How to get from Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn
Getting from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Nyhavn is quick and straightforward thanks to the driverless metro, frequent regional trains, reliable buses and plentiful taxis and private transfers; this guide compares all main options with journey times, rough costs and step-by-step directions so you can start enjoying the harbor views with minimum hassle.
At A Glance (Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro M2 (Airport → Kongens Nytorv) | ~13–18 min on the metro + 2–5 min walk | Most travelers, fastest & simplest |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~DKK 30–40 (3-zone adult single) » tickets & zones | DOT ticket app | ||
| 🚆 Regional Train (Airport → Central) + Metro/Walk | ~15–25 min total (transfer-dependent) | Those heading via Central Station |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~DKK 30–40 (same 3-zone ticket) » DSB city info | plan route | ||
| 🚌 City Bus (e.g. 5C) + Metro/Walk | ~35–50 min (traffic-dependent) | Budget travel, late-night alternatives |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~DKK 30–40 (3-zone ticket, same as metro) » buses & zones | ||
| 🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer | ~25–45 min (traffic-heavy at rush hour) | Door-to-door comfort, heavy luggage, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~DKK 300–450 per car to central city » prebook transfers | alt. transfer options | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self-drive | ~25–40 min to Nyhavn (plus pickup time) | Road trips, exploring beyond Copenhagen |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~DKK 350–600/day + fuel/parking » compare rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Take the Metro M2 direct from the airport to Kongens Nytorv, then walk a couple of minutes to Nyhavn.
- Best if your hotel is near Central Station: Use the regional train to Copenhagen Central, then metro (M3/M4) or bus to Nyhavn.
- Cheapest / Flexible with time: Combine a city bus (e.g. 5C) with a short metro ride or walk, especially if your accommodation is along the bus route.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Prebook a taxi or private transfer if you have heavy luggage, young kids, or arrive very late.
- For Road Trips Around Denmark/Sweden: Pick up a car from airport car rental and drive directly to Nyhavn before heading out of the city.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Use official journey planners: For live metro, train and bus times, check Rejseplanen or the DOT journey planner on the web or app before you leave the terminal.
- Tickets & passes: A 3-zone ticket covers airport→city; consider City Pass Small (24–120h) or tourist products like the Copenhagen Card, which you can browse on Klook if you plan lots of sightseeing and public transport.
- Cash vs card: You can pay for tickets by card at machines and counters; contactless and mobile payments are widely accepted and easiest for short stays.
- Private transfers: If you want someone waiting with a sign, compare fixed-price rides on GetYourGuide, Klook airport transfers, or prebook a car via Trip.com packages. Alternatives include prearranged taxis via apps like Uber or Bolt.
- Car rental: For onward driving around Denmark or to Sweden, compare airport car hire deals on Booking.com Car Rental or browse more options via Klook car rentals.
- Bikes after you arrive: Once checked in near Nyhavn, consider renting a bike to explore the city like a local; you can compare offers on BikesBooking alongside local bike shops.
- Luggage storage: If your room isn’t ready yet, leave bags at your hotel or use city-luggage services; for flexible options near the center and Nyhavn, check Radical Storage Copenhagen.
- Onward rail & bus trips: If you’re heading on to other Scandinavian cities by land, you can precheck cross-border trains and buses on 12Go (Copenhagen→Stockholm) or similar routes.
🚇 Option #1 — Metro M2 Direct to Nyhavn (Most Popular & Fastest)
Fastest Very frequent Easy with light luggage
- Overview: The driverless M2 metro line runs from Lufthavnen (Copenhagen Airport) station directly to Kongens Nytorv, which sits at the top of Nyhavn. Trains run roughly every 4–8 minutes in the day and less frequently at night.
- How to book (with price): No advance booking needed. Buy a 3-zone ticket (~DKK 30–40) from ticket machines or use the DOT app. City passes and the Copenhagen Card (available via Klook) include this journey.
- Pros: Fastest and simplest option; runs 24/7; avoids traffic. Cons: Can be busy at peak times; you handle your luggage yourself and there are a few escalators/stairs at Kongens Nytorv.
- Official info: Check metro details on the airport’s transport page at Copenhagen Airport metro information.
Step-by-step: Metro M2
- After customs, follow the blue Metro signs from the arrivals hall towards the end of Terminal 3.
- At the ticket machines, choose a 3-zone ticket to the city centre or activate your City Pass/Copenhagen Card. Machines have English menus and accept cards.
- Enter the metro platform for line M2 in the direction of Vanløse. Metro trains arrive every few minutes.
- Ride the metro to Kongens Nytorv (about 9 stops from the airport). Listen for announcements and watch the screens.
- At Kongens Nytorv, follow Nyhavn/Harbour exit signs; it’s about a 2–4 minute walk to the waterfront and nearby hotels.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Metro Station & Kongens Nytorv)
- Within the airport: The metro station is directly connected to Terminal 3 via escalators and elevators, so you do not need to go outside.
- Accessibility: Both airport and Kongens Nytorv stations have elevators; allow a little extra time for lifts at busy hours.
- For nearby hotels: If your hotel is around Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv, or the inner city, you can walk from the metro; for hotels closer to Central Station, consider switching to the S-train or City Ring metro instead.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #2 — Regional Train to Central Station + Metro/Walk
Same ticket price Good if staying near Central One transfer
- Overview: DSB regional trains connect the airport to København H (Copenhagen Central Station) in about 13 minutes. From there, it’s either a short metro ride (M3/M4) to Kongens Nytorv or a 20–25 minute walk to Nyhavn.
- How to book (with price): Buy a 3-zone ticket (~DKK 30–40) from DSB ticket machines or counters in Terminal 3; the same ticket is valid on your connecting metro or bus within the time limit. You can also check train times on the DSB site or apps and on DSB Copenhagen city travel info.
- Pros: Plenty of luggage space; handy if your hotel is near Central Station or along S-train lines. Cons: Involves a transfer or longer walk to Nyhavn compared with the direct metro.
Step-by-step: Regional Train + Metro/Walk
- From arrivals, follow signs to Trains in Terminal 3; the station is just below the terminal.
- Buy a 3-zone ticket to Copenhagen city from the DSB ticket machines/counters, or ensure your City Pass/Copenhagen Card is active.
- Board a regional train bound for Copenhagen Central Station (København H); trains usually run every 10–20 minutes.
- On arrival at Central Station, either walk outside and follow signs towards the city centre/Nyhavn (about 20–25 minutes on foot) or transfer to the M3 or M4 metro at Central (via the nearby stations) heading to Kongens Nytorv.
- From Kongens Nytorv, walk to Nyhavn or your nearby accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Train Station & Central Station)
- Airport train station: Located under Terminal 3, accessible by lifts and escalators; follow the Train pictograms.
- Copenhagen Central Station: Major hub with S-trains, regional and long-distance trains plus buses and metro within walking distance.
- From Central to Nyhavn: Easiest is metro to Kongens Nytorv or bus across the centre; you can also walk via Tivoli and Strøget if you are light on luggage.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — City Bus (e.g. 5C) + Metro/Walk
Low cost Scenic street-level ride Slower, traffic-dependent
- Overview: Bus line 5C and other city buses connect the airport with central Copenhagen, running via key areas like Amagerbro and Nørreport. To reach Nyhavn, you’ll typically change to the metro at Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv or walk across the inner city.
- How to book (with price): Use the same 3-zone ticket (~DKK 30–40) valid across buses, metro and trains, or tap your travel card/app when boarding. Check lines and stops via the DOT website at Din Offentlige Transport.
- Pros: Good if your accommodation is specifically along a bus route; you see more of the city. Cons: Slower and more affected by traffic than metro/train; less luggage space at busy times.
Step-by-step: City Bus + Metro/Walk
- From arrivals, follow signs for Bus outside Terminal 3 and locate the stop for line 5C or other relevant routes.
- Validate your ticket or travel card when boarding, or show your City Pass/Copenhagen Card if inspected.
- Ride to a central hub such as Nørreport or Hovedbanegården (Central Station).
- From there, switch to the metro to Kongens Nytorv or, if you prefer, walk through the centre to Nyhavn.
- Alight at Kongens Nytorv metro and walk to the Nyhavn waterfront.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops & City Hubs)
- Airport bus area: Most city buses stop directly outside Terminal 3; look for digital screens showing departures and route numbers.
- City hubs: Nørreport and Central Station are the most useful for connections towards Nyhavn, thanks to metro links and walkable routes.
- At night: Night bus routes may replace or supplement day routes; always double-check timetables for late arrivals.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #4 — Taxi, Ride-hailing & Private Transfer (Door-to-door)
Door-to-door Comfortable with luggage Highest cost
- Overview: Metered taxis wait outside each terminal, and app-based services (Uber, Bolt) operate as licensed taxis. You’ll be dropped right at your hotel or apartment near Nyhavn.
- How to book (with price): Expect around DKK 300–450 to the Nyhavn/inner-city area depending on traffic and time of day. For fixed-price, prebook options compare providers on GetYourGuide airport transfers or Klook Copenhagen airport transfers. You can also arrange cars through global services like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, alongside local taxi and ride-hailing apps.
- Pros: Fastest door-to-door option; no transfers; ideal late at night or with small children/heavy bags. Cons: Significantly more expensive than public transport; subject to traffic delays.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer
- Decide whether you want to hail a taxi on arrival or meet a prebooked driver (who will usually wait in the arrivals hall with a sign).
- For on-the-spot taxis, follow Taxi signs outside Terminal 3 and join the official taxi queue; do not accept unofficial rides.
- Give your driver your exact Nyhavn address or hotel name (many drivers know Nyhavn hotels well).
- For prebooked services from platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, follow the meeting instructions in your confirmation (often arrivals hall or a specific driver pick-up lane).
- Pay by card or mobile pay at the end of the ride; tipping is optional but rounding up is common.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Ranks & Pickup Zones)
- Airport taxi ranks: Located just outside arrivals at each terminal; queues move quickly as many taxis serve the airport.
- Ride-hailing pickup: App-based services will specify the pickup zone in the app; check the map pin carefully and look for signage.
- Nyhavn drop-off: Many streets around Nyhavn are one-way or partially pedestrian; your driver may drop you at the nearest legal spot, usually a very short walk away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #5 — Car Rental / Self-drive
Best for road trips Flexible itinerary Parking & city driving
- Overview: If you plan to explore the Danish countryside or drive on to Sweden, picking up a rental car at Copenhagen Airport can be convenient. You can still swing by Nyhavn first to check in or explore, then continue your road trip.
- How to book (with price): Typical compact rentals start from around DKK 350–600/day excluding fuel and parking. Compare offers from multiple companies at once on Booking.com Car Rental in Copenhagen or browse wider Scandinavian options via Trip.com packages.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility for day trips and regional travel. Cons: Paying for city-center parking, navigating narrow streets around Nyhavn, and Copenhagen’s extensive one-way systems and bike lanes can be stressful.
Step-by-step: Car Rental / Self-drive
- Reserve your car online in advance with your chosen provider (via Booking.com, Klook, or directly with a rental company at CPH).
- On arrival, follow signs for Car Rental desks in the airport to complete paperwork and collect keys.
- Drive towards central Copenhagen following signs for City Centre, then towards Indre By/Kongens Nytorv.
- Use your GPS to navigate to your hotel near Nyhavn or to a nearby parking garage (search for garages around Kongens Nytorv or Nyhavn).
- Park legally and keep your ticket; many central garages allow payment via card or app.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Car Rental & City Parking)
- Airport car rental village: Most rental companies cluster in or near the terminal complex; shuttle buses may operate if your provider is slightly off-site.
- Parking near Nyhavn: Street parking is limited; underground car parks near Kongens Nytorv or the inner city are usually the easiest option.
- Driving in Copenhagen: Expect many cyclists and pedestrians; drive slowly and yield to bikes at intersections.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn)
How long does it take to get from Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn?
The fastest option is the Metro M2 from the airport to Kongens Nytorv, which takes around 13–18 minutes plus a short walk to Nyhavn. Regional trains to Central Station plus metro or walking usually take 20–30 minutes. Taxis and transfers are typically 25–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Is the metro safe and easy to use with luggage?
Yes. The metro is modern, clean and generally very safe, including in the evening. There are elevators and escalators at both the airport and Kongens Nytorv, and many travellers use it with luggage. Just avoid blocking doors and keep bags close in crowded carriages.
Can I use a City Pass or Copenhagen Card from the airport?
City Pass Small (zones including the airport) and the Copenhagen Card include metro, train and bus rides between the airport and the city centre within the validity period. Make sure your pass is activated before boarding and carry a photo ID if required.
Where can I store my luggage near Nyhavn if my hotel isn’t ready?
Most hotels will hold bags before check-in, but if you want to explore independently there are multiple luggage-storage partners in the city centre, including locations walkable from Nyhavn. You can prebook spots and compare locations on Radical Storage Copenhagen.