København Hovedbanegård

How to Get to København Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Central Station)

Getting to the heart of the city is straightforward. Here is how to navigate your arrival.

From the Airport (CPH) The most efficient way to reach the station is by regional train.

• Route: Follow signs in Terminal 3 for trains toward "København H" (Copenhagen Central).
• Journey Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cost: 30 DKK (approx. €4.00).
• Important Ticket Warning: You need a 3-zone ticket to travel from the airport (Zone 4) to the city center (Zone 1). Do not purchase a 2-zone ticket, as it is invalid for this journey and will result in a heavy fine.
• Payment: Use the red DSB ticket machines in the arrivals hall (English option available; they accept major credit cards). Alternatively, download the DOT Tickets app to buy digital tickets on your phone.

From the City Center If you are staying in the city center, you can reach the station via:

• S-trains: Most S-train lines (A, B, C, E, H) stop at the Central Station. This is the fastest method from hubs like Nørreport.
• Metro: Take the M3 or M4 line to "København H" station.
• Bus: Several city bus lines, including 5C, stop directly outside the station at the "Hovedbanegården" or "Tietgensgade" stops.
• Journey Time: 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: 20–30 minutes from the airport.
• Cost: Approximately 250–350 DKK (€33–€47).
• Tip: Taxis are readily available at designated ranks outside the airport and major hotels. Most accept all major international credit cards.

København Hovedbanegård is a straightforward, historic through-station that serves as the primary hub for Denmark’s rail network. Think of the layout as a single, wide concourse at street level, with all 13 platforms located directly below in a side-by-side arrangement. Because the station is a through-station rather than a dead-end terminal, trains arrive and depart from both directions, keeping the flow efficient.

The platforms are numbered 1 through 12, plus the specialized platform 26. You will find the platforms grouped in pairs (1/2, 3/4, etc.) on island platforms. Platforms 7 through 12 are typically used for local suburban "S-tog" commuter trains, while platforms 1 through 6 generally handle regional, InterCity, and international trains, including the Øresund trains heading toward Sweden and Copenhagen Airport. Platform 26 is the exception; it is located roughly 200 meters south of the main platform area and is primarily used for specific international or regional services.

Navigating the station is simple once you are inside the main hall. To reach your train, you enter the main hall at street level, where you will find clear departure screens and signs indicating which platform your train is departing from. Stairs, escalators, and elevators are located along the far side of the hall, providing access down to each platform.

For first-time visitors, the most important tip is to check the digital boards in the main hall shortly after you arrive, as platform numbers can occasionally change. If you are traveling with heavy luggage, the elevator access to all platforms makes the transition easy. Because the station is compact, it is rarely more than a 5-minute walk from the main entrance to even the furthest platform. If you are connecting from a train to the Copenhagen Metro, you do not need to head up to the main hall; simply follow the signs for the "M" metro line within the pedestrian tunnel that links the platforms beneath the tracks. By staying mindful of the platform numbering and keeping an eye on the departure boards, you will find the station’s layout intuitive and easy to navigate.

Navigating a new city can feel overwhelming, but København Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Central Station) is highly accessible once you know the ropes. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first trip to avoid the stress!

Before You Arrive

• Download the Apps: Don't rely on paper tickets. Download Rejseplanen for journey planning and the Rejsebillet app to buy tickets directly on your phone. This makes switching between trains, metros, and buses seamless.
• Ticket Strategy: Skip the queues at the machines. Buying digital tickets via the Rejsebillet app is faster and prevents confusion. If you are staying for a few days, look into a City Pass (Small or Large), which offers unlimited travel in central zones and is usually the most cost-effective option for sightseeing.

At the Station

• Facilities: Toilets are located in the main Station Hall and cost 5 DKK (coins or card payment). If you need snacks, avoid the pricier sit-down restaurants; there are several 7-Eleven kiosks inside the station that are perfect for a quick, affordable bite.
• Accessibility: The station is very accessible. Lifts are available to take you and your luggage down to every platform, so you don't need to struggle with escalators.
• Stay Alert: Like any major transport hub, pickpockets operate here. Keep your belongings secure, especially when distracted by ticket machines or checking boards.

Common Mistakes

• The "No-Ticket" Fine: Never board a train without a ticket, even if you don't see barriers. Ticket inspectors are common, and catching a ride without a valid ticket results in a hefty fine of 750 DKK (approx. €100).
• Platform Changes: Don't check your platform two hours early. Platforms can change, so check the digital boards or your app 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure you're heading to the right track.
• Zone Confusion: Ensure you know how many zones your ticket covers. Traveling outside your purchased zone can lead to an expensive fine, so double-check the zone map in the Rejseplanen app if you are venturing out of the city center.

Through station serving Copenhagen, Denmark. Opened on December 1, 1911, and designed by architect Heinrich Wenck, København Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Central Station) is an architectural landmark and the primary hub for the Danish rail network. While the station underwent a significant restoration completed in 2008, it retains its historic character. It serves as a vital connection point for domestic InterCity and express trains, frequent regional services, the Øresund trains to Sweden, and the local S-train network. International services link Copenhagen to major destinations in Germany and Sweden.

First-time travelers often feel nervous about navigating large European hubs, but this station is designed with a straightforward layout. The main passenger hall is located at street level, situated directly above the tracks. The station features 13 tracks distributed across 7 platforms. Access to these platforms is via stairs, escalators, and lifts from the main hall.

Is it huge and confusing? Not at all. The station is well-signposted with English-language displays, making it manageable for international visitors. However, keep in mind that platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure, so always check the digital information screens upon arrival. A dedicated, underground Metro station is also connected via a pedestrian tunnel, allowing for easy transfers. Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to comfortably navigate the station and locate your platform.