Copenhagen is known for its top-notch infrastructure and public transport that are environmentally sustainable. We already know things to do in Copenhagen. Now let’s take a look at what transport and the metro look like in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
Transport in Copenhagen
Public transport includes metro, buses and trains, which are integrated into one system so you can easily transfer between them and get virtually anywhere. The same ticket applies for all modes of transport.
Metro
Copenhagen’s metro is fast, reliable and runs 24 hours a day. The metro has four lines – M1, M2, M3 and M4 (M5 is currently under construction – scheduled to open in 2035), serving different parts of the city and suburbs.
The system is automated, with no drivers on any of the lines. At most stations it is possible to change to other modes of public transport such as bus or train.
You can recognize the metro stations by the glass elevator that takes you underground to the metro.
The central station is Kongens Nytorv in the city centre near Nyhavn Harbour. All 4 metro lines cross here, including the M2 line from the airport.
The metro runs every few minutes during peak and off-peak hours. At night between 1:00-5:00, the metro runs every 15-20 minutes.
On the map below you can see a map of the Copenhagen metro – the yellow line M2 connects the centre with the airport, the red line M3 goes around the centre, as does the blue line M4 which serves the area towards the Little Mermaid statue and the main station.
Trains
S-tog (urban rail) and regional trains are a good option for travelling to surrounding areas and other cities in Denmark.
It takes 40 minutes by direct train to Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, or 20 minutes to Roskilde, home to Denmark’s most important cathedral. If you have Copenhagen Card, travel to both Kronborg and Roskilde is included.
Hotels in Copenhagen 😴
Buses
The bus network is extensive and covers places you can’t get to by metro or train. Buses run frequently and on time. At night there are night services, which are marked N – look for the grey stop.
Water buses
Regular buses are complemented by water buses, which can easily move between the islands of Copenhagen. The buses are yellow with the DOT sign – you won’t miss them. And best of all – water buses are carbon neutral.
There are 3 water bus routes to choose from, serving the entire coastal area between the Little Mermaid statue to the very south of Copenhagen to Teglholmen. It builds at most major sites, including Nyhavn, the Opera House, the Royal Danish Library and Christianshavn.
The same tickets apply for metro, trains, buses and water buses.
Tip: Pick up a small guide to Copenhagen and a paper map of the city at the metro station. They mark the water bus lines, toilets, subway, trains and even regional trains throughout the Greater Copenhagen area. You can use the Copenhagen Card for the whole Greater Copenhagen area (more information in a moment).
Transport and metro tickets in Copenhagen
Single transfer tickets
Ticket prices vary depending on how many zones you pass through. In the city centre you can use a 2-zone ticket, from the airport you can use a 3-zone ticket. Outside Copenhagen, purchase an 8-zone ticket. Tickets are transfer tickets, i.e. you can switch between the different modes of transport freely during their validity.
Tickets can be purchased from vending machines in the metro, at the airport or train station (payment in DKK or by card), via the DOT Tickets app, or on the bus if you have change in cash.
Types of tickets in Copenhagen
- 2-zone ticket valid for 75 minutes – 24 DKK (12 DKK for children)
- 3-zone ticket valid for 90 minutes – 36 DKK (18 DKK for children)
- Ticket for 8 zones – 84 DKK (42 DKK for children), if you are travelling round trip, the City Pass Large is more worthwhile, which we will get to in a moment
Transport in Copenhagen with children
If you are travelling with children, you can apply up to 2 children up to 12 years of age to your ticket, or up to 16 years of age if they are travelling with you. Children under 12 years of age travel free of charge. Children under the age of 16 are also welcome if accompanied by an adult. Children over 12 years of age who are not accompanied by a paying adult pay the discounted child rate.
City Pass Day Tickets
If you plan to use public transport more often, look for the City Pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. The ticket will then indicate until when it is valid. The City Pass comes in two versions:
- City Pass Small valid in zones 1-4, i.e. you can use it throughout Copenhagen, including the airport
- City Pass Large valid in zones 1-99, i.e. you can use it throughout the Greater Copenhagen area
Prices for the City Pass Small range from 90 to 340 DKK for 24-120 hours. Prices for the City Pass Large range from 180 to 680 DKK for 24-120 hours. Prices for children are half price.
City Passes can be purchased from machines in the metro or at the train station, at the DSB ticket office at the airport or at the main train station, or at the DSB ticket office at the train station. in the DOT Tickets app. You can also buy a City Pass for 48 or 120 hours on the metro, but if you’re arriving at Copenhagen Airport, it’s best to buy a City Pass directly from the machine at the airport. There is a staff member standing right by the machines to guide you.
Unlimited transport and access to sights with Copenhagen Card
With the Copenhagen Discover Card you get unlimited free transport in Copenhagen and the Greater Copenhagen area. In addition, the card also includes free admission to over 80 places in Copenhagen, including boating, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg, the Zoo, Rosenborg and more.
If you purchase Copenhagen Card Discover at this link, you will receive a confirmation in your email. You download Copenhagen Card City Guide app (available on Google Play and Apple Store) and activate the card here before you want to use it (for example, before your first metro ride from the airport to Copenhagen city centre).
The card is valid for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. One adult can apply for their Copenhagen Card for up to two children aged 3-11. For older children, Copenhagen Card is available at half price. Read our detailed review of the card here.
Hotels in Copenhagen 😴
How to rent a bike in Copenhagen
Cycling is definitely an essential element of transport in Copenhagen. More than half of the locals cycle every day. Cyclists have their own lanes and there are racks on every corner.
The official bike rental app in Copenhagen is bycyklen.dk. There are several stations in the centre where you can rent a bike via the bycyklen app.
If you pick up a map of Copenhagen in the metro (or at a tourist information office, hotel, etc.), you will see the lines on the map in colour. The blue and green lines are specifically for cyclists (but you can ride any other way).
Cycle around the waterfront, for example, where there’s plenty to see – futuristic buildings, relaxation zones or outdoor pools where you can take a dip on warm days.
You can easily spend the whole day here if you head south from Nyhavn and go around the waterfront from the other side via Islands Brygge and Christianshavn – the route is called Harbour Circle. You can also cycle north to the Little Mermaid statue.
Boat cruise
Boating on the canals and harbour is one of the best ways to explore Copenhagen. You’ll get a completely different perspective on Copenhagen’s architecture, historical monuments and vibrant city life.
Most cruises start in Nyhavn harbour, from where the ship sails past some of the city’s most famous sights, including Christiansborg Castle, the Opera House and the Little Mermaid statue.
Many boat cruises include a passage through the city’s historic canals, surrounded by old merchant houses and elegant palaces. It’s a great opportunity to understand why Copenhagen is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
The guide will tell you all sorts of interesting facts and you will also get a great angle for photography. The boats sail all year round and are heated and covered in winter.
Price: boat cruise starts from 135 DKK (half price for a child). Boats usually depart from 9:30 in the morning at regular half-hour intervals until the evening.
If you want to avoid the crowds, choose morning times. For the most beautiful light, don’t miss a cruise at golden hour or around sunset (in summer the sun usually sets here between 8-10pm).
Tickets: Book your cruise here. You just show your booking confirmation at check-in and skip the queue for tickets.
Included with Copenhagen Card: yes, free with Copenhagen Card. If you are planning a cruise with the Copenhagen Card, the embarkation point is in Ved Stranden (opposite Christiansborg, 5 minutes from Nyhavn). The cruise takes an hour. Here you can find more information about sailing with the Copenhagen Card.
This was our guide to transport and metro in Copenhagen. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Scandinavia
COPENHAGEN: Get inspired by things to do in Copenhagen (including entrance fees, maps and other practical information). We have created a 3-day itinerary of what to see in Copenhagen. Here you will find tips on how to save in Copenhagen with Copenhagen Card.
STOCKHOLM: Stockholm is another beautiful, royal city in Scandinavia. Get inspired with tips on best things to do in Stockholm.
HELSINKI: Here are tips on the things to do in Helsinki.
Get even more inspiration and choose a destination for your next trip here.
