Navigating Copenhagen Made Easy - Here’s How

With its compact layout, Copenhagen is straightforward and convenient to explore, offering travelers a variety of options like biking, taking the metro, or hopping on a Harbor Bus.

Ditch the car and embark on an eco-friendly adventure through the Danish capital. Here are the top ways to traverse Copenhagen.

Copenhagen: A Cyclist's Dream

Copenhagen ranks among the top cities in the world for biking, with cycling woven into the fabric of daily life. In this Danish capital, bicycles outnumber cars, and there are 382km (237 miles) of dedicated bike lanes.

To experience Copenhagen like a local, hop on a bike. It's the quickest, most sustainable way to get around, plus you’ll enjoy a little exercise while sightseeing. Rent a bike from a local shop or join city-wide bike-sharing programs like Donkey Republic or the municipal Bycyklen. Many hotels also offer bike rentals.

Cycling in Copenhagen is taken seriously, as many residents rely on it for their daily commutes. Be sure to follow local cycling etiquette—signal your turns and stay to the right in bike lanes—to avoid displeasing the locals.

Explore Copenhagen on foot

Copenhagen's compact nature makes it a pedestrian-friendly city, with most major attractions and shopping areas within a 20-minute walk from the center. Exploring on foot reveals hidden treasures and unique detours that you might otherwise overlook.

Walking is integral to Danish culture, and it's believed that the country's habits of biking and walking contribute to its high ranking on the World Happiness Report.

Travel on Copenhagen's growing Metro system

In 2019, Copenhagen's metro expanded with 17 new stations, enhancing this transport option as a swift and dependable way to navigate the capital. The fully automated Metro features 39 stations across four lines and operates 24/7, with trains arriving every few minutes. It provides a direct connection to the airport, reaching the city center in just 13 minutes.

For the most scenic experience, position yourself at the front of the train for a view usually reserved for the driver.

Use a single ticket or the Copenhagen Card for all your public transport needs in the city.

Copenhagen's public transport includes buses, Harbor Bus boats, S-trains, and the Metro. A ticket is necessary to use public transport; a one-hour ticket for the central area costs 24kr. Tickets can be purchased at stations, through a reloadable Rejsekort smart card, or via the DOT Mobilbilletter app.

The Copenhagen Card provides discounted admission to various attractions and includes free access to all public transport.

Uber is not operational in Denmark – here’s how to catch a taxi instead.

While you may not often need a taxi in Copenhagen due to its efficient public transport and walkable streets, there are times when hailing a cab is the easiest option, especially after a long day of exploring or a late night out.

Although Uber is unavailable in Denmark due to national taxi regulations, alternative app-based services like Viggo exist. You can also flag down a cab on the street, particularly near train stations and nightclubs.

Take in the sights of Copenhagen from the water on the Harbor Bus.

Copenhagen features a system of boat routes integrated into its public transport, providing stunning views of the city. The Harbor Bus connects nine stops, from the Royal Library to Nyhavn and Islands Brygge, offering a fast way to navigate the area. These eco-friendly electric boats are also accessible for wheelchairs.

Traveling in Copenhagen with accessibility in mind.

Copenhagen’s public transport system is designed for accessibility, with wide, even sidewalks. Every Metro station is equipped with elevators, and passengers can easily roll wheelchairs and strollers onto the trains directly from the platform, without needing ramps.

Why cycling is my preferred way to explore Copenhagen.

Growing up in Copenhagen, I learned to ride a bike almost simultaneously with learning to walk. Cycling is my preferred mode of transport in the city because it combines my commute with exercise, allows me to enjoy fresh air, and helps me concentrate on the journey (making it difficult to multitask while biking) while I explore my surroundings. It’s a quick, convenient, and eco-friendly way to travel, and nearly cost-free aside from occasional bike repairs.

Cycling in Copenhagen is essential. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the unique biking culture of the Danes, and who knows? You might feel inspired to bring some of that culture back home with you.

Continue planning your Copenhagen adventure:

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