Navigating Malmö Centralstation is straightforward once you understand its two distinct sections, which function differently based on your destination. Think of the station as a split-level facility: the "Underground Through-Station" for cross-border travel and the "Historic Terminus" for domestic long-distance routes.
The Underground Section features platforms 1–4, located beneath the modern "Glass Hall" (Glashallen). This is the hub for your journey to Copenhagen. All frequent Øresundståg commuter trains to Denmark, as well as many regional trains, depart from these underground island platforms. Because this is a through-station, trains do not terminate here; they continue through the City Tunnel. Access these platforms by descending via the escalators or elevators found in the bright, modern Glass Hall.
The Historic Terminus Section features platforms 5–10, located at ground level inside the original 19th-century trainshed. You will use this area primarily for long-distance domestic trains, such as the X2000 high-speed services to Stockholm or night trains to Germany. These tracks end at the station, meaning the trains pull in and out from the same direction.
A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the platform numbering and the "a/b" suffixes. Each physical platform is quite long, and they are divided into sections (e.g., 1a and 1b) to manage train length and passenger flow. Always check the departure boards in the main concourse to see which specific section (a or b) your train is departing from, as walking to the wrong end of a long platform can add several minutes to your transit.
The station layout is compact, and moving between the two sections takes only 3–5 minutes on foot through the connecting glass corridor. If you are arriving with heavy luggage, prioritize the elevators located near the main concourse transitions. While the station is well-signed, the transition from the historic brick architecture to the subterranean glass levels is a sharp contrast; follow the clear overhead signage for "Tracks 1–4" to ensure you head to the correct level for your Copenhagen connection. Arriving 15–20 minutes before your departure is plenty of time to navigate between these two zones comfortably.