Getting from Copenhagen Airport to City Centre is quick, affordable, and surprisingly easy. Copenhagen Airport (Københavns Lufthavn, CPH) sits just 8 kilometres south of central Copenhagen, with metro and train connections reaching the city in as little as 13 minutes. Whether you prefer public transport, a taxi, or a rideshare, there’s an option to suit every budget and travel style.
For more on this part of the trip, also see our Krakow Airport to City Centre: Best Transfer Options.
Quick Takeaways
Start here: Getting from Copenhagen Airport to City Centre is quick, affordable, and surprisingly easy.
Planning note: For more on this part of the trip, also see our Krakow Airport to City Centre: Best Transfer Options.
The best transfer option depends on when you arrive, how much luggage you’re carrying, your group size, and exactly where you’re staying. This guide breaks down every realistic option — metro, train, taxi, rideshare, and bus — with accurate costs, honest travel times, and clear decision rules so you can choose without guessing.
Copenhagen Airport To City Centre: Quick Comparison: Copenhagen Airport Transfer Options
| Transport Option | Time to Centre | Approximate Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (M2) | 13–15 min | ~36 DKK (€5) | Most travellers |
| Regional Train | ~13 min | ~36 DKK (€5) | Travellers heading to Central Station |
| Taxi | 20–30 min | 250–400 DKK (€34–54) | Families, heavy luggage, groups |
| Rideshare App | 20–30 min | Similar to taxi | App-first travellers |
| Bus | 30–45 min | ~36 DKK (€5) | Neighbourhoods off metro lines |
| Private Transfer | 20–30 min | Fixed rate, higher cost | Door-to-door convenience |
For most visitors, the M2 metro is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre. The train is an equally strong choice if your accommodation is close to Copenhagen Central Station (København H).
Copenhagen Airport Layout: What to Expect on Arrival
CPH is compact, well-signed, and genuinely easy to navigate. After baggage claim, signs for Metro, Train, and Taxi are posted in English throughout the arrivals hall. Both the metro station and the regional train platforms sit directly inside Terminal 3, connected by covered walkways — you never need to go outside to reach public transport.
If you land at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, free internal shuttles and indoor passages connect to Terminal 3 without hassle. The whole process from arrivals to the platform is typically under ten minutes.
Metro (M2): The Best Option for Most Travellers
The M2 metro line runs directly from the airport into central Copenhagen with no changes required. It is the single most recommended way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre for solo travellers, couples, and anyone staying in or near the historic centre.
Key M2 Stops From the Airport
The M2 stops at major central locations including Christianshavn, Kongens Nytorv, Nørreport, and further west towards Frederiksberg and Vanløse. Kongens Nytorv is the main interchange hub, connecting to the M1 line for broader coverage.
Metro Travel Time
- Airport to Kongens Nytorv: approximately 13 minutes
- Airport to Nørreport: approximately 15 minutes
Metro Frequency
- Daytime: every 4–6 minutes
- Overnight: every 15–20 minutes
The Copenhagen Metro runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week — there is no last train to worry about regardless of when you land.
Metro Ticket Cost
A standard 3-zone ticket costs approximately 36 DKK (around €5). The same ticket is valid across metro, regional trains, and buses within the purchased zones. You can buy tickets at machines in the station, through the DOT Tickets app, or using contactless payment where accepted. Note that not every machine accepts all foreign cards, so having Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a physical Mastercard/Visa is advisable.
When the Metro is the Right Choice
- You are staying near the city centre or along the M2 corridor
- You are travelling solo or as a couple with manageable luggage
- You arrive late at night and need a guaranteed, reliable connection
- You want the cheapest fast transfer available
Regional Train: Best for Copenhagen Central Station
For travellers whose hotel sits near Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbro, or Copenhagen Central Station itself, the regional train is often more convenient than the metro because it avoids any interchanges. It departs directly from Terminal 3 on a dedicated platform below arrivals.
Train Travel Time and Cost
- Airport to Copenhagen Central Station (København H): approximately 13 minutes
- Ticket cost: approximately 36 DKK (€5), same as the metro
The regional train also offers more interior space than the metro — a meaningful advantage with large suitcases. It is additionally useful if you plan onward travel by rail into Denmark or across the Øresund Bridge into Sweden, since the train connects directly into the national and Scandinavian rail network.
Taxi From Copenhagen Airport
Licensed taxi ranks are located directly outside the Terminal 3 arrivals exit and are clearly signposted. Copenhagen taxis are metered, regulated, and reliable — unsolicited touts are rare and not a concern here the way they can be at some airports.
Taxi Fare and Travel Time
- Typical fare to central Copenhagen: 250–400 DKK (approximately €34–54)
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes under normal conditions
Fares vary with traffic, destination, and time of day. During weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) or in wet weather, journey times can extend to 40 minutes or more. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Copenhagen taxis.
Copenhagen Airport: Taxi or Train?
This is one of the most common questions travellers ask before arriving, and the honest answer is that it depends on your specific situation rather than a single right answer.
Choose the metro or train if:
- You want the fastest, most predictable journey time
- You are travelling alone or as a couple
- You are budget-conscious
- You arrive during rush hour when road traffic adds significant time
Choose a taxi if:
- You have multiple large suitcases
- You are travelling with young children or a pushchair
- Your hotel is outside the central metro corridor
- You arrive exhausted after a long-haul connection and just want door-to-door service
For groups of three or four travellers, splitting a taxi fare often brings the per-person cost close to or below the equivalent public transport tickets — making it worth considering even on a moderate budget.
Rideshare Apps in Copenhagen
Standard Uber does not operate in Denmark in the same way it does across much of Europe. The main app-based alternatives used locally are TAXA, Dantaxi, and Viggo (which specialises in electric vehicles). Pricing is broadly similar to metered taxis. Availability is generally reasonable but can be slower during late-night hours or poor weather, so do not rely on these exclusively if your arrival time is unpredictable.
Bus From Copenhagen Airport
Bus services from CPH are slower and less direct than the metro or train, but they serve certain neighbourhoods not directly connected by rail. The standard 3-zone public transport ticket covers buses as well, so there is no additional cost if you are already buying a transit ticket.
Unless your accommodation sits on a specific bus route that the metro does not conveniently reach, the metro or train is almost always the easier and faster choice from the airport.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Copenhagen Airport to the Centre?
Public transport is the cheapest option by a significant margin. Both the M2 metro and the regional train cost approximately 36 DKK (around €5) for a standard 3-zone ticket. The bus is covered by the same ticket, making it equal in price but slower in practice.
A few things to avoid if cost matters:
- Pre-booked private transfers marketed as “airport shuttles” are rarely necessary and typically cost far more than public transport
- Buying extra transit zones you do not actually need — the airport to city centre journey requires exactly 3 zones
- Taking a taxi during peak traffic hours, when the meter runs longer and the journey time advantage disappears entirely
How Long Does It Take to Reach Central Copenhagen From the Airport?
Copenhagen is unusually close to its airport by European standards, and journey times reflect that.
- Metro: 13–15 minutes to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport
- Regional train: approximately 13 minutes to Central Station
- Taxi: 20–30 minutes under normal traffic conditions
- Bus: 30–45 minutes depending on route and stops
Adding the time to clear customs and collect luggage, most travellers reach their hotel within 45 to 60 minutes of the aircraft doors opening.
Best Transfer by Arrival Situation
First-Time Visitors
Metro (M2). Signage is clear, departures are frequent, and the route drops you directly into the heart of the city. No prior knowledge of Copenhagen required.
Travelling With Heavy Luggage
Taxi. Particularly useful if you are staying in Østerbro, Frederiksberg, or residential neighbourhoods that require an additional metro interchange. Door-to-door service removes the hassle of navigating stairs and platforms with bulky bags.
Late-Night Arrivals
Metro. Because the M2 runs 24/7, it is the most reliable choice after midnight when taxi availability can be unpredictable and wait times longer than expected.
Families With Young Children
Taxi or pre-booked private transfer. The cost premium over public transport is justified by the ease of a single direct journey without managing children, prams, and luggage on a busy train.
Budget Travellers
Metro or train. At around €5 per person, public transport from CPH is among the most affordable airport transfers of any major European city.
Practical Tips Most Travellers Miss
Confirm Your Nearest Station Before You Arrive
A common mistake is assuming every Copenhagen hotel is near Central Station. Neighbourhoods like Nørrebro, Christianshavn, Østerbro, and Vesterbro often have a closer metro stop than the train station. Check your accommodation’s nearest metro stop before deciding between the train and the metro — it can save you an unnecessary transfer.
Zone Rules Are Enforced
Copenhagen’s public transport uses a zone system. The airport to city centre route requires a 3-zone ticket. Ticket inspectors do make regular checks on both metro and train services, and fines for travelling without a valid ticket are substantial.
Rush Hour on the Metro Gets Crowded
If you arrive between 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM on a weekday, the M2 can be genuinely crowded, especially with large bags. Consider allowing one or two trains to pass before boarding if you have oversized luggage.
Payment at Ticket Machines
Not all machines accept every foreign card. Having a contactless option — Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a widely accepted card — avoids any friction at the gate. The DOT Tickets app is also a reliable alternative if you prefer to pay on your phone before reaching the platform.
Should You Book a Copenhagen Airport Transfer in Advance?
For most travellers, no. CPH is efficient enough that you can walk off the plane, follow the signs, buy a ticket, and be on a metro within ten minutes. There is no need to pre-book under normal circumstances.
Pre-booking a transfer makes sense if:
- You are travelling with young children and want guaranteed door-to-door service
- You carry oversized luggage such as ski equipment or sports gear
- You want a fixed price with no variability from traffic
- You arrive on a very early or very late flight and prefer not to navigate on limited sleep
Outside those situations, the metro or train will serve you better and cost considerably less.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of visitors, the best way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre is the M2 metro — cheap, fast, 24-hour, and direct. The regional train is an equally strong choice for anyone heading to or near Central Station. Taxis and app-based services are genuinely useful for families, larger groups, or travellers with heavy luggage, and licensed ranks are right outside the terminal.
Compared to almost any other European capital, Copenhagen’s airport transfer is refreshingly straightforward. With reasonable planning, you can be sitting in Nyhavn — smørrebrød in hand — within an hour of landing.
Useful Links
- Copenhagen Metro – Official Map and Journey Planner
- DSB – Danish National Rail (Airport to Central Station)
- Copenhagen Airport – Official Transport Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre?
The easiest route is the M2 metro or a regional train, both departing from Terminal 3. Both take 13–15 minutes to central stops and cost approximately 36 DKK (around €5). Taxis are also available directly outside arrivals if you prefer door-to-door service.
What is the cheapest way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the centre?
Public transport is the cheapest option. The M2 metro and the regional train both use a standard 3-zone ticket costing around 36 DKK (approximately €5). Buses use the same ticket but take considerably longer.
Is a taxi or train better from the airport in Copenhagen?
The train or metro is better for speed, cost, and predictability — especially during rush hour. A taxi is the better choice when travelling with children, multiple large bags, or if your hotel sits outside the metro corridor. For groups of three or four, the cost difference narrows considerably.
How long does it take to reach central Copenhagen from the airport?
By metro or train, 13–15 minutes to central stops. By taxi, typically 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. By bus, 30–45 minutes. Most travellers are at their hotel within an hour of landing.
Does the Copenhagen Metro run all night?
Yes. The M2 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays. Late-night frequency reduces to around every 15–20 minutes, but there is no last service to miss.
Can I use the same ticket for the metro, train, and bus in Copenhagen?
Yes. Copenhagen’s public transport uses integrated tickets valid across metro, regional trains, and buses within the purchased zones. A 3-zone ticket covers the airport to city centre journey on any of these modes.
By Mara Vale for Eurly
Last verified: May 2025
Mara Vale
Mara Vale writes Eurly travel guides for first-time Europe visitors who want practical routes, realistic pacing, and fewer avoidable planning mistakes.
Eurly guides are written to help readers make confident travel decisions, but opening hours, ticket rules, transit disruptions, and local conditions can change. Always verify key reservations and official schedules before you travel.
