How to Get to the City Center of Copenhagen from the Airport
Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, is famous for its historic architecture, lively neighborhoods, and world-class food scene. If you're flying into Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup), you’ll be delighted to know that getting to the city center is both easy and fast! Here’s a quick guide on the most popular ways to get from the airport to the heart of Copenhagen.
1. By Metro
The metro is one of the fastest and most convenient options to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center. Here's what you need to know:
Travel Time: 15 minutes to the city center.
Frequency: Trains depart every 4–6 minutes.
Cost: Around DKK 36 (USD 5) for a single journey.
The metro station is located right in Terminal 3, making it very accessible. Simply follow the signs for the M2 line(yellow line), which goes directly to central Copenhagen, stopping at stations like Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport, two major central stops. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines in the airport or through the DOT Billetter app.
2. By Train
Copenhagen's efficient train network is another great option, especially if you’re headed to Copenhagen Central Station or other areas outside the city center.
Travel Time: 13 minutes to Central Station.
Frequency: Trains leave every 10–20 minutes.
Cost: Also around DKK 36 (USD 5).
The train station is also located in Terminal 3. If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, you may find the train a bit more spacious than the metro. Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) is a major hub, and from there, you can transfer to buses, regional trains, or take a quick stroll to nearby attractions.
3. By Bus
For a scenic route, buses from Copenhagen Airport to the city center offer a good alternative, especially if you prefer ground-level views of the city.
Route: Bus 5C is the main line to the city center.
Travel Time: Approximately 30–35 minutes.
Frequency: Departs every 10 minutes.
Cost: Around DKK 24 (USD 3.50), making it a budget-friendly option.
The bus stop is located right outside Terminal 3, and the 5C line takes you to Nørreport, Copenhagen’s largest transportation hub. The buses in Copenhagen are clean, efficient, and come with luggage space.
4. By Taxi
If convenience and direct service are a priority, taking a taxi from the airport is an easy choice.
Travel Time: 15–20 minutes to the city center, depending on traffic.
Cost: Around DKK 250–300 (USD 35–45).
Taxis are located outside Terminal 1 and 3, and all are metered. The benefit of a taxi is a direct route to your accommodation without the hassle of transferring between different forms of transport.
> Tip: Taxis in Copenhagen accept credit cards and offer contactless payment options.
5. By Bike
For the adventurous traveler, biking from the airport is an option, especially in the summer when the weather is pleasant. Copenhagen has dedicated bike lanes, making it one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.
Travel Time: About 30–40 minutes, depending on your destination.
Bike Rental Cost: Around DKK 100–150 per day (USD 15–22).
You can rent a bike from several companies that offer airport pickup and drop-off services. Biking to the city center allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way.
Buying Tickets for Public Transport
For metro, train, and bus journeys, you can buy tickets at the DSB ticket machines in Terminal 3 or on the DOT Mobilbilletter app. You’ll need a 3-zone ticket to reach central Copenhagen, which is valid across buses, trains, and metro.
Final Tips
Public Transport Card: If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider a Copenhagen Card for unlimited access to buses, trains, and metro services, plus free entry to several attractions.
Peak Hours: Copenhagen's public transportation system is reliable, but if you're traveling during peak hours (7–9 AM or 4–6 PM), allow a bit of extra time.
Mobile Payments: The DOT Billetter app is convenient if you prefer to go paperless.
Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time or returning to explore more, getting to the city center from the airport is a breeze. Each option offers its own unique advantages, so choose the one that best fits your schedule and budget, and get ready to enjoy all that Copenhagen has to offer!