Copenhagen airport transfers to the center
Copenhagen Airport has both metro and railway connections, but they serve different parts of the center. Choose the metro for Kongens Nytorv and a train for Copenhagen Central Station. Your accommodation's nearest stop matters more than a small difference in journey time, especially when carrying luggage.
The airports
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
- about 8 km south-east, roughly 15 minutes by metro or train to central stops
Every way from the airport to Copenhagen
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetroM2 | CPH | about 15 minutes to Kongens Nytorv | Christianshavn, Nyhavn and the old center |
| TrainRegional train to Copenhagen Central Station | CPH | about 15 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station | Vesterbro, Tivoli and hotels near the central station |
| TaxiOfficial airport taxi rank | CPH | about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic | Door-to-door travel with luggage or a group |
How each one works
Metro: M2
Follow signs through Terminal 3 to the metro station. M2 serves Christianshavn, Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport. Buy a ticket covering the required zones from an official machine or app before boarding, and check the destination on the display.
Train: Regional train to Copenhagen Central Station
Follow railway signs in Terminal 3 and check the departure board for a service toward Copenhagen Central Station, shown as København H. Buy your ticket before boarding. Read the destination carefully because airport trains also run toward Sweden.
Taxi: Official airport taxi rank
Follow airport signs to the official taxi rank outside the terminals. Give the driver your accommodation's full address, including the postcode if available. Ask how the journey will be charged before setting off and request a receipt.
Arriving late or leaving early
The metro runs through the night, with longer waits at quieter times. Check the current journey planner for your arrival or early departure, including any engineering work. Railway services vary overnight, so confirm a specific train rather than assuming daytime frequency continues.
Before you land
- Choose your arrival stop before buying a ticket, since the metro and railway take different routes through the center.
- A zone ticket can cover connecting metro, bus and local train journeys within its validity. Check the zones and time limit.
- For a flight home, check whether your chosen train or metro actually reaches the airport before boarding.
Copenhagen airport transfers to the center
Is the metro or train better from Copenhagen Airport?
Take the metro for Christianshavn, Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport. Take a train for Copenhagen Central Station, especially for accommodation near Tivoli or in Vesterbro.
Can I use the same ticket on trains and the metro?
The local system uses zone tickets across metro, buses and local trains. Buy the correct zones and complete your journey within the ticket's stated validity.
Does the airport metro run at night?
Yes, the metro operates overnight. Check the official journey planner for the expected wait and any planned work affecting your particular journey.
How early should I leave for the airport?
Work backwards from your airline's recommended arrival time, then add the complete journey from your accommodation. Include walking, waiting and a buffer for disruption.