Layover guides
Copenhagen layover guide
Copenhagen Airport is close enough that a short layover can include a quick city visit, especially if you have at least three hours. In a few hours you can see Nyhavn’s colourful harbour, the Little Mermaid statue, and a stroll through the historic centre.
CPH · Copenhagen Airport
9 km to the centre
Fastest way into the city: about 12 min
Leave the airport with at least 4 hours
How long is your layover?
About 2 hours in the city
Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
Copenhagen Airport Train (Øresundståg) → Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) · about 12 min-
1
about 1 hourRosenborg Castle
Renaissance castle housing the king’s jewels, set in a park
- Back to the airport · about 12 min
Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Open this layover as a plan About 4 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Copenhagen Airport Train (Øresundståg) → Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) · about 12 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Rosenborg Castle
Renaissance castle housing the king’s jewels, set in a park
0.3 km-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s largest cultural museum, exhibits from Viking age to modern times
- 1.1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Nyhavn
Colorful 17th‑century harbour lined with restaurants, good for a stroll
- Back to the airport · about 12 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
About 8 hours in the city
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Copenhagen Airport Train (Øresundståg) → Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) · about 12 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Rosenborg Castle
Renaissance castle housing the king’s jewels, set in a park
- 0.3 km
-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s largest cultural museum, exhibits from Viking age to modern times
- 1.1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Nyhavn
Colorful 17th‑century harbour lined with restaurants, good for a stroll
- 0.7 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Christiansborg Palace
Seat of Denmark’s parliament and courts, offers guided tours of historic rooms
- 0.6 km
-
5
about 1 hour
Amalienborg Palace
Royal residence of the Danish monarchs, watch the changing of the guard
- Back to the airport · about 12 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
A night in the city and a full day of sightseeing
- Land and leave the airport · about 1 hour
- Copenhagen Airport Train (Øresundståg) → Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) · about 12 min
-
1
about 1 hour
Rosenborg Castle
Renaissance castle housing the king’s jewels, set in a park
- 0.3 km
-
2
about 1 hour
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s largest cultural museum, exhibits from Viking age to modern times
- 1.1 km
-
3
about 1 hour
Nyhavn
Colorful 17th‑century harbour lined with restaurants, good for a stroll
- 0.7 km
-
4
about 1 hour
Christiansborg Palace
Seat of Denmark’s parliament and courts, offers guided tours of historic rooms
- 0.6 km
A night in the city-
5
about 1 hour
Amalienborg Palace
Royal residence of the Danish monarchs, watch the changing of the guard
- 0.4 km
-
6
about 1 hour
Tivoli Gardens
Historic amusement park with rides and gardens, central and lively
- 2.2 km
-
7
about 1 hour
Copenhagen Opera House
Modern waterfront opera house with striking architecture, tours available
- Back to the airport · about 12 min
- Be back at the airport at least 2.5 hours before an international flight
Times are estimates. Visa rules depend on your nationality: check official sources and your airline before you leave the airport.
Getting into the city
Copenhagen Airport Train (Øresundståg)
→ Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) · about 12 min
Runs every 10 min, tickets bought via DSB app or ticket machines
M2 Metro line
→ Kongens Nytorv station · about 15 min
Every 5–10 min, pay with Rejsekort or single‑ticket vending machines
6A Bus to City Centre
→ Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) · about 20 min
Every 10 min, cash or card on board
Good to know
Leaving the airport
You will pass through passport control when leaving the airport; visa requirements depend on your nationality and must be verified with official sources before travel.
Left luggage
The airport offers left‑luggage lockers and a staffed baggage‑check service in Terminal 3.
If you stay at the airport
If you stay, you can use free Wi‑Fi, relax in the CPH Apartment lounge (open 05:00‑20:00) or book a short stay at the on‑site transit hotel. There are also several art installations and a duty‑free area.
A quick bite
Try a smørrebrød open‑face sandwich at the food market near Terminal 3, such as the one at the Copenhagen Street Food area on the harbour front.
Written with AI using Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Check details before you travel. Wikivoyage: Copenhagen
Layover tips
Buy a Copenhagen Card or a 24‑hour public‑transport ticket for unlimited travel
Allow extra time for security if you return after 18:00, as some counters close early
Keep an eye on rush‑hour trains (7‑9 am, 4‑6 pm) which can be crowded
Questions about a layover in Copenhagen
How much time do I need to see the main sights?
About 2‑3 hours, plus 30‑45 minutes each way for travel and security checks.
Can I store my carry‑on luggage at the airport?
Yes, there are lockers and a staffed left‑luggage office in Terminal 3.
Is there Wi‑Fi in the terminal?
Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the airport without a password.
Do I need a visa to leave the airport?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; check the Danish embassy or official website before traveling.
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