View source for Rail transport in Denmark

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{{Infobox rail network
|name            = Rail network of Denmark
|color           = 
|logo            = 
|image           = File:Hugh llewelyn 5615 (5707052179).jpg
|caption         = DSB [[IC4]] in [[Copenhagen Central Station]]
|nationalrailway = [[DSB (railway company)|DSB]]
|infrastructure  = [[Banedanmark]]
|majoroperators  = [[Arriva]]<sup>[[:dk:Arriva|dk]]</sup> <br /> [[DSB (railway company)|DSB]] <br /> [[DB Cargo]] <br />[[Lokaltog]]
|ridership       = 206,566,000 (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/pdfscache/7066.pdf|title=Railway passenger transport statistics - Europa EU|website=ec.europa.eu|date=15 January 2019|access-date=9 November 2019}}</ref>
|passkm          = 6.653 billion (2016)<ref name="BANE21">{{cite web | title=BANE21: Rail transport of passengers by unit and type of transport. | url=http://www.statistikbanken.dk/ | work=StatBank Denmark | publisher=[[Statistics Denmark]] | access-date=2018-06-20}}</ref>
|freight         = 2.575 billion [[units of transportation measurement|tkm]] (2016)<ref name="BANE1">{{cite web | title=BANE1: Rail transport of goods by unit, type of transport and railway system. | url=http://www.statbank.dk/BANE1 | work=StatBank Denmark | publisher=[[Statistics Denmark]] | access-date=2018-06-20}}</ref>
|length          = {{convert|2633|km|mi|abbr=on}} (2022)<ref name="BANE41">{{cite web | title=BANE41: Railway network 1st January by railway system and unit | url=http://www.statbank.dk/BANE41 | work=StatBank Denmark | publisher=[[Statistics Denmark]] | access-date=2022-03-11}}</ref>
|doublelength    = {{convert|1098|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="BANE41" />
|ellength        = {{convert|964|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="BANE41" /> as of Jan 1st 2023
|freightlength   = {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="BANE41" />
|hslength        = 
|gauge           = {{RailGauge|sg}}
|hsgauge         = 
|gauge1          = 
|gauge1length    = 
|gauge2          = 
|gauge2length    = 
|gauge3          = 
|gauge3length    = 
|gauge4          = 
|gauge4length    = 
|el              = 
|el1             = Main arteries, [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV]] 50 Hz
|el1length       = {{convert|474|km|mi|abbr=on}} (2023)<ref name="BANE41" />
|el2             = 1650 V DC ([[S-train (Copenhagen)|S-train]])
|el2length       = {{convert|171|km|mi|abbr=on}} (2023)<ref name="BANE41" />
|el3             = 750 V DC ([[Copenhagen Metro|Metro]])
|el3length       = {{convert|38|km|mi|abbr=on}} (2023)<ref name="BANE41" />
|el4             = Light rail ([[Aarhus Light Rail|Aarhus]], [[Odense Light Rail|Odense]], [[Copenhagen Light Rail|Copenhagen]])
|el4length       = {{convert|124|km|mi|abbr=on}} (2023)<ref name="BANE41" />
|notunnels       = 
|tunnellength    = 
|longesttunnel   = 
|nobridges       = 
|longestbridge   = 
|nostations      = 567 (2022)<ref name="BANE41" />
|highelevation   = 
|highelat        = 
|lowelevation    = 
|lowelat         = 
|map             = [[File:DK 2012 Electrification decided 2.jpg|200px]] <br />
Active lines of the Danish railway network:<br/>
Green: Non-electrified lines<br/>
Blue: Lines electrified before 2012<br/>
Orange: Lines electrified since 2012<br/>
Red: [[S-train (Copenhagen)|S-train]] lines<br/>
The [[Copenhagen Metro]] is not shown.
|}}
{{train topics}}
The '''rail transport system in Denmark''' consists of {{cvt|2633|km}} of railway lines,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/emner/infrastruktur/jernbanenet |title=Statistikbanken |access-date=2016-04-28 |publisher=[[Statistics Denmark]] }}</ref> of which the [[Copenhagen S-train]] network, the main line [[Helsingør]]-[[Copenhagen]]-[[Padborg]] (at the [[Denmark–Germany border|German border]]), and the [[Lunderskov-Esbjerg line]] are [[railway electrification|electrified]]. Most traffic is passenger trains,<ref name="BDtal">{{cite web |url=http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=136 |title=Jernbanen i tal |access-date=25 November 2008 |publisher=[[Banedanmark]] |archive-date=12 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112011440/http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=136 |url-status=dead }}</ref> although there is considerable transit [[rail freight transport|goods traffic]] between [[Rail transport in Sweden|Sweden]] and [[Rail transport in Germany|Germany]].

[[File:DK 2021 Electrification.png|thumb|Electrification 2021]]

Maintenance work on most Danish railway lines is done by [[Banedanmark]], a state-owned company that also allocates tracks for train operators. The majority of passenger trains are operated by [[Danske Statsbaner|DSB]], with [[Arriva]] and [[Nordjyske Jernbaner]] and [[Midtjyske Jernbaner]] operating on some lines in [[Jutland]]. Goods transport is mainly performed by [[DB Schenker Rail]], although other operators take care of a significant portion of the non-transit traffic.

Denmark is a member of the [[International Union of Railways]] (UIC). The [[UIC Country Code]] for Denmark is 86.

==History==
{{Main|History of rail transport in Denmark}}
The Kingdom of Denmark's first railway opened between [[Copenhagen]] and [[Roskilde]] in 1847.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.e-pages.dk/ingarkiv/7190/30 | title = Statsbanernes Anlæg og det rullende Materiel through 100 Aar | first = Sv. Thorning | last = Christensen | publisher = [[Ingeniøren]] | date = 2 August 1947 | access-date = 29 January 2017}}</ref> The [[Flensburg–Husum–Tönning Railway Company|first railway]] in the Danish [[Duchy of Schleswig]] opened between [[Flensburg]] and [[Tønning]] in 1854.

The first railways in Denmark were built and operated by private companies. The railways in [[Funen]] and [[Jutland]] were built by [[Peto and Betts]] who also supplied the locomotives (built by [[Canada Works]], [[Birkenhead]]). Most of the technical staff was also recruited from Britain, notably from the [[Eastern Counties Railway]]. When Peto and Betts went into [[insolvency]], the Danish state took over ''Det danske Jernbane-Driftsselskab'' (The Danish Railway Operating Company) as of 1 September 1867 under the name ''De jysk-fyenske Jernbaner'' (the Funen and Jutland Railways), from 1874 ''De danske Statsbaner i Jylland og Fyn'' (The Danish State Railways in Jutland and Funen). The network was extended by new construction and by acquisition of the privately operated lines from [[Silkeborg]] to [[Herning]] (1 November 1879) and from [[Grenaa]] to [[Randers]] and [[Aarhus]] (1 April 1881).

The Danish state took over ''Det sjællandske Jernbaneselskab'' (the [[Railway Company of Zealand]]) on 1 January 1880, forming ''De sjællandske Statsbaner'' (the State Railways of Zealand). With the majority of railways on both sides of the [[Great Belt]] thus owned by the Danish state, it was not until 1 October 1885 that the companies of Jutland/Funen and Zealand merged into one national railway company, ''De danske Statsbaner'' (the Danish State Railways), the merger being finalised on 1 April 1893.

Important projects that followed for the Danish rail network include the [[Great Belt Fixed Link]] in 1998, the [[Øresund Bridge]] in 2000 and the [[Copenhagen–Ringsted Line]] (Denmark's first [[High-speed rail in Denmark|high-speed rail]]) in 2019.

==Network==
=== Tracks ===
[[File:Danmark maks. hastighed (2014).png|thumb|left|400px|Maximum speeds on the Danish railways, as of 2014.]]
[[File:Danish rail network approved lines.svg|thumb|Map of the current, under construction and approved [[High-speed rail in Denmark|high-speed lines]] set to be built or upgraded in Denmark. Also includes completed lines.]]
[[Banedanmark]] is in charge of 2,045&nbsp;km of railway lines,<ref name="BANE41" /> which do not include the lines controlled by private railways. All Danish railways are {{RailGauge|sg}} ([[standard gauge]]), with the exception of a few [[narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] [[museum railway]]s; {{RailGauge|1000mm}} gauge was previously common on [[branch line]]s, with {{RailGauge|700mm}} being prevalent on [[Industrial railway|industry railways]], such as those for transporting [[sugar beet]]s or even calcium, coal, peat and many other things as well. The narrow gauge lines generally disappeared during the 1950s and 1960s.

The maximum speed allowed on main lines is generally 180&nbsp;km/h, with less trafficked lines usually allowing between 75 and 120&nbsp;km/h;<ref>For details, see the map at [http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=570 "Kort over jernbanenettet - Maksimal hastighed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081116051614/http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=570 |date=2008-11-16 }}, [[Banedanmark]]. ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]] file available.)</ref> the speed may be lowered in places due to the condition of the track. While [[wood]]en [[railroad tie|sleepers]] are used on sidings and branch lines, [[concrete]] sleepers are the norm on all main lines; the common two-block concrete sleepers are now being phased out in favour of monoblock ones.

The age of the tracks in Banedanmark's network has become increasingly problematic in later years. A 2002/03 analysis of Banestyrelsen's (now Banedanmark) network states that the average age of the track is too high, with a present average age of 24 years compared to the recommended 20 years.<ref>See [http://www.banestyrelsen.dk/db/filarkiv/577/SporanalyseResume.pdf "Analyse af Banestyrelsens sporanlæg - resume"] (p. 2), [[Banedanmark|Banestyrelsen]]. ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]] format.)</ref>

Banedanmark also owns the [[S-train (Copenhagen)|S-train lines]], but does not own every railway in the country.<ref>[https://www.bane.dk/-/media/Bane/Jernbanevirksomhed/Netredegoerelse/2020/Bilag-2020/3_2B-Graenseflader-til-andre-infrastrukturforvaltere.pdf Grænseflader til andre infrastrukturforvaltere]</ref> It does not own local railways around [[Hillerød]], Zealand (such as the [[Frederiksværk Line]] and [[Gribskov Line]]) and the [[East Line (Denmark)|East Line]], [[Odsherred Line]], [[Tølløse Line]], ( [[Thy Line]], [[Lemvig Line]], [[Aarhus Letbane]] Jutland) and [[Copenhagen Metro]].

=== Electrification ===
General-purpose electric propulsion was adopted quite recently in Denmark; the political decision to [[railway electrification system|electrify]] the main lines was made in 1979.<ref>{{cite book |title=Danmarks Jernbaner i 150 år |last=Koed |first=Jan |year=1997 |publisher=Forlaget Kunst & Kultur |isbn=87-7600-199-7 |page=203 }}</ref> The first line to be electrified was [[Kystbanen|Copenhagen–Helsingør]], electrified in 1986, followed by the main line across [[Zealand (Denmark)|Zealand]], [[Funen]] and [[Southern Jutland]] in the 1980s–90s. On the main lines that are equipped with them, the [[overhead lines]] carry [[25 kV AC]] at 50 [[hertz|Hz]]. The system is used on the main line from [[Sweden]] through [[Copenhagen]] to [[Fredericia]], and from there to [[Padborg]] and the [[Germany|German]] border.<ref>For details, see the map at [http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=572 "Kort over jernbanenettet - Strækninger med el-drift"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050901163716/http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=572 |date=2005-09-01 }}, [[Banedanmark]]. (Includes map of the S-train network; [[Portable Document Format|PDF]] file available.)</ref> Both Sweden and Germany use [[15 kV AC railway electrification|15 kV]] at 16{{frac|2|3}} [[hertz|Hz]] and 16.7 [[hertz|Hz]] respectively, and the [[multi-system locomotive|multi-system]] [[Railion class EG|class EG]] goods locomotive is equipped for both 25 and 15 kV.

The [[Copenhagen S-train|S-train]] network in Copenhagen operates at 1650 [[volt|V]] [[direct current|DC]], supplied from overhead lines; it was the first electric network in Denmark, electrified around 1930.  The newer [[Copenhagen Metro]] uses 750 V DC, supplied from a [[third rail]].

Since there are heavy delays of several years with the construction of the new [[IC4]] [[diesel multiple unit]]s, many commentators argue that it is better to electrify major railways and purchase electric multiple units instead, since that is a more common product. At least the route [[Fredericia]]-[[Ålborg]] must be electrified in order to run electric passenger trains between Jutland and Copenhagen. The route between [[Kolding]]-[[Esbjerg]] was due to be to open for electric trains in 2015. The government has in 2009 decided to delay all electrification for several years until the new signal system [[European Rail Traffic Management System|ERTMS]] is introduced, since electrification earlier than that requires rebuilding of the existing signal system.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ing.dk/artikel/98708-transportminister-glem-alt-om-flere-elektriske-tog-de-naeste-12-aar |title=Transportminister: Glem alt om flere elektriske tog de næste 12 år |access-date=2009-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621135029/http://ing.dk/artikel/98708-transportminister-glem-alt-om-flere-elektriske-tog-de-naeste-12-aar |archive-date=2009-06-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In September 2013 the government reached a deal with the [[Danish People's Party]] and the [[Red-Green Alliance (Denmark)]] to use additional oil taxes to create a train fund.  This train fund would be used to electrify all of the main line trains by 2025, and increase train speeds to {{convert|250|km/h|mph}} for [[InterCity]] trains.  This would allow for travel between the cities of Copenhagen, Odense, Esbjerg, Aarhus, and Aalborg in four hours.<ref>[http://www.cphpost.dk/national/high-speed-electric-trains-2025 High-speed electric trains by 2025] ''cphpost.dk'', accessed 5 January 2019</ref>

On 29 May 2015 Banedanmark announced a 2.8 billion DKK (€375 million) contract to have [[Aarsleff-Siemens]] electrify 1300&nbsp;km of tracks before 2026.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151222144139/http://www.bane.dk/visNyhed.asp?artikelID=22316 Kontrakt om elektrificering af den danske jernbane på plads (''Contract for electrification of the Danish railway in place'') (archived)] originally at ''bane.dk'', accessed 5 January 2019</ref>

[[DSB (railway company)|Danish State Railways]] received a €500 million loan in 2022 from the [[European Investment Bank|EIB]] to purchase 100 new electric trains, to replace diesel-powered trains for more sustainable passenger traffic.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bank |first=European Investment |date=2023-09-11 |title=Sustainable transport overview 2023 |url=https://www.eib.org/en/publications/20230266-sustainable-transport-overview-2023 |language=EN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Electric and Hybrid Rail Technology - EIB awards €500m loan to Danish State Railways for green fleet modernization program |url=https://www.electricandhybridrail.com/content/news/eib-awards-500m-loan-to-danish-state-railways-for-green-fleet-modernization-program/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=Electric and Hybrid Rail Technology |language=en}}</ref> The [[Coradia Stream]] train sets are to be delivered from 2025.<ref name=coradiastream />

===Safety and signalling===

==== S-train ====
[[HastighedsKontrol og Togstop|HKT]], which was introduced in 1975 and utilised [[cab signalling]], was used on the [[Copenhagen S-train|S-train]] network, although a simplified version, "forenklet HKT" (F-HKT), was used on some of the lines.<ref>For details, see the map at [http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=849 "Kort over jernbanenettet - HKT togkontrol"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050830223354/http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=849 |date=2005-08-30 }}, [[Banedanmark]]. ([[Portable Document Format|PDF]] file available.)</ref>

The S-train network was to be refitted with the [[Communication-based train control|CBTC]] system, which allows [[automatic train operation|driverless trains]], by 2020.<ref name="signalprogramme">{{cite web | title=The Signalling Programme | url=http://uk.bane.dk/db/filarkiv/5579/090216_BDK_UKbrochure_www.pdf | publisher=[[Banedanmark]] | access-date=2009-05-13}}</ref> The migration to CBTC was completed by 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://myldretid.dk/nyheder/nr/1020|author=Thomas de Laine|publisher=Myldretid|title=Hele S-banen har nu nyt signalsystem|language=da|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231014001303/https://myldretid.dk/nyheder/nr/1020|archive-date=2023-10-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Main lines ====
Main lines were equipped with the [[Automatic Train Control|ATC]] safety system during the 1990s, with a partial, cheaper implementation, ATC [[train stop]], being used on some (but not all) branch lines.

Denmark has its own ATC system (ZUB 123), not compatible with other countries. It is a modification of the Swiss system. Trains crossing the border to Sweden or Germany have to have two ATC systems, and handle two electrical supply systems.

In order to replace the different and aging signal systems,<ref>{{cite web | title=Totaludskiftning af signalanlæggene - hvorfor? | url=http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=7441 | publisher=[[Banedanmark]] | access-date=2009-05-13 | archive-date=2009-07-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707111334/http://www.bane.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=7441 | url-status=dead }}</ref> it has been decided to replace all current signal systems on [[Banedanmark]]'s active network, except the S-train lines, with [[European Rail Traffic Management System|ERTMS]] level 2, relying entirely on cab signalling; general rollout is scheduled for 2018–21.<ref name="signalprogramme" />

In October 2023, the migration to ERTMS was scheduled to complete by 2030.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet/Fjernbane|title=Om fjernbanens nye signalsystem|publisher=Banedanmark|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231101210045/https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet/Fjernbane|archive-date=2023-11-01|url-status=dead}}<!--using dead status since banedanmark often updates pages, making the references confusing --></ref>

===Safety record===
Serious incidents on Denmark's railways have been rare. The six most serious are:<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.berlingske.dk/danmark/togpersonale-uden-skyld-i-den-vaerste-ulykke-i-over-30-aar|title=Togpersonale uden skyld i den værste ulykke i over 30 år|trans-title=Train crew without fault in the worst accident for over 30 years|last1=Christoffersen|first1=Jonas Stenbæk|date=2 January 2019|work=Berlingske|access-date=2 January 2019|last2=Thomsen|first2=Peter|language=da|last3=Nielsen|first3=Jens}}</ref>

*1897: The [[1897 Gentofte train crash|Gentofte train crash]]. A delayed local train was hit by a special train. 40 were killed and 132 were injured in the accident.
*1913: The [[Bramminge train accident]]. An express train became derailed near Bramming. 15 were killed, including [[Peter Sabroe]], and 54 injured.
*1919: The [[Vigerslev train crash]]. An express train from Korsør drove violently into five wagons at Vigerslev. The train was stationary due to an emergency application of the brakes and reversing to retrieve a child who had fallen onto the rails. 40 died and 30 were severely injured.
*1967: The {{ill|Odense express train accident|da|Lyntogsulykken}}. An express train hit another outside Odense. 11 people died while 47 were injured in the accident.
*1988: The [[1988 Sorø derailment]]. A train ran off the rails at high speed at Sorø. Eight people died and 72 were injured.
*2019: The [[Great Belt Bridge rail accident]]. A passenger train collided with a semi-trailer from a passing freight train. Eight people died and 16 were injured.

==Operations==
{{See also|Train categories in Europe}}
=== Urban rail transport ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2020}}
[[File:Stog Valby.jpg|thumb|right|A S-train EMU at [[Valby station]] in 2002]]

[[Urban rail transit|Urban rail transport]] in Denmark currently consists of one [[rapid transit|metro]] system in [[Copenhagen]], two [[light rail]] systems in [[Aarhus]] and [[Odense]] and two [[commuter rail]] systems, the [[Copenhagen S-train|S-Train]] in Copenhagen and the [[Aalborg Commuter Rail]]. The three largest cities of Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense had [[Trams in Copenhagen|tram networks]] in the 19th and 20th century, with the last tram line in Copenhagen being closed in 1972 when trams were replaced by buses and private cars, because they were considered an outdated form of transportation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sporvejsmuseet Skjoldenæsholm - Linjehistorie |url=https://www.sporvejsmuseet.dk/spm/site/spm/spm.php?s=vis_linjehist |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=www.sporvejsmuseet.dk}}</ref> the [[Greater Copenhagen Light Rail]] are the third light rail system in Denmark after Aarhus in 2017 and Odense in 2022 and is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grøn gennem hovedstaden |url=https://www.dinletbane.dk/da/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Hovedstadens Letbane |language=da-DK}}</ref>

A rapid transit proposed for the Øresund metropolitan area, the [[Øresundsmetro|Øresund Metro]] is also under discussion.

==== Copenhagen Metro ====
[[File:Danishmetrotrain.jpg|thumb|[[Copenhagen Metro]] train]]

The [[Copenhagen Metro]] is an automated, 24-hour [[rapid transit]] system which serves Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen. It began operation in 2002. It is also the only rapid transit system in Denmark. As of March 2020, the system consists of four lines: M1, M2, M3 and M4. Planning of the Metro started in 1992 as part of the redevelopment plans for Ørestad with construction starting in 1996, and stage 1, from Nørreport to Vestamager and Lergravsparken, opened in 2002. Stage 2, from Nørreport to Vanløse, opened in 2003, followed by stage 3, from Lergravsparken to Lufthavnen, in 2007. 
The City Circle Line is an entirely underground 15.5&nbsp;km loop through central Copenhagen and Frederiksberg with 17 stops. It does not share any track with the M1 and M2 lines, but intersect them at Kongens Nytorv and Frederiksberg stations. With the City loop opened, the Metro expects that its ridership should almost double from its 2016 levels to 116 million annual passengers. 
A fourth line, M4, will be developed into a separate line between 2020 and 2024, as extensions of the Cityringen to Nordhavn and Sydhavn open. The two-stop three-kilometre-long line to Nordhavn opened in March 2020. The extension adds an interchange with Nordhavn S-train station. The five-stop, 4.5&nbsp;km, extension to Sydhavn is also under construction, with planned opening in 2024. The Sydhavn line will terminate at Ny Ellebjerg where it will create a new regional rail transport hub by connecting the metro system to the S-train network, regional trains, and long-distance trains on the current lines and the upcoming high speed Copenhagen-Ringsted railway. Once these extensions are complete, Metro expects the daily ridership to triple from its current level of 200,000 riders per weekday to 600,000 riders per weekday in 2030.

====Aarhus light rail====
[[File:Aarhus Letbanen 2018 01.jpg|thumb|Tram on the Aarhus light rail system in January 2018, one month after the opening of the system]]

The [[Aarhus Letbane]] (Aarhus light rail) is a light rail system in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. It is operated by the company Midttrafik. The first line opened in December 2017, but the system is under continuous development and expansion. Service on the intercity section Odder to Lisbjergskolen opened on 25 August 2018. A third intercity line to Grenå opened on 30 April 2019. More lines are being planned. 
On 8 May 2012, the Danish Parliament approved the construction of the first line; work to build Phase 1 commenced during September 2013. It was originally planned to open in August 2016, but this was delayed, in part due to legislative issues in relation to railway safety. 
Two types of rolling stock have been operated over the first line, conventional trams which are slower and restricted to only running along some parts of the route and hybrid tram-trains that can be operated on the conventional heavy rail network, the latter being used for the long-distance services.

===Railway operators===
{{More citations needed|section|date=March 2017}} 
Railway undertakings currently operating in Denmark:

* [[Arriva]]
* [[CFL cargo]]
* [[DSB (railway company)|DSB]]
* [[Lokaltog]]
* [[Metro Service A/S]], running [[Copenhagen Metro]]
* MJBA – [[Midtjyske Jernbaner]]
* NJ – [[Nordjyske Jernbaner]]
* [[SJ AB]] (formerly Statens Järnvägar)
* [[DB Cargo]]

===Train categories===
{{Main|Train categories in Europe#Denmark}}

==Future expansion==
As part of ongoing plans for [[high-speed rail in Denmark]], new corridors and lines are or were being planned:

=== Lines ===

==== [[Vestfyn Line]] between [[Odense]] and [[Kauslunde]] ====
: As of 2023, still planned.<ref name="ny_bane_vestfyn_approved">{{cite news |date=30 September 2019 |title=Regeringen sætter 147 millioner af til vestfynsk jernbane - TV 2 |url=https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2019-09-30-regeringen-saetter-147-millioner-af-til-vestfynsk-jernbane |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018220920/https://nyheder.tv2.dk/politik/2019-09-30-regeringen-saetter-147-millioner-af-til-vestfynsk-jernbane |archive-date=18 October 2019 |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=nyheder.tv2.dk |language=da-DK |agency=TV2}}</ref> Originally slated for construction from 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tv2fyn.dk/fyn/250-kilometer-i-timen-stort-moede-om-ny-super-jernbane-over-vestfyn|publisher=TV2 Fyn|date=2022-05-03|title=250 kilometer i timen: Stort møde om ny super-jernbane over Vestfyn}}</ref> Like the [[Copenhagen-Ringsted Line]], the Vestfyn Line will be built to allow speeds of up to 250&nbsp;km/h, and while DSB does not have any trains capable of operating above 200&nbsp;km/h nor any plans to acquire such,<ref name="coradiastream">{{cite web|url=https://www.dsb.dk/om-dsb/baeredygtighed/coradia-stream/|title=Coradia Stream|publisher=DSB}}</ref> the [[SJ AB]] (Sweden's state-owned primary passenger train operator) has ordered 250&nbsp;km/h-capable trains ([[Zefiro (train)#SJ Zefiro Express|SJ Zefiro Express]]) and has expressed interest in operating intercity trains via the line.

==== A new [[Hovedgård]]-[[Hasselager]] line. ====
: Professor Otto Anker Nielsen estimated in 2023<ref>{{cite web |date=2 October 2019 |title=Ny bane Hovedgård - Hasselager {{!}} Banedanmark |url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Kommende-baneprojekter/Ny-bane-Hovedgaard-_-Hasselager |access-date=29 April 2020 |website=websitebane.dk |publisher=Banedanmark |language=da}}</ref> that this project could be started between 2035 and 2040.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tv2ostjylland.dk/oestjylland/manden-bag-gigantisk-togplan-borgerne-glaeder-sig-for-tidligt|title=Manden bag gigantisk togplan: Borgerne glæder sig for tidligt|date=2023-01-22|publisher=TV2 Østjylland}}</ref> As of 2023, there is no political majority for the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/note/har-kostet-135-millioner-forberede-nu-er-der-ikke-laengere-flertal-togprojekt|title=Har kostet 135 millioner at forberede: Nu er der ikke længere flertal for togprojekt|publisher=Teknologiens Mediehus}}</ref>

==== A new Aarhus–[[Silkeborg]] line ====
: As of 2023,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ny bane Aarhus-Galten-Silkeborg {{!}} Forundersøgelse oktober 2016 |url=https://www.ft.dk/samling/20161/almdel/tru/bilag/9/1672981.pdf |access-date=7 December 2021 |website=www.ft.dk}}</ref> the government was planning a single-track railway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/artikel/staten-planlaegger-ny-midtjysk-jernbane-i-et-spor-de-lokale-vil-have|title=Staten planlægger ny midtjysk jernbane i et spor: De lokale vil have to|publisher=Teknologiens Mediehus}}</ref> [[Banedanmark]] is planning to have battery-driven trains use new 30&nbsp;km section.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Kommende-baneprojekter/Ny-bane-Aarhus_Silkeborg|title=Ny bane Aarhus-Silkeborg|publisher=Banedanmark}}</ref>

==== A [[Billund railway line|line to Billund]] (scrapped) ====
: This proposal was scrapped in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvsyd.dk/billund/jubel-og-skuffelse-i-billund-efter-droppet-togbane|publisher=TV SYD|title=Jubel og skuffelse i Billund efter droppet togbane|date=2021-04-08}}</ref>

===ERTMS rollout===
The following map shows the year in which ERTMS will be implemented on various sections of railway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet/Fjernbane|title=Fjernbanen|publisher=Banedanmark|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231101210045/https://www.bane.dk/da/Borger/Baneprojekter/Signalprogrammet/Fjernbane|archive-date=2023-11-01}}</ref>
<div style='position:relative'>
{{Superimpose
  | base = ERTMS Denmark background.svg
  | base_width = 600px
  | float = ERTMS Denmark.svg
  | float_width = 600px
  | x = 0
  | y = 0
}}
<div style='position:absolute; top:0; width:600px'>
<div style='background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); float:right; padding:1em'>
{{legend|#00ffc9|Already has ERTMS}}
{{legend|#3ea7d6|Due end of 2024}}
{{legend|#a25eb6|Due middle of 2025}}
{{legend|#fef42e|Due end of 2025}}
{{legend|#323232|Due beginning of 2026}}
{{legend|#adadad|Due end of 2027}}
{{legend|#de8a5b|Due end of 2028}}
{{legend|#ff362d|Due end of 2029}}
{{legend|#005153|Due end of 2029}}
{{legend|#fba6bd|Due middle of 2030}}
{{legend|#98003b|Still pending planning}}
</div>
</div>
</div>

==Connection to adjacent countries by rail==
Denmark has railway connections to [[Rail transport in Sweden|Sweden]] and [[Rail transport in Germany|Germany]], both of which use the same [[rail gauge]] as in Denmark. The electric voltage is different as Sweden and Germany use [[15 kV AC railway electrification|15 kV AC]] while Denmark uses [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV AC]]. The [[train protection system]]s are also different between all three countries. This means that locomotives must be specially modified to cross the borders, while [[Railroad car|railway wagons]] can freely cross the border if there is a suitable locomotive.

Connections to Sweden use the [[Øresund Railway]] across [[Øresund Bridge]]. Services include [[SJ AB|SJ]]'s [[X 2000]] service to [[Stockholm]] and [[Øresundståg]] commuter services to [[Malmö Central Station]] and beyond.

There are two connections to Germany. The main connection is over land at [[Padborg]], which carries ICE, [[Inter-city rail|intercity]] and regional trains to [[Hamburg]], and used to carry [[EuroNight]] and [[CityNightLine]] trains to [[Amsterdam]] via [[Cologne]], [[Basel]] via [[Frankfurt]], [[Munich]] via [[Nürnberg]], and [[Prague]] via [[Berlin]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100821152910/http://www.dsb.dk/Global/PDF/Koereplaner/International/International_Koereplan20jun_11dec_2010.pdf Køreplan Timetable/ International Køreplan 20.06.2010-11.12.2010 (archived)] originally at ''dsb.dk'', accessed 5 January 2019</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130717082550/http://www.dsb.dk/global/pdf/koereplaner/international/k13/intkpl_k13.pdf Køreplan Timetable/ International Køreplan 09.12.2012-14.12.2013 (archived)] originally at ''dsb.dk'', accessed 5 January 2019</ref> The second crossing is overland at [[Tønder]], Denmark and [[Süderlügum]], Germany, which connects to [[Niebüll]].<ref>[http://www.neg-niebuell.de/ Wir verbinden!   Festland mit Inselnfähren!   Deutschland mit Dänemark! (''We connect! Ferries between the mainland and islands! Germany with Denmark!'')] ''neg-niebuell.de'', accessed 5 January 2019</ref> The ''[[Vogelfluglinie]]'' route, is from December 2019 closed for trains, until then carried [[EuroCity]] and [[Intercity Express|ICE]] services, using the [[train ferry]] from [[Rødby]], Denmark to [[Puttgarden]] on the island of [[Fehmarn]], Germany, and from there proceeded via [[Lübeck]] and [[Hamburg]] to [[Berlin]]. The Rødby ferry and Tønder crossing allow only diesel powered trains, while the Padborg crossing is electrified. The [[Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link]] is a planned connection across the [[Fehmarnbelt]] between Denmark and Germany.

Since November 2014, [[CityNightLine]] does not service Denmark anymore,.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bahn.com/i/view/DNK/da/prices/europe/city-night-line.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309113756/http://www.bahn.com/i/view/DNK/da/prices/europe/city-night-line.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-03-09|language=da|title=Deutsche Bahn: City Night Line}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/leben/reisen/Das-langsame-Sterben-der-Nachtzuege/story/29185980|title=Das langsame Sterben der Nachtzüge|trans-title=Slow dying of the night trains|language=de|access-date=6 January 2019}}</ref> [[Sleeping car|Sleeper trains]] serving Denmark include [[Snälltåget|Snälltåget's]] seasonal services to Berlin and the Austrian Alps and [[SJ AB]]'s service to Berlin and Hamburg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sj.se/content/dam/externt/dokument/euronight-info-en-de.pdf|title=SJ EURONIGHT|date=2023-06-30|publisher=SJ AB}}</ref>

Due to delays in delivering [[Talgo]] 230 equipment,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ing.dk/artikel/spanske-talgo-vinder-dsb-udbud-af-vognstammer-til-tysklands-trafik|title=Spanske Talgo vinder DSB udbud af vognstammer}}</ref> DSB in 2023 rented [[:de:UIC-Reisezugwagentypen|UIC-Z wagons]] from Deutsche Bahn.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Ingeniøren|url=https://archive.today/20230715171041/https://ing.dk/artikel/ingen-wifi-eller-opladning-koldkrigsmateriel-skal-redde-sommerens-togrejser-til-udlandet|title=Ingen wifi eller opladning: Koldkrigsmateriel skal redde sommerens togrejser til udlandet}}</ref> The Talgo equipment is similar to the [[ICE L]].

== Image gallery ==
<div style="text-align:center"><gallery widths="150" class="center">
Image:Nordjyske Jernbaner 224 ubt.jpeg|A [[Nordjyske Jernbaner|NJ]] [[Siemens Desiro]] DMU
File:LintArrivaDanmarkGredstedbro.jpg|An Arriva Denmark [[Alstom Coradia LINT]] train in September 2007
File:Østerport Station 2005-01.jpg|A [[Bombardier Double-deck Coach]] at Østerport station in January 2005
Image:Rdk-ea-3018.jpg|An [[DSB Class EA|EA class]] [[electric locomotive]] in operation with Railion
File:DSB ME 1528 at Østerport Station.jpg|A [[DSB Class ME|ME class]] diesel-electric locomotive at Østerport station
Image:DSB MR DMU.JPG|[[DSB class MR|MR class]] [[diesel multiple unit]]
File:Hugh llewelyn 5615 (5707052179).jpg|An [[IC4]] class DMU at [[Copenhagen Central Station]] in October 2009
Image:ir4.jpg|An IR4 [[electric multiple unit|EMU]] train passing Hvidovre Fjern near Copenhagen
File:DB Cargo train at Trekroner Station 01.jpg|A freight train from DB Cargo Scandinavia passing Trekroner Station.
File:3. Generation Danshøj.jpg|A third-generation S-train, 2006
Image:ic2-vl.jpg|An IC2 train.
Image:Locomotive MY 105.jpg|A [[DSB Class MY|MY class]] [[diesel locomotive]] at Holbæk
Image:DSB MZ 1413 in Odense.jpg|[[DSB Class MZ|MZ class]] diesel locomotive in Odense
File:ICE-TD_in_new_design_01.JPG|[[ICE TD]] trainset in 2014
File:Royal train at København H 04.jpg|[[Siemens Vectron]] electric locomotive, first imported from Germany in 2020
File:DSB_IC1.webm|In 2023, [[:de:UIC-Reisezugwagentypen|UIC-Z-wagons]] were rented from [[Deutsche Bahn]]. In Denmark they are known as IC1 wagons
File:Talgo 230 DB ICE-L at InnoTrans 2022 12.jpg|The [[Talgo 230]] is slated for delivery in 2024. It is low-floor throughout and thus handicap-friendly.
</gallery></div>

== See also ==
* [[Banedanmark]]
* [[History of rail transport in Denmark]]
* [[High-speed rail in Denmark]]
* [[List of railway lines in Denmark]]
* [[List of town tramway systems in Denmark]]
* [[Narrow gauge railways in Denmark]]
* [[Transportation in Denmark]]
* [[Rail transport by country]]

== Notes ==
<references/>

== External links ==
{{commons|Train/Denmark}} 
* [https://www.jernbanen.dk/index.php Jernbanen] - rail enthusiast's website compiling all DSB and private railway vehicles (in Danish)
* [http://www.bane.dk/ Banedanmark]
* [http://www.dsb.dk/ DSB]
* [http://www.lundsten.dk/dk_signaling/dksignal.html Danish Railway Signaling]
* [http://www.arrivatog.dk/ Arriva Tog]
* [http://www.railion.dk/ Railion Danmark]
* [http://www.rejseplanen.dk/ Rejseplanen] - official search engine for all public transport by rail and bus in Denmark
* {{citation |url=http://www.railwaywondersoftheworld.com/denmarks-rail-transport.html |chapter=Denmark's modern transport |title=Railway Wonders of the World |year=1936 |pages=1369–1374 |editor-first=Clarence |editor-last=Winchester }} illustrated description of Denmark's railways in the 1930s

{{Rail transport in Europe}}
{{Denmark topics}}

[[Category:Rail transport in Denmark| ]]