Copenhagen Card vs City Pass: Which one fits your trip?
Not sure whether to choose a Copenhagen Card or City Pass? Here’s how the two compare and which one might be the best fit for your stay.
Last updated: October 2026
The quick answer
- Choose the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER if you plan to visit several paid attractions and use public transport.
- Choose a City Pass if you primarily need unlimited public transport.
Choose neither if you expect to walk or cycle most of the time and only make a few journeys by public transport.
Both options offer unlimited public transport for a selected period, but they suit different types of trips. The Copenhagen Card DISCOVER also includes admission to more than 80 attractions, while the City Pass is purely a transport ticket. The best choice therefore depends on where you want to travel and how many paid attractions you plan to visit.
This guide compares the two options and helps you decide which one offers the best fit for your stay.
Copenhagen Card and City Pass compared
Both options give you unlimited access to public transport for a selected period. The main difference is that the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER also includes admission to more than 80 attractions, while the City Pass only covers transport.
| Copenhagen Card DISCOVER | City Pass Small | City Pass Large | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Unlimited travel by bus, train, metro, harbour bus and light rail | Unlimited travel by bus, train, metro, harbour bus and light rail | Unlimited travel by bus, train, metro, harbour bus and light rail |
| Area covered | The Capital Region, zones 1–99 | Central Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport, zones 1–4 | The Capital Region, zones 1–99 |
| Attractions included | Admission to more than 80 attractions | No | No |
| Airport transport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Validity | 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours | 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours | 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours |
| Price | From DKK 589 for 24 hours | From DKK 100 for 24 hours | From DKK 200 for 24 hours |
| Best suited to | Visitors planning to combine sightseeing with public transport | Visitors staying mainly in central Copenhagen | Visitors travelling beyond the city centre |
The Copenhagen Card DISCOVER and City Pass Large cover the same public transport zones, including destinations such as Helsingør, Hillerød and Roskilde. City Pass Small covers zones 1–4, which include central Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport, but not destinations farther outside the city.
All three options are valid for a consecutive number of hours rather than calendar days. The validity period begins when the card or pass is activated, so it is worth considering when you expect to make your first journey or visit your first attraction.
What should you choose?
Choose the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER if you plan to visit several included attractions within a relatively short period. Since admission prices vary, there is no fixed number of attractions that automatically makes the card worthwhile. Compare the standard admission prices for the places on your itinerary, together with your expected transport costs, against the price of the card. The calculator on the official Copenhagen Card website can help you estimate the potential savings.
Choose a City Pass if you mainly want unlimited public transport and prefer to pay separately for attractions. City Pass Small covers central Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport in zones 1–4, while City Pass Large covers the wider Capital Region in zones 1–99. Small will be sufficient for most city-centre stays, whereas Large may be relevant if you plan to visit destinations such as Helsingør, Hillerød or Roskilde.
Once you’ve found the right option for your stay, explore our guide to public transport in Copenhagen and learn more about getting around the city.
If neither option clearly matches your plans, single tickets or another pay-as-you-go solution may be better value, particularly if you expect to walk or cycle most of the time. Official public transport guidance recommends single tickets for visitors who only plan to use public transport a few times during their stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is public transport to and from Copenhagen Airport included?
Yes. Copenhagen Airport is covered by the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER, City Pass Small and City Pass Large, so you can use all three options to travel between the airport and central Copenhagen.
Do the Copenhagen Card and City Pass cover the same area?
The Copenhagen Card DISCOVER and City Pass Large both cover zones 1–99 in the Capital Region. City Pass Small covers zones 1–4, including central Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport.
Can I use the passes for a day trip to Helsingør or Roskilde?
Yes, both destinations are covered by the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER and City Pass Large. City Pass Small does not cover journeys beyond zones 1–4.
Are there reduced prices for children?
Yes, but the rules differ. With a City Pass or single ticket, one adult can bring two children under 12 free of charge, while children aged 12–15 pay the child fare, which is half the adult price.
With the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER, children need their own paid card from the age of 3. Children aged 3–11 need a Kids Card, while those aged 12–15 need a Junior Card
Where can I buy the Copenhagen Card and City Pass?
The Copenhagen Card DISCOVER is available through the official Copenhagen Card app and website.
A City Pass can be bought in the Rejsebillet app, from ticket machines at metro stations and Copenhagen Airport, and from DSB ticket machines and selected DSB 7-Eleven stores.
