The best way to get around Copenhagen: Bike, metro, bus and more

For most visitors, the best way to get around Copenhagen is by bike or public transport. Which option is best depends largely on where you're staying, how far you're travelling, and what kind of experience you're looking for.

If you're moving between attractions in the city centre or neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, Frederiksberg, Amager, or Christianshavn, a bike is often one of the fastest and most flexible ways to get around. Copenhagen's extensive network of dedicated bike lanes makes cycling a convenient option for many visitors and locals alike. However, it is important to familiarise yourself with local cycling rules and etiquette before getting on a bike, as Copenhagen's bike lanes can be busy, especially during rush hour. If you're not a confident cyclist, it is generally best to avoid cycling during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Once you're comfortable on two wheels, cycling allows you to travel at your own pace and easily explore different parts of the city.

For longer distances, the metro is usually the most convenient option. The system is easy to use, runs around the clock, and connects many of the city's most popular attractions, neighbourhoods, and Copenhagen Airport. Trains and buses can also be useful depending on where you're heading.

The good news is that you don't need to commit to just one mode of transport. Most visitors combine cycling, public transportation, and walking throughout their stay. With an integrated transport network and relatively short travel times, switching between different options is both easy and convenient. If you plan to use public transport frequently, a City Pass or Copenhagen Card can make getting around much easier. Both provide access to multiple transport options, but always check that your pass covers the zones included in your trip.

Whether you're exploring the city's historic center, travelling to the waterfront, or venturing beyond Copenhagen, bike and public transport will comfortably cover your transportation needs.

How compact is Copenhagen? 

Copenhagen is a relatively compact capital, making it easy to get around without spending much time in transit. Many of the city's most popular attractions are located within a short distance of one another, and it is often possible to travel between neighbourhoods by bike or on foot.

Cycling offers a great sense of freedom. What may seem like a long distance on a map is often only a short bike ride away. In many cases, cycling is faster than driving in Copenhagen. Dedicated bike lanes throughout the city make it easy to move between neighbourhoods, parks, waterfront areas, and attractions.

Because Copenhagen is so compact, many visitors find that a combination of walking and cycling allows them to experience more of the city while spending less time planning how to get around.

Do you need a car in Copenhagen? 

In short: no.

For most visitors, a car is unnecessary and often less convenient than other forms of transportation. Parking can be difficult and expensive, traffic can be slow in central areas, and many attractions are easier to reach by bike, metro, train, bus, or on foot.

Even if you're planning to venture beyond Copenhagen, public transportation offers excellent connections to surrounding destinations. Regional trains, S-trains, buses, and the metro make it easy to travel around the city and beyond without the hassle of driving.

For most trips, leaving the car behind means less stress, easier travel, and more time to enjoy the journey itself.

Few cities are as closely associated with cycling as Copenhagen. Bikes are an everyday part of life here, used by locals to commute to work, meet friends, run errands, and get around the city. In fact, there are more bikes than cars in Copenhagen, making cycling one of the most popular forms of transportation for both residents and visitors.

For travellers, cycling is often one of the easiest and most efficient ways to explore the city. Many of Copenhagen's most popular attractions, neighbourhoods, and waterfront areas are located within a relatively short distance of one another, making a bike a practical alternative to public transportation. Whether you're exploring different neighbourhoods, cycling along the waterfront, or heading to attractions across the city, two wheels can often get you there quickly and conveniently.

One of the reasons cycling is so popular is the city's extensive infrastructure. Copenhagen has a comprehensive network of dedicated bike lanes that connect neighbourhoods across the city, allowing cyclists to travel separately from most car traffic. This makes it easier to navigate the city and move between attractions without relying on a car.

Beyond its practical advantages, cycling also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can stop whenever something catches your eye, take a detour through a park, or follow the waterfront to discover a new part of the city. Areas such as Christianshavn, Frederiksberg, Amager, Østerbro, and Vesterbro are all easily accessible by bike and offer distinctly different experiences.

That said, Copenhagen's cycling culture can feel fast-paced, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours when locals use their bikes to get to and from work. Visitors should therefore take the time to familiarise themselves with local cycling rules and etiquette before setting out. Understanding how bike lanes work, when to signal, and how to interact with other cyclists will help make your experience both safer and more enjoyable.

Rent a bike 

Renting a bike in Copenhagen is easy, and you'll find rental shops throughout the city. Whether you're looking for a traditional city bike, an electric bike, or a cargo bike for travelling with children, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Many rental providers offer hourly, daily, or weekly rentals, making it easy to find a solution that fits the length of your stay. Bike rental shops can be found near major attractions, transport hubs, and in several of the city's most popular neighbourhoods. Some hotels also partner with rental companies or provide bikes for guests.

If you're planning to explore Copenhagen mainly by bike, renting one for the duration of your stay can be both practical and convenient. Having a bike readily available makes it easy to move between sights, neighbourhoods, waterfront areas, and green spaces throughout the day.

Before choosing a rental provider, it can be helpful to compare prices, bike types, and pickup locations to find the option that best suits your needs.

Make sure to check out the bike rules before jumping on the bike

Cycling in Copenhagen can be a fantastic way to experience the city, but it is important to understand the local rules before setting off. The city's bike lanes are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, and cyclists are expected to follow the same rules and signals that locals use every day.

One of the most important things to remember is that bike lanes are often busy. During rush hour, thousands of Copenhageners travel by bike, and traffic can move surprisingly fast. If you feel uncertain on a bike or haven't cycled in an urban environment before, it may be wise to avoid cycling during the busiest morning and afternoon periods.

Visitors should also learn the basics of bike etiquette. Always use hand signals when turning or stopping, stay in the correct lane, and avoid stopping suddenly in the middle of a bike lane. If you need to check your phone, take photos, or consult a map, move to the side first so you don't block other cyclists.

When cycling after dark, make sure your bike is equipped with lights, and always pay attention to traffic signals and pedestrians. 

Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with local cycling guidelines can make your Copenhagen adventure much safer and your trip considerably smoother. Once you understand how the system works, you'll be able to enjoy one of the city's most popular ways of getting around.

Walking is one of the best ways to experience Copenhagen. Many of the city's neighbourhoods are compact, pedestrian-friendly, and filled with cafés, shops, parks, and attractions that are best discovered at street level. Whether you're wandering through historic streets, following the waterfront, or exploring local neighbourhoods, walking allows you to take in the atmosphere at your own pace.

If your destination is further away, simply take the metro, train, bus, or bike to the area you want to explore and continue on foot from there. This combination often gives you the best of both worlds: efficient transportation and the freedom to discover a neighbourhood in more detail.

Many visitors find themselves alternating between public transportation, cycling, and walking throughout their stay. Once you've arrived in an area, exploring on foot is often the easiest way to uncover the details that make each neighbourhood unique.

Best areas to explore on foot 

Almost every neighbourhood in Copenhagen is worth exploring on foot. The city centre is an obvious starting point, with historic streets, major attractions, shopping areas, and canals all located within a relatively small area.

Beyond the centre, each neighbourhood offers a different experience. Wander through Vesterbro's lively streets, discover independent shops and cafés in Nørrebro, enjoy the elegant avenues and green spaces of Frederiksberg, or explore the canals and waterfront atmosphere of Christianshavn. On Amager, you'll find a mix of local life, modern architecture, and easy access to the waterfront.

Rather than trying to walk between all of these areas, it's often more practical to take public transportation or cycle to the neighbourhood you want to visit and then explore it on foot. This approach allows you to cover more of the city while still enjoying the slower pace and local perspective that walking provides

While cycling is often the preferred choice for shorter trips, public transportation is ideal when you're travelling longer distances, visiting several neighbourhoods in one day, or simply want a quick and convenient way to get around. Copenhagen's public transport network is easy to use, and well connected, making it simple to move between attractions, shopping districts, waterfront areas, and residential neighbourhoods.

The metro runs 24/7 with departures every 2 to 10 minutes and is often the fastest way to get from A to B within the city. Trains complement the metro network and are particularly useful for travelling on day trips beyond Copenhagen. Buses can fill the gaps where metro and train connections are less direct, while harbour buses offer a scenic alternative along the waterfront using the same ticket system as the buses.

The best option depends on your destination. If you're travelling across the city, the metro is usually the quickest choice. If you're heading further afield, regional trains and S-trains often make more sense. Buses are useful for shorter routes and neighbourhood connections, while harbour buses combine transportation with sightseeing. A smart way to compare your options is to use the Journey Planner, which helps you find the fastest and most convenient route using Copenhagen's public transport network. Together, these options make it easy to choose the mode of transport that best fits your plans.

Metro 

For most visitors, the metro is the easiest and fastest way to get around Copenhagen. The fully automated system operates 24/7 and consists of four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4), connecting the city centre with neighbourhoods such as Amager, Frederiksberg, Østerbro, and Nørrebro, as well as Copenhagen Airport.

Before travelling, make sure you have a valid ticket. You can purchase single tickets at the ticket machines at the metro stations. If you are using public transport frequently during your stay, a City Pass or Copenhagen Card may offer better value than individual tickets. The City Pass gives you access to all the different types of public transportation. You can buy your City Pass here. Furthermore, you can get free transportation with the Copenhagen Card, which also gives you access to more than 80+ attractions in and outside Copenhagen. You can buy your Copenhagen Card here. Ticket inspections are carried out regularly, so it is important to have a valid ticket before boarding. 

One of the major advantages of the metro is its frequency. Trains typically depart every 2-10 minutes, making it easy to travel without checking timetables in advance. If you'd like help planning your journey, the Journey Planner can show the fastest route and any transfers between metro, train, bus, and harbour bus services.

The metro is not only practical; it also gives you easy access to some of Copenhagen's most interesting areas. Hop off at Christianshavn to explore the charming canals and cobbled streets, take the metro to Frederiksberg for green parks and elegant boulevards, or head to Nordhavn to discover one of Copenhagen's newest waterfront districts. For visitors looking for a quick and reliable way to explore the city, the metro is often the perfect starting point.

Regional trains and S-trains 

While the metro is perfect for exploring Copenhagen's neighbourhoods and attractions, S-trains and regional trains make it easy to venture beyond the city. The S-train network connects many of Copenhagen's outer neighbourhoods, while regional trains make it easy to explore destinations further afield. 

For visitors planning a day trip, the train journey is often part of the experience. If you're looking for inspiration for a day trip, consider hopping on the Coastal Line from Copenhagen Central Station. As you travel north, you'll enjoy views of the Sound coastline and stop along the way to explore attractions such as the Deer Park in Klampenborg, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Karen Blixen's former home in Rungsted, or Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. 

Like the metro, trains are fully integrated into Copenhagen's public transport system, meaning you can use the Copenhagen Card or City Pass to travel. Be sure to check that your ticket covers all the zones included in your trip before boarding. If you're unsure which train to take, the Journey Planner makes it easy to find the fastest route and any necessary transfers.

Buses

Buses are a convenient option when the metro or train does not take you exactly where you want to go. With routes covering the entire city, buses can help you reach neighbourhoods, attractions, and local areas that are not located close to a metro or train station.

Like the metro and trains, buses are part of Copenhagen's integrated public transport system. This means you can use the same ticket, City Pass, or Copenhagen Card across different modes of transport. Be sure to check that your ticket covers all the zones included in your trip before boarding. If you're unsure which bus to take, the Journey Planner can help you find the best route and show any necessary transfers.

One of the advantages of travelling by bus is that you get to see the city as you move through it. Rather than travelling underground, buses offer street-level views of Copenhagen's neighbourhoods, architecture, and everyday city life. They can therefore be a good option if you're not in a hurry and would like to enjoy the journey along the way.

Harbour buses

If you'd like to combine transportation with sightseeing, the harbour buses are well worth considering. Part of Copenhagen's public transport network, these water buses operate on the same ticket system as the metro, trains, and regular buses. This means you can use a single ticket, City Pass, or Copenhagen Card to travel on board. Be sure to check that your ticket covers all the zones included in your trip before boarding.

Harbour buses connect several waterfront destinations, making them a practical way to get around if you're visiting areas such as Islands Brygge, Refshaleøen, Nordhavn, or Sydhavnen and Teglholmen. 

One of the biggest advantages of taking the harbour bus is the perspective it gives you of the city. As you travel through Copenhagen Harbour, you'll pass modern waterfront developments, historic buildings, and some of the city's most iconic waterside landmarks. If you have the time, it can be a relaxing and memorable way to travel between sights while enjoying Copenhagen from the water.

Getting from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to the city center is quick and easy. Located just a short distance from central Copenhagen, the airport is well connected by both metro and regional train, offering convenient transportation options from the moment you arrive.

For most visitors, public transport is the easiest way to reach the city. However, you can also take a Taxi or the bus. You can read more about these ways of travelling in the guide below. Both the metro and regional trains depart directly from the airport and connect to Copenhagen's wider public transport network. Depending on where you're staying, one option may be slightly more convenient than the other. If you're unsure which option to choose, the Journey Planner can help you find the most convenient route.

With travel times of around 15 minutes to central Copenhagen, you'll be exploring the city's neighbourhoods, attractions, and waterfront areas shortly after landing.

Metro vs. regional train from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) 

Both the metro and regional train depart directly from Copenhagen Airport and take approximately 15 minutes to reach central Copenhagen. The best option largely depends on where you're staying.

The metro is often the most convenient choice if you're staying in neighbourhoods such as Amager, Christianshavn, Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, Østerbro, or near one of the stations on the Cityringen (M3) and M4 lines. Since trains depart every 2-10 minutes and operate 24/7, you rarely need to plan around a timetable.

The regional train can be a better option if you're staying near Copenhagen Central Station or travelling onwards to destinations outside the city centre. Trains generally have more luggage space and can be particularly convenient if you're continuing your journey elsewhere in Denmark.

If you're unsure which option to choose, simply enter your destination into the Journey Planner. It will show the fastest route and any transfers needed. The good news is that whichever option you pick, you'll arrive in Copenhagen quickly and can continue your journey using the same integrated public transport system.

Copenhagen's public transport system uses the same ticketing system across the metro, trains, buses, and harbour buses. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between single tickets, a City Pass, or a Copenhagen Card.

For occasional journeys, a single ticket is often sufficient. If you plan to use public transport multiple times a day, a City Pass can offer better value and gives you unlimited travel within selected zones. Visitors who plan to combine transportation with sightseeing may benefit from a Copenhagen Card, which includes public transport as well as entry to a wide range of attractions.

Before travelling, make sure that your ticket or pass covers all the zones included in your journey. If you're unsure which ticket is right for you, the Journey Planner can help you plan your route and identify the ticket you need.

Single tickets and zones 

Single tickets are a good option if you only expect to use public transport a few times during your stay. Prices depend on the number of zones you travel through, so it's important to check that your ticket covers your entire journey before boarding.

You can purchase single tickets online or from a physical ticket machine at any metro and train station. Find an overview of ticket options, prices, and zones for public transportation in Copenhagen here.

Copenhagen Card 

If you're planning to visit several attractions and use public transport regularly, the Copenhagen Card can be a convenient option.

The card includes unlimited travel on metro, trains, buses, and harbour buses throughout the validity period, allowing you to move around the city without purchasing separate tickets. In addition, you'll get access to more than 80 attractions in and around Copenhagen, making it a popular choice for visitors.

One of the biggest advantages of the Copenhagen Card is simplicity. Rather than calculating zones or buying individual tickets, you can focus on exploring the city. This can be particularly useful if you plan on visiting multiple neighbourhoods, taking a day trip, or combining museums, castles, and other attractions with public transport.

Discover what's included in the Copenhagen Card here. 

Be sure to check out CopenPay during your visit. CopenPay rewards visitors for making more conscious choices while exploring Copenhagen, including travelling by public transport, cycling, and getting around on foot.

Click the image below to discover which attractions reward your choice of transport and how you can take part in CopenPay.