Traveling to Denmark by train from France: itineraries and trip ideas
Denmark is often the gateway to Scandinavia. A country on a human scale, where design, nature and quality of life meet without ever clashing. Here, you can move from a vibrant capital to wild beaches, from colorful villages to deep forests, all within short distances. Whether you're looking for a city trip in Copenhagen or Aarhus, a nature stay in Jutland or a more comprehensive itinerary across the country, Denmark offers astonishing diversity in a compact area.
And above all, Denmark is easily accessible by train from France. With connections via Germany (and from July 2026, thanks to European Sleeper's Paris-Hamburg night train) getting to Denmark just got easier and more comfortable. You arrive directly in the city center, travel at your own pace, and once there, public transport and bicycles take over. In short, the ideal Scandinavian destination for a low-carbon trip that's seamless and coherent from start to finish!
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How to reach Danemark by train?
Good news: going to Denmark by train is not only possible, it's getting easier all the time. You cross Europe at your own pace, arriving directly in the city center, and turning the journey into the start of a real journey. No endless boarding queues, no out-of-the-way airports: rail takes you right to the heart of Danish cities.
Specifically, there are several itineraries depending on your destination (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense...):
🚄 Paris → Frankfurt → Hamburg → Denmark
🌙 From July 2026: Paris → Hamburg by night train (European Sleeper) → connection to Denmark
The arrival of the Paris-Hamburg night train is a real game-changer. You leave France in the evening, wake up in Northern Germany, and all that's left is a direct train to Copenhagen or Odense. The result: an optimized night's sleep, less fatigue, and simplified connections to Denmark.
Once in Denmark The rail network is fluid, reliable and well meshed. Trains easily connect major cities, coastlines and even some more rural areas. And because distances are relatively short, you can explore a lot, without ever renting a car. In short, the train is an integral part of the Danish experience.
Denmark is a compact but incredibly varied country. In just a few hours by train, you can go from a creative capital to wild dunes, from confidential islands to museums of contemporary architecture. It's this concentrated diversity that makes the journey so fluid: you change atmosphere without multiplying the kilometers.
Copenhagen and other major Danish cities
It's impossible to talk about Denmark without mentioning Copenhagen Design, Nordic cuisine, museums, colorful neighborhoods... the capital sets the tone. But other cities are well worth a visit:
Aarhus for its balance between culture and nature
Odense Hans Christian Andersen's birthplace
Aalborg more confidential, facing the fjord
Each offers a different atmosphere, always accessible by train and easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Denmark is also a omnipresent coastline. Between the beaches of Jutland, the white cliffs of Møns Klint, the dunes of the north or the islands of the Baltic Sea, nature is everywhere, and never far from the stations. You can :
walk through the wild landscapes of the Thy national park
Denmark is one of the European countries where culture and everyday life blend most naturally. Contemporary architecture, daring museums, Viking heritage, Renaissance castles, designer cafés, local canteens... Here, quality of life is not just a slogan. It's in the details: soft mobility, public spaces designed for residents, a balance between city and nature.
In short, whether you're coming for a city trip, a nature itinerary or a more comprehensive Scandinavian tour, Denmark offers an astonishing density of experiences, and all within easy reach by train!
Rejsekort (app) - This is the electronic ticketing system covering buses, trains, subway railways and streetcars throughout Denmark. You buy or load your card/app, check in/out and the fare is automatically calculated according to your distance. It's often more convenient (and cheaper) than buying individual tickets for each journey.
🚇 Useful city passes & maps
City Pass Copenhagen - A practical pass if you're staying in or around the capital for several days. It gives you access to unlimited access to buses, trains, metro and water buses in the selected zone for 24 to 120 h.
Copenhagen Card- More than just a transport pass: it includes unlimited transport + admission to over 70-80 museums and attractions in and around Copenhagen. It often pays off if you plan several visits and city walks.
🚍 Tips & local savings
Outside Copenhagen, regional bus and train networks are well integrated, and tickets can be purchased via official apps or Rejsekort.
In some areas (e.g. Jutland), there are a number of time or off-peak discounts This can bring the price down if you plan your trips for the middle of the day.
Often, combining Rejsekort/app + Copenhagen City Pass is one of the easiest and most economical ways to get around Denmark without a car, while making the most of the rail, bus and metro systems.
Practical FAQ
Can you travel to Denmark by train from France?
Yes, and it's getting easier all the time. You can reach Denmark by train with connections via Germany (Frankfurt or Hamburg).
From July 2026, the night train Paris-Hamburg will make connections to Copenhagen and Jutland even easier. You travel overnight, arrive rested in Northern Germany, then continue to Denmark by regional or intercity train.
How many days should you allow for visiting Denmark?
It all depends on your pace:
3 to 4 days: Copenhagen city trip
5 to 7 days: capital + another region (Fionie, Aarhus, Jutland coast)
10 days or more: a complete itinerary between cities, nature and islands
The country is compact, so you can see a lot without multiplying the hours of travel.
Should you rent a car in Denmark?
Not necessarily. The rail network is dense, reliable and well connected to regional buses. In major cities, cycling and walking are more than sufficient. A car may be useful for some very rural areas, but it's not essential for a classic itinerary.
Are there any good transportation passes?
Yes. The Rejsekort (or its application) allows you to use buses, trains and subways throughout the country, with fares calculated according to distance.
In Copenhagen, the City Pass or the Copenhagen Card can be interesting if you plan several trips and cultural visits.
When is the best time to travel to Denmark?
Every season has its own charm: there is no ideal time to visit Denmark, as it is it's pleasant all year round ! More info here.
Is Denmark an expensive destination?
The cost of living is higher than in many European countries. But by booking your train in advance, taking public transport, staying outside the city center and alternating between restaurants and local addresses, you can keep your budget under control. Also, traveling off-season can be an excellent way to save money.
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This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
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Carbon comparison
Train
98.3kgCO₂e
Plane
277.5kgCO₂e
Train emits about 3x less CO₂ than plane over 1029 km.
