Getting Around Copenhagen
Walking (free)
Copenhagen is flat and compact. Nyhavn to Tivoli is ~20 min on foot. Rådhuspladsen to Rosenborg is ~15 min. The city centre (Indre By) is fully walkable. Pick a neighbourhood and walk it (Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Christianshavn all 15–20 min from the centre on foot).
Cycling (DKK 100–150 / €13–20 per day)
Locals commute by bike. Bike lanes are kerb-separated and full of fast commuters. Rentals from app-based services (Donkey Republic, Lime) or rental shops. Fixed-gear cargo bikes common. Critical safety rule: never walk in the bike lane. Cyclists signal stops/turns with hand signals; obey them. Speeds are ~25 km/h in rush hour.
A 3-hour guided bike tour (€53) is an alternative to renting solo.
Metro (24/7, driverless)
Copenhagen Metro (M1–M4) is driverless, clean, safe, runs 24 hours. Five lines cover the city and airport. Single ticket (2 zones, 75 min): DKK 24 (~€3.20). City Pass 24 h (zones 1–4, central city + airport): DKK 90 (~€12).
From the city centre, typical journeys:
Usually included
- Nørreport to Christianshavn (M2): 4 minutes.
- Kongens Nytorv to Rådhuspladsen (M1): 2 stops, 5 minutes.
- City centre to Airport (CPH, M2): 15 minutes.
Buses and harbour buses (yellow ferries)
Standard buses cover the city and outer neighbourhoods. Same tickets as metro. Harbour buses (lines 991/992, yellow ferries) run from Nyhavn to Knippelsbro to Islands Brygge and beyond — normal transit tickets. They’re the cheapest "cruise" in town (DKK 24 per ticket) and locals use them to hop between waterfront neighbourhoods.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are expensive (~DKK 400–600 to city centre from airport, ~€54–80). Uber exists but offers no advantage over taxis. Not recommended unless you’re in a hurry at night (metro closes). Use metro or walk instead.
The Copenhagen Card advantage
The Copenhagen Card 24–120 h includes unlimited public transport in all zones. If you’re taking taxis, multiple metro trips, or visiting attractions across spread neighbourhoods, the card pays for itself.
Getting to the airport
Metro M2 runs every 5 min from city centre to CPH Airport in 15 minutes (3-zone ticket DKK 36, ~€5). Much faster than taxi. City Pass 24 h or Copenhagen Card both cover it.
Walk the centre (it’s tiny). Bike if you’re confident in traffic. Metro for longer distances or if it’s raining. Harbour buses are underrated — they’re cheaper than a café coffee and take you to Nyhavn, Islands Brygge, and Refshaleøen. Never walk in the bike lane.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to get around Copenhagen?
Walk (free), bike (DKK 100–150/day, ~€13–20), or single metro tickets (DKK 24, ~€3.20 for 75 min). A City Pass 24 h (DKK 90, ~€12) is cheaper than buying 4+ singles and includes the airport metro.
Do I need a car in Copenhagen?
No. Parking is expensive and the centre is congested. Walk, bike, or metro instead. Rentals (if you day-trip outside the city) are available but not needed for Copenhagen itself.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
Metro M2: 15 minutes, DKK 36 (~€5). Single ticket or City Pass. Much faster and cheaper than taxi (€54–80). Buses also available but metro is standard.
Is biking safe?
Yes, but obey the rules: stay OUT of the bike lanes as a pedestrian. Cyclists move fast (~25 km/h). Hand signals are mandatory. If you rent, get familiar with the routes before high-traffic times.
What's the difference between metro and buses?
Metro is faster (driverless, 24/7, predictable). Buses are slower but cover more areas. Same ticket system. For sightseeing, harbour buses (yellow ferries, lines 991/992) are fun and cheap.