EXPLAINED: How to use Copenhagen’s public transport network
Copenhagen's public transport system includes buses, trains, metros and even harbour buses. The efficient and comprehensive network can feel overwhelming to newcomers and tourists in the capital. Here's the best way to navigate it.
Many visitors to the Danish capital may find themselves scrutinising Google maps or trying to interpret timetables at bus stops in order to get around.
But there is a resource that links it altogether, called Din Offentlige Transport (DOT).
The DOT website and app was launched in 2019 and it is a must if you're moving to, or visiting Copenhagen.
There is a special DOT tourist website, which includes ticketing and transport information in English, as well as tips for tourists, gathering everything in one place.
One of the aims of the resource was to draw more visitors to attractions outside of central Copenhagen and through the website you can find out the fastest and cheapest way to do that.
READ ALSO: Sporarbejde? The words that will help you navigate public transport in Denmark
How to get public transport tickets
Rejsekort
Many Danish residents use the Rejsekort pre-pay card, which can be used across all types of transport. You can pick one of these up as a tourist at rail or some Metro stations, but there’s a deposit and minimum balance requirement on the cards that might not make them worthwhile for a short visit.
Ticket machines (not for buses)
There are ticket machines at train and metro stations, as well as Copenhagen airport. However this doesn't cover bus tickets. For buses, you need either a Rejsekort, or to pay the driver in cash when you get on the bus. Bank cards are not accepted.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Is it better for tourists to use cash or card in Denmark?
DOT app
You can buy tickets on the DOT app, which is accepted on all forms of public transport, including harbour buses. The harbour bus runs in both directions from Teglholm in the south to Refshaleøen in the north.
The app will tell you which zones your journey covers and which ticket to buy. Once you've added your payment card, you can buy tickets with just the tap of your phone.
After you've bought your ticket, a timer will tell you how long your ticket is valid for. This depends on the ticket type, and the number of zones it covers.
Longer journeys
With the journey planner on the DOT website, you can find out which trains take you to places further afield, which platform the train departs from and the best ticket to get for this.
For example, a train from Copenhagen central station to Helsingør takes 48 minutes and a single ticket or city pass ticket option will get you there.
The DOT tourist website also answers questions about ticket fines, taking bikes on public transport and what to do if you've lost an item on public transport.
READ MORE: How to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen
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Many visitors to the Danish capital may find themselves scrutinising Google maps or trying to interpret timetables at bus stops in order to get around.
But there is a resource that links it altogether, called Din Offentlige Transport (DOT).
The DOT website and app was launched in 2019 and it is a must if you're moving to, or visiting Copenhagen.
There is a special DOT tourist website, which includes ticketing and transport information in English, as well as tips for tourists, gathering everything in one place.
One of the aims of the resource was to draw more visitors to attractions outside of central Copenhagen and through the website you can find out the fastest and cheapest way to do that.
READ ALSO: Sporarbejde? The words that will help you navigate public transport in Denmark
How to get public transport tickets
Rejsekort
Many Danish residents use the Rejsekort pre-pay card, which can be used across all types of transport. You can pick one of these up as a tourist at rail or some Metro stations, but there’s a deposit and minimum balance requirement on the cards that might not make them worthwhile for a short visit.
Ticket machines (not for buses)
There are ticket machines at train and metro stations, as well as Copenhagen airport. However this doesn't cover bus tickets. For buses, you need either a Rejsekort, or to pay the driver in cash when you get on the bus. Bank cards are not accepted.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Is it better for tourists to use cash or card in Denmark?
DOT app
You can buy tickets on the DOT app, which is accepted on all forms of public transport, including harbour buses. The harbour bus runs in both directions from Teglholm in the south to Refshaleøen in the north.
The app will tell you which zones your journey covers and which ticket to buy. Once you've added your payment card, you can buy tickets with just the tap of your phone.
After you've bought your ticket, a timer will tell you how long your ticket is valid for. This depends on the ticket type, and the number of zones it covers.
Longer journeys
With the journey planner on the DOT website, you can find out which trains take you to places further afield, which platform the train departs from and the best ticket to get for this.
For example, a train from Copenhagen central station to Helsingør takes 48 minutes and a single ticket or city pass ticket option will get you there.
The DOT tourist website also answers questions about ticket fines, taking bikes on public transport and what to do if you've lost an item on public transport.
READ MORE: How to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen
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