
Copenhagen offers some fine public transportation options. The urban and suburban trains (S-tog) are usually the most popular, but Copenhagen also has a modern metro and several buses driving around the city.
Here’s a full guide to public transport in Copenhagen. We will look into the different types of transport, where you can go, how long they run, and what it costs. It should make your trip easier in a variety of ways!
Contents
- 1 Urban trains in Copenhagen
- 2 Copenhagen Metro
- 3 Buses in Copenhagen
- 4 City Pass
- 5 Copenhagen Card
- 6 Rejsekort – If you live in Denmark
Urban trains in Copenhagen
S-trains. Arguably the most popular transportation method in Copenhagen and its surrounding suburbs.
A lot of people travel with urban rail, known locally as S-Tog – and in many cases, it also makes sense as a traveler.
If you take the S-Tog, you can reach almost any location in central Copenhagen, as well as the outskirts of the city. It covers way more than the metro does, although there are longer waiting times between departures.
This network allows you to stay in any area of Copenhagen and still get around the city easily. We recommend that you stay at a central location, though. Read our guide on where to stay in Copenhagen for more info.
Check out the map of the S-Tog here:

These city trains operate during all daytime hours from Monday to Sunday. They also operate all night between Friday and Saturday, and between Saturday and Sunday. Very convenient!
The price will depend on how far you need to go. A short ride of two zones will cost 24 DKK ($3.50) while a long ride of eight zones will cost 84 DKK ($11.50). How do you find out how many zones you need to travel? Just type in your destination on the screen as you buy your ticket!
You can buy a ticket at each station. Or you can buy a travel pass for several days. Continue reading this article for information about how to get a travel pass.
Copenhagen Metro
The Copenhagen Metro is fairly small, yet efficient. It is very modern and had some recent developments, going from two to four different lines not too long ago.
The subway covers the most central areas of Copenhagen. It is one of the preferred ways to gofrom the airport to the citycenter.
Lines 1 and 2 go from west to southeast, passing the city center along the way. Line 2 is the airport line, so you might be using that if you are flying in or out of Copenhagen and using the metro as transportation. Line 3 is a circular route passing through some of the most important areas of the city. Line 4 goes from the central train station to the northeast of the city.
The subway is not necessarily the best way of transport in Copenhagen (because it doesn’t cover as much ground as the S-trains). But it is still useful in many ways. The metro is super fast and always works well – and it covers the most central and important areas.
Here is a map of the Copenhagen Metro system:

In other words, it makes sense to take the metro if you are traveling between specific areas in the center – and you want to travel as quickly as possible. For longer distances though, take the S-train.
You can buy tickets at any station. Pay by card or coins. Or you can use your prepaid travel pass (scroll down for more information on this).
A standard ticket, covering two zones, costs 24 DKK (roughly $3.50). Two zones cover most of central Copenhagen and the ticket will last for 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, a ticket from the airport to the center requires three zones, so it’s priced at 36 DKK ($5).
Buses in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a lot of buses, and they work well. The local buses cover most areas of the city. You can also find buses that drive to other Danish towns and cities – obviously.
When you find a bus, simply get on it. We recommend that you buy a ticket on your phone before entering, or that you obtain a travel pass. If you want to pay for a single ticket, buy it on the bus – although it will be slightly more expensive than if you have a pass.
Some buses have machines inside where you can buy your ticket. Other buses require you to buy it from the driver. If you’re unsure, just ask the driver or a passenger about how to buy a ticket for that particular bus.
Buses in Copenhagen are yellow and very visible. You can find route plans at any bus stop, or you can browse them online. It’s also possible to ask a bus driver for information if you are lost – most of them speak English quite well!
City Pass
It can be a good idea to get the City Pass – at least if you are coming to Copenhagen and plan to use public transportation a lot.
With the City Pass, you get unlimited access to all forms of transportation in Copenhagen. You can decide how long you want the pass to be active. The smallest amount of time is 24 hours, while the highest is 120 hours. So it’s perfect if you are going on a trip. When you have the City Pass, you don’t need to worry about any public transport. You can use all the most popular options: Buses, trains and metro as long as it is within zones 1, 2, 3 and 4.
There are two types of City Passes – the City Pass Small which covers central Copenhagen city and the airport (zones 1-4), and the City Pass Large which covers the entire capital region (zones 1-99)
Prices start at 80 DKK for adults and at 40 DKK for children under the age of 15. Those are the prices for “City Pass Small” for 24 hours. Again, the more time you want it, the more expensive it will be. The ‘Large’ pass obviously costs more than the ‘Small’ but for most tourists, the City Pass Small will be sufficient.
You can buy it at the airport, or you canbook it online.
Copenhagen Card
While the City Pass is great if you only intend to use it for transportation – the Copenhagen Card goes a step further.
With this card, you also get access to all the transportation methods, and on top of that, it gives you free entry to 86 attractions and museums in Copenhagen. The card also gives you discounts at certain restaurants.
But because it provides such high value, the Copenhagen Card is also a bit more expensive than the City Pass. Prices start at 439 DKK ($60).
Checkthe website of the Copenhagen Card herefor specific information.
Rejsekort – If you live in Denmark
If you are not only going to Denmark on a trip, but if you are actually moving there, either short term or permanently, it makes sense to get theRejsekort.
You can only get it if you have a permanent address in Denmark. And if you do, this card has a lot of benefits. So if you’re planning to work in Copenhagen, or if you are an exchange student staying for a semester or a full year, get this card!
It is a travel card that you can use for all transportation methods – bus, train, metro, and so on. Not only in Copenhagen but actually in all of Denmark.
You use the Rejsekort to check in and check out on every trip you make. It gives you a discount from the beginning, making it cheaper than regular tickets. And the more you use your Rejsekort – the cheaper it becomes!
The size is similar to a credit card. You hold it up to a blue scanner to check in and out of a transportation vehicle. On buses, it will often be inside the bus. On trains, you typically have to ‘beep’ your card at the blue scanner at the station.
Conclusion
Public transport in Copenhagen is quite simple and straightforward. At any given time, you can find a way to get to where you want.
It can be expensive, and that’s the only downside. So if you are traveling to Copenhagen, it’s a good idea to put money aside for transportation. The center of Copenhagen is very walkable, but most visitors end up using public transportation at least a couple of times.
We hope this article was useful to you – let us know if you have any comments, questions, or additions that would benefit other readers.
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FAQs
What are the 3 main modes of transportation in Copenhagen? ›
Copenhagen's public transport is reliable, and the Metro, s-trains and busses (including waterbuses) can all be accessed with the same ticket. All you need to know is how many zones you will pass on your journey.
How does public transportation work in Copenhagen? ›Copenhagen's transport options. Public transport in Copenhagen is inexpensive and easy to use. You can pay per journey in cash at a machine in a metro or train station, or in person on a bus. Copenhagen is divided into zones and fares depend on how many zones you are travelling through.
What is the best way to get around Copenhagen? ›The best way to get around Copenhagen is on foot and by bike, especially if the weather is cooperating. If you're tired (or cold), you'll find a modern public transportation system that features metro lines, extensive bus routes and an easy-to-navigate train network. Taxis are plentiful but come at a cost.
Is metro in Copenhagen free? ›You get free unlimited public transport in the Copenhagen region (zone 1-99), which includes Copenhagen Airport (zone 4). Is transport to/from the Airport included? No.
How do you pay for buses in Denmark? ›You can buy your tickets using the following options: Ticket machines (cash or card) at the airport, train stations, metro stations and 7-Eleven kiosks. Mobile app "DOT billetter" for Android or iOS users. On the bus (cash only, Danish krone)
Do you tip in Copenhagen? ›In Copenhagen, tipping is not a tradition. If you receive extraordinary good service, you are welcome to reward it with a tip, but it is not expected. Service is normally included in the bill at restaurants, hotels and taxis. Thus it is optional whether to round up the bill or not.
Is Copenhagen metro easy? ›Copenhagen has a regular and reliable metro system that runs through the city. It's very easy to navigate as it only consists of two lines – M1 and M2. The yellow M2 line is the one that will take you from the airport into the city centre.
Can I pay by card on a bus in Denmark? ›Bus travel Denmark FAQs
For almost any trip you can buy a ticket online, and at the stations there are ticket machines and on some city buses you can pay with Danish coins. On Intercity buses you can also pay with cards.
With a Copenhagen Card in hand, you don't have to worry about traffic zones and ticket prices, as you get unlimited public transport by train, bus, metro, and harbour bus throughout the entire capital region (including to and from the airport).
What is the nicest part of Copenhagen? ›- Indre By. The inner city—which includes part of the medieval center—is Copenhagen's most picturesque. ...
- Nørrebro. ...
- Østerbro. ...
- Carlsberg Byen. ...
- Amager. ...
- Vesterbro.
Is there a hop on hop off bus in Copenhagen Denmark? ›
Enjoy beautiful Copenhagen with the popular Hop On - Hop Off bus tour. The sightseeing tours cover all of Copenhagen's must-see sights while allowing you to hop on and off as much as you like for 48 hours.
How much money do I need per day in Copenhagen? ›For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $70-$120/day to visit Copenhagen. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations then you'll want to add another $100-$200/night depending on where you stay.
Do you need a Covid test to get into Copenhagen? ›Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to Denmark? COVID testing is not required when arriving to Denmark.
Can you buy a bus ticket on the bus Copenhagen? ›You can also buy your tickets or travel cards via your mobile phone. You can buy the Copenhagen Card on copenhagencard.com. Furthermore, you can buy single tickets from bus drivers. See prices and fares for tickets and travel cards.
Are public toilets free in Copenhagen? ›In Copenhagen, seven public and free restrooms are staffed with friendly attendants who greet you as you enter and ensure that the restrooms are are clean and neat at all times and where you can feel safe and where the facilities are separate for men and women.
Do buses in Copenhagen take credit cards? ›Pay with your smartphone or online
From there you can select the fare you need and enter your credit card details. You can also buy your bus, train and metro tickets online.
Verify your card if needed, then you're all set! For in store and public transport payments, Google Pay works on any Android™ devices with NFC capabilities, running Android Lollipop 5.0 or higher.
Are buses in Denmark free? ›You must have a ticket to ride any public transportation. Riding any public transport without a ticket will get you a fine of 750 kroner. The bus transportation system works the same as the train and metro system, tickets depend on the number of zones you travel through. You can learn more about zones here.
How do you say hello in Denmark? ›The Simplest Danish Greeting: Hej!
With hej, you're always on the safe side in Denmark. Pronounced just like “hi” in English, this is the simplest and most common way to greet someone in Danish.
Copenhagen has some of the world's best tasting tapwater. The drinking water in Copenhagen undergoes strict daily quality controls, ensuring that it is perfectly safe to drink – and it is so clean and pleasant tasting that there is no need to add chlorine or other chemicals.
What food is Copenhagen famous for? ›
What food is Copenhagen famous for? Copenhagen is famous for its New Nordic Cuisine; however, traditional Danish dishes like Smørrebrød are popular too. Copenhagen is also famous for its sweet pastries and savory morning buns.
Is Copenhagen a walkable city? ›Copenhagen's small size makes it a walkable city, and few of the main sights or shopping quarters are more than a 20-minute walk from the city center. Walking around Copenhagen allows you to find hidden gems and interesting detours that you might have missed otherwise.
What happens if you don't pay metro fine Copenhagen? ›Worth case scenario - if you don't pay - is that the fine will be attributable to fees for late payment and finally legal actions.
Can you use cash in Copenhagen? ›Cash, credit cards and mobile banking apps are all accepted in Denmark, so you have little need for cash, especially in Copenhagen. But if you intend to travel beyond Greater Copenhagen on your trip to Denmark, you will need a small amount of cash for things like local buses and toilets.
Do I need a PIN for my credit card in Denmark? ›Foreign credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted in Denmark, and often are accepted at department stores, restaurants, taxis, and for making travel accommodations. For best results in using a credit card in Denmark, follow these guidelines: Your card must have a four-digit pin number.
How much is a cup of coffee in Denmark? ›In Denmark, a coffee costs $6.05, whereas the expected coffee cost based on the country's GDP of over $60,000 per capita is $4.20, according to Finder's Index' calculations.
Is euro accepted in Denmark? ›Denmark joined the European Union in 1973. It has negotiated an opt-out from the euro and is thus not obliged to introduce it.
What can I do for free in Copenhagen? ›- The Little Mermaid statue and Kastellet. lillyabs. ...
- Wander around Norrebro. untrolleyperdue. ...
- The colourful Nyhavn. ...
- Explore Freetown Christiania. ...
- Photograph the orange houses of Nyboder. ...
- The Botanical Gardens of Copenhagen. ...
- Get epic views from Christiansborg Palace Tower. ...
- Take a free walking tour.
Nevertheless, unless you're coming from nearby countries like Sweden or Norway you'll probably find Copenhagen more expensive than most destinations. On average you can expect to spend €90-170 per person per day (roughly $108 to $205 USD) on a trip to the Danish capital if you are a budget or mid-range traveller.
Do they check metro tickets in Copenhagen? ›On Copenhagen's public transportation you might not always get your ticket checked, but if you are checked by an agent and do not have a ticket or are in zones not on your ticket, you will be fined 750 DKK.
Where should I stay in Copenhagen for the first time? ›
The best areas to stay in Copenhagen for first-timers are the neighborhoods of Indre By/ Old Town, Vesterbro, Christianshavn, Osterbro, Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, Islands Brygge, and Amager East. These are popular and safe areas for tourists that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
What is the best month to visit Copenhagen? ›The best time to visit Copenhagen is from March to May or between June and August – depending on what you're looking for. While the summer brings the warmest weather and a number of popular, large-scale events, those looking for lower rates and fewer crowds can still enjoy the mild weather in the spring.
Where do rich people go in Copenhagen? ›The city centre, Christianshavn and Holmen
The city centre is one of the most expensive districts to live in Copenhagen. The area is pleasant and the old quarter is found here. There are many expensive owner-occupied apartments and exclusive addresses.
There are no covid-19 related restrictions on entry to Denmark. There are no covid-19 related restrictions on entry into Denmark. On this page, you will find information on testing and everyday precautions.
Is it cheaper to buy Hop on Hop off tickets online? ›You can purchase it online, it's cheaper and saves time. Otherwise you can buy it at the bus stop.
How much is bus from Copenhagen Airport to City Centre? ›It costs 36 DKK (around 4,8 Euro) for an adult single trip ticket from the airport to the city centre. Tickets are valid in bus, train and metro.
How many days in Copenhagen is enough? ›All in all, 2 days in Copenhagen is ideal if you're trying to see the main sites and get a good feel for the city, three days is great if you want to dig deeper in the city itself and 4 days in Copenhagen is fantastic for a few day trips to either nearby areas within Denmark or over the bridge in Sweden.
Do they accept euros in Copenhagen? ›The Euro is not generally accepted in Denmark. However, you can pay with Euro in department stores, tourist shops, taxis etc. Please inquire about the exchange rate, and in taxis you should ask the driver before getting in.
How much does a covid test cost in Copenhagen Airport? ›Prices are as follows: DKK 1,500 / USD 210 / UK £ 175 / € 205.
Does Denmark require proof of vaccination? ›Just like the majority of Schengen Area and European Union countries, Denmark has decided to allow travel to the country provided that the ones who enter its territory hold at least a vaccination certificate.
How do I book PCR test in Denmark as a tourist? ›
As a Danish citizen, you have to book a PCR-test at Coronaprover.dk. As a non-Danish citizen, you have to register on Covidresults.dk before showing up at the PCR-test centre. Please note that the rapid antigen test sites are closed from 6 March, 2022.
How do you pay for buses in Copenhagen? ›You can buy your tickets using the following options: Ticket machines (cash or card) at the airport, train stations, metro stations and 7-Eleven kiosks. Mobile app "DOT billetter" for Android or iOS users. On the bus (cash only, Danish krone)
Can I pay with cash Copenhagen bus? ›Copenhagen's transport options. Public transport in Copenhagen is inexpensive and easy to use. You can pay per journey in cash at a machine in a metro or train station, or in person on a bus.
What do people in Denmark get for free? ›Additional, private health insurance also is available. Denmark's comprehensive social welfare system offers unemployment, disability, old-age, and survivorship benefits at virtually no charge to all Danes.
Can you swim in Copenhagen canals? ›See, the water quality in the Copenhagen canal is super clean, so it's safe to swim. You can't hop in just anywhere though, there are designated areas for people to take a dip and I made it my personal mission to visit as many as possible this summer.
Are trains free in Copenhagen? ›All public transport in the Capital Region is included in the Copenhagen Card. This includes the metro, trains, buses and harbour-buses. Once your card is active you can travel as much as you want.
What are the 3 most common mode of transportation? ›4.4 Modes of Transportation
Common modes of transportation to move products are trucks, trains, ships and airplanes.
The different modes of transport are air, water, and land transport, which includes rails or railways, road and off-road transport.
What is the main mode of transportation in Denmark? ›Virtually all Danes own a bicycle. In small towns and cities alike, cycling is the most common means of transport.
What is the main transportation in Denmark? ›Railway & Metro
The Danish railway network consist of 2667 km of rail- way of which 81 % is managed by Rail Net Denmark (Banedanmark). The railway network is extensive and in- tegrates the hinterland regions into the main transport network. Rail Net Denmark oversees more than 2,000 km of rail- way tracks.
What is the best transport method? ›
Airplanes get you places fast and are the most versatile mode of transportation, taking you across states, across countries, and across waters.
Which is the cheapest means of transport? ›Waterways are the cheapest modes of transport. They are also environmentally friendly because the fuel efficiency in this mode of transport is higher. A larger distance can be covered per unit of fuel. It is a suitable mode for transporting heavy and bulky goods.
What is the number 1 mode of transportation? ›Road Transportation
The first, and most common mode of transportation in logistics, is road. From walking to horses to wagons to bikes to cars to trucks, road transportation has been around longer than mode and is utilized the most of any mode in logistics.
There are two types of transport in this regard: (1) passive transport and (2) active transport. Passive transport is a kind of transport by which ions or molecules move along a concentration gradient; it means the movement from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Which is the fastest mode of transport? ›An aeroplane is the fastest mode of transport. It covers thousands of kilometres in just a few hours. So it is useful for travelling very long distances in a short time.
What are the 4 methods of transportation? ›Air, Road, Sea and Rail. These are the four major modes of transport (or types) in the logistics industry.
What is the best way to travel around Denmark? ›The best way to get around Denmark is by private car on the excellent road network. In lieu of that, nearly all major towns, and certainly most Danish cities, are serviced by trains, except certain offshore islands, which can be reached only by ferryboat.
What are the 5 primary modes of transportation? ›- Road Transportation. There are many advantages to road transportation, especially for companies who rely on fast delivery to retain their customers. ...
- Rail Transportation. ...
- Marine Transportation. ...
- Air Transportation. ...
- Intermodal Transportation.