Copenhagen has a well-connected public transport system that makes getting around the city simple. You can travel by metro, bus, S-train, harbour bus, and even light rail in the wider area. If you need the best route, the Journey Planner helps compare transport options by departure point, destination, and time, which is especially useful when you are new to the city.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Transport modes | Metro, buses, S-train, harbour bus, Greater Copenhagen Light Rail |
| Trip planning | Journey Planner can calculate the fastest and smartest route |
| Network coverage | City and surrounding area |
| Best for | Everyday city transport, airport trips, and local transport across Greater Copenhagen |
Map of Public Transportation System in Copenhagen
Map of Public Transportation System in Copenhagen showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the map in PDF format.
Copenhagen Metro
The Copenhagen Metro is one of the main ways to move around the city. It serves Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, and Tårnby, and connects smoothly with S-trains, local trains, and buses, so switching between forms of public transport is easy.
The system has four lines: M1, M2, M3, and M4. M1 and M2 share the route between Vanløse and Christianshavn before splitting toward Vestamager and Copenhagen Airport. M3 is the City Circle Line, a fully underground loop through central Copenhagen. M4 extends the network to Nordhavn and Sydhavn, with Copenhagen South as the southern terminus.
As for operating hours, the metro runs 24/7. During rush hour, frequency on the shared sections is about every 1½ to 2 minutes. Outside peak periods, opening times are unchanged but intervals are longer. On Friday and Saturday night after 01:00, trains arrive every 7 to 15 minutes, while after midnight on weekdays the timetable drops to every 20 minutes. If you are checking timings today, note that planned night maintenance can slightly affect the usual schedule and running time.
The metro uses a proof-of-payment system, so you need a valid ticket before entering the platform. One adult may bring up to two children under 12 free of charge. Tickets are available at the platform, in metro stations, and in the app.
For airport travel, the metro is a practical choice. The route from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre takes about 12 minutes. If you want unlimited public transport in the Capital Region, the Copenhagen Card includes travel to and from the airport.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Operating hours / working hours | 24/7 |
| Rush hour frequency | About every 1½ to 2 minutes on shared sections |
| Friday and Saturday night frequency after 01:00 | Every 7 to 15 minutes |
| Weekday late-night frequency after midnight | Every 20 minutes |
| Airport running time | About 12 minutes |
Public Bus Service in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has an extensive bus network connecting central districts, outer neighbourhoods, and the wider metropolitan area. Different services run by day and night, so it is usually easy to match the right route to your travel time.
Main bus types
- A-buses and 5C are the main city transport buses in central Copenhagen and run frequently all day and night.
- S-buses are faster services with fewer stops and usually run from early morning until late night.
- N-buses are the night bus option for late travel.
How to use the bus
- Look for a stop sign with a bus logo.
- Buses stop only if someone is waiting or a passenger presses the bell to get off.
- When the bus arrives, watch for the cycle path before crossing.
Planning and tickets
For route planning, use the official public transport website or the journey planner. Tickets can be bought in the Rejsebillet app, at ticket machines in selected stations and at the airport, or at ticket counters where available. One adult can bring up to two children under 12 free, but everyone else needs a valid ticket.
Travel options worth knowing
The yellow harbour bus is part of the same public transport system and accepts regular tickets. If you have a Copenhagen Card, you can travel freely across the Capital Region, including airport connections.
Harbour bus in Copenhagen
The Copenhagen Harbour Bus is a water-based part of the public transport system along the harbourfront. It is operated by Movia and uses the same payment system as regular buses, the metro, and DSB trains, so one ticket works across several transport modes.
The fleet is all-electric. The vessels are charged at night and also receive charge at station stops during the day. Since 2020, the service has run on green electricity instead of diesel.
There are seven harbour buses in the fleet. Six run in daily service, and one is kept in reserve.
Routes and stops
The harbour bus network has three routes and 11 stops along the waterfront, with seven stops on the Zealand side and four on the Amager side. Routes 991 and 992 cover the same stations in opposite directions, with 991 going south and 992 going north. Route 993 works as a shuttle service.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Orientkaj | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Refshaleøen | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Nordre Toldbod | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Holmen North | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Copenhagen Opera House | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Nyhavn | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Knippelsbro | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Royal Danish Library | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Bryggebroen | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Islands Brygge Syd | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Enghave Brygge | Harbour bus stop on the network |
| Teglholmen | Harbour bus stop on the network |
Route 993 runs between Nyhavn, Experimentarium, and the Opera from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00. From 18:00 to 23:00, it runs only between the Opera and Nyhavn.
It is an efficient route across the city by water, and honestly, the harbour views do not hurt either.
Taxi Service in Copenhagen
Taxi service in Copenhagen is generally safe and easy to use. Licensed taxis have meters and can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. At the airport, taxi pick-up is outside Terminals 2 and 3, and ranks are also available in central Copenhagen.
If the yellow taxi sign or the word “Fri” is lit, the taxi is available. Most accept credit cards and cash in Danish kroner. Tips are not expected because the fare already includes service, though rounding up is common for good service.
Taxi companies mentioned for Copenhagen include Dantaxi (+45 4848 4848), TAXA 4×35 (+45 3535 3535), Taxi 4×27 (+45 2727 2727), Amager-Øbro Taxi (32 51 51 51), Codan Taxi (70 25 25 25), Hovedstadens Taxi (38 77 77 77), and Taxamotor A/S (38 10 10 10). Taxis also serve the northern and western suburbs.
Fare levels vary by time of day. Prices are higher late at night, on weekends, and on national holidays. Extra cost may apply for special luggage or for carrying bags to the door.
Cycle taxis are also found, especially in the city centre. Around the harbour, you may come across water taxi services too.
- Licensed taxis with meters
- Can be hailed on the street or booked by phone
- Airport pick-up outside Terminals 2 and 3
- Credit cards and cash in Danish kroner accepted
- Tips are not required
- Avoid pirate taxis because they do not offer proper insurance or legal protection.
Copenhagen S-Train
The Copenhagen S-Train is a key part of the city transport system and an important branch of DSB. It links central districts, suburbs, and nearby cities across Greater Copenhagen, making it a reliable option for both daily travel and longer trips.
The network has seven lines and 86 stations. Trains run from early morning to late evening, with frequent departures, so waiting times are usually short. That makes the S-train a practical choice when you want a fast route between the city centre and outer areas.
On board, you get modern features such as free Wi-Fi. Bikes are allowed on all S-trains, which adds flexibility if you mix rail and cycling. The system is electric as well, so it is a cleaner option for transportation in Copenhagen.
S-trains are integrated with the wider public transport network, including buses and metro services. If you are checking a train schedule or schedule today, this network is one of the easiest ways to move across the metropolitan area without much fuss.
Copenhagen Card
The Copenhagen Card is the official city card and a practical pass for combining sightseeing with public transport. With one card, you get free entry to more than 70 museums and attractions, plus travel on buses, trains, and the metro without buying separate tickets.
The card is available for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours. During that period, it covers public transport in zones 1-99, including travel to and from Copenhagen Airport. It is a simple option if you want to avoid thinking about ticket price, fare choices, or individual transport costs during your stay.
The card is available for adults and children. Depending on the version you choose, transport options may vary, but it is designed to make getting around Copenhagen and the Capital Region much easier.
- Valid for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours
- Includes free public transport during the active period
- Covers buses, trains, and the metro in zones 1-99
- Includes travel to and from Copenhagen Airport
- Includes free admission to more than 70 museums and attractions
You can buy the Copenhagen Card on the official website.
Getting Around on bicycle in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is famously bike-friendly, and getting around on two wheels often feels like the most natural way to see the city. Dedicated bike lanes and a practical street layout make cycling fast, flexible, and easy for short trips.
If you want to combine a bike with public transport, bicycles and larger scooters are allowed on the metro outside weekday rush hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. A bike ticket is required. You can buy it in the Rejsebillet app or use Rejsekort at the extra card reader in the station. If a metro line is replaced by a Metrobus, bikes are not allowed on board.
Renting a bike or scooter is also a handy option when you want more freedom. Many visitors mix cycling with metro or train trips, which works especially well in Copenhagen.
- Bikes and larger scooters are allowed on the metro outside rush hour
- A bike ticket is required for bicycles and larger scooters
- Bike tickets can be bought in the Rejsebillet app or with Rejsekort at the station
- If a metro line is replaced by a Metrobus, bikes are not allowed
Airport Connections
Copenhagen Airport is about 8 km (5 miles) from the city centre, so airport transfers are quick and straightforward. Depending on the transport option and route, the trip usually takes around 13 to 35 minutes.
Metro and train services run from Terminal 3. The bus stop is also outside Terminal 3, while taxis are available outside Terminals 1 and 3.
Train
The train from the airport to Copenhagen Central Station takes about 15 minutes. During the day, departures are every 10 minutes. In the evening, the schedule changes to every 20 minutes, and at night trains run once an hour.
Copenhagen Central Station is in the city centre and connects with the rest of Denmark by train, S-train, and bus.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Running time to Copenhagen Central Station | About 15 minutes |
| Daytime frequency | Every 10 minutes |
| Evening frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| Night frequency | Once an hour |
Metro
The metro is a fast airport connection if you are going to Kongens Nytorv, Nørreport, or Frederiksberg/Vanløse. The ride from Copenhagen Airport to Kongens Nytorv takes about 13 minutes, and trains run frequently.
From Kongens Nytorv, you can change to M3, the circle line with 17 stops. If you are heading to the cruise terminals in Nordhavn, change there to M4 toward Orientkaj.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Running time to Kongens Nytorv | About 13 minutes |
| Frequency | Frequent departures |
Bus
Bus 5C links Copenhagen Airport with Copenhagen Central Station in about 35 minutes. The stop is outside Terminal 3.
Other bus services also run from the airport, including Abildskou Bus 888 from Terminal 2 and Greyhound-bus 999 from Terminal 3.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Bus 5C running time to Copenhagen Central Station | About 35 minutes |
Taxi and car
By taxi, the trip to the city centre usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Copenhagen Airport also has parking facilities, and a free transfer bus runs from the parking areas to the terminals.
Parking charges and parking charges per day are not listed here, so check the airport directly if you need current station parking or airport parking details.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Taxi running time to city centre | About 20 to 30 minutes |
Travel cards
If you plan to use public transport during your stay, the Copenhagen Card gives unlimited travel by bus, train, and metro in the Capital Region and can be activated after arrival at the airport. A Citypass is another option for unlimited transport within zones 1-4 for a selected period.