In this guide
💡 The Short Version: The metro M2 runs from Terminal 3 to Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport in about 15 minutes, every 2 to 3 minutes by day, and all night. A DSB train reaches Copenhagen Central Station in about 15 minutes. A 3-zone single ticket is DKK 30 on the metro, the train or the bus. The airport is in fare zone 4. A City Pass Small is DKK 100 for 24 hours in zones 1 to 4. Buy before you board: the fine is at least DKK 750, tickets cannot be bought on trains, and the metro machines take coins and cards but not notes. Allow time at passport control on flights from outside the Schengen area. Or book a transfer: a private transfer to the cityad for up to 3 people is DKK 845 (GetYourGuide).
The airport to the centre, compared
The metro and train stations are at Terminal 3. Terminal 2 is for passenger drop-off only.
| Option | Journey | Frequency | Fare, one adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro M2 | About 15 minutes to Nørreport and Kongens Nytorv | Every 2 minutes at rush hour (07:00 to 09:00 and 14:00 to 18:00), every 3 minutes at other times and at weekends; all night | DKK 30 |
| DSB train | About 15 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station, from tracks 1 and 2 at Terminal 3 | See the DSB planner | DKK 30 |
| Bus | Several lines to the centre | See Rejseplanen | DKK 30 |
| Taxi | Rank outside Terminal 3 | On demand | On the meter, with the tip included |
All three public routes are the same 3-zone single ticket, valid for 1 hour 30 minutes. A 2-zone single is DKK 24.
The metro
DKK 30 · about 15 minutes · 24 hours
The M2 station is in direct extension of Terminal 3. The line runs to Kongens Nytorv, for Nyhavn, and Nørreport, with changes to the M3 and M4 at Kongens Nytorv, to the M3 at Frederiksberg and to the S-trains at Nørreport, Flintholm and Vanløse. After Friday and Saturday nights (01:00 to 07:00) the trains run every 8 minutes, and after Sunday to Thursday nights every 20 minutes. The metro takes you to Kongens Nytorv, Nørreport, Christianshavn and anywhere on the M2, M3 and M4.
A metro train on the elevated line at Ørestad. Photo: Truflip99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
From the metro a footbridge of 100 metres leads to security for Terminal 2 and the SAS Fast Track on departure, and the station has two self-service machines for boarding passes and bag labels.
The train
DKK 30 · about 15 minutes to Central Station
DSB’s InterCity and regional trains run from Terminal 3, tracks 1 and 2 (tracks 11 and 12 are across Ellehammersvej). Take the train for Copenhagen Central Station and Vesterbro. Trains also run directly from the airport to Malmö. You cannot buy a ticket on the train, and you risk a fine.
A DSB InterCity train at the airport station. Photo: G och J, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
Bus
The bus is the same DKK 30 ticket, and the Rejseplanen planner shows the lines to the address you want.
Taxi
On the meter · the fare includes the tip · you can usually pay by card
The rank is outside Terminal 3. The airport says the fare includes the tip, and that some taxi companies may charge an additional fee for journeys from the airport. Ask for the meter and pay by card. For heavy luggage a taxi goes door to door, while the ticket is DKK 30.
Terminal 3 at Copenhagen Airport. Photo: Thorfinn Stainforth, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
A private transfer
The private transferad is a one-way transfer of about 30 minutes, DKK 845 for up to 3 people, in a sedan or a minivan (4.3 stars from 59 reviews). The metro is DKK 30 each, so a transfer is a comfort purchase and not a saving.
Tickets and passes
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single, 2 zones | DKK 24 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Single, 3 zones | DKK 30 | 1 hour 30 minutes; city centre to the airport |
| City Pass Small, zones 1 to 4 | DKK 100 | 24 hours; the airport and the whole metro |
| Copenhagen Card Discover | From DKK 589 | Includes the airport journey by metro, train and bus |
Youths aged 12 to 15 pay half, and an adult may bring two children under 12 free. Where to buy: the Rejsebillet app, the machines at the metro station and in Terminal 3, and the DSB ticket office in Terminal 3. The metro machines do not accept notes, only coins and cards. Metro tickets are checked on board, and Rejsekort and Basiskort holders check in at the yellow checkpoints by the lifts. Copenhagen public transport has the zones, the apps and the fines.
Which to take
- To Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn or Nørreport: the metro.
- To Central Station, Tivoli or Vesterbro: the train.
- At night: the metro, which runs every 8 or 20 minutes depending on the night.
- With heavy luggage or children: a taxi from the rank.
- For a few days of travel: a City Pass Small at DKK 100 for 24 hours.
- With a Copenhagen Card: the airport journey is included.
Passport control
The Foreign Office warns of delays at Copenhagen Airport on flights to or from non-Schengen countries, including the UK, and advises allowing extra time. Staff in yellow vests help with young children and access needs. What to book before you go to Copenhagen has the entry rules, including the EU’s Entry/Exit System photo and fingerprints at your first entry.
From the station to your hotel
The 3-zone ticket is valid for 1 hour 30 minutes, so it also covers a change to the metro or a bus to the hotel. Hotels near Copenhagen Central Station lists the hotels beside the station, and where to stay in Copenhagen compares the areas. Cycling in Copenhagen covers the bike hire, and the day trips from Copenhagen leave from Central Station.
Common questions
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre?
Take the metro M2 from Terminal 3 to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport in about 15 minutes, or a DSB train to Copenhagen Central Station in about 15 minutes. Either costs a 3-zone single ticket, DKK 30. A taxi leaves from the rank outside Terminal 3.
How much is the metro from Copenhagen Airport?
DKK 30 for an adult, on a 3-zone single ticket valid for 1 hour 30 minutes. The same ticket covers the train and the bus into the centre. Youths aged 12 to 15 pay half, and an adult can bring two children under 12 free.
Does the metro run at night from the airport?
Yes, the M2 runs around the clock. It runs every 2 minutes at rush hour, every 3 minutes off-peak and at weekends, every 8 minutes after Friday and Saturday nights and every 20 minutes after Sunday to Thursday nights, between 01:00 and 07:00.
Where do I buy a metro ticket at Copenhagen Airport?
In the Rejsebillet app, at the ticket machines in the metro station and in Terminal 3, or at the DSB ticket office in Terminal 3. The metro machines take coins and credit cards but not notes. Buy before you board: the fine for travelling without a valid ticket is at least DKK 750.
Is there a pass that covers the airport?
A City Pass Small covers zones 1 to 4, including the airport and the whole metro, for DKK 100 for 24 hours. The Copenhagen Card Discover includes the airport journey by metro, train and bus.
How long are the passport queues at Copenhagen Airport?
The UK Foreign Office warns of delays at passport control at Copenhagen Airport on flights to or from non-Schengen countries, including the UK, and advises allowing extra time. Staff in yellow vests help with young children and access needs.
