Getting Around Denmark

Transport, Trains, Cycling & Practical Travel Tips

Denmark is compact, efficient, and exceptionally easy to navigate. In a single trip, travellers can move between vibrant design-focused cities, Viking heritage sites, windswept North Sea beaches, charming islands, and rolling countryside — all within relatively short travel times.

From the cultural energy of Copenhagen to the historic streets of Aarhus, the fairy-tale atmosphere of Odense, and the coastal beauty of Skagen — Denmark’s transport network makes multi-stop itineraries simple and highly efficient.

This guide explains how transport works in Denmark — trains, regional transport, buses, ferries, cycling, taxis, car rental, and domestic flights — with realistic travel times, costs, and route context.

Transport Options in Denmark

Trains (DSB National Rail)

Denmark’s train network is modern, punctual, and the backbone of intercity travel.

• Clean, comfortable, and reliable
• Reserved seating available on longer routes
• Free Wi-Fi on many services
• Operated by DSB

Typical cost:
DKK 150–500 (€20–€70) depending on distance and booking time

Popular routes:

Copenhagen → Aarhus: ~3 hours
Copenhagen → Odense: ~1h 15m
Aarhus → Aalborg: ~1h 30m

Trains are the best option for travelling between major cities.

Regional Trains & Local Rail

Regional trains connect smaller towns and coastal areas.

• Frequent and well integrated
• No reservations required
• Easy transfers from main lines

Typical cost:
DKK 50–250 (€7–€35)

Essential for reaching:

Roskilde
Elsinore
Aalborg
Fredericia

Buses

Buses complement the rail network, especially in rural and island regions.

• Extensive national coverage
• Reliable and punctual
• Integrated ticketing with trains in many areas

Typical cost:
DKK 20–150 (€3–€20)

Useful for:

• Rural Jutland
• Smaller islands
• Coastal routes not served by rail

Cycling

Denmark is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world.

• Dedicated cycling lanes everywhere
• Flat terrain makes riding easy
• Bikes allowed on many trains (small fee)

Typical rental cost:
DKK 100–200 (€15–€30) per day

In cities like Copenhagen, cycling is often the fastest way to get around.

Metro & Urban Transport

Copenhagen has an excellent public transport system.

• Driverless metro running 24/7
• S-trains connect suburbs and nearby towns
• Integrated ticketing system (zones)

Airport → City Centre:
~15 minutes by metro

Ferries

With hundreds of islands, ferries are an essential part of Danish travel.

• Frequent and reliable
• Passenger and car ferries available
• Scenic coastal journeys

Typical cost:
DKK 50–300 (€7–€40)

Common routes:

Mainland ↔ Danish islands
Short coastal crossings
Connections to Bornholm

Car Rental

Driving is easy and roads are excellent.

Recommended for:

• Rural Jutland
• Exploring remote coastal areas
• Flexible itineraries

Not necessary for:

• Copenhagen
• Major city-to-city travel

Typical cost:
DKK 300–800 (€40–€110) per day

Taxis & Ride Services

• Widely available in cities
• Clean but relatively expensive

Typical cost:
DKK 150–300 (€20–€40) for short trips

Domestic Flights

Denmark is small, so flights are rarely necessary.

• Useful for long distances (e.g. Copenhagen ↔ Aalborg)
• Also for reaching Bornholm

Typical cost:
DKK 400–1,000 (€55–€135) one way

Getting Around Denmark’s Main Regions & Cities

Copenhagen & Zealand

Copenhagen

• Metro, buses, harbour buses, cycling
• Extremely walkable city centre
• Direct train and metro from airport

Roskilde

• ~25 minutes by train from Copenhagen
• Easy day trip

Elsinore (Helsingør)

• ~45 minutes by train
• Ferry connection to Sweden

Funen (Fyn)

Odense

• ~1h 15m from Copenhagen by train
• Walkable centre
• Good cycling infrastructure

Jutland

Aarhus

• ~3 hours from Copenhagen
• Light rail, buses, cycling
• Compact and easy to navigate

Aalborg

• ~1h 30m from Aarhus
• Small, walkable centre

Skagen

• Remote northern destination
• Reach via train + regional connections

Bornholm

• Island in the Baltic Sea
• Accessible by ferry or flight
• Best explored by bike or car

Popular Routes: Travel Times & Costs

Copenhagen → Aarhus
• Train: ~3h | DKK 250–500

Copenhagen → Odense
• Train: ~1h 15m | DKK 150–300

Aarhus → Aalborg
• Train: ~1h 30m | DKK 150–300

Copenhagen → Elsinore
• Train: ~45m | DKK 80–150

Copenhagen → Roskilde
• Train: ~25m | DKK 50–100

Copenhagen → Bornholm
• Flight or train + ferry: 2–4 hours total

Ferries & Coastal Travel

Ferries operate:

• Between Danish islands
• To Bornholm
• Between Denmark and Sweden

They are efficient, comfortable, and often scenic — a highlight rather than just transport.

Driving in Denmark

Driving is straightforward and safe.

• Well-maintained roads
• Clear signage
• Bridges connect major islands (tolls may apply, e.g. Storebælt Bridge)

Not recommended for:

• Central Copenhagen (parking limited and expensive)

Top Places to Visit in Denmark

• Copenhagen – design, food, cycling culture
• Aarhus – modern culture and museums
• Odense – fairy-tale heritage
• Roskilde – Viking history
• Elsinore – Kronborg Castle (Hamlet)
• Aalborg – northern charm
• Skagen – where two seas meet
• Bornholm – island landscapes and beaches

Denmark’s transport system is one of Europe’s most efficient and user-friendly. Trains connect major cities quickly, buses and ferries fill regional gaps, and cycling offers a uniquely Danish way to explore.

With minimal distances, excellent infrastructure, and seamless integration between transport types, travelling around Denmark is simple, flexible, and enjoyable.

N.B. Prices shown are indicative and reflect typical costs in Denmark as at April 2026.