Copenhagen Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and a major Scandinavian hub, is primarily served by one large, efficient international airport. A smaller airport across the Øresund Strait in Sweden also functions as a low-cost carrier alternative for the metropolitan region. Understanding the choice between the main hub and the budget alternative is crucial for planning your trip to this part of Northern Europe.

This guide explains every airport serving the Copenhagen metropolitan area, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH)

Overview: Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, is the major international airport for Denmark and the main hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian. It is exceptionally well-located just 8 km (5 miles) south of Copenhagen city centre, on the island of Amager. CPH is renowned for its efficiency, design, and seamless integration with public transport.

Terminals:

• Terminal 2 (T2): The original and smaller terminal, now primarily used by non-Schengen flights and some low-cost carriers like easyJet.
• Terminal 3 (T3): The larger, main terminal connected to T2. It handles most Schengen flights, including SAS and Norwegian, and is directly connected to the metro and train stations.
• Pier C (Non-Schengen): A dedicated pier for long-haul and other flights arriving from outside the Schengen Area. It is connected to T3.

Note: Terminals 2 and 3 are fully integrated under one roof and are connected airside. The walk between them takes just a few minutes. The entire airport is easy to navigate with excellent signage in English.

Getting to and from Copenhagen Airport (CPH):

• Metro (M2 Line): The fastest and most convenient way to reach central Copenhagen. The metro station is located in Terminal 3. Trains run 24/7, every 4-6 minutes during the day. The journey to Kongens Nytorv (city centre) takes 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from machines at the station (use credit card or Danish kroner). A 2-zone ticket is required.
• Regional & Intercity Trains (DSB): The train station is also in Terminal 3. Trains run frequently to Copenhagen Central Station (København H) in 13-15 minutes. This is ideal if you are staying near the central station or connecting to long-distance trains to Sweden, Germany, or other parts of Denmark. The same 2-zone ticket works for local trains.
• Taxi: Taxi ranks are located outside both terminals. All taxis are metered and regulated. A trip to the city centre takes 20-30 minutes and costs approximately 250-350 DKK. For a fixed, pre-booked price, you can use app-based services like Viggo or Taxa 4×35.
• Ride-hailing (Uber): Uber operates in Copenhagen, but traditional taxis are often similarly priced due to regulations. Pickup is at designated areas.
• Bus: Several public bus lines (e.g., 5C) connect the airport to various parts of the city and are included in the standard zone ticket. Useful for specific destinations not directly on the metro/train lines.
• Rental Car: Counters for all major companies are located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. The rental car lot is a short shuttle ride away. A car is generally not needed for a stay in Copenhagen city itself.

Best for: Most travelers, especially those flying SAS, Norwegian, or other full-service carriers. It is the best option for quick access to Copenhagen city centre and for seamless connections across Scandinavia and Europe.

Malmö Airport (MMX) – Sweden

Overview: Malmö Airport is located in Sturup, Sweden, approximately 28 km (17 miles) east of Malmö city centre and about 55 km (34 miles) from Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge. It functions primarily as a base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, serving European routes.

Why it’s listed here: Many budget-conscious travelers flying to the Copenhagen region use Malmö Airport due to significantly cheaper fares. The ground transfer to Copenhagen is longer but manageable.

Terminals:

• Single, small passenger terminal. Facilities are basic but adequate.

Getting to/from Malmö Airport (MMX) to Copenhagen:

• Flygbussarna Airport Coach: The primary and recommended method. Coaches run from outside the terminal to Copenhagen Central Station (København H). The journey takes approximately 50-70 minutes, depending on bridge traffic, and includes a toll for crossing the Øresund Bridge (included in your bus ticket). Purchase tickets online or at the airport. One-way fare is around 149 SEK.
• Train (Complex): A less convenient option. Take a local bus from the airport to Malmö Hyllie station, then board an Öresundståg train to Copenhagen. This takes longer and involves multiple tickets.
• Rental Car: An option if you plan to explore the region. The drive to Copenhagen takes 45-75 minutes and involves paying a significant bridge toll (approx. 440 DKK / 660 SEK).
• Taxi: Extremely expensive for this distance (well over 1000 DKK). Not recommended.

Best for: Budget travelers who find much cheaper flights on Ryanair/Wizz Air and don’t mind a longer (1-hour+) bus transfer to Copenhagen. Also good for those whose primary destination is Malmö, Sweden.

Which Copenhagen Airport Should You Choose?

This decision is a classic trade-off between cost, time, and convenience.

• Choose Copenhagen Airport (CPH) if: You value time and convenience, are flying SAS/Norwegian, have a tight schedule, are visiting Copenhagen city proper, or are connecting to another flight. The 15-minute metro ride is unbeatable.
• Consider Malmö Airport (MMX) if: You find a substantially cheaper fare (saving >€50 per person), your final destination is in southern Sweden, or you don’t mind a longer ground transfer. Always factor in the cost (~€15) and time (1+ hour) of the airport coach.

Golden Rule: When comparing flights, calculate the total door-to-door cost and time from your accommodation. CPH’s superior location often justifies a moderate fare premium.

Key Tips for Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Security & Schengen Zone:

• CPH is highly efficient. Security lines move quickly, even during peak times. For Schengen flights, arriving 1.5 hours before departure is usually ample.
• If arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you will clear passport control in Pier C or T2. EU/EEA citizens can use e-gates.

Check-in & Baggage:

• Most airlines, especially SAS, encourage online check-in and self-service bag drop. Follow the clearly marked flows for “Web Check-in” and “Bag Drop.”
• For non-Schengen flights, arrive at least 2.5 hours early.

Train & Metro Tickets:

• You can buy tickets at red DSB machines or grey Metro machines in Terminal 3. Select “City Centre” or “København H” as your destination. A 2-zone ticket is valid for both metro and train to the centre.
• Consider the Copenhagen Card if you plan to visit many attractions; it includes airport transport.
• The DOT Tickets app is excellent for buying all public transport tickets on your phone.

Ground Transport from CPH to Key Destinations

To Copenhagen City Centre (Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn):

• Metro M2 (City Circle Line): 15 minutes, ~36 DKK (2-zone ticket). Fastest and most frequent.
• Train to København H: 13-15 minutes, same ticket. Best for connections.
• Taxi: 20-30 minutes, 250-350 DKK.

To Ørestad / Fields Shopping Centre:

• Metro M2: 5 minutes. Just one stop from the airport.

To Malmö, Sweden:

• Train (Öresundståg): Direct trains from CPH’s station to Malmö Central Station take 20-25 minutes. You need a ticket valid for both Denmark and Sweden. Passport checks are rare but carry ID.

To Helsingør (Hamlet’s Castle):

• Train: Take a train from CPH to København H, then transfer to a regional train north to Helsingør. Total journey ~1 hour 15 minutes.

To Copenhagen Cruise Port (Ocean Quay / Langelinie):

• Taxi: Most straightforward, 20-30 minutes, 250-400 DKK.
• Metro + Bus: More complex with luggage.

To Roskilde or Hillerød:

• Train: Direct regional trains from CPH station serve these cities.

Bottom Line: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) sets the standard for European airport efficiency and connectivity. The metro link is its greatest asset. For most visitors, flying into CPH is the clear choice. Only choose Malmö Airport (MMX) if the flight savings are substantial and you are prepared for the longer bus transfer. Always verify your airport code before traveling, as CPH and MMX are in different countries.