Getting Around Denmark
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Copenhagen and Zealand. Rural: Rent a car for Jutland exploration. Islands: Ferries and bridges. For convenience, book airport transfers from Copenhagen to your destination.
Train Travel
DSB National Rail
Efficient and punctual train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Copenhagen to Odense €15-25, journeys under 2 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via DSB app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
24-hour ticket offers unlimited journeys anywhere in Denmark for €40 (adults) or family options from €60.
Best For: Multiple city visits over one day, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, DSB website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
DSB InterCity and international trains connect to Sweden (SJ X2000) and Germany (EC).
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Copenhagen Stations: Main station is København H, with connections to Copenhagen Airport.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Jutland and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €40-60/day at Copenhagen Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 20-21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 130 km/h highways.
Tolls: Great Belt and Øresund Bridges require tolls (€30-40 one-way for cars).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, cyclists always have priority.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered parking €2-4/hour in cities like Copenhagen.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Copenhagen during rush hours and around bridges.
Urban Transport
Copenhagen Metro & S-trains
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket €3, day pass €10, 10-journey card €25.
Validation: Validate tickets in yellow machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: DOT app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bycyklen or Donkey Republic bike-sharing in Copenhagen and other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Denmark, especially in Copenhagen's bike-friendly network.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Movia (Zealand), Midttrafik (Jutland), and DSB operate comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €3-4 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Ferries: Short routes connecting islands, €5-10 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Copenhagen or Aarhus for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Roskilde.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Denmark including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telenor, 3 Denmark, and TDC offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Copenhagen Airport 8km from city center, metro to center €5 (15 min), taxi €25-40, or book private transfer for €40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Denmark
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales or Kiwi for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Primary international gateway, 8km southeast of city center with metro connections.
Aarhus Airport (AAR): Regional hub 44km northeast of city, bus to Aarhus €10 (45 min).
Billund Airport (BLL): Small airport with European flights, convenient for Legoland area.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Stockholm or Hamburg and taking train to Denmark for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Norwegian, and SAS serve Copenhagen with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.