COPENHAGEN FAQ`S
How do I get from the airport to my hotel? International flights arrive at Copenhagen (CPH) airport, located in Kastrupp, about 5 miles south of the city center. Transportationoptions such as train, metro, bus, taxi and Uber make it easy for you to reach your destination. The metro is located right above terminal 3. All the trains go in the same direction from the airport (M2 to Vanlose Station), so you do not have to worry about getting on the wrong train. The metro heads towards Vanlose Station with stops in central Copenhagen such as Norreport Station and Christianshavn Station. The trains run with 4-6 minutes intervals during the day and evenings, at night the train runs every 15-20 minutes. It will take you about 13 minutes to get to Nørreport Station (hub in city center) from the airport. Tickets can be purchased at the machines in baggage claim area, near DSB ticket sales counter inside Terminal 3, or at the entrance of the metro station. Please note that the machines only accept coins and all major credit cards. The quickest option to get to Copenhagen Central Station is by train. The train station is located by terminal 3. You can take a free shuttle bus from terminal 1 to terminal 3, which takes 5 minutes. During the day the train runs every 10 minutes and at night it runs 1 to 3 times per hour. It takes about 13 minutes to reach Copenhagen Central Station from CPH Airport. Tickets can be purchased at the machines in the baggage claim area, the ticket machines in terminal 2 just above the railway, and the DSB ticket sales counter. Please note that the machines only accept coins, some credit cards, and debit cards with PIN. By Bus it takes about 30-35 minutes from the airport to the Central Station. The bus runs every 10 minutes during the day and less often at night. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at machines in the baggage claim area, DSB ticket sales counter, or machines near the DSB ticket sales counter inside Terminal 3. A Taxi is a great way to get to your destination if you are looking for direct access, or especially if you have extra heavy luggage. A taxi is also one of the most expensive means of transportation. Taxis can pick up passengers at terminal 1 and 3 and can get you downtown Copenhagen in about 20 minutes depending on traffic. The estimated rate to Downtown Copenhagen is $38 to $45. Please note that all taxis accept credit cards and only some taxis accept payment in Euro or US Dollars.
Uber is available as well from CPH Airport to destinations throughout Copenhagen. Just as a taxi, Uber rates will vary greatly based on your destination, time, and traffic. This is a great way to enjoy the convenience of a taxi for less .Estimated cost of an Uber to city center is $25 to $35.
How do I get around the city using public transportation?Public transportation in Copenhagen is safe, reliable and clean. Both trains, the metro and buses are frequent and efficient and the metro runs 24 hours.
Copenhagen`s Bus service (tel. 36-13-14-15) is well-maintained and the least expensive method of getting around. Most buses leave from Radhuspladsen in the heart of the city. A basic ticket allows one hour of travel and unlimited transfers within the zone where you started your trip. Night buses run between 1am and 5am and you can recognize the night bus stops by the grey color of the bus stop signs.
Metro is in service 24 hours a day, every day of the week. There are 2-4 minutes between each train during rush hour, and 3-6 minutes outside rush hour and every 15 minutes at night. The Metro links the western and eastern sections of Copenhagen to the center. Norreport is the transfer station to the S-tog system, the commuter rail link to the suburbs.
The S-Tog Train (tel. 70-13-14-15) connects the heart of Copenhagen with the city`s suburbs. There are six basic services and all but one route passes through the central core. These 5 routes operate a basic 20-minute timetable from about 5am-1am every day and hourly all night on weekend nights. Use of tickets is the same as on buses. You can transfer from a bus line to an S-tog train on the same ticket.
Taxis are available throughout the city as well, be sure to watch for the FRI (free) sign or green light to hail a taxi, and be sure the taxi is metered. Tips are included in the meter price and start around $3.30 - $5.50 and go up about every 2/3 mile. Taxi prices increase from 6pm - 6am and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Uber is also available in Copenhagen and payment is completely cashless.
Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited public transportation in the entire Capital Region of Denmark (including airport). In addition, it allows free admission to many sights and museums. This card is available for 1 day (approx. $34.00) or 3 days (approx. $73.00 ). You can buy the Copenhagen Card online or upon arrival in Copenhagen Airport.
Citypass will allow you to enjoy unlimited travel on buses, trains and the metro in Copenhagen in zones 1-4, from the moment you arrive in Copenhagen via the airport. You can buy the tickets in the airport or purchase in advance so you can travel easily from the airport. Passes are about $12 for a 24 hour city pass and $28 for a 72 hour city pass.
I will have a car in Copenhagen, where can I park?It is recommended not to drive in the city because of the widespread availability of traffic-free walkways, parks, gardens and canal side promenades. It is best to park your car in the many city parking lots, and then retrieve it when you`re ready to discover the suburbs or countryside. Parking can be difficult and expensive if you don`t pay attention. The city has a zone system (3 zones), divided into a red, a green, and a blue parking zone. They cover the city center and the inner bridge areas. The general rule is that the closer you are to the city center, the more expensive it is to park.
Copenhagen is built for cyclists and you`ll see more bikes than cars anywhere in the city center. The city is covered in over 250 miles of cycle paths and lanes which are raised from the road and very safe to cycle on. There are various bike rental shops around the city and most hotels rent bikes as well. Depending on the bike, daily rates range from $10 - $30.
Is Copenhagen a walking city?Copenhagen is said to be a walker`s paradise. The city is compact with a majority of its hotels, venues, sights and attractions within walking distance of each other, it is also extremely easy to navigate and explore on foot.
Is Copenhagen a dangerous city? Are there certain areas I should avoid?Copenhagen is considered relatively safe, compared to other European capitals. Since foreign visitors are always at risk for petty crimes, it is always recommended to guard your wallet and other valuables.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?The currency in Denmark is called the Kroner, written DKK. Once you`re in Denmark you`ll have to use Kroner in most places. It is recommended to exchange at least some money before you leave home so that you can avoid lines at airport ATMs. There are various ATMs throughout the city.
Tipping in Denmark can vary. According to the Danish law, service charges (including gratuity) are normally included at restaurants, hotels, and taxis. Make sure to check your bill at restaurants and to see if service charges are included or not. If there is a service charge there is no need to leave a tip. According to some sources, it is customary to leave up to 10% to the waiter, if the service is satisfactory.
I don't speak Danish. Will many people speak English?The country`s written and spoken language in Denmark is Danish. However, English is widely spoken and understood throughout. We suggest you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Where are the best areas for shopping?There are clusters of shops scattered all around the city offering some fabulous shopping of all kinds. The largest and very popular shopping street is a pedestrian walking area comprised of five small streets known as Stroget, the longest pedestrian only street in Europe located in the heart of the capital. Stroget offers plenty of outdoor cafes, shops, art galleries, gift stores, museums, department stores, and much more. Stroget begins at Frederiksberg, a cozy area with many small boutiques. Nearby is Kongens Nytorv which is lined with cutting-edge Danish fashion brands, all kinds of clothing, and some of the most appealing porcelain in Europe.
Bredgade and Laederstraede are great shopping streets as well packed with the finest antique art and furniture dealers where you will find higher priced items. Ravnsborggade also has antique shops, but a lot less extravagant and pricey. And one of the city`s hottest streets, Jaegersborggade, sits on the edge of Assisten`s Churchyard where you will find various café and second-hand shops. Also make sure to check out the Latin Quarter, Kronprinsensgade street, Fiiolstaede area around Copenhagen University, and Osterbro, the district next to the lakes.
Some popular items and best buys to look for while shopping in Copenhagen are stainless steel, glassware, functionally designed furniture, textiles, porcelain, and jewelry.
VAT(Value Added Tax) - Denmark requires a 25% tax on goods and services. Tax-free exports are available. Many stores will mail goods to your home to avoid paying the tax. Also, look out for shops displaying Danish tax-free shopping notices. These shops offer tourists tax refunds for personal export. This refund will apply to purchases over approximately $51.00 for visitors of US and Canada. Questions in regards to tax refunds can be handled by Global Refund (tel. 32-52-55-66).
What is offered in the Copenhagen Card?The Copenhagen Card (www.copenhagencard.dk) can save you a bundle, allowing admission to many sights and museums, free and unlimited travel by bus and rail throughout the metropolitan area, and a 25-50% discounts on crossings to and from Sweden. The card is available for 1 day (costs approx $22.00) or 3 days (cost approx $73.00) and can be purchased at the airport, train stations, and most hotels.
What is Nightlife like and where are the best areas to go?Copenhagen has something to offer everyone in terms of nightlife. From laid back bars, jazz clubs, wine cellars, and trendy clubs, all can be found throughout the city packed with people of all ages. The city also presents a more cultural side as well, offering outstanding theaters, ballets, operas, and one of the best circuses in Europe.
Copenhagen`s nightlife scene is spread all over the city, a couple of notable areas: the Nyhaven, a little to the north of the city center, offers a number of great bars and restaurants; Vesterbro, home to various clubs, as well as live music venues; Osterbro, where the mood is a little more relaxed with traditional beer houses and wine cellars; and Christianhaven, a great place to sit out amongst the cobbled streets surrounded by vibrant bars and restaurants.
What is the weather like?The climate in Copenhagen follows the four seasons of the northern hemisphere. July and August are hottest months with an average temperature of 68F. January and February are generally the coldest months with an average temperature of 35F.
What is the food like? What time do they usually eat?Once offering more authentic traditional cuisines, Denmark`s capital has grown into a true culinary metropolis. A traditional must eat, the open sandwiches known as smorrebrod, can be considered a national specialty dish at midday. This sandwich can be found everywhere throughout the city, from the finest restaurants to the simple pushcart with various selections to choose from. While traditions do run deep, new innovative inspiration continues to add creativity to the city`s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Danes eating times are rather standard to traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner hours in the U.S. Lunch starts around 11am and peaks at noon with dinner between 5pm - 7pm, although very popular places will offer later reservations and stay busy throughout the evening.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?In an Emergency dial 112
Medical carecan be obtained by local Hospitals for illness or accidents, even foreignersare entitled to free medical treatment in Denmark. One of the most centrallylocated hospitals is Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9 (tel. 35-45-35-45).
