The Copenhagen metro system has only been in operation since 2002 and is therefore modern and highly efficient. The metro trains are driverless, offering passengers panoramic views of the track from both the front and rear seats.

The metro runs underground in the city centre, whilst on the outskirts it runs above ground.

Find a hotel near the metro

The network of four metro lines is complemented by a busy urban railway.

The Copenhagen Metro at a glance

• The metro runs 24 hours a day
• Line M2 connects the city centre with Copenhagen Airport
• Tickets are valid on the metro, buses and commuter trains
• A single ticket for travel within the city centre costs from 24 dkk
• The journey from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 15 minutes

If you’re planning a journey from the airport, please also read the detailed guide on the ‘Transport from Copenhagen Airport’ page.

Metro lines

There are four metro lines operating in Copenhagen. On some sections, two lines run on the same track, which halves the frequency of services.

Metro routes are always identified by a colour and a number.

• M1 🟢 + M2 🟡– for much of the route, these lines run together from the Vanløse terminus in the east of the city to the historic centre (Kongens Nytorv and Christianshavn). Here, the routes split. The green M1 continues straight south to the terminus at Vestamager, whilst the yellow M2 runs along the coast to Copenhagen Airport.
• M3 🔴– a circular and very busy route connecting key locations in the city centre. The busiest section between Østerport, Kongens Nytorv and the Central Station runs alongside the M4 line
• M4 🔵– a central line connecting the Central Station, Kongens Nytorv and Østerport, continuing north to the modern Orientkaj district. An extension to the Elleberg district is currently under construction to the south.

As well as the metro, you can also use trains to get around the city centre and surrounding areas.

Official metro website:intl.m.dk

Copenhagen public transport journey planner:dinoffentligetransport.dk/en

Train services

Some services are labelled ‘S-tog’ and operate solely within the city; other trains arrive from more distant destinations (Re, IC, ICL), but you can use them to travel around Copenhagen without any problems on a standard public transport ticket.

When should you use the metro and when is it better to take the train?

Many tourists automatically opt for the metro, but on some routes the trains are faster.

For example, between Copenhagen Central Station (København H) and Østerport station, the train is usually faster than the combination of lines M2 and M4.

What’s more, trains serve the wider Copenhagen area, including towns such as Helsingør, Roskilde and Hillerød.

If you’re planning a trip outside the city centre, it’s worth checking your connections on the Rejseplanen journey planner before you set off.

Metro fares

The metro and all trains are part of the public transport system, so you can use combined tickets that are also valid on buses and ferries.

Fares are calculated based on the number of zones travelled through. Central Copenhagen is divided into zones 1, 2 and 3, whilst the southern part of the city, including the airport, extends into zone 4.

The cheapest ticket is for two zones; day tickets and multi-day tickets are only available for zones 1–4.

• 24 hours (zones 1–4) – 100 dkk
• 48 hours (zones 1–4) – 160 dkk
• 72 hours (zones 1–4) – 220 dkk
• 90 minutes for 3 consecutive zones (e.g. journey to the airport) – 30 dkk
• 75 minutes for 2 consecutive zones (journey through the city centre only) – 24 dkk

How do I buy a ticket?

You pay the fare viathe Rejsebillet mobile app. When buying a ticket in the app, you select the date and exact time from which your ticket will be valid, and then you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Of course, you can also opt for traditional paper tickets, which you can buy from the square silver ticket machines at every underground station. These are always located just before the entrance to the platform.

Can you pay by contactless card in Copenhagen?

No.

You can’t yet ‘tap’ your own bank card on the metro, but you always need to buy a ticket via the mobile app or a paper ticket.

Map of the Copenhagen Metro

Which routes do the various metro and train lines follow? Official maps of all modes of transport, available for download as PDF files, can be found on the website:dinoffentligetransport.dk/en.

How does the metro work?

The Copenhagen Metro is fully automated, with no staff on board. The stations are modern and very clean, as are the metro trains.

You can access the platforms without restriction; there are no turnstiles, and tickets are only checked during random spot checks carried out by ticket inspectors.

The platform is separated from the tracks by glass walls with sliding doors, which open automatically when a metro train arrives at the station. There are no buttons to open the doors; they always open automatically.

Timetables and operating hours

All metro lines run every 2–4 minutes on weekdays, and every 4–5 minutes during off-peak hours and at weekends.

The Copenhagen Metro runs24 hours a day. Night-time intervals range from 6 to 20 minutes. The circular Red Line (M4) runs in one direction only at night.

Detailed information on timetables can be found on the metro’s official website:intl.m.dk/travel-information/the-timetable.

Where can you stay near the metro?

If you’re choosing a hotel, I recommend checking first how far it is from the metro station.

Most tourists look for accommodation near the following stations:

• Kongens Nytorv
• Nørreport
• Copenhagen H
• Christianshavn
• Frederiksberg

You can find a detailed overview in the guide ‘Where to stay in Copenhagen’.

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