Copenhagen Airport to city centre: all transport options

Copenhagen Airport, also known as Kastrup (CPH), is located just 8 km from the city centre, making it one of the easiest airports in Europe for onward travel. If you are travelling alone or as a couple with light luggage, the metro is the quickest and most convenient option, as it directly connects the airport to the city centre in a few minutes. Families with children and a lot of luggage usually prefer taxis or private transfers, while those arriving late at night find it useful that the metro operates 24/7.

Denmark generally has a high cost of living, which is reflected in transport prices, especially for taxis. However, the short distance and reliability of public transport make the journey simple, without the stress of delays or missed connections.

Below, we analyse each option, with duration, cost, and practical details, so you can choose the solution that suits your trip.

Summary comparison of options

Mode	Duration	Cost	Frequency	Hours
Metro M2	13 to 15 minutes	approx. 4.5 to 5 euros	every 4 to 6 minutes, every 15 to 20 at night	24/7
Train (regional)	12 to 15 minutes	approx. 4.5 to 5 euros	every 10 to 20 minutes	approx. 05:00 to 00:30
Bus 5C	30 to 40 minutes	approx. 4.5 to 5 euros	every 5 to 10 minutes	24/7, reduced night frequency
Taxi from rank	15 to 25 minutes	30 to 45 euros	immediately available	24/7
Private transfer	15 to 25 minutes	35 to 60 euros	upon booking	24/7

Prices are as of September 2026; please check before your trip, as Rejsekort/DOT ticket prices and taxi fares may be adjusted.

Train or metro from the airport

The airport station is served by both the metro (M2 line) and regional trains, with the station located directly beneath Terminal 3. The metro goes directly to the city centre in approximately 13 to 15 minutes, with stops near Kongens Nytorv square and Nørreport, two convenient points for most visitors. The train reaches the central railway station (København H) just as quickly.

Tickets and prices

A zone ticket costs approximately 4.5 to 5 euros and is valid for metro, train, and bus within the same time period. You can buy it from automatic machines at the station, via the DOT Mobilbilletter app, or with a Rejsekort if you plan to stay longer and make many journeys. The machines have an English language option and accept all international cards, so you don't need to have cash in Danish krone before you arrive.

Stops and frequency

The metro runs every 4 to 6 minutes during peak hours and every 15 to 20 minutes at night, as it operates 24/7 without interruption, which is rare for a European capital. The train has a lower frequency and stops for a few hours in the early morning.

Bus and express lines

Line 5C is the main urban bus line connecting the airport to the city centre, passing through several neighbourhoods along its route. The journey duration is longer than the metro, around 30 to 40 minutes, but it can be useful if your hotel is closer to a bus stop than a metro station. The frequency is high during peak hours, but significantly reduced at night.

Taxi from the airport

The taxi rank is located outside arrivals, and taxis in Copenhagen are all official, with meters and a fixed starting fare. A ride to the city centre usually costs 30 to 45 euros and takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Luggage is usually not charged extra, but if you are travelling with many suitcases, it is advisable to request a van when booking. Taxi ranks are clearly marked at arrivals, and waiting times rarely exceed a few minutes, even during peak hours.

Private transfer and shuttle

Ride-hailing apps operate in the city, but prices do not differ dramatically from traditional taxis due to strict legislation. If you prefer certainty, especially with a night flight or a large family, you can book a private transfer in advance for a fixed price of around 35 to 60 euros, depending on the vehicle size. The driver will wait for you at arrivals with a sign, with no need to queue. Many companies offer free cancellation up to a few hours before arrival, which is useful if your flight time changes at the last minute.

Car rental, when is it worth it?

If you plan excursions outside the city, for example to the north coast of Zealand or to Sweden via the Öresund Bridge, car rental at the airport makes sense. For accommodation exclusively in the city centre, it is not recommended, as parking is expensive and limited, while the metro and bicycle easily cover city travel. If you do rent a car, check in advance if your hotel has its own parking, as public parking spaces in the city centre often fill up early in the morning.

Night arrival, children, luggage and accessibility

Copenhagen's big advantage is that the metro operates 24/7, so even with a night arrival, you have a reliable public transport option, simply with longer intervals between trains. For children and prams, the airport station has lifts and ramps, and metro carriages have space for luggage and prams. General accessibility at the airport and on the metro network is considered among the best in Europe.

How much does the overall transfer cost?

For one person with hand luggage, the metro is the most economical option, around 4.5 to 5 euros. A couple with two suitcases who prefer a taxi will pay a total of 30 to 45 euros, a significantly higher amount compared to other European cities due to Denmark's general cost of living. A family of four usually benefits from a private transfer or a van-type taxi, costing 40 to 60 euros, but saving time and hassle.

It is worth noting that Copenhagen Airport also serves as a hub for southern Sweden, as the Öresund Bridge connects the area to Malmö in approximately 35 minutes by train. If your journey continues to Sweden, the same train stations serve this route, with a separate ticket.

Inside the terminal, signage is in Danish and English, with clear signs pointing to the metro and train station, bus stops, and taxi ranks, all within easy reach of arrivals.

Useful apps for your trip

The DOT Mobilbilletter app covers all public transport in the region and is the easiest solution for visitors, as you can buy tickets directly from your mobile phone. If you plan to stay for several days, the Rejsekort offers a lower cost per journey compared to single tickets.

Alternative routes within the city

If your accommodation is in a neighbourhood like Vesterbro or Nørrebro, you might need a short change of transport after getting off in the city centre. Check your route in advance with a map app to avoid unnecessary transfers with your luggage.

Cost compared to other European cities

Compared to southern European capitals, getting from Copenhagen Airport is noticeably more expensive, especially concerning taxis. However, the quality and reliability of public transport offset the cost, as delays or frequency issues are rare.

In practice, most light-travelling visitors prefer the metro, while those with large luggage or travelling with young children tend to choose taxis, precisely because comfort justifies the extra cost.

Common mistakes travellers make

• Not buying a ticket before boarding the metro or train, risking a high fine from an inspector.
• Expecting a taxi to be a cheap option, without being aware of Denmark's generally high cost of living.
• Confusing the airport station with other nearby stations, thereby wasting time searching for the platform.
• Not checking if they need a separate ticket for onward travel to Sweden, assuming it's covered by the local ticket.
• Underestimating the waiting time for line 5C during evening hours, choosing the bus instead of the faster metro.

Where to stay and what to read before your trip

Before organising your accommodation, check out guides for Copenhagen and other northern or similar European capitals:

• The best areas to stay in Copenhagen
• Stockholm: the best areas to stay in the city of 14 islands
• Oslo: the top areas for accommodation and hotel options
• Where to stay in Riga, another Baltic capital with a historic centre
• Geneva accommodation guide for every type of traveller
• Bern: the best areas for accommodation and hotels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre?

The metro is usually the fastest, taking 13 to 15 minutes to the city centre. The train has a similar journey time, while a taxi can be equally fast outside peak hours, but costs much more.

Does the metro operate 24/7?

Yes, Copenhagen's metro is one of the few in Europe that operates non-stop 24/7, with reduced frequency during night hours. This makes it an excellent choice for night arrivals or departures.

How much does a taxi from the airport to the city centre cost?

A standard journey costs approximately 30 to 45 euros, depending on traffic and the exact destination within the centre. Prices are fixed and displayed on the meter, with no negotiation.

Do I need a separate ticket for the metro and bus?

No, the common zone ticket for the Copenhagen area is valid for metro, train, and bus within the same time period, so you can change transport modes without extra charge.

Is a private transfer worth it instead of a taxi?

If you are travelling with family, a lot of luggage, or want certainty for a night arrival, a private transfer with a pre-set price of around 35 to 60 euros offers comfort without waiting at a taxi rank.

Can I go directly to Sweden from Copenhagen Airport?

Yes, trains passing through the airport station continue via the Öresund Bridge to Malmö in approximately 35 minutes, with a separate ticket from the local Copenhagen transport ticket.

Is it safe to use public transport late at night?

Yes, Copenhagen is generally considered a safe city, and the metro operates normally at night with less frequency. Stations are well-lit, and there are usually other passengers, especially on weekends.

Conclusion

Getting from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre is one of the easiest and most reliable in Europe, thanks to the short distance and the 24/7 metro. For most travellers, especially those with light luggage, the metro is the obvious choice, being quick and economical relative to the city's general cost of living.

Those who prefer comfort, are travelling with family, or arrive at an unusual hour can safely rely on a taxi or private transfer, knowing in advance that the cost will be higher than in other European capitals. In any case, organising your transfer before your trip saves time and stress from the moment you arrive.