It’s easy to get around Copenhagen, Denmark, thanks to the city’s walkability and advanced public transportation system. There are several ways to get to and from the airport, and various modes of transportation allow travelers to see the best attractions this magnificent capital city has to offer.
Read on for an insider’s guide to getting around Copenhagen.
How To Get To And From The Airport
Copenhagen and the surrounding areas are served primarily by Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also referred to as Kastrup Airport. Copenhagen Airport is the main international airport in Copenhagen and the largest airport in the Nordic countries.
By Shuttle
GO Airport Shuttle offers superior quality and economical pricing and provides service to more than 80 airports, including Copenhagen Airport. Shuttles from Copenhagen Airport to the city center range from $120 to $300 one-way, depending on the size of the vehicle. Sedans with the capacity to seat a maximum of four passengers and three large bags cost between $120 and $130, or about $30 per person.
Drivers for GO Airport Shuttle are screened thoroughly before being hired. Each driver must submit a background check so that passengers can feel safe and relaxed. Passengers can meet their driver at the arrivals terminal of the airport, and English-speaking drivers are also available for hire.
By Bus
Copenhagen and the surrounding regions are defined by zones, and Copenhagen Airport is located in Zone 4. This means that the metro, trains, and buses all require a valid three-zone ticket to take you to Copenhagen’s city center.
Bus 5A takes travelers from Copenhagen Airport directly to Copenhagen Central Station, City Hall Square, Nørreport Station, and other stations. The bus takes 30 to 35 minutes to arrive at Copenhagen Central Station from the airport.
During the day, a 5A bus arrives at each station every 10 minutes. Though the buses run late into the night, they arrive less frequently during the night hours.
You can purchase bus tickets in Terminal 3 of Copenhagen Airport, or you can buy tickets when you are on the bus. Keep in mind that drivers will only accept coins from those paying on the bus. One-way bus tickets cost $5.47.
By Train
If you’re staying anywhere near Copenhagen Central Station, taking the train from the airport will be your best option.
The train station at Copenhagen Airport is located near Terminal 3. There is a free shuttle bus that transports travelers from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 — the ride takes about 5 minutes.
A train from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Central Station arrives every 10 minutes, and the ride takes about 13 minutes. During nighttime, a train arrives one to three times per hour.
Regional trains, like the one from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Central Station, are run by DSB, Denmark’s national rail company. DSB trains are arguably the most luxurious of all public transportation options in Copenhagen.
To get from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Central Station, travelers will need to purchase a three-zone ticket, which costs $5.77 for a one-way fare.
By Taxi
Though taxis may be the most convenient way to reach Copenhagen’s city center, they’re consequently the most expensive mode of transportation from the Copenhagen Airport.
Taxis from Copenhagen Airport pick up passengers outside of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. A taxi will get you to the city center in about 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and the ride will cost between $38 and $46.
Should You Rent A Car In Copenhagen?
There really isn’t a reason to rent a car in Copenhagen, unless you plan on taking day trips to places that are far outside of the capital city. Even if you wish to take some day trips while visiting Copenhagen, many popular areas around the city can be reached by train.
Aside from the fact that a car is essentially useless unless you’re planning to drive long distances away from Copenhagen, parking in the city can be tricky and incredibly expensive. The closer you are to the city center, the more expensive parking becomes. If you’re staying in or near the city center, you shouldn’t rent a car.
How Walkable Is Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is known for being walkable. All of the city’s main attractions are within a 20-minute walk of one another.
A good map, a well-thought-out plan of what you want to see, and some decent walking shoes are all you’ll need to explore this magnificent capital city on foot.
If your feet start to hurt and you want some alternative transportation options for sightseeing, Copenhagen has a renowned public transportation system that will take you to the city’s main attractions. You could also opt to rent bikes and cycle the city.
What To Know About Copenhagen’s Public Transportation System
Copenhagen has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. It is fully equipped with a metro, trains, and various bus routes.
Copenhagen’s Metro System
Copenhagen’s metro runs 24/7. Trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes during rush hour, every 3 to 6 minutes outside of rush hour and during weekends, every 7 to 15 minutes after 1 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and every 20 minutes after midnight on weekdays.
Travelers can buy their metro tickets at the ticket machines inside the metro stations. These machines accept Danish kroner and most major credit cards. Tickets bought for the metro can be used on buses and trains as well.
A Copenhagen Card allows travelers unlimited transportation in the entire Capital Region, including transportation to and from Copenhagen Airport and 86 attractions and museums throughout the city. Using a Copenhagen Card is undoubtedly the most efficient and affordable way to sightsee with public transportation in Copenhagen.
See this page for more information about the metro system.
Day Trips From Copenhagen
Helsingør
Helsingør is situated just 1 hour and 10 minutes from Copenhagen. It is a popular day-trip destination for travelers who wish to see Kronborg, a 16th-century castle with royal chambers.
To get to Helsingør, travelers can take the 29 bus from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør Station. Travelers can also take a DSB-operated train from Nørreport Station to Helsingør Station.
Malmö
If you want to kill two birds with one stone while visiting Copenhagen and make a pit stop in Sweden, consider a day trip to Malmö.
Malmö is the largest city of Sweden’s Skåne County and can be reached by taking the DSB-operated Øresundståg passenger train to Malmö’s Central Station.
The train ride from Copenhagen to Malmö only takes 35 minutes, and the trains arrive one to two times per hour. While in Malmö, be sure to visit Øresund Bridge, Turning Torso, and Malmö Castle.
Møns Klint
Striking Møns Klint is a 3-mile stretch of chalk cliffs along the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn, which is located in the Baltic Sea.
Møns Klint is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Copenhagen, but you’ll have to rent a car to reach this beautiful landmark, for there is no public transportation from Copenhagen to Møn.
For more information, see our guide to everything you need to know before visiting Copenhagen, Denmark.
Photo Credit: kavalenkava / Shutterstock
