How to Get to Odense. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Denmark

Major Airport Hubs

While Odense has a small airport, most international travelers arrive via Denmark's larger hubs.

Main Gateways

Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Denmark's main international gateway, 165 km (103 miles) east of Odense.
Billund Airport (BLL): A significant regional airport, 100 km (62 miles) west of Odense. Mainly European destinations.
Odense Airport (ODE): Smaller, limited domestic flights and some charter international flights. Not a common main entry point.

Flight Connections & Prices

Airlines and flight availability vary by season, influencing pricing.

Routes & Fluctuations

From North America: Direct flights to CPH from major cities (NYC, LAX, SFO, ORD, MIA, IAD, YYZ, YUL).
From Asia/Middle East: CPH has direct connections from hubs like DXB, DOH, SIN, NRT, PEK.
From Europe: CPH and BLL have extensive direct connections to nearly all major European cities. Check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.
Prices: Highest during summer (June-August) and holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) often bring better value. Low season (Nov-Mar) generally has lowest fares.

CPH Airport Facilities

Copenhagen Airport offers extensive facilities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and duty-free. Free Wi-Fi is available.

CPH to Odense Transport

Train is the most convenient and fastest option. Direct DSB trains from CPH Airport Station to Odense Banegård Center. Journey approx. 1.5-2 hours. Book via DSB website.

BLL to Odense Transport

From Billund Airport, take a local bus to Vejle Station, then a train to Odense. Total journey approx. 1.5-2 hours. Car rental is also an option at both airports.

Land Transportation Details

Train Connections DSB

Odense Banegård Center is a major hub in Denmark's intercity rail network.
Direct and frequent train connections available to Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and other cities.
Danish trains are modern, comfortable, and typically equipped with Wi-Fi.
Purchase tickets online via the DSB website or at ticket machines.

Bus & Driving Info

Long-distance Buses: FlixBus offers connections between major Danish cities, including Odense, and international routes.
Self-driving: Valid driver's license sufficient if in English/Nordic language. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed.
Roads in Denmark are well-maintained and clearly signposted. Drive on the right side.
The Storebælt Bridge is a major toll bridge.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services

Odense is inland, so direct international ferry arrivals are not common. Funen has domestic ferry connections to smaller islands.

Cruise Ports

Odense is not a major cruise port. Copenhagen is the main cruise destination in Denmark.

River Transportation

Odense Åfart (River Boat) offers scenic boat trips on the Odense River for recreational purposes. It is a tourist activity, not an arrival method.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific departure or exit fees apply for travelers leaving Denmark by air, land, or sea. These costs are incorporated into ticket prices.

Timing & Check-in

Airport (CPH/BLL): Arrive at least 2 hours before Schengen flights, 2.5-3 hours for non-Schengen.
Checking in online can save time at the airport. Security checks are efficient.
Train Station: Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure to locate platform and board. Electronic tickets are common.

Airport & Station Facilities

Both airports and train stations offer services for departing travelers.

Services Available

CPH: Wide range of retail shops, diverse dining options, lounges, duty-free shopping.
Services for VAT refunds (Global Blue, Tax Free Worldwide) available for non-EU residents.
Odense Banegård Center: Shops, cafes, kiosks for snacks and drinks, restrooms. Luggage lockers available.

Border & Passport Control

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area. Land borders generally involve minimal formalities.

Schengen & Beyond

Land borders with Germany and Sweden (via Øresund Bridge) mean minimal formalities for EU/Schengen citizens.
Non-Schengen citizens may experience passport checks. Funen, an island, has no direct land borders.
Access is via bridges or ferries. The Storebælt Bridge connects Funen to Zealand.

Airline Specifics

Major airlines serve Copenhagen and Billund airports, connecting globally.

Global Connections

CPH: Serviced by major international airlines including SAS, Norwegian, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Icelandair, Delta, United.
BLL: Mainly serves European low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, Norwegian, SAS) and regional airlines.
Offers direct flights from North America, Asia, Middle East, and numerous locations across Europe.

Travel Safety & Tips

Driving in Denmark is generally safe with well-maintained roads.
Strict traffic laws are in place, including mandatory seatbelts and headlights.
Speed limits are strictly enforced (50 urban, 80 rural, 110-130 motorways).

Be aware of cyclists, especially in cities like Odense, with extensive cycling infrastructure.
Always give cyclists ample space; they often have right-of-way.
Hospitals are well-equipped and provide excellent care should it be needed.

Airport Transfers to Odense

From Copenhagen Airport CPH

The most convenient way to reach Odense from Copenhagen Airport is by train. The airport station is in Terminal 3.

Train Journey Details

Direct DSB (Danish State Railways) trains run frequently from CPH Airport Station to Odense Banegård Center.
The journey typically lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Tickets are available at machines at the airport, DSB ticket office, or online via the DSB website.

From Billund Airport BLL

For Billund, a bus-train combination is the standard transfer method to Odense.

Bus and Train Combo

Take a local bus (e.g., Route 43) from BLL to Vejle Station.
From Vejle, take a train to Odense.
This combined journey typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Taxi Availability

Taxis are available at both major airports for direct transfers, offering a private option.

Car Rental

Car rental services are available at CPH and BLL if you prefer to drive. Book via DiscoverCars.com.

Flight Planning

Consider seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations when booking to find the best rates.

Departure Pointers

Airport Departure Procedures

Prepare for your airport departure with these guidelines.

Timely Arrival

For flights within the Schengen area, try to arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
For non-Schengen international flights, plan to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours in advance.
Checking in online, if your airline offers it, can save time at the airport.

Train Station Departure

Departing by train from Odense Banegård Center is generally quick and efficient.

Station Navigation

For train travel, arriving 15-20 minutes before your train departure is usually enough time.
Electronic tickets are common and simplify the boarding process.
Locate your platform and board without rush.

Airport & Station Services

Copenhagen Airport CPH

CPH offers extensive facilities for departing travelers, including a wide range of retail shops and diverse dining options.

Duty-Free & Lounges

Enjoy lounges and duty-free shopping. Services for VAT refunds (Global Blue, Tax Free Worldwide) are available before security for non-EU residents.

Odense Train Station

The train station provides shops, cafes, kiosks for snacks and drinks, and restrooms. Luggage lockers are available.

How to Get to Odense