Copenhagen's metro system has only been in operation since 2002, making it modern and very efficient. The metro trains are automatic and driverless, giving passengers a panoramic view of the line from the front and rear seats.
The metro runs underground in the centre, while at the periphery it runs above ground.
View hotels in central Copenhagen
The 4 metro lines are complemented by a busy urban railway network.
Metro lines
There are 4 metro lines in operation in Copenhagen. On some sections, two lines run together, halving the frequency.
The metro lines are always marked with a colour and number.
- M1 (green) + M2 (yellow) - for most of the route, these lines run together from the Vanløse terminus in the east of the city to the historic centre (Kongens Nytorv and Christianshavn). Here the routes separate. The green M1 goes directly south to the Vestamager terminus, the yellow M2 goes along the coast to Copenhagen Airport.
- M3 (red) - a circular and very busy line connecting important locations in the centre. The busiest section between Østerport, Kongens Nytorv and the main station runs alongside the M4
- M4 (blue) - the central line connects Central Station, Kongens Nytorv and Østerport, continuing further north to the modern Orientkaj district. An extension to the south is being built to Elleberg.
In addition to the metro, you can also use trains in and around the centre.
Official metro website: intl.m.dk
Copenhagen Public Transport Finder: dinoffentligetransport.dk/en
Train lines
The backbone railway line between the main station and Østerport station is faster than the M2 + M4 metro lines running on the same route. In addition, trains also run to the wider Copenhagen area.
Some lines are designated as S-tog and run purely around the city, others come from further afield (Re, IC, ICL) but you can easily use them to travel around Copenhagen on a regular public transport ticket.
How does the metro work?
The Copenhagen metro is purely automatic with no on-site operator. The stations are modern and very clean, as are the metro sets.
There are no restrictions to get on the platform, no turnstiles to go through and only random ticket inspectors check tickets.
The platform is separated from the tracks by glass walls with sliding doors that open automatically when the metro arrives at the station. There are no buttons to open the doors, they all open automatically.
Timetables and operating hours
All metro lines run every 2-4 minutes on weekdays, and every 4-5 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends.
The Copenhagen metro runs 24 hours a day. The night interval is between 6 and 20 minutes. The M4 circular red line runs in one direction only at night.
Detailed timetable information can be found on the official metro website: intl.m.dk/travel-information/the-timetable
Metro fares
The metro and all trains are integrated into the public transport system, so you can use a common ticket, which is also valid for buses and ferries.
Prices are based on the number of zones travelled. The centre of Copenhagen is divided into zones 1, 2 and 3, while the southern part of the city with the airport falls into zone 4.
The cheapest ticket exists for two zones, with all-day and multi-day tickets sold only for zones 1-4.
- 24 hours (zones 1-4) - 90 dkk
- 48 hours (zones 1-4) - 160 dkk
- 72 hours (zones 1-4) - 220 dkk
- 90 minutes for 3 connecting zones (e.g. travel to the airport) - 30 dkk
- 75 minutes for 2 connecting zones (downtown travel only) - - 24 dkk
Pay your fare via the DOT Tickets mobile app. When you buy a ticket on the app, you choose the date and exact time your ticket will be valid from and you don't have to worry about anything else.
The alternative, of course, is the classic paper ticket, which you can buy from the square silver machines in each metro station. They are always located before you enter the platform.
In addition to these machines, you will also find smaller rounded ones that sell a Rejsekort card for frequent travellers. However, due to the purchase price 80 dkk, they are not worth it at all for tourists in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen metro map
Which metro lines and trains run which way? The official downloadable .pdf maps of all modes of transport can be found at: dinoffentligetransport.dk/en.
