Getting Around Denmark: Trains, Metro, Buses & Car Rental

Trains in Denmark

Denmark's national rail operator is DSB, running fast, reliable services between cities. The flagship line connects Copenhagen to Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg, with InterCity trains crossing the Great Belt and the bridge to Sweden. Book ahead on the DSB app for Orange discount fares, which can be far cheaper than buying at the station.

• Copenhagen to Aarhus takes around 3 hours
• Copenhagen to Odense takes about 75 minutes
• Cross to Malmo, Sweden in roughly 35 minutes

Copenhagen Metro and S-train

The Copenhagen Metro is driverless and runs 24 hours a day, including the M3 Cityringen loop linking the main station, Norreport and Osterport. The S-train (S-tog) covers the wider region. Everything runs on a shared zone system, so one ticket works across metro, S-train, bus and harbour buses.

• Buy tickets via the DOT or Rejsekort & Rejseplan apps
• A Rejsekort tap-in card gives the cheapest pay-as-you-go fares
• The City Pass offers unlimited travel for 24 to 120 hours

Buses and intercity coaches

City buses integrate fully with the zone system. For longer routes, FlixBus runs cheap intercity coaches, and yellow regional buses reach smaller towns trains skip. The Rejseplanen app plans any door-to-door journey nationwide.

Car rental and driving

Renting a car suits the countryside, beaches and islands. Major firms (Sixt, Europcar, Avis) operate at airports and stations. Drive on the right, keep headlights on at all times, and note that the Great Belt and Oresund bridges charge tolls. Parking in central Copenhagen is expensive, so a car makes most sense outside the city.

Ride apps and taxis

Uber does not operate in Denmark. Use local apps Viggo, Dantaxi or Drivr, or hail a licensed taxi. Fares are metered and high, so public transport is usually better value in cities.

Ferries and islands

Denmark is a nation of islands. Bornholm, Aero and Samso are reached by ferry, often bookable with Molslinjen. Cycling is a genuine transport mode here, with safe lanes everywhere and bikes welcome on most trains.

Stay connected in Denmark

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, live train times, translation and bookings with no roaming charges. Activate it before you land and you are connected the moment you arrive.