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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.

Bus (Movia)

There is no tapping a bank card to ride here. Buy first, in the Rejsebillet app or at a station machine, because bus stops have none. With only cash, the bus is the one exception: the driver sells single tickets.

Updated 11 days ago

How to ride

  1. 1
    Get your ticket before you board
    Buy in the Rejsebillet app or at a station machine. Bus stops have no machines, and buying after you board counts as no ticket.
  2. 2
    Pick the ticket by the zone number on the stop sign
    Every stop sign shows its zone number. A single ticket starts at two zones, and the farthest zone you pass sets its price.
  3. 3
    Board by the door your line uses
    Buses stop only if the driver sees you, so stand in view. A-buses and 5C use any door; others board front, leave middle or rear.
  4. 4
    With cash only, buy from the driver
    The driver sells single tickets, but only if he has change, so avoid big notes. Board at the front door even on all-door lines.
  5. 5
    With a Basiskort, tap in right away
    Single tickets need no stamping and are valid from purchase; only a Basiskort is tapped on a reader inside the bus.
  6. 6
    Press the bell to get off
    The bus stops only when someone rings the bell. With a Basiskort, tap out as you leave - forgetting means no valid ticket.

Fares

Single fares2

Single ticket (2-8 zones)
Most trips inside the city are two zones, valid 1 h 15 min; more zones buy you more time
24〜60 DKK ≈ $4–9
Rejsekort app / Basiskort (2-8 zones)
20% off on weekdays 11-13 and 18-07 and all weekends and holidays; you just tap on and off
22〜58 DKK ≈ $3–9

Passes & multi-ride3

City Pass Small (zones 1-4)
24 to 120 hours, and the airport is inside the area; children travel at half price
100〜340 DKK ≈ $16–53
City Pass Large (zones 1-99)
The version that reaches Roskilde and Helsingør, again for 24 to 120 hours
200〜680 DKK ≈ $31–110
Copenhagen Card DISCOVER
Bus, train, metro, light rail and harbour bus in zones 1-99, plus entry to 80+ attractions
589〜1,419 DKK ≈ $92–220

Card itself1

Anonymous Basiskort (card price)
Non-refundable; you must keep at least DKK 70 on it for local travel, and top-ups start at DKK 100
80 DKK ≈ $12

Estimates use exchange rates as of September 5, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
There is no reader to tap; cards are only for buying tickets
IC card
Buy at kiosks and 7-Elevens; tap on the reader inside the bus, on and off
App tickets
RejsekortRejsebillet (DOT)Rejseplanen
Buy in Rejsebillet before boarding; buying on board counts as no ticket
Paper tickets
From station machines only; bus stops have none
Cash
Single tickets from the driver on board, and only if he has change

Quick facts

Hours
24h in the city centre
Fares from
24 DKK+

Heads-up

  • Getting off means crossing a cycle lane

    Stepping off a bus in Copenhagen usually means crossing a cycle lane that runs between the road and the pavement. Cyclists are supposed to stop for you, but look before you put a foot down.

  • Checks continue after you get off; bus fines are higher

    Inspection does not stop when you get off. You must be able to show a ticket until you have left the stop or platform area, and screenshots or photos of tickets are not accepted. A flat battery or a broken screen counts the same as having no ticket at all. Being caught without one costs DKK 1,000 for an adult on a Movia bus, against DKK 750 on the metro and S-trains in the same city.

Timetable

Operating hours 24h in the city centre
Typical duration Frequent but road-dependent - the official timetables warn a bus can run up to two minutes early or late
Check the official site for the latest times and service status