciprocal tightening of controls in August 2024, driven by spillover gang violence from Sweden, further compounded bidirectional delays, though Swedish inbound checks remained the primary bottleneck for Øresundståg operations.[55]Performance and Criticisms
Reliability Issues and Delays
Øresundståg services have experienced persistent reliability challenges, including frequent delays and cancellations, attributed to infrastructure limitations, technical failures, and operational bottlenecks. In 2018, approximately 20 percent of Øresund trains were delayed, according to an analysis by Ramböll citing Danish Ministry of Transport statistics, reflecting higher disruption rates compared to domestic networks. Earlier data from 2014 indicated delay rates of 12.5 percent for trains originating in Sweden and 12.8 percent from Denmark, processed from operator and Trafikverket records. These figures underscore a pattern of subpar punctuality, with 2013 reporting 90.5 percent on-time performance for Øresund operations, lagging behind targets in comparable systems.[56][57] Infrastructure maintenance has exacerbated delays, particularly on the Øresund Bridge and connecting lines prone to wear from high traffic volumes. In April 2025, track degradation prompted service reductions and speed restrictions, resulting in longer journey times and commuter disruptions across the bridge. Track replacement works commenced on May 27, 2025, with anticipated delays during the multi-week project affecting cross-border routes. Swedish national rail punctuality stood at 87.1 percent for arrivals within five minutes of schedule in 2024, but Øresundståg's cross-border complexity, including varied routing in southern Sweden, has contributed to poorer outcomes on the Danish side.[58][59][60] Technical issues, such as electricity supply failures (elfel), have been recurrent causes of prolonged delays, often cited in passenger reports from routes like Malmö-Copenhagen Airport. Weekend services between Lund, Malmö, and Copenhagen have drawn specific criticism for unreliability, with frequent cancellations and overcrowding compounding disruptions. Operator responses include a compensation scheme offering refunds for delays exceeding 60 minutes, applicable to non-Resplus tickets, acknowledging systemic vulnerabilities. Despite these measures, user satisfaction remains low, as evidenced by a Trustpilot rating of 1.3 from over 280 reviews highlighting consistent operational shortcomings.[61][62][63]Financial Problems and Cost Overruns
The operation of Øresundståg by DSBFirst, a joint venture between Danish State Railways (DSB) and UK-based FirstGroup, encountered severe financial difficulties from 2009 onward, culminating in the termination of its contracts in 2011.[64] In March 2011, DSBFirst disclosed significant financial strain, prompting multiple firms to bid for takeover of the services linking Copenhagen and Helsingør in Denmark with Malmö, Karlskrona, and Kalmar in Sweden.[15] DSBFirst Danmark reported a 2011 deficit of 294 million Danish kroner, while its Swedish counterpart recorded losses of 387 million Swedish kronor, driven by operational shortfalls and underestimated costs on the cross-border routes.[65] A KPMG analysis projected cumulative operating losses (EBIT) exceeding 1.5 billion Danish kroner for the period 2011–2017 if contracts continued, attributing overruns to revenue shortfalls, elevated maintenance expenses, and inefficiencies in the subsidized model where authorities covered deficits but operators faced escalating liabilities.[65] On the Swedish segment, deficits were particularly acute, with 2010 results showing 24 million Danish kroner in losses before accounting adjustments that temporarily masked the underlying issues through reclassifications.[66] These problems led DSB to allocate 725 million Danish kroner to resolve DSBFirst's debts, while FirstGroup contested responsibility, highlighting disputes over cost allocation in the joint venture.[67] The Danish side struggled with service delivery failures amid rising expenses, whereas Swedish operations hemorrhaged funds due to lower-than-expected ridership and higher infrastructure-related costs, exacerbating the venture's insolvency.[68] By mid-2011, the overall Øresundståg economics reflected a 1.5 billion Danish kroner shortfall, forcing DSBFirst to surrender Swedish contracts and avert bankruptcy through authority intervention.[69][70] Subsequent operators, including Veolia (now Transdev), assumed control from late 2011, stabilizing finances through restructured bids and improved cost controls, though the episode underscored vulnerabilities in cross-border rail concessions reliant on fixed subsidies amid variable demand and maintenance burdens.[64]User and Stakeholder Criticisms
Passengers have frequently criticized Øresundståg for persistent technical failures, including electrical faults (known as "elfel" in Swedish) and switch malfunctions, which lead to prolonged delays and cancellations.[61] [62] User reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, aggregating over 280 submissions as of late 2025, rate the service at an average of 1.3 out of 5 stars, with complaints emphasizing that such issues occur "all the time" and strand passengers, sometimes for hours.[62] These problems have been attributed to aging infrastructure and insufficient maintenance, exacerbating unreliability for commuters reliant on hourly services across the Øresund Bridge. Overcrowding represents another major grievance, particularly during peak hours, where short train formations fail to accommodate demand, leaving standing room only for hundreds of passengers. [71] Commuters in Malmö and Copenhagen have reported trains becoming "crammed full" without available seats, worsened by uneven passenger distribution from competing high-speed services like SJ, which use dynamic pricing to fill faster options first. Local stakeholders, including daily cross-border workers, argue this reflects an undersized network unable to handle surge periods, leading to missed connections and productivity losses. Service disruptions at border controls have drawn ire for disorganization, with passengers citing unready manifests, luggage mishandling, and ID check bottlenecks that compound delays.[72] Tourists and infrequent travelers, in particular, warn against relying on Øresundståg for time-sensitive itineraries due to these systemic shortcomings, describing the experience as falling below expectations for regional rail in Scandinavia.[61] Staff shortages further amplify issues, as noted in multiple reviews, hindering efficient handling of faults or passenger assistance.[62] While some operators report overall satisfaction rates around 75% in internal surveys, independent user feedback underscores a gap in perceived service quality for essential cross-border mobility.[73]Impact and Achievements
Economic and Regional Integration Benefits
The Øresundståg regional train service has significantly enhanced labor market integration across the Øresund Strait by enabling high-frequency cross-border commuting, primarily from Sweden to Denmark, where wage differentials incentivize Swedish workers to access Copenhagen's higher-paying jobs. In 2024, daily train journeys across the bridge reached a record 41,000, contributing to an integrated binational labor market of approximately 19,000 regular commuters between the two countries (including minor boat usage), with numbers continuing to grow due to the service's reliability and 20-30 minute travel times between Copenhagen and Malmö compared to over an hour by pre-bridge ferries.[74][75][76] This mobility expands the effective labor pool for Danish firms, reduces regional unemployment—particularly in the Danish Øresund area, which experienced near-zero rates in the early post-bridge years—and allows cost-conscious Danes to reside in more affordable Swedish housing while working in Denmark, fostering productivity gains through efficient resource allocation.[77] Economically, the service supports a larger metropolitan area by pooling talent and consumers across borders, yielding broader regional benefits such as elevated trade volumes and GDP growth; Danish-Swedish trade in the Øresund area stands 25% above counterfactual estimates without the fixed link, partly attributable to facilitated business travel and supply chain coordination enabled by passenger rail.[74][77] Since the bridge's 2000 opening, the region's real GDP has risen 24%, marginally outpacing the EU average of 23%, with rail's role in sustaining commuter flows credited for amplifying agglomeration economies in high-tech and service sectors concentrated around Copenhagen and Malmö.[76] These effects stem from reduced transport barriers, which lower effective commuting costs and enable daily economic interactions that pre-link ferries and roads could not support at scale, though benefits accrue asymmetrically, with Denmark capturing more from inbound Swedish labor than vice versa.[78] In terms of regional integration, Øresundståg underpins the Øresund Region's emergence as Europe's first major cross-national urban area outside core continental Europe, promoting joint infrastructure planning, innovation clusters, and policy coordination between Danish and Swedish authorities to leverage combined populations exceeding 4 million for competitive advantages in knowledge-based industries.[79] The service's interoperability—featuring bi-voltage trains and unified ticketing—has normalized binational daily life, stimulating cross-border real estate development, tourism (with easier access to cultural sites), and educational exchanges, while official analyses emphasize rail's necessity for achieving traffic volumes that sustain such integration without overwhelming road capacity.[80] Despite occasional capacity constraints, these dynamics have solidified the region as a model of causal economic linkage via transport, where reliable rail service directly correlates with sustained cross-border flows essential for long-term cohesion.[78]Social Connectivity and Usage Statistics
Øresundståg facilitates cross-border travel between Denmark and Sweden, supporting daily commuting for thousands in the Øresund Region, which encompasses over 4 million inhabitants across Copenhagen, Malmö, and surrounding areas. The service primarily serves commuters leveraging wage disparities, with many Swedish residents in lower-cost Skåne commuting to higher-paying jobs in Denmark, thereby integrating labor markets and enabling bidirectional flows of workers, students, and leisure travelers. This connectivity has contributed to knowledge spillovers, as cross-border commuters transfer skills and innovations between the two countries, enhancing regional productivity.[81][82] In 2023, Øresundståg recorded a peak of 13.3 million cross-border passengers, a 15.6% rise from the prior year, reflecting recovery from pandemic disruptions and sustained demand for efficient rail links. This volume translates to roughly 36,000 daily train trips across the Øresund, underscoring the service's role as the dominant mode for passenger rail transit in the region. Usage patterns show peak loads during morning and evening rush hours, with trains often operating at or near capacity; for instance, in 2021, select weeks saw over 161,000 passengers on cross-border routes amid post-restriction rebounds.[83][84] Cross-border commuting statistics highlight Øresundståg's centrality to social ties: in 2020, approximately 15,161 individuals commuted from Sweden to the Danish portion of the region, with many relying on these trains due to their frequency and direct bridge access. Swedish-to-Danish flows dominate, driven by economic incentives—commuters added an estimated 740 million EUR in annual value to Denmark's economy through labor contributions. The service also supports specialized sectors, such as around 1,800 Swedish residents commuting to Danish healthcare roles, fostering interpersonal networks that extend beyond economics to cultural exchange and family linkages across the border.[85][86][87]| Year | Cross-Border Passengers (millions) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13.3 | Record high; 15.6% increase year-over-year[83] |
| 2020 | ~11.5 (estimated pre-increase) | Impacted by COVID-19 restrictions[83] |