Public Transport

Copenhagen's Hovedbanegården (Central Station) is the hub of the DSB rail network and is connected to most major cities in Europe. Intercity trains run regularly (usually every hour) from 6 am to midnight for principal towns in Funen and Jutland. Other major stations include Vesterport (in Vesterbro), Nørreport (in Nørrebro), and Østerport in (Østerbro). You can make reservations at most stations, online, and through travel agents.

Most trains and buses operate from 5 am (Sunday 6 am) to midnight. After that, night buses run every half hour from 1 am to 4:30 am from the main bus station at Rådhus Pladsen to most areas of the city and surroundings.

Trains and buses operate on the same ticket system and divide Copenhagen and surrounding areas into three zones. Unlimited travel within two zones (inner city area) for one hour costs DKr 20 for an adult. A discount klippe kort (clip card), good for 10 rides, costs DKr 125 for two zones. The card must be stamped in the automatic ticket machines on buses or at stations. (If you don't stamp your clip card, you can be fined up to DKr 600.) Cards can be stamped multiple times for multiple passengers and/or longer rides.

Buses have a Danish information line with an automatic answering menu that's not very helpful, but try pressing the number 1 on your phone and wait for a human to pick up. The info line operates daily 7 am-9:30 pm. You might do better by asking a bus driver or stopping by the Movia Buses main office (open weekdays 10-5:30 pm) on the Rådhus Pladsen, where the helpful staff speaks English.

The harbor buses are small ferries that travel up and down the canal, with stops at the Royal Library's Black Diamond, Knippelsbro, Nyhavn, the Opera, Holmen, and Nordre Toldbod. The boats are a great way to get around the city while enjoying lovely vistas along the way. The harbor buses run regularly from 7 am to 11 pm (10 am to 11 pm on weekends). Standard bus fares and tickets apply.

The Metro system runs regularly from 5 am to midnight, and all night on weekends. There are currently two Metro lines in operation. Both run from the suburb of Vanløse; one runs to western Amager, while the other continues eastward toward the airport. The major Metro hubs in central Copenhagen are Nøreport Station and Kongens Nytorv. The Metro is a good option for trips to Frederiksberg, Christianshavn, Amager Strandpark, and the airport. Stations are marked with a dark-red Metro logo. They link the northern suburb of Vanløse to the airport and Western Amager.