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How to Get to Copenhagen

How to Get to Copenhagen

Copenhagen Capital Region, Denmark Travel Guide

Air Travel to Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport CPH

Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup, CPH) is the main international airport, located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the southeast of the city center. It is one of the busiest airports in Scandinavia.

Airlines & Routes

  • Major carriers: SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
  • Extensive routes across Europe, North America, Middle East, and areas of Asia.
  • Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner to find flights.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

CPH offers duty-free shops, diverse restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, car rental agencies, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

  • Metro (M2 line): Direct to the downtown area in ~15 minutes (24/7 service).
  • Train: DSB trains heading to Copenhagen Central Station in ~15 minutes.
  • Taxis: ~DKK 250-350 into the city's core. Ride-sharing (Bolt, Viggo) also available.

Summer Travel

Highest flight prices during summer (June-August). Book flights well in advance.

Shoulder Seasons

April-May, September-October offer better value for flights.

Winter Deals

Lowest prices during the quiet period (November-March), not including holidays.

Air Travel Tips

Booking Insights

  • Book flights well in advance for the best fares.
  • Flexibility with travel dates can reduce costs.
  • Use airfare comparison sites like Skyscanner.
  • Sign up for flight deal alerts from services like Dollar Flight Club.

Airport Experience

  • Enjoy duty-free shopping and a variety of dining options.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals.
  • Access various ground transport options efficiently from the airport.
  • Check your terminal for specific services before you arrive.

Land Transportation Details

Border Crossings

Denmark shares a land border with Germany. The Øresund Bridge links Copenhagen with Malmö, Sweden. Crossings are straightforward for EU/Schengen citizens; non-EU/Schengen citizens require valid travel documents.

Train & Bus Connections

DSB (Danish State Railways) operates domestic and international trains to Sweden (Malmö, Stockholm) and Germany (Hamburg, Berlin). FlixBus is a main long-distance bus operator, with routes to many European cities.

Self-Driving

A valid driver's license is needed. An International Driving Permit is suggested for non-EU/EEA licenses. Roads are excellent. Headlights must be on day and night. Parking in the city is expensive and restricted. DiscoverCars.com for renting.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Copenhagen's maritime heritage means ocean travel remains a popular way to arrive.

Ferry & Cruise Options

  • DFDS Seaways from Oslo, Norway. Stena Line from Frederikshavn (Denmark) to Sweden and Norway.
  • Copenhagen is a major Baltic Sea cruise hub featuring terminals at Langelinie, Nordre Toldbod, and Oceankaj.
  • Standard immigration procedures apply at seaports.

River Transportation & Connections

No significant river transportation serves as a key arrival method into Copenhagen for long distances. However, harbor buses operate as part of the local public transport system.

Harbor & Cruise Connections

  • Harbor buses offer a picturesque method to move around the city's waterways.
  • Cruise terminals often provide transport buses or have public transport connections to downtown.
  • Bus and taxi connections make onward travel from terminals easy.

Self-Driving Information

Car rental is expensive. Parking in Copenhagen can be challenging and pricey. A hired car is less perfect for discovering the city, but useful for day trips or wider regional travel.

Driving Rules

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Headlights (low beam) must be on at all times, day and night.
  • Roads are excellent and well-maintained.

Rental Requirements

You need a minimum age of 21-25 (varies by company), a valid driving's license (an International Driving Permit is suggested for non-EU/EEA licenses), and a major credit card. DiscoverCars.com for convenient booking.

Parking & Environment

  • Parking is mainly paid street parking or multi-story car parks. Fees are higher in the city center.
  • Copenhagen has environmental zones restricting older diesel vehicles.
  • Consider parking beyond downtown and using public transport or cycling.

Road Safety & Pedestrian/Cyclist Awareness

  • Danish roads are generally safe.
  • Cyclists are common. Drivers must be mindful of dedicated bike lanes.
  • Drivers consistently yield to cyclists.
  • Pay attention to road signs (clear and in Danish).
  • Pedestrians and cyclists should be mindful of traffic signals for bikes.
  • Always look before opening a car door to avoid hitting cyclists.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

There are no exit fees are levied on travelers leaving from Denmark.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • International Flights: Arrive at CPH at least 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Schengen Flights: 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • Trains/Buses: Show UP 30-45 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Copenhagen Central Station (København H) have an assortment of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities for Departure

  • CPH: Duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, tax refund services.
  • København H: Shops, cafes, and luggage storage facilities.
  • Check-in, bag check, security, and passport control are standard procedures.

No Exit Fees

Travelers leaving from Denmark do not pay specific exit fees or taxes.

Timely Arrival

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for Flights within the schengen area.

Tax Refund

Eligible purchases may qualify for tax refunds at CPH (Global Blue, Without Tax Denmark).

Land Travel Tips

Train Travel

DSB (Danish State Railways) operates a good network of each domestic and international trains.

International Train Routes

  • Connects Copenhagen to Malmö and Stockholm in Sweden.
  • Connects Copenhagen to Hamburg and Berlin inside Germany.
  • Booking in advance is suggested, notably for foreign journeys.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses offer a budget-friendly option compared to trains for travel to and from Copenhagen.

Bus Operators & Routes

  • FlixBus is the main operator.
  • FlixBus routes connect Copenhagen to various European cities (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Oslo).
  • GoBus offers courses within Denmark.

Car Rental Considerations

Rental Requirements

Minimum age 21-25 (varies by company), valid driver's license, and a major credit card. International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for non-EU/EEA licenses.

Road Safety

Danish roads are excellent. Drive on the right. Headlights must be on day and night. There are strict speed limits. Pay attention to cyclists.

Parking Challenges

Parking is expensive and difficult to locate in the city center. Green zones restrict older diesel vehicles. Consider parking outside the city and using public transport. DiscoverCars.com for options.

Alternative Transport

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common for tourists and generally need a valid motorcycle license. Bike-sharing programs like Donkey Republic offer a simple way to explore Copenhagen's bike-friendly infrastructure.