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Denmark

Copenhagen

One zone-based ticket covers the metro, trains, buses and harbour boats. With no gates and no contactless, buy it in an app or at a machine before you set off.

Getting to and from Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Metro and trains both leave Terminal 3, 15-20 minutes from the city centre. The airport is zone 4, but fares count rings out from where you start, so three zones is enough. No gates, and no buying on board: buy first.

Updated on August 26, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Head for the station at Terminal 3
    Metro station and train platforms are at Terminal 3; follow the arrivals-hall signs. Late at night the metro runs more often.
  2. 2
    Ask for three zones, not four
    The airport is zone 4, but fares count rings out from where you start: the city centre needs three zones. Four is overpaying.
  3. 3
    Buy at a machine or the DSB counter
    The machines take no banknotes - only coins or a payment card. If all you have is notes, use the DSB office in Terminal 3.
  4. 4
    Go straight to the platform
    The ticket is valid from the moment you buy it. There is nothing to stamp and nothing to tap.
  5. 5
    Show your ticket when inspected
    You cannot buy on board, and riding without a ticket means a fine: there are no gates, but inspections are random.
  6. 6
    Get off in the city centre
    Trains call at Copenhagen Central, the metro at stops like Norreport and Kongens Nytorv. No gates, so you walk straight out.

Fares

Single fares2

Single ticket, 3 zones (airport to city centre)
Valid 1 h 30 min on bus, train and metro alike; an adult may bring two children under 12 free
30 DKK ≈ $4
Taxi to the city centre (typical)
The city tourist board's estimate; national price ceilings apply, and evening and weekend rates are higher
250〜350 DKK ≈ $37–52

Passes & multi-ride3

City Pass Small (24-120 hours)
Zones 1-4 including the airport, for 24 to 120 hours; also sold at the airport
100〜340 DKK ≈ $15–51
City Pass Large (24-120 hours)
The whole Capital Region, zones 1-99, from the airport out to Roskilde or Helsingor
200〜680 DKK ≈ $30–100
Copenhagen Card DISCOVER (24-120 hours)
Unlimited travel in zones 1-99 including airport trips, plus entry to 80+ attractions
589〜1,419 DKK ≈ $88–210

Estimates use exchange rates as of November 4, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
There are no gates and no way to ride by tapping a bank card
IC card
With a Basiskort you tap in before boarding and tap out at the end
App tickets
Buy ahead in the Rejsebillet app - you cannot buy on board the train
Paper tickets
Sold at the machines and the DSB ticket office in Terminal 3
Cash
Machines at the airport take no notes - coins and payment cards only

Quick facts

Hours
Metro runs around the clock
Frequency
Metro every 4-6 min, trains every 10
Fares from
30 DKK+

Heads-up

  • Screenshots and a dead battery count as no ticket

    Keep a phone ticket in a state where it can actually be shown. Screenshots and photos of tickets are not accepted, and if your battery dies so the ticket cannot be checked you count as travelling without one. Producing the right ticket afterwards will not get the fine cancelled.

Timetable

Operating hours Metro runs around the clock
Typical duration About 15-20 minutes into the city centre by either train or metro
Check the official site for the latest times and service status
Editor Naotaka