Understanding Copenhagen’s Commute Zones
Copenhagen’s transportation system is divided into zones, which can be tricky to understand, even for locals. One key rule is that Zone 2 covers most of the city center, while Zone 3 will get you to the airport. Be sure to know which zone you’re in when buying your ticket, as Copenhagen’s ticket inspectors are known for being thorough, even with tourists.
Copenhagen Metro: Fast and Efficient
The Copenhagen metro is the fastest way to get around the city, running 24/7 with minimal delays. Trains arrive every 2-4 minutes during rush hours and every 15-20 minutes at night. The metro system has four major lines connecting you to key parts of the city, making it easy to avoid traffic and travel efficiently.
Pro Tip: Download a metro map for quick reference and route planning.
Copenhagen Buses: Frequent and Reliable
Copenhagen has two types of bus services:
- A-buses: Central city buses that run every 3-7 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes off-peak.
- S-buses: Suburban buses with fewer stops, running every 5-10 minutes during rush hours and every 20 minutes otherwise.
If you need to travel at night, both bus services continue operating with reduced frequency.
Copenhagen Trains: City and Regional Routes
Copenhagen’s city trains run from 05:00 to 00:30, with different lines operating at varying intervals:
- Line F: Every 4-5 minutes
- Lines A, B, C, E: Every 10 minutes
- Lines H and Bx: Every 20 minutes
On weekends, you can catch late-night trains between 01:00 and 05:00, though they run less frequently.
Regional trains will take you beyond the city’s zones, but they still use the same zone system when within the city limits.
Copenhagen Ferries: A Scenic Route
If you want a more scenic commute, try Copenhagen’s ferries. All ferries operate within Zone 2, stopping at major locations like Nyhavn, The Black Diamond (Det Kongelige Bibliotek), and Fisketorvet. Ferries run from 07:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 20:00 on weekends.
Ticket Options for Copenhagen Public Transport
There are several types of tickets you can use across Copenhagen’s buses, trains, metro, and ferries:
- Single Ticket: Buy these for single rides within selected zones (Zone 2 for the city and Zone 3 for the airport). Tickets are valid for one hour.
- 24-72h All Zones Pass: Perfect for short visits, covering all zones for 1-3 days.
- Copenhagen Card: This includes 24-120 hours of unlimited rides across all zones and free access to 75+ museums and attractions.
- Rejsekort: A tap-and-go electronic card. You can load it with cash online or at stations, and it will calculate the fare based on your journey. Remember to tap in and out to avoid double charges.
- Periodekort: Best for regular commuters, this card offers unlimited travel for 30 days or more. First-time buyers will need to purchase it at DSB ticketing stations and provide a passport-sized photo and address.
Need Help Navigating?
If you’re ever unsure about your route, check the Copenhagen Transit Map at cphtransitmap.dk or ask a local—Danes are known for their helpfulness!
