Public transport in Copenhagen: A visitor's guide
Getting around Copenhagen by public transport is easy, with metro, trains, buses and harbour buses connecting the city. Here’s what you need to know about transport options, tickets and zones.
Getting around Copenhagen by public transport is straightforward once you know the basics. The city is served by metro, trains and buses, as well as harbour buses travelling along the waterfront. Your ticket can be used across these different modes of transport as long as it is valid for the zones and time you are travelling in.
The metro runs 24 hours a day, while trains and buses make it easy to reach both central Copenhagen and areas further out. Before travelling, it is worth getting familiar with the zone system and the different ticket options, as these determine which ticket you need for your journey.
Below, you can get a quick overview of Copenhagen's public transport options before diving into tickets, zones and each mode of transport in more detail.
Copenhagen public transport at a glance
| Transport | Best for |
|---|---|
| Metro | Quick journeys across Copenhagen and travelling to and from Copenhagen Airport |
| S-train | Travelling across the city and further into the Greater Copenhagen area |
| Bus | Reaching neighbourhoods and areas that are not directly served by metro or train |
| Harbour bus | Travelling along Copenhagen's waterfront while seeing the city from the water |
| Light rail | Connections in municipalities outside central Copenhagen |
How to pay for public transport in Copenhagen
One ticket can be used across Copenhagen’s metro, buses, trains and harbour buses, as long as it is valid for the zones and time you are travelling in. Tickets can be bought on your phone using the Rejsekort, DSB or Rejsebillet app, or from ticket machines at metro and train stations and selected 7-Eleven kiosks. Remember to have a valid ticket before you travel.
Not sure which ticket to choose? See our guide to tickets and prices, or use the official Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) to find the best route for your journey.
Understanding Copenhagen’s transport zones
Copenhagen’s public transport network is divided into zones, and the price of your ticket depends on how many zones you travel through. The same zone system applies across buses, trains and the metro, so you do not need separate tickets for each mode of transport.
Many visitors sightseeing in central Copenhagen will mainly be travelling in zones 1 and 2, while journeys further out may require additional zones. Copenhagen Airport, for example, is located in zone 4.
For a more detailed explanation, you can also read our guide to how zones work for a more detailed explanation of Copenhagen’s zone system.
Different types of public transport in Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers several ways to get around by public transport, including the metro, trains, buses, harbour buses and light rail. Below, you can get an overview of the different options and when they might be useful during your stay
The Copenhagen Metro
The Copenhagen Metro runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with frequent departures throughout the day and night. The network has four lines, M1, M2, M3 and M4, connecting the city centre with different parts of Copenhagen.
M1 runs between Vanløse and Vestamager, while M2 connects Vanløse with Copenhagen Airport. M3, also known as the City Circle Line, takes you around central Copenhagen, while M4 runs between Orientkaj and København Syd.
Use Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) to find the best metro connection for your journey. For more information about lines, stations and departures, see our guide to the Copenhagen Metro.
S-trains and regional trains
Trains are a useful way to travel around Copenhagen and further into the surrounding region. S-trains serve Copenhagen and its suburbs, while regional and InterCity trains connect the capital with destinations further across Zealand and the rest of Denmark.
For current departure times and to find the best train connection for your journey, use the Journey Planner (Rejseplanen).
Buses
Copenhagen’s bus network complements the metro and trains and can be particularly useful for journeys where there is no direct rail connection. Your regular public transport ticket can be used on buses as long as it is valid for the zones and duration of your journey.
Rather than figuring out individual bus routes in advance, you can use Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) to find the most suitable connection for your journey.
Harbour buses
Copenhagen’s yellow harbour buses are part of the public transport system and offer a different way to travel through the city: by water. You can use the same tickets and passes that are valid on buses, trains and the metro within the relevant zones.
Routes 991 and 992 travel between Orientkaj and Teglholmen in opposite directions, while 993 operates between Nyhavn and the Opera.
You can see the harbour bus routes and timetables on DOT or use Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) to find the best connection for your journey.
Greater Copenhagen light rail
The Greater Copenhagen Light Rail runs outside central Copenhagen and connects areas across the wider metropolitan area. The line runs between Ishøj Station and Lundtofte Station, with stops including Glostrup, Herlev, Buddinge and Lyngby.
For routes, stops and current departure times, visit the official Greater Copenhagen Light Rail website or use Journey Planner (Rejseplanen) to plan your journey.
Which ticket or pass is right for you?
The best option depends on how often you plan to use public transport and whether you also want to visit attractions during your stay.
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket / Rejsekort | A few journeys | Pay for the journeys you make |
| City Pass | Frequent public transport | Unlimited travel within your chosen area for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours |
| Copenhagen Card | Transport + sightseeing | Public transport combined with admission to attractions |
The Copenhagen Card comes in two versions: DISCOVER and HOP. DISCOVER includes public transport and access to 80+ attractions, while HOP includes 40+ attractions and Hop On-Hop Off buses instead of regular public transport.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pay for public transport in Copenhagen?
You can buy tickets using the Rejsebillet app or from ticket machines at train and metro stations. You can also use the Rejsekort app to check in and out of your journey.
How do the zones work in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen’s public transport system is divided into zones, and the price of your ticket depends on how many zones your journey covers. The same zone system applies across buses, trains, metro and light rail.
Is the Copenhagen Metro open 24 hours?
Yes. The Copenhagen Metro runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although trains run less frequently during the night.
What is the cheapest way to use public transport in Copenhagen?
It depends on how often you plan to travel. A single ticket can suit a few journeys, while a City Pass provides unlimited public transport for 24 to 120 hours and can be useful if you plan to travel frequently.
Can I use the same ticket for the metro, bus, train and harbour bus?
Yes. Tickets are valid across the metro, buses, harbour buses and trains, provided your ticket covers the required zones and is still valid.
Related content about public transport
These articles will help you if you have other questions about trains, Metro or buses.
