Ruth Haines
Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with the journey taking around 15 minutes by metro, train or taxi. This makes it possible to leave the airport during a layover and explore the city. A layover of at least five hours is recommended to ensure enough time for transit, security checks and sightseeing. Copenhagen's compact size allows for easy exploration, with highlights such as canal cruises, historic palaces and the famous Nyhavn harbour all within reach. Visitors on a layover can also enjoy a meal at one of the city's renowned restaurants or explore its dynamic culinary scene.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you leave the airport during a layover? | Yes, provided your layover is at least 5 hours. |
| Do you need to go through customs? | If you're connecting between flights within the Schengen Zone, you won't go through customs. If you're arriving from outside the Schengen Zone, you'll need to pass through passport control and customs when entering Copenhagen. |
| Do you need a visa? | Denmark is part of the Schengen Zone, and citizens of many countries (e.g., the US) can stay up to 90 days without a visa. |
| Recommended layover duration | A layover of at least 5 hours is recommended if you want to leave the airport and explore Copenhagen, ensuring enough time for transit, security checks, and sightseeing. |
| Transportation to the city centre | Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre by metro (20 minutes), train (15 minutes), or taxi (15 minutes). Tickets cost around DKK 36 ($5.50) and are valid for 90 minutes. |
| Things to do in Copenhagen | Copenhagen's compact size allows for easy exploration of highlights such as canal cruises, historic palaces, and the famous Nyhavn harbour. |
| Airport facilities | Copenhagen Airport offers lounges and workspaces, as well as hotels located near the metro for those with longer layovers. |
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What You'll Learn
Copenhagen airport to the city centre: 15-20 minutes
Copenhagen Airport is conveniently located just 8 km from the city centre, allowing for quick and easy transport connections. The city centre can be reached in 15-20 minutes by metro, train, or taxi.
The metro and train are the quickest and cheapest options, taking approximately 13-15 minutes to reach Copenhagen Central Station. The metro operates 24/7, with trains departing every 4-6 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night. The train also offers a frequent service, with departures every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes in the evening. Tickets for the metro or train cost €4 (DKK 30) and can be purchased online, at the DSB counter in the airport, or from self-service ticket machines.
Taking a taxi is another option, with an estimated travel time of 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis offer a door-to-door service and can be found readily available outside the arrival hall. The price for a taxi ride will be determined by a taximeter based on the distance travelled.
With a layover of at least five hours, you can leave Copenhagen Airport, explore the city centre, and return to the airport with enough time to spare. Copenhagen's compact size allows for easy exploration of its top attractions, including canal cruises, historic palaces, and the famous Nyhavn harbour.
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Recommended layover duration: 5 hours minimum
Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre, with the journey taking around 15 minutes by metro, train, or taxi. The airport also offers luggage lockers, allowing you to explore the city unencumbered.
With a 5-hour layover, you can comfortably explore Copenhagen's compact city centre and some of its top attractions. The city is known for its efficient transport, dynamic culinary scene, and safety, making it an ideal destination for a short layover.
- Transit and Security: Upon arrival, allow for some time to pass through passport control and customs if arriving from outside the Schengen Zone. You can then make your way to the luggage lockers to store your bags if desired.
- Travel to City Centre: Purchase a ticket to Kongens Nytorv station, a 15-minute ride from the airport. From there, you can walk or take a short public transport ride to your chosen destination.
- Explore Copenhagen's Highlights: Head to Nyhavn, Copenhagen's iconic harbour, for a canal cruise or a meal at one of the outdoor cafes. You can also stroll through the city centre, visit historic palaces like Amalienborg Palace, or explore the Tivoli Gardens.
- Return to Airport: Allow for approximately 30 minutes to travel back to the airport, and ensure you arrive at least 2 hours before your departing flight for security and boarding.
With efficient time management and a spirit for exploration, you can certainly create a memorable experience during your 5-hour layover in Copenhagen.
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Transport options: Metro, train, taxi
Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre by metro, train, or taxi. It is recommended to have a layover of at least five hours to be able to explore the city.
Metro
The metro is one of the fastest ways to get to the city centre, taking around 15-20 minutes. The metro station is located in direct extension of Terminal 3, with trains running every 4-6 minutes during the day and evening, and every 15-20 minutes at night. Tickets can be purchased at the station or at DSB's ticket office in Terminal 3, and cost around DKK 36 ($5.50) for a 90-minute ride.
Train
The train is another quick option to get to the city centre, also taking around 15-20 minutes. The train runs directly to Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegård) and is ideal if you want to take a train onwards to other Danish cities. Trains depart every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes in the evening. Tickets cost around DKK 36 ($5.50) and are valid for 90 minutes.
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the airport to the city centre will take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and will cost around DKK 250-350. There are taxi ranks located outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Many hotels in Copenhagen cooperate with taxi companies, offering fixed prices to and from the airport.
To save money on transportation, you can buy a Copenhagen Card or a City Pass, which offer unlimited transportation within the city for a set period of time.
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Ticketing: Single or day tickets
Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre by metro (20 minutes), train (15 minutes), or taxi (15 minutes). Tickets cost around DKK 36 ($5.50) and are valid for 90 minutes. You can purchase single or day tickets at the ticket machines (Billetter) located at various points inside the airport as you walk to Baggage Claim. You can also buy them at the metro station. These tickets can be used on the metro, buses, and trains.
If you are short on time, a taxi may be the quickest option to get to the city centre and back to the airport. However, if you have a longer layover, you can take advantage of the efficient public transportation system.
It is recommended to give yourself 30 minutes to get to and from the airport, and to arrive back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next flight. This will ensure you have enough time to get through security and passport control, especially if you are leaving the Schengen Zone.
With a layover of at least 5 hours, you will have time to explore some of Copenhagen's highlights, such as the iconic Nyhavn harbour, Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, or a canal tour. You can also enjoy the city's renowned dining options and shopping districts.
If you prefer to stay at the airport during your layover, Copenhagen Airport offers lounges, workspaces, and hotels nearby.
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Customs: Schengen Zone exit processing required
Copenhagen Airport is located just 15 minutes from the city centre by train, metro, or taxi. The airport is well-connected to the city, making it easy for travellers to leave the airport during a layover and explore the city. Copenhagen's compact size and proximity to the airport allow travellers to get a sense of the city and see several highlights during a layover, even with just a few hours to spare.
When leaving the Copenhagen Airport during a layover, it is important to consider the time required for airport security and travel to and from the city centre. A layover of at least five hours is recommended to ensure enough time for exploration. However, some travellers have managed to explore the city with a shorter layover of four hours.
If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Schengen Zone, such as the United States, you can enter Denmark without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you are arriving from outside the Schengen Zone, you will need to pass through passport control and customs when entering Copenhagen.
Starting in October 2025, the European Union will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border system that will change the requirements for travellers, especially those holding a UK passport. Under the EES, travellers will be required to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and photographs, upon arrival. This process is expected to take only a few minutes per person but may result in longer queues at border crossings.
If you are leaving the Schengen Zone and returning within three years, you will only need to provide your fingerprint or photograph at the border when exiting and re-entering. This streamlined process is designed to improve border security and reduce illegal migration within the Schengen Zone.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the Copenhagen airport during a layover, provided your layover is at least five hours. This allows enough time for airport security, travel to and from the city center, and sightseeing.
It is recommended to give yourself 30 minutes to get to and from the airport. This can be done by train or taxi, with the latter being a slightly shorter journey.
Copenhagen is known for its compact size, making it easy to explore during a layover. Some highlights include canal cruises, historic palaces, and the famous Nyhavn harbor. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Nyhavn, or visit Tivoli Gardens.
