Copenhagen is a walker's paradise, neat and compact. Many of the major sightseeing attractions are close to one another.
By Public Transportation
A joint zone fare system includes Copenhagen Transport buses; State Railway, Metro, and S-tog trains in Copenhagen and North Zealand; and some private railway routes within a 40km (25-mile) radius of the capital, enabling you to transfer from train to bus and vice versa with the same ticket.
Basic Fares -- A grundbillet (basic ticket) for buses and trains costs DKK15 ($2.60/£1.50). Up to two children, age 11 and under, ride for half fare when accompanied by an adult. For DKK90 ($15/£9), you can purchase a ticket allowing 24-hour bus and train travel through nearly half of Zealand; it's half-price for children 7 to 11, and free for children 6 and under.
Discount Passes -- The Copenhagen Card (www.copenhagencard.dk) entitles you to free and unlimited travel by bus and rail throughout the metropolitan area (including North Zealand), 25% to 50% discounts on crossings to and from Sweden, and free admission to many sights and museums. The card is available for 1 or 3 days and costs DKK199 ($34/£20) and DKK429 ($73/£43), respectively. Up to two children under the age of 10 are allowed to go free with each adult card. Otherwise, children ages 10 to 15 pay DKK129 ($22/£13) and DKK299 ($51/£30) for 1 or 3 days. Buy the card at tourist offices, at the airport, at train stations, and at most hotels. For more information, contact the Copenhagen Tourist Information Center or click on www.cphcard.com.
For information about low-cost train, ferry, and plane trips, go to Wasteels, Skoubogade 6 (tel. 33-14-46-33), in Copenhagen. It's open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm.
Eurailpasses (which must be purchased in the U.S.) and Nordturist Pass tickets (which can be purchased at any train station in Scandinavia) can be used on local trains in Copenhagen.
By Bus -- Copenhagen's well-maintained buses are the least expensive method of getting around, and most buses leave from Rådhuspladsen in the heart of the city. A basic ticket allows 1 hour of travel and unlimited transfers within the zone where you started your trip. For information, call tel. 36-13-14-15.
By Metro -- In 2002, Copenhagen launched its first Metro line, taking passengers from east to west across the city or vice versa. Operating 24 hours, the Metro links the western and eastern sections of Copenhagen to the center. Eventually, when completed, the Metro will run all the way to the airport. Nørreport is the transfer station to the S-tog system, the commuter rail link to the suburbs. Metro trains run every 2 minutes during rush hours and every 15 minutes at night. Fares are integrated into the existing zonal systems.
By S-tog -- The S-tog connects the heart of Copenhagen, most notably the Central Station, with the city's suburbs. Use of the tickets is the same as on buses. You can transfer from a bus line to an S-tog train on the same ticket. Eurailpass holders generally ride free. For more information, call tel. 70-13-14-15.
By Car
Because of the widespread availability of traffic-free walkways in Copenhagen, and its many parks, gardens, and canalside promenades, the Danish capital is well suited to pedestrian promenades. It's best to park your car in any of the dozens of city parking lots, then retrieve it when you're ready to explore the suburbs or countryside. Many parking lots are open 24 hours, but a few close between 1 and 7am; some close on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday, when traffic is generally lighter. The cost ranges from DKK9 to DKK26 ($1.60-$4.40/90p-£2.60) per hour. Two centrally located parking lots are Industriens Hus, H. C. Andersens Blvd. 18 (tel. 33-91-21-75), open Monday to Friday 7am to midnight, Saturday 9am to 1am, Sunday 9am to midnight; and Park City, Israels Plads (tel. 70-22-92-20), open daily from 6am to midnight for entry. (You can exit from this facility any time, 24 hr. a day.) For more information about parking in Copenhagen, call tel. 47-70-80-80-90 or go online to www.parking.dk.
By Taxi
Watch for the FRI (free) sign or green light to hail a taxi, and be sure the taxis are metered. Taxa 4x35 (tel. 35-35-35-35) operates the largest fleet of cabs. Tips are included in the meter price: DKK19 to DKK32 ($3.30-$5.50/£1.90-£3.20) at the drop of the flag and DKK12 ($2.10/£1.20) per kilometer (about 2/3 mile) thereafter, Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm. From 6pm to 6am, and all day Saturday and Sunday, the cost is DKK15 ($2.60/£1.50) per kilometer. Many drivers speak English.
By Bicycle
To reduce pollution from cars (among other reasons), many Copenhageners ride bicycles. In her younger days, even the queen of Denmark could be seen cycling around just like her subjects. You can rent a bike at Københavns Cyklebors, Gothersgade 157 (tel. 33-14-07-17). Depending on the bike, daily rates range from DKK60 to DKK150 ($10-$26/£6-£15), with deposits from DKK200 to DKK300 ($34-$51/£20-£30). Hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 10am to 1:30pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
