International students > Arriving and Living in Copenhagen > Arriving

Arriving in Copenhagen

We recommend that you arrive in Copenhagen a few days prior to commencing your studies. This will give you time to settle in, and to get acquainted with the city before starting classes.

If you feel lost, or just want to inquire about the easiest way to get to where you are going, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance and directions: Practically everyone speaks English!

Arriving by Plane

If you arrive by plane, you arrive in Copenhagen International Airport Kastrup, which is located 8 kilometres south of the city centre on the island of Amager. You can get from the airport to the city by train, metro, bus or taxi. It is easy to get from the airport to the city centre by train or metro. The ride from the airport to the city centre takes about 15 minutes. Before getting on the train or metro, you need to purchase a ticket at the ticket stand (DSB) located in the airport terminal. The ticket costs around DKK 30. When you arrive in the city centre you may decide to continue on the train or metro (see below) or get a bus or taxi depending on where you are going to stay.

If you are going to live in the southern part of Copenhagen, it may be more convenient to get a bus from the airport, as you do not need to get all the way to the city centre. Bus number 250S runs from the airport. A ticket costs around DKK 30 (for 3 zones) and can be purchased on the bus. Note that busses do not accept credit cards; you need cash.

A taxi fare from the airport to the city centre costs around DKK 250. Note that in taxis in Denmark, the metre will start at a certain fixed rate and run as you drive. It is not possible to negotiate with the driver regarding the price of the fare. Be aware that tipping is only customary in Denmark when service has been particularly good. Taxi fares include service charges and therefore you are not expected to tip.

Arriving by Train

Copenhagen has three large train stations and a number of smaller stations. Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården) is located in the western part of the city centre. Nørreport is located in the northern part of the city centre, while Østerport is located east of the city centre. From either of the stations it is easy to get to your destination by metro, s-train, bus or taxi. Tickets for the metro and S-trains are purchased on the platform or in the train terminal, while bus tickets can be purchased on the bus. You use the same ticket for both busses and trains. A two-zone ticket, which is probably what you will need, costs around DKK 20.

If you take a taxi, note that the metre will start at a certain fixed rate and run as you drive. It is not possible to negotiate with the driver regarding the price of the fare. Taxi fares include service charges and therefore you are not expected to tip.