🚆 Scandinavia without a car: how to travel through Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland by train and ferry

Created at: Dec 07, 2025

🚆 Why Scandinavia is ideal for travelling without a car

Scandinavia without a car is not a compromise, but one of the most convenient ways to see the region. An extensive railway network and well-planned ferry routes connect capitals and small towns, allowing you to enjoy a full Scandinavian journey by train and ferry with minimal logistical concerns.

Instead of looking for parking, paying for toll roads and stressing behind the wheel, you simply hop on a train in the city centre and get off in the heart of your next destination. Trains and ferries run on clear schedules, connect easily with each other, and night services save you time and money by combining travel and accommodation.

⏱️ Save time and stress: trains and ferries instead of car hire

If you are wondering how to travel around Sweden without a car and see as much as possible, the answer is simple: trains and ferries in Scandinavia have long been the main mode of transport for locals and tourists alike. Railways and sea routes allow you to plan your trips in advance without worrying about unfamiliar traffic rules, complex junctions and parking in large cities.

Below is a visual comparison of car rental and travelling by public transport.

	Car rental	Trains and ferries in Scandinavia
Planning	You need to consider routes, parking, toll roads, and fines.	Fixed timetables, convenient connections, travel from city center to city center.
Stress level	Unfamiliar traffic rules, complex interchanges, traffic jams in major cities.	You can read, work, look out the window, and relax while on the road.
Budget	Rental, fuel, parking, possible damage, and insurance.	Transparent fares, travel passes, ticket deals, and ferry cruise offers.
Ecology	A higher carbon footprint and more pressure on cities.	Trains and large ferries are a more eco-friendly way to travel.

This is largely why many tour operators in the region already offer trips where the entire itinerary is built around railways and cruises. This format makes travelling around Scandinavia by train and ferry predictable, comfortable and much more relaxed than driving.

🎯 Who would benefit from travelling around Scandinavia without a car?

Scandinavia without a car is suitable for many more people than it might seem at first glance. It is a convenient option both for those visiting for the first time and for residents of the region who are accustomed to combining trains, ferries and city electric trains in their daily and weekend trips.

First time in Scandinavia

If you are just discovering the region, traveling without a car lets you focus on experiences rather than navigation and parking. Routes are easy to plan around major train stations and ferry terminals in the city center.

Residents of Sweden and neighboring countries

For locals, this format is convenient for both vacations and short weekend getaways from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and other cities. Just a couple of hours on a train, and you are already in a new city or by the coast.

Travelers without a driver's license

Not having a license no longer limits your routes: railways and ferries connect capitals, small towns, and even remote regions. You can see the maximum number of countries without needing to get behind the wheel.

Eco tourists and mindful travelers

If sustainability matters to you, trains and ferries in Scandinavia are one of the most logical choices. You reduce your carbon footprint and support a transport system that is designed around sustainable development from the start.

This ‘Scandinavia without a car’ format helps different types of travellers — from novices to experienced residents of the region — plan trips more easily, ecologically and enjoyably, using trains and ferries as the basis for their itinerary.

🚆 How trains and ferries work in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland

The railways of Scandinavia and the well-developed ferry network effectively form a single transport system. Trains in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland connect large cities and small stations, while modern ferries operate between countries, often functioning as ‘overnight sea trains’. This means that travellers only need to understand the basic principles to confidently use Scandinavian railways, night trains and ferries between Stockholm and Helsinki or Copenhagen and Oslo.

🚄 Scandinavian railways: SJ, Vy, DSB, VR

Each country in the region has its own national operator, but for travellers, it all looks like one big, logical route: you plan your route through the cities and simply combine different companies. Below is a brief overview of the main operators that tourists most often encounter.

SJ — Sweden

High-speed and night trains

Swedish operator SJ connects Stockholm with Gothenburg, Malmö, and the north of the country. Convenient high-speed trains and night routes make traveling around Sweden without a car as simple as possible: you depart from the city center and arrive right in the center of the next one.

Vy — Norway

Mountain lines and scenic routes

Norwegian operator Vy runs trains in Sweden and Norway on cross-border sections and within the country. Vy is behind legendary routes like Oslo–Bergen, which pass through mountains and fjords, as well as night train options in Scandinavia with comfortable sleeping cars.

DSB — Denmark

Comfortable trains across bridges and islands

Danish operator DSB is responsible for trains between Copenhagen and other major Danish cities, as well as for part of the routes across the Öresund Bridge towards Sweden. It is easy to combine rail travel with urban infrastructure here: stations are often within walking distance of the main attractions.

VR — Finland

From Helsinki to Lapland

Finnish operator VR connects Helsinki with Turku, Tampere, and northern cities all the way to Lapland. Day and night trains let you first reach Finland by sea and then continue your journey by rail without unnecessary transfers or flights.

If you plan to travel extensively, it makes sense to consider passes such as Eurail or Interrail Scandinavia Pass: they cover Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland and allow you to flexibly combine Scandinavian railways in one itinerary without having to buy each ticket separately.

⛴️ Ferries between capitals and countries

In addition to railways, Scandinavia is easy to cross by water. Routes such as the Stockholm–Helsinki or Turku–Stockholm ferries operate like maritime ‘night trains’: you check into your cabin in the evening, spend the night travelling, and wake up in a new city in the morning. The Copenhagen–Oslo ferry is often chosen instead of a night train or flight — it is both a means of transport and a short trip.

Route	Operator	Format	Highlights
Stockholm – Helsinki	Tallink Silja, Viking Line	Overnight ferry / mini-cruise	A classic route: the Stockholm–Helsinki ferry sails through the archipelago, with restaurants, bars, and cabins in different categories.
Turku – Stockholm	Tallink Silja, Viking Line	Overnight or evening ferry	Convenient if you start from southwestern Finland. Easy to combine with VR trains on the Helsinki–Turku route.
Copenhagen – Oslo	DFDS	Overnight ferry / “floating hotel”	The Copenhagen–Oslo ferry lets you switch capitals overnight and enjoy strait views without wasting time at airports.

These routes fit well into a car-free trip around Scandinavia: you combine trains and ferries, getting both logistics and experiences — from city waterfronts to island landscapes.

🌙 Night trains and ‘floating hotels’

One of the main secrets to comfortable travel in the region is to make good use of night trains in Scandinavia and night ferries. Instead of spending your daytime hours travelling and paying for hotels, you spend the night on the road in your cabin or compartment and wake up in a new city or even a new country.

SJ EuroNight: Stockholm – Hamburg / Berlin

The SJ EuroNight night train lets you depart Stockholm in the evening and arrive in Germany in the morning. Comfortable compartments, the option to book the entire section for a family or group, and savings on accommodation make this night train in Scandinavia a great option for continuing your route through Europe.

Vy night train: Oslo – Bergen

The Oslo–Bergen route is known for its views: part of the journey runs through mountains and plateaus. A night train with couchettes and sleeping cars lets you combine travel and rest, and step off in the morning almost by the fjords without extra transfers or driving.

Overnight ferries as “floating hotels”

The Stockholm–Helsinki, Turku–Stockholm, and Copenhagen–Oslo ferries work like floating hotels: you check into a cabin, have dinner in a restaurant, stroll the deck, and arrive in a new city in the morning. This is a convenient way to reduce hotel costs and add a cruise element to your itinerary.

By combining Scandinavian railways, night trains and major ferry routes, you can plan a journey of almost any complexity — from a short weekend break to a grand circular tour without a single day behind the wheel.

🗺️ Basic 7–10-day circular route through Scandinavia (trains + ferries)

This 7–10-day route through Scandinavia conveniently begins and ends in Stockholm and takes you through the capitals of Scandinavia by train and ferry. In one trip, you can experience the atmosphere of Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki without renting a car or flying.

The Stockholm–Copenhagen–Oslo–Helsinki route forms a logical circle: some of the transfers can be made during the day, admiring the views, and some at night, saving time and money on hotels. Below is a basic itinerary that can be easily adapted for a week or a slightly longer holiday.

Day 1–2: Stockholm — the heart of the route

Start and finish of a circular journey through Sweden, Norway, and Denmark

It is most convenient to start a 7–10 day Scandinavia itinerary in Stockholm: it is easy to fly here from most European cities, and if you wish, continue your trip to Europe by night train. The city is well connected by rail with the rest of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, so it is a natural hub for a loop route.

Set aside 1–2 days for walks through the Old Town, the museums on Djurgården, and along the waterfronts, and if you like, add a short trip around the Stockholm archipelago. Even here you can feel that Scandinavia’s capitals are linked so tightly by trains and ferries that you truly don’t need to rent a car.

Day 3: Stockholm → Copenhagen by train via Øresund

High-speed train via Malmö and the Øresund Bridge

In the morning or during the day, you board a southbound train from Stockholm. The route passes through Malmö and the famous Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. If you want, you can make a short stop in Lund or Malmö and then continue to Copenhagen. This segment fits perfectly into a Sweden–Norway–Denmark trip without a car: you keep moving from city center to city center.

Copenhagen deserves 1–2 days: canals, Nyhavn, a modern food scene, and cozy neighborhoods for strolling. Detailed ideas can be found in the section on Denmark routes and what to see in Copenhagen, and then woven into your Stockholm–Copenhagen–Oslo–Helsinki itinerary.

Day 4–5: Copenhagen → Oslo — overnight ferry and Norway’s fjords

An overnight ferry as a mini-cruise between capitals

From Copenhagen, it is easy to head to Oslo on an overnight ferry: you check into your cabin, have dinner in one of the onboard restaurants, take a walk on deck — and in the morning you step into the Norwegian capital. This is not just a crossing, but a small journey that naturally complements your 7–10 day Scandinavia route.

Plan 1–2 days for Oslo: the waterfront, museums, modern architecture, and easy access to nature. If you have time, add the Oslo–Bergen railway and the Flåmsbana line — one of the most scenic stretches in the region. You can read more about this in the section on Norway’s fjords by train and the Oslo–Bergen train and, if you wish, extend the route by a few more days.

Day 6: Oslo → Stockholm → overnight ferry to Helsinki

Direct train back to Sweden and a Baltic cruise segment

There are direct trains between Oslo and Stockholm, so returning to Sweden is simple and logical — without transfers or flights. This is another example of how well Scandinavia’s railways work: the capitals are connected so smoothly that the route naturally forms a loop.

In the evening, you board an overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki. This leg feels like a mini-cruise: the archipelago outside, restaurants and cabins onboard. This format is especially popular in combined “Scandinavian capitals by train” and sea tours. Additional ideas for Finland can be found in the section on Finland routes, Helsinki, and Lapland.

Day 7–8 (or 9–10): Helsinki and the return to Sweden

A Baltic capital and the final sea leg

Helsinki usually needs 1–2 days: stroll along the waterfront, drop by the design quarter’s shops, and visit the island fortress of Suomenlinna. The city is compact and works well as a calm finale to an intensive Stockholm–Copenhagen–Oslo–Helsinki route.

To return to Sweden, you can take the same Helsinki–Stockholm ferry or choose the Turku–Stockholm option, combining a VR train from Helsinki with an overnight ferry. This closes the train-and-ferry Scandinavia loop back in Stockholm, where it is convenient to fly home or continue on to Europe.

🔁 How to extend the route to 2–3 weeks

If you have more time, the basic route can easily be extended into a full-fledged 2–3 week trip. Just add a few regions where trains and ferries take you to completely different landscapes — from fjords and the Lofoten Islands to northern Finland and Lapland.

+ Lofoten Islands

Add 3–4 days to your route

After Oslo, you can continue north in Norway: first by train to one of the key hub cities, then by bus and ferries to Lofoten. This is a great extension to a Sweden–Norway–Denmark trip if you want to see dramatic landscapes, small fishing villages, and the white nights.

+ Bergen and Norway’s fjords

2–3 extra days

The loop route is easy to enhance with the Oslo–Bergen train and a short Flåmsbana segment. This is ideal if you want to spend more time by the fjords and explore Norway’s west coast. You can find more ideas in the section on Norway’s fjords by train and weave them into your plan.

+ Lapland and northern Finland

3–5 extra days

After Helsinki, you can extend part of the route north on VR night trains to reach Finnish Lapland. In winter, this is a chance to see the Northern Lights, and in summer, to experience the midnight sun. Ideas for this extension can be found in the section on Finland routes, Helsinki, and Lapland.

🧩 Practical tips: tickets, seasonality and budget

When planning a trip around Scandinavia without a car, it is important to consider not only the route, but also the season, the type of train and ferry tickets, and your budget. When you travel, which train tickets you choose in Scandinavia, and whether you will use night ferries and trains will directly determine how comfortable and affordable your trip will be.

🌤️ When to go: winter, summer and ‘mid-season’

Scandinavia is beautiful all year round, but the experience of travelling there varies greatly depending on the season. For some, the ideal picture is summer fjords and white nights, for others it is Christmas lights and the northern lights, and for others it is the quiet off-season without crowds of tourists.

Summer

Ideal for a first introduction

Summer is the best choice if you are traveling around Scandinavia without a car for the first time. Bright nights, mild weather, and convenient train and ferry timetables to fjords and archipelagos. This is the easiest season to combine cities, islands, and national parks, and daytime transfers become an experience of their own.

Winter

Markets, lights, and the Northern Lights

In winter, cities glow with Christmas markets and lights, and in the north you can go hunting for the Northern Lights. Railways, overnight ferries, and night trains keep running on schedule, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. This is a great time if you are not afraid of the cold and want to see Scandinavian winter without needing to get behind the wheel.

Spring and autumn

Shoulder season with lighter traffic

The shoulder season often means lower prices for accommodation and tickets, fewer people on trains and ferries, but also more changeable weather. This is a good option for those who plan routes flexibly and want to save money on a trip around Scandinavia while keeping comfort and a calm travel rhythm.

🎫 Travel passes and tickets: which is more cost-effective

For a trip lasting several days within a single country, it is often more convenient to buy single train tickets in Scandinavia. But as soon as the route becomes multi-country and busy, it makes sense to consider the Eurail Scandinavia Pass and Interrail passes in Scandinavia: they give you the freedom to choose your travel days and allow you to avoid buying each ticket separately.

Ticket type	Who it suits	Pros	What to keep in mind
Single tickets	Short trips, 1–2 transfers, an itinerary within one country.	Easy to buy and understand the cost of each journey; convenient if you already know exact dates and times.	With many transfers, the total cost can come close to the price of a pass; for popular routes, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Eurail Scandinavia Pass	Travelers from countries outside Europe planning a multi-country trip in the region.	One pass covers Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland; flexible choice of travel days; convenient for loop routes.	The pass pays off if you take several long-distance journeys; some trains may require seat reservations for an extra fee.
Interrail in Scandinavia	European residents planning to travel across multiple Scandinavian countries.	Similar to Eurail but designed for Europeans: gives you freedom to adjust plans on the go and choose trains and dates.	Check carefully which trains require mandatory reservations and factor this into your budget and route plan.

The general rule is simple: if you are making 1–3 trips within one country, single tickets are usually more cost-effective. However, if you have a busy itinerary covering several countries, with trips almost every other day, a Eurail Scandinavia Pass or Interrail in Scandinavia can greatly simplify your planning and reduce the overall cost of your trip.

💡 How to save money: night trains and ferries instead of hotels

One of the most effective ways to save money when travelling in Scandinavia is to use night ferries and trains. Instead of paying for a hotel and spending daylight hours travelling, you spend the night in your cabin or compartment and wake up in a new city in the morning.

Book overnight services early

Overnight ferries and trains on popular routes (between capitals, to fjords, and major cities) sell out quickly. The earlier you book a cabin or compartment, the more category options you’ll have and the lower the price is likely to be.

Choose basic cabin and sleeper categories

If your goal is to get good sleep and save money, a standard inside cabin or a basic sleeper berth is usually enough. On night routes, convenient departure and arrival times matter more than a window view.

Watch for operator deals

Rail companies and ferry operators regularly run sales. Subscribe to newsletters or check special offers on their websites — this can help you book overnight trains and ferries noticeably cheaper than the base fare.

Combine night services with daytime transfers

Use overnight services for long stretches, and keep shorter scenic rides for the day. This reduces the number of hotel nights while still giving you the best travel views and experiences along the way.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travelling with children and local residents

The Scandinavian model of ‘trains + ferries’ is ideal for both family trips and residents of the region. Parents do not need to worry about long hours of driving and winter roads, while locals are happy to combine trains and ferries for short weekends in neighbouring countries.

Traveling with children

Trains and ferries often have kids’ zones, game tables, and spaces where a child can move around freely. Parents don’t have to spend hours behind the wheel and focus on the road: you can read, play, and walk around the carriage or the deck. Arrivals are usually at central stations and terminals, which reduces the number of transfers and makes logistics with strollers and luggage much easier.

Regional residents and frequent travelers

For locals, trains and ferries are a natural alternative to driving: no need to worry about parking, winter tires, or traffic jams. You can work on the go thanks to Wi-Fi and power outlets, plan short weekends in neighboring countries, and combine different modes of transport. This approach makes everyday and holiday travel around Scandinavia more predictable and sustainable.

🏡 Ideas for Scandinavian residents: mini-trips without a car

Even if you live in the region, trains and ferries open up a wealth of ideas for short weekend trips around Scandinavia. From Stockholm, in just a couple of hours you can find yourself in another major city, on the coast or on board a ferry that will take you to a neighbouring country overnight. Trips of this kind for Swedish residents do not require long preparation or car rental — all you need is a small backpack and a route.

🚆 Weekend trips from Stockholm by train

The Stockholm–Gothenburg train, high-speed services south via Malmö and Copenhagen, short trips to lakes and national parks – all of these are ideal for a Friday–Sunday getaway or a long weekend. Below are a few ideas for mini-trips that are easy to fit into your usual routine.

Stockholm – Gothenburg

2–3 days, city weekend

A classic for residents of Sweden: the Stockholm–Gothenburg train takes just a few hours, and you arrive in another major city with a maritime vibe, cozy cafés, and waterfront promenades. You can leave on Friday evening, spend Saturday and part of Sunday by the sea, and return on the same route.

Stockholm – Malmö / Copenhagen

3 days, southern Sweden and the Øresund Bridge

A high-speed train south brings you to Malmö, from where it’s easy to continue to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. This is a great option if you want to combine Sweden’s relaxed south, waterfront walks, and a bit of the Danish capital without wasting extra time at airports.

Stockholm and nearby lakes and national parks

1–2 days, nature close to the city

If you don’t want to go far, short trips by commuter and regional trains to lakes and national parks around Stockholm are a perfect fit. Just a few stops from the central station — and you’re already in the forest, by the water, or on a trail, while still being able to get home the same evening or the next day.

⛴️ Weekend trips on ferries

Ferry cruises from Stockholm are another popular way to travel around Scandinavia on weekends. They combine transport with a mini-holiday: there are restaurants, saunas and decks for walking on board, and in the morning you wake up in a different country. Below are a few basic destinations that can be conveniently combined with a train journey or used as a standalone weekend trip.

Stockholm – Helsinki

2–3 days, a classic weekend cruise

One of the most popular routes: an evening ferry departs from Stockholm, you spend the night in your cabin, and by morning you’re already walking around Helsinki. On the way back, you can do the same or stay in Finland for an extra day or two. More ideas for a stop can be found in the section a weekend in Finland, Stockholm–Helsinki cruise.

Stockholm – Turku

2–3 days, a historic city and archipelago

Ferry cruises from Stockholm to Turku let you see both the archipelago and one of Finland’s oldest cities. You can keep it to a weekend onboard and in Turku, or continue by rail to Helsinki, combining this trip with other routes around Finland.

Stockholm – Åland Islands

3 days, an island weekend

If you’re looking for quiet and a northern island vibe, consider a stop in the Åland Islands. Some ferries call at Mariehamn, where you can plan cycling trips, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the calm rhythm of island life.

💻 Travel and work: Scandinavian-style digital nomads

For those who work remotely, trains and ferry cruises from Stockholm can be not only a way to spend the weekend, but also part of the work schedule. Most long-distance trains and large ferries have Wi-Fi and power sockets, so the trip easily turns into an ‘office with a view of the sea or forest.’

Travel and remote work

Modern trains and ferries in Scandinavia usually offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, and quiet zones that make it comfortable to work on a laptop. This makes travel especially flexible for residents of Sweden: you can head to another city or country for a couple of days without dropping out of your workflow. A few hours with your laptop in the morning, meetings or walks during the day, and a new transfer in the evening.

A quick checklist for digital nomads

Choose trains with designated work areas or a comfort class where it’s easier to find power outlets and a calm atmosphere.
Plan key calls for when the train or ferry is already underway, so you can take advantage of a more stable connection.
Mix daytime journeys with scenic views and overnight services to save time and keep your usual work rhythm.
Keep offline versions of documents and maps on hand in case the Wi-Fi temporarily drops during the trip.

🚆 Scandinavia without a car: just pick up and go

Ready to hit the road without a steering wheel or traffic jams? Scandinavia without a car is a well-thought-out network of trains and ferries that already connects capitals, fjords, archipelagos and small towns. All you have to do is choose the season, sketch out your route through Scandinavia and combine daytime travel with beautiful views and night-time journeys that will replace hotels.

Start with Stockholm and a circular route through the capitals, then check out our sections on Norway, Denmark and Finland to add fjords, islands or Lapland to your plan. Whether you are visiting for the first time or already live in the region, trains and ferries will make your journey through the North easier, more relaxed and more enjoyable.

By:

Anastasia

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