Odense Station (Odense Banegård Center)

Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.

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Odense St.

Odense Station is the main rail hub of Funen and the gateway to Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, set on Østre Stationsvej at the northern edge of Odense’s historic center. The modern 1995 complex folds together intercity rail, regional trains, buses and the light rail, with shops and services under one roof. It is a practical, covered base for day trips across Denmark and a convenient starting point for exploring Odense on foot, by tram or by bike.

A brief summary to Odense St.

Østre Stationsvej 27, Odense C, Odense C, 5000, DK
+4570131415
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Allow extra time at peak commuting hours when platforms, ticket machines and nearby bus bays can be noticeably busier than midday or late evening.
If you plan multiple journeys in Denmark, consider using or purchasing a Rejsekort or other rail passes at the station’s ticket office to simplify onward travel.
Use the station’s central location to your advantage: drop bags at nearby accommodation, then explore Odense’s old town and museums entirely on foot.
In colder or wet weather, wait inside the concourse until just before departure; platforms can feel exposed to wind and rain, especially in winter.
Look for signs to the adjacent bus and light rail stops rather than exiting randomly; following the internal wayfinding keeps transfers quick and step-free where possible.

Getting There

Intercity train from Copenhagen

From Copenhagen Central Station or Copenhagen Airport, take a direct intercity or fast regional train towards Odense; the journey typically takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes depending on the service. Standard adult one‑way fares generally range around 230–350 DKK in standard class, with discounted advance and off‑peak options available. Trains run throughout the day with frequent departures, and all arrive directly at Odense Station’s main platforms inside the complex.
Train from Aarhus and Jutland cities

From Aarhus and other major Jutland cities such as Aalborg or Esbjerg, regular intercity trains run via the main east–west line to Odense, usually taking about 1½ to 2½ hours from Aarhus depending on route and stops. Typical adult one‑way prices are in the region of 200–350 DKK in standard class, with lower fares if you book in advance. Services are generally hourly or better during the day, and all trains arrive directly into Odense Station, where you can transfer to local buses and light rail inside the same hub.
Regional train from Svendborg and southern Funen

From Svendborg and smaller towns along the Svendborg line, regional trains run directly to Odense Station, acting as a commuter link for southern Funen. Travel time from Svendborg to Odense is usually about 50 to 60 minutes, with intermediate journeys proportionally shorter. Tickets are zone‑based; a full‑length adult journey typically costs in the range of 70–110 DKK depending on ticket type and discounts. Trains are generally hourly or better in daytime and all arrivals use the same integrated station complex.
Regional bus and light rail within Odense

Within Odense and across Funen, Fynbus routes and the Odense light rail provide direct access to the station. Travel times from inner neighbourhoods are often 10–25 minutes, longer from outer districts and nearby towns. Bus and tram fares are set by zones; short urban trips commonly cost about 20–30 DKK when buying single tickets from machines, drivers or via travel cards, with discounts for children and multi‑ride options. Services are frequent on weekdays, with reduced evening and weekend timetables, and most lines stop immediately beside or beneath the main station concourse.

Odense St. location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Odense St.

The gateway to Funen and Hans Christian Andersen’s city

Odense Station, officially known as Odense Banegård Center, is the beating transport heart of the island of Funen. Set on Østre Stationsvej, just north of the old town, it is where long-distance trains from Copenhagen, Jutland and beyond meet regional lines, city buses and the light rail. As soon as you step outside the station, Odense’s compact center, museums and café-lined streets are all within comfortable walking distance. The current station is the third to serve the city since rail first arrived here in the 19th century, mirroring Odense’s growth from market town to one of Denmark’s key regional capitals. Today it doubles as both a travel hub and an everyday meeting place, with commuters, students and visitors crossing paths under its high ceilings.

Architecture blending travel hub and urban center

Opened in 1995, the station complex was designed as more than a simple set of platforms and tracks. Light-filled halls, broad concourses and clear sight lines connect platforms with bus stands and tram stops, making changing between modes surprisingly straightforward even at busy times. Large windows draw in daylight and offer glimpses of trains coming and going, while sheltered areas provide cover on wet or windy days. Unlike older grand-station architecture, Odense’s design focuses on functionality and integration with the surrounding cityscape. Retail units, ticket offices and small eateries are woven into the building, so you can pick up coffee, snacks or travel essentials without ever leaving the concourse.

A crossroads of Danish rail and regional buses

Odense is a major stop on the main east–west rail artery linking Copenhagen with Jutland and Germany, and it is also the terminus for the regional Svendborg line down the island’s south coast. Trains fan out towards Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Esbjerg and international destinations, making the station a natural springboard for wider Danish and European journeys. Immediately alongside the rail platforms you find the central bus terminal, where regional coaches and city buses depart for towns across Funen and for Odense’s suburbs. The light rail stop by the station ties the hub directly into newer residential districts, the university and the hospital area, turning this single complex into a neatly interlocked transport network.

Everyday amenities for smooth connections

Inside the station, electronic departure boards, information desks and clear signage keep navigation simple even if you do not speak Danish. Ticket machines and staffed counters sell rail and bus tickets, and many travelers use the opportunity to sort out Rejsekort travel cards or reserve long-distance seats before continuing their journeys. Basic conveniences are well covered, from restrooms and waiting areas to small shops offering drinks and light meals. Seating is spread across the concourses and near the platforms, giving you places to pause with luggage between connections. Just beyond the station, hotels and hostels line Østre Stationsvej, allowing for easy overnight stops between trains.

At the threshold of Odense’s cultural quarter

Step outside Odense Station and you are moments from the city’s museums, cultural venues and green spaces. The historic center and the quarters associated with Hans Christian Andersen’s life unfold just a short walk away, while the Danish Railway Museum occupies the former roundhouse immediately north of the tracks, offering a glimpse into the country’s rail heritage. Because of this central position, many visitors treat the station as both arrival point and informal orientation marker. Whether you are heading off to explore cobbled streets and half-timbered houses or catching a tram towards the university district, most urban adventures in Odense begin and end beneath the station’s roof.