Copenhagen Airport to the city: metro, train or taxi?

Choose by your hotel’s station: metro for Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv, train for København H, the central railway station. For a prearranged ride directly to your accommodation, our paid pick is the private airport–city transfer, especially when handling luggage matters more than reaching a station. The Copenhagen Card Discover is worth considering if it already fits your sightseeing plans. Do not buy a sightseeing pass just to solve one airport journey.

Metro: useful for Nørreport and Nyhavn

The airport metro station adjoins Terminal 3. The airport’s metro information gives 15 minutes between the airport and Nørreport. That is a station-to-station journey, not the time from your aircraft to a hotel reception.

The M2 also serves Christianshavn and Kongens Nytorv. The latter is useful for Nyhavn, as the metro operator’s station guide explains. Look up the hotel’s actual address before choosing: being in central Copenhagen does not mean every hotel is beside the same station. For service changes on your travel date, use the metro’s operating information.

Train: aim for København H

For accommodation near the central railway station, choose a train serving København H. The metro operator’s airport guide compares this direct rail journey with taking the metro and changing lines.

Follow the departure boards instead of remembering a platform number. The airport’s train page lists platforms by Terminal 3 and additional platforms across Ellehammersvej, and points travellers to the screens for the correct departure. Trains also run towards Sweden, so verify the destination. Buy a valid ticket before boarding; the airport says tickets are not sold on the train.

The metro operator’s airport guide gives 30 DKK for a three-zone single ticket between the airport and the city centre, valid for 1 hour 30 minutes, and an adult may take two children under 12 on the metro free of charge. For any other journey, search Rejseplanen. Either way, you are comparing a fare per traveller with a transfer price for the whole vehicle.

Taxi or a reserved private transfer?

The official taxi pickup point is outside Terminal 3. According to the airport, the taxi fare includes the tip, card payment is usually possible, and some taxi companies charge an extra fee for trips from CPH, so ask about that fee before the ride starts.

The private transfer shown here starts at €113.91 per group of up to three, with 4.3/5 from 59 reviews. Its advertised duration is approximately 30 minutes, subject to traffic and time of day. The standard sedan takes up to three passengers, two checked bags and one cabin bag. A minivan option takes up to seven passengers with space for eight bags; select that option for its own price.

The booking page states flight monitoring and 60 minutes of airport waiting time, versus 15 minutes at hotels or stations. Supply your flight number, pickup details and destination. Confirm oversized luggage with the operator, and contact customer service if a daytime delay pushes arrival into the night. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before pickup. For child seats, ask for the arrangement you need before committing.

See vehicle options for the private airport transfer

Copenhagen Card: activation is the trade-off

Discover starts at €78.79 per person and combines attractions with public transport. According to the card’s official FAQ, airport transport is covered while Discover is active; public transport is excluded from HOP. Redeem the booking code in the Copenhagen Card app and activate the card before travelling. A GetYourGuide voucher by itself is not a transport ticket.

Activation starts the hours you bought. On a late arrival, weigh using those hours immediately against buying a separate airport ticket and starting the pass with the next day’s visits. The wider comparison is in our Copenhagen Card guide.

See Copenhagen Card Discover options

When a rental car belongs in the plan

If you are collecting a car for a wider Zealand itinerary, compare Copenhagen car hire and confirm the collection location. For a city-only stay, metro or train can solve the airport journey without arranging hotel parking.

Take the rail route that serves your hotel’s area. If you want a booked ride to the door, choose the private airport transfer after checking passengers and bags against the vehicle capacity.