Copenhagen Metro Information
It is a fully automated driverless rapid transit system serving Copenhagen, Frederiksberg and Tårnby in Denmark. It is the most popular means of public transport in Copenhagen and started operation on 19 October 2002. It operates on two lines, M1 and M2, has a track length of 20.4 kilometres and serves 22 stations. The metro system is also integrated with DSB trains, Movia buses and the S-train rapid transit system. According to 2013 statistics, the metro system had a daily ridership of 460,000 passengers and an annual ridership of 55 million passengers. The M2 line also serves Copenhagen Airport. A new line, Cityringen, will serve 17 additional stations and is expected to be operational in 2019.
The Copenhagen Metro map provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s public transport system, which carries an average of 126,000 passengers per day. The fare for a single journey is set at 2.81.
The Copenhagen Metro has several outstanding features. It operates 24 hours a day, every day, and every train, including the Metro and S-Tog trains, is air-conditioned. Passengers are allowed to walk between platforms, and all metro lines have been driverless since 2002. All metro stations are equipped with screen doors for passenger safety.
Trains run at an average speed of 40 km/h, with a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The system is operated by Metro Service. The fare is 24 Danish kroner in local currency.
Copenhagen Metro Map
Map of Copenhagen Metro System showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Copenhagen Metro System map in PDF format.
Copenhagen Metro Line and Stations
Line M1
The M1 Line of the Copenhagen Metro travels from Vanløse to Vestamager, passing through the city center.
Stations on this line include: Vanløse, Flintholm, Lindevang, Fasanvej, Frederiksberg, Forum, Nørreport, Kongens Nytorv, Christianshavn, Islands Brygge, DR Byen, Sundby, Bella Center, Ørestad, and Vestamager.
Line M2
The M2 Line travels from Vanløse to Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup), also passing through the city center.
Stations on this line include: Vanløse, Flintholm, Lindevang, Fasanvej, Frederiksberg, Forum, Nørreport, Kongens Nytorv, Christianshavn, Amagerbro, Islands Brygge, Øresund, Amager Strand, Femøren, Kastrup, and the airport.
Line M3
The M3 Line, also known as the Cityringen, is a circular line that serves the city center and its immediate surroundings. It was opened in 2019 and it has 17 stations.
Stations on this line include: Kongens Nytorv, Gammel Strand, Rådhuspladsen, Enghave Plads, Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg Allé, Nuuks Plads, Aksel Møllers Have, Poul Henningsens Plads, Østerport, Trianglen, Marmorkirken, Kongens Nytorv, Gammel Strand, and City Hall.
Line M4
The M4 Line was opened in 2020 and extends the M3 Cityringen to the Nordhavn district in the north and to Sydhavn in the south.
It serves the following stations: København H, Rådhuspladsen, Gammel Strand, Kongens Nytorv, Østerport, Nordhavn, Orientkaj (in the north), and København H, Enghave Brygge, Sluseholmen, Mozarts Plads, and Ny Ellebjerg (in the south).
M2 Line:
The yellow line is the M2 line. It has 16 stations, and it has a route that begins at Vanløse station and ends at Lufthavnen (Copenhagen Airport) station. This route has a length of 14.2 kilometers.
Traveling through the entire M2 line will take you approximately 24 minutes. Many tourists use this line since it allows you to reach Copenhagen’s Airport. In addition, there are other places of interest for tourists along this route, such as the Amager Beach Park and the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Humanities.
- Color of the line: Yellow.
- Number of the line: M2.
- Name of the line: Vanløse – Lufthavnen (Airport).
- Number of stations: 16.
- Length of the line: 14.2 kilometers.
- Time that it takes you to go through the entire line: 24 minutes.
- Schedule: It as a service available at 24/7. In other words, it is available from Monday to Sunday and for 24 hours a day.
Stations: at M2 Line, you will find the following stations in the shown order: Vanløse, Flintholm, Lindevang, Fasanvej, Frederiksberg, Forum, Nørreport, Kongens Nytorv, Christianshavn, Amagerbro, Islands Brygge, DR Byen, Sundby, Bella Center, Ørestad, Lufthavnen (Copenhagen Airport).
M3 Line:
The orange line is the M3 line, also known as Cityringen (City Circle Line). It is the newest line, inaugurated in 2019, and it is a circular line. This line has 17 stations and is approximately 15.5 kilometers long.
It is designed to be a high-capacity line and it runs through the city center, strengthening the connection between the outer districts. It also provides a direct connection to the Copenhagen Central Station from all areas of the city. The estimated time to complete the full loop of the line is 24 minutes.
- Color of the line: Orange.
- Number of the line: M3.
- Name of the line: Cityringen (City Circle Line).
- Number of stations: 17.
- Length of the line: 15.5 kilometers.
- Time that it takes you to go through the entire line: 24 minutes.
- Schedule: It as a service available at 24/7. In other words, it is available from Monday to Sunday and for 24 hours a day.
Stations: at M3 Line, you will find the following stations in the shown order: København H, Vesterport, Nørreport, Østerport, Marmorkirken, Kongens Nytorv, Gammel Strand, Rådhuspladsen, Enghave Plads, Frederiksberg, Aksel Møllers Have, Poul Henningsens Plads, Vibenshus Runddel, Trianglen, Øster Søgade, Nørrebros Runddel, Nørrebro
Future expansions
There are plans to extend Copenhagen’s metro system with a new line called M4. This line will serve the new district of Nordhavn and will be an extension of the M3 City Circle Line. The first phase of the M4 line, with two new stations, will open in March 2020. The second phase, with three additional stations, is expected to be completed by 2024.
A further extension, called M5 or Linje 5, is also planned. This line will serve the district of Sydhavn. The M5 line is expected to be operational by 2024.
Fares and tickets
The Copenhagen Metro is part of Copenhagen’s unified fare system. This means that you can use the same ticket for all forms of transport in the city, including buses, S-trains and regional trains.
The fare depends on the number of zones you travel through. The minimum is two zones, which costs 24 DKK (about $3.60). If you’re travelling in the central zones, a three-zone ticket is usually sufficient. This will cost you 36 DKK (about $5.40).
Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the station, online or via the DSB app. Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of zones you travel through. Remember that you must have a valid ticket before boarding the metro.
If you’re planning to use public transport a lot during your visit, consider a City Pass. This gives you unlimited travel in the central zones for a certain period of time (24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours or 120 hours). Prices range from DKK 80 (about $12) for a 24-hour pass to DKK 300 (about $45) for a 120-hour pass.
City Pass
This type of card is ideal for tourists staying in the city for several days. It offers unlimited travel in zones 1, 2, 3 and 4, which includes the city centre and the airport. The City Pass is available for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours and prices range from DKK 80 ($12) to DKK 300 ($45).
Copenhagen Card
Another excellent option for tourists is the Copenhagen Card. This card offers unlimited travel on all public transport in the entire capital region, which includes not only Copenhagen but also Roskilde, Hillerød and Helsingør. In addition, the Copenhagen Card offers free admission to more than 80 museums and attractions, discounts at various restaurants, car rentals and sightseeing tours, and comes with a comprehensive guide to the city. The card is available for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours and prices range from DKK 389 ($58) to DKK 839 ($125).
Rejsekort
For residents or frequent visitors, the Rejsekort (travel card) may be a good option. This is an electronic ticketing system that can be used on all public transport in Denmark. The card itself costs 80 DKK ($12), and you need to top it up with credit to use it. The price of a journey with a Rejsekort depends on how many zones you travel through, but it is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
In any case, it’s important to remember to always check in at the start of your journey and check out at the end, whether you use a single ticket, City Pass, Copenhagen Card or Rejsekort. There are check-in and check-out counters at every metro station, at the entrances to buses and on the platforms of S-trains and regional trains.
Fines
If you are caught without a valid ticket on the Copenhagen Metro, you will be fined 750 DKK ($112). The fine is reduced to DKK 600 ($90) for children under the age of 15.
Future plans
The construction of the M4 line has already been mentioned, but there are other ambitious expansion plans for the Copenhagen Metro. The long-term vision of the city authorities is to have a metro station within 600 metres (0.37 miles) of every resident’s home. To achieve this, more lines and stations will be needed. Proposals have been made for a possible M5 line, but no concrete plans have yet been made.
There are also plans for an extensive light rail system, the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail, which will consist of 28 stations along 28 km (17 miles) of track. Although not technically part of the metro, it will integrate with the metro, S-trains and regional trains, providing even more public transport options for Copenhagen residents and visitors.
M4 line
The M4 line is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by 2024. The new line will extend the existing M3 City Ring and will run from Nordhavn to Sydhavn, adding seven new stations to the network. The new line will be a great boost to public transport in the city, connecting new areas to the metro system and providing a fast and efficient service to the city’s growing population.
Tips
- Always check in and out with your card or ticket at the card readers located at the entrance to each station.
- Plan your journey beforehand using the Copenhagen Metro’s journey planner or a transit app. The metro system in Copenhagen is quite extensive and can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors.
- Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets, especially during peak hours and in crowded stations.
Notable facts
- The Copenhagen Metro was one of the first metros in the world to operate completely without drivers, being automated from its opening in 2002.
- Due to the harsh Danish winter, the trains are equipped with a special anti-ice system to prevent the overhead lines from freezing.
- The Copenhagen Metro uses a proof-of-payment system, which means there are no physical barriers to entering the station or boarding a train. Passengers must always have a valid ticket, as random checks are made by Metro staff.
- Hold a valid ticket: You must have a valid ticket or card at all times during your journey. If you are caught without a valid ticket, you will be fined DKK 750. If you have a bicycle or dog with you, they should also have valid tickets.
- No smoking: As in most public places in Denmark, smoking is not allowed in railway stations and metro trains.
- Alcohol: It’s allowed to carry alcohol on the metro, but it’s forbidden to drink it on the trains.
- Bicycles, prams and dogs: These can be taken on the train, but only in specially marked areas of the train. Remember to buy a ticket for these items.
- Don’t disturb others: Loud music, unruly behaviour or anything else that might disturb other passengers is not allowed. Always be considerate of your fellow passengers.
Some tips to ensure a smooth journey on the Copenhagen Metro
- Plan your journey: Make use of the journey planner provided by the Copenhagen Metro. It will provide you with the quickest route and any potential disruptions on your journey.
- Respect the seats: If you see a seat marked with ‘Please leave free’, it means that the seat is intended for passengers who are pregnant, elderly, or have a disability. Please respect these markings.
- Be aware of peak hours: The metro can be quite crowded during peak hours, so if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, a bicycle, or a pram, consider traveling outside these times.
- Be ready to exit: Stations are quite close together, especially in the city center. Make sure you’re ready to exit when you reach your station.
Help for people with disabilities
The Copenhagen Metro is designed to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. All stations have lifts and escalators, and the trains are wheelchair accessible. If you need assistance during your journey, there are call points at stations and on trains where you can get help.
Emergency procedures
If there’s an emergency or you feel unwell during your journey, press the emergency button on the train to alert the control centre. If you’re in a station, find a member of staff or use the emergency phone. Staff are trained to deal with all kinds of situations, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Lost property
If you lose something while travelling on the Metro, don’t panic. You can contact the Lost Property Office by phone or visit them in person. The office is located at the Metro Headquarters at Ørestads Boulevard 35, DK-2300 Copenhagen S. You can call them on +45 7015 1620 during their opening hours from 10:00 to 14:00 on weekdays. You can also send them an e-mail at hittegods@metro.dk. The office keeps lost property for two weeks before handing it over to the police.
Personal safety
Although the Copenhagen Metro is a safe place, it’s always good to keep your personal safety in mind. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings close to you, and be careful when boarding and exiting the trains, especially during rush hours when it can get quite crowded.
Overall, the Copenhagen Metro is a clean, efficient and safe way to get around the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s an easy way to get around and see all that Copenhagen has to offer.
Transporting Copenhagen into the Future
As well as being an example of efficient transport, the Copenhagen Metro embodies Denmark’s commitment to sustainability and green living. An important part of this effort is the city’s adoption of electric cars as a form of public transport.
Through the DriveNow programme, locals and tourists alike can rent electric cars to use around the city. A wide range of BMW i3 model cars are available for hire, all of which can be driven within an 85 kilometre radius and recharged at over 600 available points. The flexibility of the service allows people to explore Copenhagen in a more personal and environmentally friendly way.
As the programme operates via an app, users simply send a picture of their face and their driving licence for approval. Once approved, the app shows where the car is parked and the user can go. It’s as simple as that. And to make things even more convenient, users can rent these electric cars directly from Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport.
This innovative approach to transport shows how the city is moving towards a sustainable future. By integrating electric cars into its public transport network, Copenhagen continues to be at the forefront of green initiatives. As the city moves forward, it will be interesting to see what other innovative and environmentally friendly transport options are introduced.
Connection to the Airport
Copenhagen Kastrup Airport is located just 8 kilometres south-west of the city centre and is conveniently linked to the metro system. The airport is directly served by the M2 line, which stops at the airport’s Terminal 3. From here it takes just 13 minutes to reach the city centre. Passengers can also easily transfer to the M1 line or regional trains for destinations outside the city. The metro runs every 4 to 6 minutes during the day and every 15 to 20 minutes at night.
Nearby attractions
National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery, or Statens Museum for Kunst, is Denmark’s leading museum for the visual arts. It houses an extensive collection of Danish and international art from the last seven centuries. You can reach it by taking the metro to Nørreport station and walking for about 10 minutes.
Amalienborg Royal Palace
Amalienborg is the home of the Danish Royal Family. It consists of four identical classical palace facades with rococo interiors around an octagonal courtyard. You can reach it by taking the metro to Kongens Nytorv station and walking for about 10 minutes.
Strøget Street
Strøget is a pedestrianised, car-free shopping area in Copenhagen. This popular tourist attraction in the city centre is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. You can reach it by taking the metro to Nørreport station or Kongens Nytorv station.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is a famous amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen. The park opened on 15 August 1843 and is the third oldest amusement park in the world. You can reach it by taking the metro to Central Station or Rådhuspladsen Station.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace on the island of Slotsholmen houses the Danish Parliament, Folketinget, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can reach it by taking the metro to Kongens Nytorv station and walking for about 10 minutes.
Nyhavn (Copenhagen Harbour)
Nyhavn is a 17th century harbour, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen. Lined with colourful 17th and early 18th century townhouses and lined with bars, cafes and restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and people watch. You can reach it by taking the metro to Kongens Nytorv station.
Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a green and car-free district of Copenhagen known for the different way of life of its autonomous inhabitants. It was founded in 1971 by a group of hippies who occupied some abandoned military barracks on the site and developed their own set of social rules, completely independent of the Danish government. You can reach it by taking the metro to Christianshavn station.
Rosenborg Palace
Rosenborg Palace is a Renaissance palace in Copenhagen. The castle was originally built in 1606 as a country summer house and is an example of Christian IV’s many architectural projects. You can reach it by taking the metro to Nørreport station and walking for about 10 minutes.
The National Museum
The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen is Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history, covering the history of both Danish and foreign cultures. You can reach it by taking the metro to Rådhuspladsen or Central Station.
The Royal Library
The Royal Library in Copenhagen is the national library of Denmark and the university library of the University of Copenhagen. It is one of the largest libraries in the world and the largest in the Nordic countries. You can reach it by taking the metro to Christianshavn station.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen. The collection is based on the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery. You can reach it by taking the metro to Rådhuspladsen or Central Station.