Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also known as Kastrup, is Scandinavia's busiest airport and a major gateway to the Nordic region. Located approximately 8 km south of Copenhagen city center, it serves as the primary hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and handles over 30 million passengers annually.

The airport has three terminals connected within a single building, making navigation straightforward:

• Terminal 1: Domestic flights only (SAS domestic operations)
• Terminal 2: European and international flights, main check-in area
• Terminal 3: International and intercontinental flights, SAS long-haul hub

All terminals are connected airside after security, with a single security checkpoint between Terminals 2 and 3. The airport is renowned for its efficient Scandinavian design, with clear signage and minimal walking distances compared to other major European hubs.

A unique feature of Copenhagen Airport is its direct rail connection to Malmo, Sweden via the Oresund Bridge, making it a bi-national hub serving both Danish and Swedish travelers.

Copenhagen Airport is located 8 km south of Copenhagen city center, with direct metro and train connections making it one of Europe's most accessible airports.

Typical travel times:

• Copenhagen Central Station (Kobenhavns H): 15 minutes by train
• Copenhagen city center by taxi: 15-25 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Malmo, Sweden: 35 minutes by Oresund train
• Helsingborg, Sweden: 1 hour 15 minutes by train

The airport has a combined train and metro station directly below Terminal 3, accessible via escalators from the arrivals hall.

Uber

Uber operates at Copenhagen Airport with pickup at designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup area outside arrivals
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort
• Fares to city center: DKK 150-250 (EUR 20-35 / USD 22-38) depending on destination and demand

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside all terminal exits. All Copenhagen taxis are metered and accept credit cards.

Destination	Fare	Time
Copenhagen Central Station	DKK 250-350 (EUR 35-50)	15-20 min
Copenhagen city center	DKK 250-400 (EUR 35-55)	15-25 min
Orestad/DR Byen	DKK 100-150 (EUR 14-20)	5-10 min
Malmo, Sweden	DKK 600-800 (EUR 80-110)	30-40 min

Tip: Taxi fares in Denmark are among Europe's highest. Public transit or Uber often provides better value.

Metro (M2 Line)

The Copenhagen Metro M2 connects the airport directly to the city center. The station is located under Terminal 3.

To Kongens Nytorv (City Center):

1. Follow signs to "Metro" in Terminal 3 arrivals
2. Take M2 direction Vanlose
3. Exit at Kongens Nytorv (6 stops, 14 minutes)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult (3 zones)	DKK 40 (EUR 5.40 / USD 5.80)
Copenhagen Card (24 hours)	DKK 479 (includes attractions)
Rejsekort (transit card)	DKK 28 for same journey

Frequency: Every 4-6 minutes (peak) / Every 8-12 minutes (off-peak) Operating hours: 05:00-00:30 (24 hours on weekends with reduced frequency)

Train (DSB)

Regional and long-distance trains depart from the same station complex as the metro.

To Copenhagen Central Station (Kobenhavns H):

1. Follow signs to "Tog/Train" in Terminal 3
2. Take any train marked for Copenhagen Central
3. Journey time: 13-15 minutes

Fares: Same as metro (DKK 40 for 3 zones) Frequency: Up to 10 trains per hour during peak times

Oresund Trains to Sweden

Direct trains run from Copenhagen Airport to Sweden via the Oresund Bridge.

Destination	Journey Time	Frequency	Fare
Malmo Central	35 min	Every 20 min	DKK 110 / SEK 145
Lund	55 min	Hourly	DKK 150 / SEK 200
Helsingborg	1h 15min	Hourly	DKK 190 / SEK 250
Gothenburg	3h 30min	Several daily	DKK 400+

Note: Bring your passport for border checks when crossing to Sweden.

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

SAS Domestic Lounge (Terminal 1):

• Access: SAS Plus, EuroBonus Gold/Diamond
• Hours: 05:30-19:30

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