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TRANSPORT

EXPLAINED: How to use Copenhagen’s public transport network

Copenhagen's public transport system includes buses, trains, metros and even harbour buses. The efficient and comprehensive network can feel overwhelming to newcomers and tourists in the capital. Here's the best way to navigate it.

Copenhagen train
Dybbølsbro train station in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Photo: Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix

Many visitors to the Danish capital may find themselves scrutinising Google maps or trying to interpret timetables at bus stops in order to get around.

But there is a resource that links it altogether, called Din Offentlige Transport (DOT).

The DOT website and app was launched in 2019 and it is a must if you’re moving to, or visiting Copenhagen. 

There is a special DOT tourist website, which includes ticketing and transport information in English, as well as tips for tourists, gathering everything in one place.

One of the aims of the resource was to draw more visitors to attractions outside of central Copenhagen and through the website you can find out the fastest and cheapest way to do that.

READ ALSO: Sporarbejde? The words that will help you navigate public transport in Denmark

How to get public transport tickets

Rejsekort

Many Danish residents use the Rejsekort pre-pay card, which can be used across all types of transport. You can pick one of these up as a tourist at rail or some Metro stations, but there’s a deposit and minimum balance requirement on the cards that might not make them worthwhile for a short visit.

Ticket machines (not for buses)

There are ticket machines at train and metro stations, as well as Copenhagen airport. However this doesn’t cover bus tickets. For buses, you need either a Rejsekort, or to pay the driver in cash when you get on the bus. Bank cards are not accepted.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Is it better for tourists to use cash or card in Denmark?

DOT app

You can buy tickets on the DOT app, which is accepted on all forms of public transport, including harbour buses. The harbour bus runs in both directions from Teglholm in the south to Refshaleøen in the north.

The app will tell you which zones your journey covers and which ticket to buy. Once you’ve added your payment card, you can buy tickets with just the tap of your phone.

After you’ve bought your ticket, a timer will tell you how long your ticket is valid for. This depends on the ticket type, and the number of zones it covers. 

Longer journeys

With the journey planner on the DOT website, you can find out which trains take you to places further afield, which platform the train departs from and the best ticket to get for this.

For example, a train from Copenhagen central station to Helsingør takes 48 minutes and a single ticket or city pass ticket option will get you there.

The DOT tourist website also answers questions about ticket fines, taking bikes on public transport and what to do if you’ve lost an item on public transport.

READ MORE: How to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen

Member comments

  1. It would be great to have a guide on commuter passes, etc. – I am moving into CPH soon and am still not sure what is the cheapest/most convenient option to use

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TRAVEL NEWS

Germany to check passports on Danish border during Euros

Persons travelling from Denmark to Germany during the 2024 European Championships, which begin on Friday, should bring their passport.

Germany to check passports on Danish border during Euros

Passports will be required for travel from Denmark to Germany for the duration of the European football championships, which take place in Germany between June 14th and July 14th. The border controls will be in effect until July 19th.

German authorities have put temporary border controls in place while the tournament is ongoing, the regional police in Southern Denmark have confirmed.

Diversions will be in place at some of the road crossings, notably Frøslev, where signage has been set up to redirect drivers.

READ ALSO: How to watch the Euro 2024 tournament on TV in Denmark

Germany’s Interior Ministry earlier stated that the country’s police had been given the option of using controls on all borders from June 7th. In that statement, the ministry said all travellers should bring passports when entering Germany.

The tournament will see some 500 police officers from other countries assist the German police by patrolling in host cities, and by helping the German Federal Police.

Euro 2024 begins on Friday evening when the hosts face Scotland in Munich. Denmark’s first match is against Slovenia on Sunday.

Denmark carries out spot checks on its side of the border with Germany, as part of temporary security measures that have been used in varying forms since 2016.

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