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Prices & fare zones
Copenhagen’s public transport is divided into different fare zones, from which the ticket prices are derived. The fare zones in turn have different validity periods. Holidaymakers usually buy a local transport ticket for zones one and two. The stops of the two tariff zones ideally cover all important sights of the city. By the way, the ticket can be used for all means of transport and is available either for one or three days. In addition, there are single or strip tickets. The strip cards can be used for ten journeys.
The big advantage of buying a public transport ticket is the unlimited use, which is only limited by the fixed period. As long as the ticket is valid, all lines of the selected zone may be used. The zones outside the city centre have a longer validity period than the zones in the city centre. The validity period begins when the ticket is stamped. Ticket validators are located at the entrances to the metro stations and on buses.
Tickets can be purchased from countless ticket machines found at train stations and all metro stations. The prices are cheap. At the main train station, tourists will find extensive advice at several ticket counters in the arrivals hall. Please note: Ticket machines only accept coins or credit cards.
Children under the age of twelve travel free of charge when accompanied by a parent. Young people between twelve and 16 buy discounted junior tickets.
Bicycles cost extra and are only allowed at certain times. Please check before you travel. Dogs do not travel for free in Copenhagen either, furthermore leashes are compulsory at all stations and on buses as well as metro and suburban trains. By the way, 10-strip tickets are sold in many kiosks and large supermarkets in the city centre.
Means of transport in Copenhagen
Buses
There are many buses in Copenhagen. The route network is clearly arranged. You can recognize the coloured lines by a number in combination with a letter. Tourists should use the red A buses, as they run at short intervals and stop at many bus stops. The city buses of the line 11A drive every four minutes and stop at the most important sightseeings of Copenhagen. The advantage is that Copenhagen’s buses are electric, which allows them to travel through parts of the Old Town where otherwise only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed. In addition, they are particularly environmentally friendly and extremely quiet. Night owls use the buses of line “N”. They shuttle through the city centre of Copenhagen every night until the early morning.
Ferries
Bright yellow painted ferries, the so-called Havnebusser, ply the harbour of Copenhagen. These popular water taxis connect Copenhagen’s north with the city’s southern towns. The harbour buses run every half hour from Monday to Friday and every 45 minutes on weekends. The ferry boats are also popular with tourists, and as they carry local transport tickets, you can take inexpensive round trips along the harbour. On the round trips you get a great view of Copenhagen and can take some souvenir photos.
Metro
Copenhagen’s metro is one of the most modern metro lines in Europe. The 37 metro stations were designed by famous architects. Due to a special construction method, daylight falls even on the subway platforms that are 20 meters deep. Each station is a sight in itself and also extremely clean. By the way, the subways are driverless. They are operated by a central control system.
The four metro lines commute around the clock. The trains run extremely punctually. You will notice that you never have to wait more than 5 minutes for the next train. At night, the modern trains run every 15 – 20 minutes. All metro stations have been built to be wheelchair accessible and have elevators and escalators.
When arriving at the airport, use the M2 line to get to the centre of Copenhagen.
Suburban railway
The S-Bahn consists of seven lines with over 80 stops. The inner-city trunk line runs from Hellerup to Copenhagen Central Station in the city centre. Trains run every ten minutes. In addition, the commuter rail network has several express lines that efficiently connect the northwestern suburbs with downtown Copenhagen. Here, the travel time is significantly reduced, which is a considerable advantage especially for commuters.
Tip: The website “Rejseplanen” provides a simple connection search for the entire public transport system in Denmark. The travel portal is clearly laid out and can also be used in German. The offer is available for download as an app.
