Copenhagen, the picturesque capital of Denmark, is a city that seamlessly combines modernity with rich history and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, navigating Copenhagen can be a breeze with the right transportation tips and local insights. We’ll explore everything from transportation options to cultural nuances, currency exchange, and budget-friendly strategies to make your trip to Copenhagen unforgettable.
Arriving by Air
Copenhagen is served by Copenhagen Airport (Københavns Lufthavn), conveniently located just 8 kilometers from the city center. Explore the airport’s facilities, customs procedures, and transportation options for a smooth arrival.
Copenhagen Airport, often referred to as CPH, serves as the primary international gateway to Denmark. With its strategic location, it allows for easy access to the city center, making it a preferred choice for travelers. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you land at this bustling airport:
Terminal Facilities
Copenhagen Airport boasts modern and well-maintained terminals, each offering a range of amenities to enhance your arrival experience. From duty-free shopping and dining options to lounges for relaxation, the airport has you covered.
Customs Procedures
Navigating customs procedures is an essential step upon arrival. Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, which means that travelers from most European countries can enjoy passport-free travel. However, it’s crucial to have your passport or ID ready for verification. Non-European Union travelers should be prepared to undergo passport control.
Baggage Claim
Once you’ve cleared customs, head to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage. Copenhagen Airport’s baggage claim process is typically efficient, with clear signage and conveyor belts well-labeled for various flights.
Public Transportation from the Airport
Discover the various ways to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center using public transportation, including trains and buses. Learn about ticket options and costs.
After collecting your baggage, you have several transportation options to reach the city center:
Train: The train station is conveniently located within the airport, offering direct connections to Copenhagen Central Station and other major stations in the city. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and is a popular choice for its speed and convenience.
Metro: Copenhagen’s efficient metro system extends to the airport, providing quick access to various parts of the city. The metro station is also located within the airport, offering a hassle-free way to get to your destination.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals. They provide a door-to-door service, which can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a more personalized transportation option.
Bus: Several bus routes connect the airport to different parts of Copenhagen and its suburbs. While buses are often the most economical choice, they may take longer than the train or metro.
Rental Cars: If you plan to explore Denmark beyond Copenhagen, rental car agencies are located at the airport. It’s advisable to book in advance to secure the vehicle of your choice.
Biking in Copenhagen
Bike Rental Shops
Copenhagen offers numerous bike rental shops throughout the city. You’ll find both traditional bike shops and modern, automated bike-sharing services. Here’s how to go about it:
Traditional Bike Shops: These shops offer a range of bicycles, including city bikes, electric bikes (e-bikes), and cargo bikes. You can rent a bike for a day, a week, or even longer. Some popular bike rental shops include Baisikeli, Copenhagen Bicycles, and Donkey Republic.
Bike-Sharing Services: Copenhagen has embraced bike-sharing services like Bycyklen and Donkey Republic. You can rent bikes from these services by the hour and return them to designated bike stations or leave them anywhere within the service area when you’re done.
Traditional Bike Shops: You’ll need to provide identification (usually a passport or ID card) and a deposit, which varies depending on the type of bike and rental duration. Payment methods typically include cash and credit cards.
Bike-Sharing Services: Register for an account with the bike-sharing service’s app, and link a payment method such as a credit card. You can then locate and unlock available bikes using the app.
Choosing the Right Bike
City Bike: These are the most common rental bikes in Copenhagen and are perfect for exploring the city. They are comfortable and equipped with a basket or rack for your belongings.
E-Bike: If you want a little extra help with pedaling, consider renting an electric bike. They are ideal for longer rides and hilly areas.
Cargo Bike: If you’re traveling with family or friends, renting a cargo bike can be a fun and convenient way to explore Copenhagen together.
Copenhagen is renowned for its safe cycling environment, but it’s essential to prioritize safety:
Helmets: While helmets are not legally required in Denmark for adults, it’s a good idea to wear one, especially if you’re not used to city cycling.
Hand Signals: Use hand signals when turning, and follow traffic rules diligently. Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure is integrated with the road network, so you’ll share lanes with cars and pedestrians.
Lights: Ensure your bike has working lights, both front and rear, if you plan to ride at night or in low-light conditions.
Lock Your Bike: Always lock your bike securely when you’re not using it, even if you’re just stepping away for a moment.
Metro and Bus System
The Copenhagen Metro
Overview of the Metro System
The Copenhagen Metro consists of two lines: M1 (the Green Line) and M2 (the Yellow Line). Both lines intersect at Kongens Nytorv, making transfers straightforward.
Trains typically run from around 5:00 AM until midnight, with extended hours on weekends and for special events.
Ticketing and Fares
Copenhagen’s public transportation system operates on a zone-based fare system. The city is divided into zones, and your fare depends on the number of zones you travel through.
You can purchase tickets at metro stations, online, or via the mobile app. Ticket options include single trip tickets, 24-hour tickets, and 72-hour tickets. If you plan to use public transportation extensively, consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card, which offers unlimited travel within the city and discounts on attractions.
Remember to validate your ticket before boarding the train at the provided machines to avoid fines.
Planning Your Metro Journey
Utilize the online journey planner or mobile apps like Rejseplanen to plan your metro journey. These tools provide up-to-date information on routes, schedules, and ticket prices.
Be aware of peak hours (usually mornings and late afternoons on weekdays) when the metro can be more crowded.
Copenhagen’s Extensive Bus Network
Bus Routes and Coverage
Copenhagen’s bus network complements the metro system and covers areas that may not be accessible by train. Buses run from early morning until late evening, with some night buses available.
Bus routes are well-marked, and digital screens at bus stops display real-time arrival information.
Bus Ticketing and Zones
Bus fares follow the same zone-based system as the metro. You can use the same tickets for both metro and bus journeys.
If you transfer from the metro to a bus or vice versa within the same zone, it counts as one journey and does not require an additional ticket.
Planning Bus Trips
Plan your bus trips using the same online resources mentioned earlier. It’s especially useful when your destination is not directly accessible via the metro.
Be sure to check bus schedules, as some routes may have reduced service on weekends or holidays.
Additional Tips for Public Transportation
Bicycles on Public Transportation
You can bring bicycles on the metro and buses outside of peak hours. Look for designated areas on trains and buses for stowing bicycles.
Accessibility
Copenhagen’s public transportation system is generally accessible to individuals with disabilities, with ramps, elevators, and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Contactless Payments
Some credit cards and mobile payment apps can be used for contactless payments on public transportation. Check with your card issuer or mobile app provider for compatibility.
Currency Exchange
Banks: Most major banks in Copenhagen offer currency exchange services. Danske Bank, Nordea, and Jyske Bank are some of the prominent banking institutions where you can exchange money.
Exchange Bureaus: Currency exchange bureaus, known as “Valutavekslingskontor” in Danish, are scattered throughout the city, especially in tourist areas. They often have competitive rates and may charge lower fees than banks.
Airports and Train Stations: While airports and train stations may offer currency exchange services, they typically have less favorable rates and higher fees than banks or dedicated exchange bureaus.
Exchange rates can vary, so it’s advisable to compare rates at different banks or exchange bureaus to get the best deal.
Keep in mind that exchange rates at the airport or train station are often less favorable, so exchange a small amount for immediate expenses and seek better rates in the city center.
Fees and Commissions
Banks and exchange bureaus may charge fees or commissions for currency exchange services. Be sure to inquire about any additional costs before making an exchange.
Some establishments offer fee-free exchanges if you meet specific conditions, such as exchanging a minimum amount or presenting a receipt from a partner business.
ATMs in Copenhagen
ATM Availability
ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are prevalent throughout Copenhagen. You’ll find them at banks, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and even on the streets.
Major banks like Danske Bank and Nordea have extensive ATM networks, and their machines typically offer English language options.
ATM Fees
When using foreign cards at Danish ATMs, you may encounter fees. Your home bank and the local ATM provider may both charge fees for the transaction.
To minimize fees, consider withdrawing larger amounts less frequently, or use ATMs affiliated with your home bank’s network, if available.
ATM Security
Use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas and be cautious of any suspicious-looking devices or individuals around the ATM.
Tipping in Denmark
Service Charge: Check your bill for a line that says “Service” or “Service Charge.” If this is included, it means that the tip is already covered. You are not obligated to leave an additional tip.
Rounding Up: If you want to show appreciation for good service, rounding up the bill is a common practice. For example, if your bill is 248 DKK, rounding it up to 250 DKK is a polite gesture.
Exceptional Service: If the service has been exceptional or you’re dining at a high-end restaurant, you can leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. However, it’s not expected, and it’s entirely discretionary.
Tipping in Cafes
Cafes in Denmark typically follow a similar tipping culture to restaurants. You’ll often see a service charge included in the bill, and rounding up is appreciated if you’ve received good service. For example, if your coffee costs 38 DKK, leaving 40 DKK is a courteous gesture.
Tipping in Bars
In bars, especially when ordering drinks, rounding up the bill is the norm. If you order a beer for 45 DKK, paying 50 DKK is customary and appreciated. If you’re in a cocktail bar or a more upscale establishment, you can leave a slightly larger tip.
Tipping in Taxi Services
Tipping taxi drivers in Denmark is not mandatory, but it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest convenient amount. For example, if the fare is 83 DKK, rounding up to 90 DKK is a courteous practice.
Tipping Tour Guides
When taking guided tours or excursions, tipping the guide is not obligatory but appreciated if you enjoyed the experience. A tip of 20-50 DKK per person is considered a polite gesture.
Tipping in Hotels
Housekeeping: It’s customary to leave a small tip for the hotel housekeeping staff, usually around 20-50 DKK per day, depending on the hotel’s standard and your level of satisfaction.
Porters: If the hotel has porters who assist with luggage, a tip of 20-50 DKK per bag is appreciated.
Copenhagen is a city brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. By following these transportation tips and immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll have an enriching and memorable experience in this vibrant Scandinavian capital. So, pack your bags, embrace the Danish way of life, and get ready to explore the enchanting streets of Copenhagen.