Getting Around Copenhagen

Metro

Don't be afraid of the rainbow metro map. The only two lines a tourist should worry about are the M1 and the M2 lines indicated, respectively, in green and yellow. The other lines are suburban lines. M1 and M2 run around most places tourists will want to go, with the exception of the airport. Both lines, in conjunction, run through Norreport, Kongens, Nytorv and Christhavn. The trains run from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily and through the night on weekends. See more information on the Metro's Web site.

The public transportation system is based on seven zone rings that radiate out from the center of the city. The two central zones encompass just about all the attractions visitors will want, so the basic ticket, which covers these two zones for bus, train, and metro, should suffice. You can purchase tickets at ticket offices, from vending machines at stations, or from bus drivers. Children between the ages of 12 and 15 qualify for discounted rates (see below) and up to two can ride with the same ticket. The purchase of a full-price ticket allows an adult to bring along up to two children under the age of 12 for free. All fares are doubled for public transportation between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The basic ticket costs DKK21 (€2.70) for adults and DKK10 (€1.40) for children and is valid on all three modes of transportation for the period of an hour. If you prefer traveling with a per journey ticket, a discount ticket is available that is good for 10 journeys and costs DKK130 (€16) for and adult and DKK60 (€8) for a child. For further savings, purchase a 24-hour ticket or a Flexcard. A 24-hour ticket is good for travel within all zones for a 24 hour period. It costs DKK115 (€15) for an adult and DKK58 (€7.50) for a child. A Flexcard is good for unlimited travel for seven days within the zones indicated on the card. An adult Flexcard for two zones costs DKK200 (€26.50).

Buses

Buses run from 5 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 6 a.m. on Sundays until around half past midnight. Some buses run through the night. See more information on the website of the Greater Copenhagen Authority.

Taxis

Taxis are easy to flag anywhere around Copenhagen. Look for the yellow "taxa" light onthe roof of cabs. Lit signs designate free cabs. Starting fare is DKK24 from the street andDKK37 when ordered by telephone. Taxis cost DKK11.50 (€1.50) per kilometer during the day, DKK12.50 (€1.70) per kilometer on nights and weekends, and DKK15.80 (€2.10) on weekend nights and holidays. A service charge is included in the set fare, so don't worry about tips.

Bicycles

Central Copenhagen is spread out. On our last visit, the EuroCheapo team came to the conclusion that the best way to get around is on two wheels. Every Copenhagen resident appears to be on a bicycle, and there's nothing more exciting for a tourist than getting stuck in Copenhagen's morning and evening bicycle traffic.

One convenient place to pick up some wheels is Kobenhavns Cykler, located underneath the southwest side of the train station at Reventlowsgade 11. Reventlowsgade is the street down the stairs from the massive bike rack located on the southwest side of the station. With a DKK500 (€65) deposit, we were able to get a bike for DKK75 (€10) per day. Find more information online on the Kobenhavns Cykler website.