Overview
The Copenhagen Metro (Københavns Metro) is a driverless light rapid transit system serving Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, and Tårnby. It opened in October 2002 and now operates 4 lines across 44 stations, 30 of which are underground. The system is integrated with the S-train rapid transit network, regional trains, and municipal buses, forming a unified public-transport ecosystem. One of only three rapid transit systems in the world to operate 24/7, the metro carries over 135 million passengers annually.
To ride the metro as a visitor, you'll need a valid ticket before boarding. Purchase tickets via the Rejsebillet or Rejsekort mobile apps, or from ticket machines at stations and the airport. Swipe or tap your ticket to check in at the platform before boarding, and check out when you exit. Trains run continuously with frequent headways: every 2–4 minutes during the day and up to every 20 minutes at night. The system is clean, orderly, and straightforward to navigate.
The network
The Copenhagen Metro comprises four operational lines, designated M1 through M4, plus a fifth line (M5) in planning stages.
Metro lines
- M1: Runs from Vanløse in the west through Copenhagen's city centre to Vestamager in the south. This line serves the airport indirectly via the shared central section and connects to major interchanges.
- M2: Runs from Vanløse through the city centre to Lufthavnen (the airport station). M1 and M2 share a common line between Vanløse and the city centre.
- M3 (City Circle Line / Cityringen): An entirely underground 15.5 km circular loop with 17 stations, opened in 2019–2020. It passes through central Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, connecting Copenhagen Central Station with Vesterbro, Frederiksberg, Nørrebro, Østerbro, and Indre By (the inner city). It does not share track with M1 and M2 but intersects them at Kongens Nytorv and Frederiksberg stations.
- M4: An extension of the M3, opened in stages (first station in Nordhavn in March 2020; full five-stop, 4.5 km extension to Sydhavn opened in 2024). Serves Nordhavn, Sydhavn, and connects to Copenhagen South Station, providing another metro link to the S-train network and regional trains.
- M5: Currently in planning. Expected to serve Refshaleøen and the under-construction Lynetteholmen neighbourhood, with the first section anticipated to open in 2036.
Other public transport
- S-train (rapid transit): A larger rapid transit network that the metro supplements. Integrated ticketing allows travel between metro and S-train on a single fare.
- Øresundståg (Øresund trains): Regional trains connecting Copenhagen with southern Sweden (Malmö, Lund, and beyond) across the Øresund bridge. Integrated with the Copenhagen ticketing system.
- DSB trains: Danish State Railways operate intercity and express trains nationwide, with major services converging at Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården).
- Movia buses: Municipal buses throughout Copenhagen and the wider region, integrated with metro and train ticketing.
- Harbour buses: Ferries operating in Copenhagen's waterways, covered by the same ticket system as metro and buses.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types
- Single tickets: Valid for one journey across a selected number of zones. Prices range from approximately DKK 24 (2 zones) to DKK 60 (8 zones). Activate immediately upon purchase; validity expires after a short time limit. Valid on buses, metro, trains, and harbour buses.
- City Pass (day tickets): Unlimited travel for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. Prices range from approximately DKK 100 (4 zones, 24 hours) to DKK 680 (all Zealand, 120 hours). Ideal for tourists planning multiple journeys in one day.
- Rejsekort (travel card / pay-as-you-go): A reusable smartcard offering discounted fares (from approximately DKK 22 for 2 zones, with off-peak discounts of up to 20% available). No need to know zones in advance—swipe in and out at entry and exit, and the system automatically calculates the fare. Particularly economical for multiple days of travel.
- Copenhagen Card: A tourist pass including unlimited public transport plus free or discounted entry to attractions and museums across Copenhagen.
Purchase methods
- Mobile apps: The Rejsebillet app (pre-paid tickets including City Pass), Rejsekort app (check-in/check-out pay-as-you-go), and DSB app are available for iOS and Android. The Rejsebillet app is recommended as the easiest option for visitors.
- Ticket machines: Available at metro stations, train stations, Copenhagen Airport, and 7-Eleven kiosks. Accept both cash (Danish krone) and card payments.
- On buses: Cash only (Danish krone) if purchasing from the driver, though using an app or pre-purchased ticket is preferred.
Zones and validation
Copenhagen's public-transport network is divided into zones. Ticket price depends on the number of zones you travel through. The Rejsebillet app automatically calculates the required zones for your journey. You must present or tap your ticket before boarding any bus, train, or metro. Ticket inspections are conducted regularly; traveling without a valid ticket incurs a fine of DKK 750.
Special provisions
- Children: Two children under 12 travel free with each paying adult. Children aged 12–16 pay a child fare (50% of the adult price).
- Bicycles: Permitted on all transport; a separate ticket is required.
- Strollers and baby carriages: Permitted; lifts and escalators are available at most stations.
Fares and prices are approximate and subject to change; consult the official Public Transport website (publictransport.dk) for current rates.
From the airport
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is located on the nearby island of Amager, approximately 12–14 minutes from central Copenhagen by public transport. Two main options are available:
By Metro
The M2 line connects the airport directly to central Copenhagen. The airport station is called Kastrup (the historic name for the airport). Trains depart every 4 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, taking approximately 14 minutes to reach the city centre. A single ticket costs DKK 30 (3 zones). The metro station is located upstairs from the arrivals hall in Terminal 3.
By train
Mainline trains also serve the airport, taking approximately 12 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården). A single ticket also costs DKK 30 (3 zones). The train station is located underneath the arrivals hall in Terminal 3.
Tourist passes
If you plan to visit attractions on the same day you arrive, consider purchasing a City Pass or Copenhagen Card instead of a single ticket; these offer better value for multiple journeys.
Etiquette & customs
- Queuing: Queue orderly and wait your turn when entering stations and boarding trains, particularly during rush hours.
- Escalators: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to walk on the left. This custom is widely observed in Copenhagen.
- Quiet zones and priority seating: The metro operates dedicated quiet cars. Be respectful of other passengers and keep noise levels low. Priority seating is reserved for elderly people, pregnant women, and those with mobility difficulties—offer your seat if needed.
- Eating and drinking: While eating light snacks is generally tolerated, avoid consuming strong-smelling foods or leaving litter. Drinking is permitted, though alcoholic beverages are discouraged during busy periods.
- Rush-hour behaviour: During peak hours (typically 7–9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. on weekdays), trains are crowded. Be prepared to stand and avoid blocking doors or aisles. Let passengers exit before you board.
- Ticket validation: Always tap or present your ticket before boarding. Inspectors conduct regular checks, and travelling without a valid ticket is a serious breach.
Official links
- Public Transport – Tickets (English)
- Visit Copenhagen – Tickets & Prices (English)
- City of Copenhagen – Ticket and Prices (English)
Survival terms
- Metro (Københavns Metro): The driverless light rapid transit system.
- Billet: Ticket.
- Linje: Line.
- Indgang: Entrance.
- Udgang: Exit.
- Overgang: Transfer.
- Enkeltbillet: Single fare / single ticket.
- Dagkort: Day pass.
Download the Rejsebillet app before your trip to avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar ticket machines at the airport or main stations.