Copenhagen Airport Guide

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also called Kastrup, is Denmark's main airport and SAS's principal hub. For passenger check-in, think Terminals 2 and 3—not the old domestic Terminal 1. CPH's current check-in guidance directs airlines and kiosks to T2 or T3; domestic and international passengers then share the connected gate complex.

After the main security area, gates A–F spread out in one walkable complex. The airport's own distance table puts gate F as far as 850–950 metres from security, so “compact” does not mean every connection is short. Check the live gate before stopping in the shopping area.

CPH also has direct trains across the Øresund to Malmö, making it useful for destinations in southern Sweden as well as Copenhagen. Carry the travel document required for the cross-border journey and check current train information.

If you have the onward boarding pass and your bag is checked through, follow Transfer and the live gate signs. Gates A–F are connected on foot after the main security area, but the exact route can include transfer security and/or passport control depending on where you arrived and where you are going.

Schengen and non-Schengen

A connection that crosses the Schengen external border requires passport control. CPH advises checking the live passport-control wait once the gate is known. A Schengen-to-Schengen itinerary normally avoids passport control, but document checks can still occur and your airline remains the authority for the itinerary.

Walking to the gate

CPH publishes approximate distances from security of 175–400 metres for B gates, 350–750 metres for C, 375–500 metres for D, 600–700 metres for E and 850–950 metres for F. Construction between gates B and C continues while the terminal area is expanded, so use the airport map or app instead of an old fixed walk-time table.

Bags and separate tickets

Confirm that the baggage tag shows your final destination. If baggage is not checked through or you hold separate tickets, assume you may need to enter Denmark, collect bags and return to T2 or T3 check-in unless the airlines explicitly confirm another process.

There is no one airport-wide minimum that applies to every airline and border-control combination. Use the connection accepted by the ticketing airline and leave extra room for a distant F gate, passport control or baggage recheck.

Use M2 for central Copenhagen stops on the Metro network; use regional or InterCity trains for Copenhagen Central and Sweden. Both are reached at the Terminal 3 end of the airport. Buy before boarding and use Rejseplanen for the current departure and platform, particularly while the station layout changes.

Ride apps

Ride-app availability in Denmark can depend on licensed taxi partners. Check the app after landing and follow its confirmed meeting instructions; do not assume an ordinary terminal curb is a dedicated app pick-up point.

Taxi

The official taxi pick-up point is directly outside Terminal 3; drop-off is available at Terminals 2 and 3. CPH says card payment is usually available and some companies may add an airport fee. A separate rank outside Terminal 3 serves taxis to Sweden. Ask the company for a current estimate rather than relying on an old fixed-fare table.

Metro (M2 Line)

The M2 station is at the end of Terminal 3 and serves central stops including Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport. CPH says trains run every 4–6 minutes during the day and evening and every 15–20 minutes at night, so weekday arrivals are no longer constrained by the old midnight-closing advice.

Buy a valid ticket at the station or DSB ticket office before travel. Fares and products change; use DOT/DSB or Rejseplanen for the current zones and ticket rather than relying on an old DKK table.

Train (DSB)

Regional and InterCity trains serve Copenhagen Central from the airport station. Follow the current platform screens in Terminal 3; do not assume every train or platform is correct for the city direction. Tickets are not sold onboard.

Oresund Trains to Sweden

Trains also run across the Øresund to Malmö and onward destinations in Sweden. Check the exact train, travel-document requirement and ticket before boarding; cross-border schedules and platform assignments can change.

Copenhagen Airport offers multiple parking options with online booking discounts.

Terminal Parking (P1-P7)

Facility	Location	Rate
P1 (Short-term)	Terminal 2	DKK 80/hour, max DKK 420/day
P4 (Long-term covered)	Terminal 3	From DKK 89/day (online)
P6 (Long-term outdoor)	5-min walk	From DKK 69/day (online)
P7 (Economy)	Free shuttle	From DKK 49/day (online)

Tips:

• Book online at cph.dk for significant discounts (up to 40% off)
• Electric vehicle charging available in P4 and P6
• First 10 minutes free for drop-off in P1 and P3

Copenhagen Airport offers extensive dining with a strong focus on Nordic cuisine and sustainable options.

Terminal 2 (Landside)

• Joe & The Juice: Danish chain, healthy juices and sandwiches
• Lagkagehuset: Traditional Danish bakery, pastries and coffee
• Sunset Boulevard: Danish fast-food chain, burgers and salads

Terminal 2/3 (Airside)

• Aamanns: New Nordic cuisine, open-faced sandwiches (smorrebrod), Copenhagen's famous deli
• Alberto K: Italian restaurant with city views
• Sticks'n'Sushi: Copenhagen's original sushi-izakaya concept
• Illum Foodhall: Multiple options including Asian, Nordic, and international
• O'Learys: Sports bar, American-style food

Terminal 3 (Airside)

• Cofoco: Nordic restaurant, seasonal Danish dishes
• Bistro Royal: French-inspired bistro fare
• Grab & Fly: Quick service sandwiches and salads

Budget tip: 7-Eleven stores throughout the airport offer affordable sandwiches and snacks. Irma supermarket (landside) has quality Danish provisions.

Free WiFi is available throughout Copenhagen Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	CPH Free WiFi
Registration	Email address required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Generally good for browsing and streaming

Faster WiFi connections are available in airline lounges.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though city shops often offer better prices.

Airport Locations

• 3 Store (Terminal 3 arrivals): Prepaid SIM cards
• Telia Store (Terminal 3): Danish carrier
• 7-Eleven: Basic prepaid SIM options

Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
3 (Tre)	From DKK 99	10 GB
Lebara	From DKK 49	5 GB
Lycamobile	From DKK 49	Budget option

Note: EU roaming is included on all Danish SIM cards. For better prices, visit Telia, 3, or Telenor stores in central Copenhagen.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals in both landside and airside areas. Major Danish banks (Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank) have machines available.

Currency

• Denmark: Danish Krone (DKK)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 7.45 DKK, 1 USD = 6.90 DKK

Currency Exchange

Forex Bank and Travelex counters are located in arrivals and departures. However, airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw DKK from ATMs using a no-fee debit card
• Denmark is highly cashless; credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere
• Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates

Tip: Many shops and restaurants accept EUR, but change is given in DKK at unfavorable rates. Use cards when possible.

Copenhagen Airport offers extensive tax-free shopping with a focus on Scandinavian design and brands.

Duty-Free

• Heinemann Tax Free (Terminal 2 and 3): Main duty-free operator with spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery
• Tax-free savings: Up to 30-50% on alcohol and tobacco for non-EU travelers

Scandinavian Design

• Georg Jensen: Iconic Danish silver jewelry and homeware
• Royal Copenhagen: Famous porcelain and tableware
• LEGO Store: Danish toy company flagship
• Bang & Olufsen: Premium Danish audio equipment
• Illums Bolighus: Curated Scandinavian design products
• HAY House: Modern Danish furniture and accessories

Fashion

• Magasin du Nord: Danish department store
• Tiger of Sweden: Scandinavian fashion
• Samsoe Samsoe: Copenhagen streetwear brand

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (25% Danish VAT) on purchases over DKK 300
• Pre-order online at cph.dk/shopping for collection at the airport
• Best shopping selection is in Terminal 3 airside

Copenhagen Airport has several lounge options, with SAS operating the primary lounges as their hub.

SAS Lounges

SAS Lounge (Terminal 3, near Gate C):

• Access: SAS Plus/Business, Star Alliance Gold, paid entry (DKK 349)
• Hours: 05:00-22:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, Scandinavian design, showers, quiet areas
• Quality: Well-maintained with good food selection

SAS Gold Lounge (Terminal 3, near Gate C):

• Access: SAS Business, Star Alliance Gold flying Business
• Amenities: Premium food, champagne bar, sleeping cabins

Priority Pass Lounges

Eventyr Lounge (Terminal 3, Schengen):

• Location: Near Gate C35
• Hours: 05:30-21:00
• Amenities: Hot food, bar, showers
• Notes: Can get crowded during peak hours

Primeclass Lounge (Terminal 3, Non-Schengen):

• Location: Near Gate E
• Hours: 06:00-22:00
• Amenities: Buffet, drinks, workstations

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for DKK 300-400 (EUR 40-55). Book online for discounts.

Several hotels are located at or near Copenhagen Airport.

At the Airport

Hilton Copenhagen Airport

• Connected directly to Terminal 3 via covered walkway
• 4-star, 382 rooms
• Executive lounge, fitness center, restaurant
• From DKK 1,200/night (EUR 160)

Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport

• 5-minute walk from terminals
• 4-star, modern Scandinavian design
• Rooftop bar with runway views
• From DKK 900/night (EUR 120)

Near the Airport

• Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Budget-friendly, 10-minute shuttle, from DKK 600/night
• Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Free shuttle, from DKK 700/night
• Scandic CPH Strandpark: 10 minutes by car, seaside location, from DKK 850/night

Transit/Nap Options

• Sleep Lounge (Terminal 2): Bookable rest cabins for 2-4 hour naps, from DKK 150
• Quiet areas: Designated rest zones in Terminal 3 with recliners

Copenhagen is a compact, bike-friendly capital known for design, gastronomy, and hygge (Danish coziness). The city center is just 15 minutes from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Tivoli Gardens	15 min	Train to Central Station
Nyhavn	20 min	Metro to Kongens Nytorv
The Little Mermaid	25 min	Metro + 10 min walk
Christiania (Freetown)	20 min	Metro to Christianshavn
Louisiana Museum of Art	40 min	Train to Humlebaek

Travel Tips

• Purchase a Copenhagen Card for unlimited transit and free museum entry
• Rent bikes through Donkey Republic app (bikes available across the city)
• Copenhagen is highly walkable; most attractions are within 30 minutes on foot from Nyhavn
• Tipping is not expected in Denmark but appreciated for exceptional service
• Shops close early (17:00-18:00 on weekdays, 14:00-15:00 on Saturdays)

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Walk Nyhavn harbor, grab a smorrebrod
• 6-hour layover: Add Tivoli Gardens (open April-September and late November-December)
• 8+ hour layover: Explore Christiania, visit Design Museum Danmark, dinner at Torvehallerne food market

Day Trips from Copenhagen

• Malmo, Sweden: 35 min by train, historic old town
• Kronborg Castle (Hamlet's Castle): 45 min by train, UNESCO World Heritage
• Roskilde: 30 min by train, Viking Ship Museum
• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: 40 min by train, world-class art and seaside setting

Copenhagen Specialties

• Smorrebrod: Open-faced sandwiches on dark rye bread
• Wienerbrod: Danish pastries (the original "Danish")
• Polser: Danish hot dogs from street carts
• Carlsberg/Tuborg: Local beers
• New Nordic cuisine: Copenhagen has 15 Michelin-starred restaurants, led by Noma and Geranium