Hillerød

How to Get to Hillerød

Hillerød is easily reachable from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and the city center using Denmark’s efficient, integrated public transport network.

From Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

• Route: Take a direct train from the airport station (located under Terminal 3) to København H (Central Station). From there, transfer to the S-tog (Line A) directly to Hillerød Station.
• Journey Time: Approximately 60–70 minutes total.
• Cost: Roughly €15–€20 (approx. 110–150 DKK) for a single ticket covering the required zones.
• Important Ticket Warning: You are traveling across multiple zones. Ensure your ticket covers the entire distance (typically 8–9 zones). Do not purchase a standard local city ticket, as it will not be valid and will result in a heavy fine.
• Payment: Use the "Rejsebillet" app for the easiest experience. Alternatively, use the red DSB ticket machines at the airport; they have an English-language option and accept major international credit/debit cards.

From Copenhagen City Center

• Option 1 (S-tog Line A): The most direct route. Board the S-tog line A at major stations like Nørreport or København H. It terminates at Hillerød.
• Option 2 (Regional Train): Occasionally, regional trains run directly from Nørreport or Østerport to Hillerød. Check the "Rejseplanen" app or station displays for the fastest departure.
• Journey Time: Approximately 35–45 minutes.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: About 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €115 and €150 (approx. 850–1,100 DKK). Taxis are widely available at the airport and city center and accept all major credit cards.

Welcome to Hillerød Station, a pivotal hub for North Zealand. As a first-time visitor, you will find this station’s layout straightforward. Unlike massive transit complexes, Hillerød is a relatively compact through-style station that serves as the terminus for several regional railway lines. Because it is a terminus for multiple independent routes, the station features dedicated dead-end platform tracks rather than a single continuous through-line arrangement.

The station is organized with a clear focus on regional connectivity. You will find that the platforms are arranged in a side-by-side configuration, making navigation intuitive. There are no complex upper or lower levels to decipher; the entire passenger area is accessible at ground level. This means you do not need to worry about navigating multiple flights of stairs or finding obscure platform zones; the main station building provides direct access to the platform area.

Regarding your connections, the S-train (Line A) from Copenhagen arrives here, and you will find it serves as the central artery for your journey. From this same platform area, you can easily transfer to the local railway lines (Lokaltog) that head toward destinations like Gilleleje, Tisvildeleje, and Hundested. Because the station is quite compact, moving between the S-train platforms and the local train tracks is a quick, flat walk that typically takes no more than 2 to 3 minutes, even with luggage.

If you are continuing your journey by bus, the bus terminal is conveniently located directly in front of the station building. This serves as the primary gateway for regional travel throughout North Zealand. Keep in mind that while there are track connections between the various railways, they are rarely used for passenger services, so you should always rely on the digital departure boards to confirm your specific platform number.

As a first-timer, the most important tip is to head toward the main station building upon arrival. All essential services, including a 7-Eleven for snacks and travel card assistance, are located there. The station is well-signed, and the "dead-end" nature of the platforms ensures that you are always walking toward the train's starting point, preventing the common confusion of searching for trains on the "wrong side" of a through-platform. Enjoy your visit to beautiful North Zealand!

Tips for First-Time Visitors to Hillerød Station

I wish someone had told me how straightforward Hillerød station is, but even a simple station has its quirks. Don’t worry, but do prepare a little to make your arrival stress-free.

Before You Arrive

• Download the DSB App: Forget third-party apps like Trainline or Omio, which often add unnecessary fees. Download the official DSB app or use Rejseplanen for real-time, accurate, and official travel information.
• Ticket Strategy: If you are visiting from Copenhagen, look into the Copenhagen City Pass Large if you plan to travel around; it is often more cost-effective than buying individual return tickets. Otherwise, the DSB app is the easiest way to purchase point-to-point tickets without waiting in queues at machines.
• Station Complexity: Hillerød is a major, yet manageable, hub. It is the northern terminus for the S-train (Line A) and connects to various local (Lokalbanen) lines. It is well-signed, so you won’t feel lost, but give yourself a few extra minutes to navigate between the S-train platforms and the local train tracks.

At the Station

• Food and Supplies: There is a 7-Eleven directly at the station, which is perfect for a quick coffee or snack. For more substantial, budget-friendly options, grab something there before you head toward the castle.
• Toilets: Public restrooms are available at the station, but be aware that they are not free; you will need to pay to use them. Keep a few coins handy just in case the card reader is temperamental.
• Tourist Help: If you need a physical map of the town or tips on the castle, look for the Turistinspiration point located at the Lagkagehuset bakery and café right at the station.

Common Mistakes

• Zone Confusion: If you buy individual tickets, ensure you have the correct zone coverage for your entire journey. Many travelers buy tickets for the wrong number of zones and risk a heavy fine. The DSB app automatically calculates the correct zones for you—let it do the work!
• Platform Changes: While Hillerød is a terminus, always check the digital display boards 20–30 minutes before your departure. Do not assume your train will leave from the same track it arrived on, especially if you are connecting to a local line.
• Payment Methods: Avoid relying solely on cash for machines. While some older machines might take it, most modern ticket machines and the 7-Eleven prefer contactless card payments (Visa/Mastercard).

Through station serving Hillerød, Denmark. Originally opened in 1864, this vital junction for North Zealand rail traffic is currently concluding a comprehensive renovation project (2023–2026) to modernize its infrastructure and improve passenger flow. While the station historically utilized a smaller platform configuration, the ongoing upgrades include the addition of new platform tracks and a new footbridge to enhance capacity and accessibility.

You may be wondering: is this station huge and confusing? You can relax. Despite its importance as a regional hub where the S-train network connects with several local lines, the layout remains straightforward. The station is well-signposted, and digital displays provide clear, updated information in English. Travelers should note that individual lines often use dedicated, distinct platform areas, so allow a few extra minutes to navigate between them if you are transferring. As with many European rail hubs, check the station screens upon arrival, as platform assignments can occasionally change 30–60 minutes before departure. With newly installed elevators and improved pedestrian tunnels, the station is designed to be accessible for all travelers, including those with heavy luggage or strollers.