Moving around Copenhagen
It’s well known that Copenhagen is an incredible city for cycling. Everything is designed to make biking around the city convenient.
Many bike-only bridges have been built to make life easier, more fluid and reliable for inhabitants.
In this blog post, we’ll go through the different ways of moving around Copenhagen, from metro and cars to bikes…
Metros
The metros are quite nice, clean, and very convenient to use.
There are 4 different lines across the city.
The most convenient line would be the one heading to the Airport. It takes only around 20 minutes by metro, which makes it incredibly convenient.
Like most cities, Copenhagen is divided into different zones - the more zones you cross, the more it costs.
You really have to pay attention to your ticket. There’s a high chance of meeting ticket controllers, and the fine can be quite expensive (~100€).
DOT Billetter
The DOT tickets app in Copenhagen lets you buy tickets directly from your phone.
The Commuter card is particularly useful as it’s a monthly pass that gives you unlimited access to the metro.
Here is the link toward the app:
Rejsekort
The Rejsekort app is also quite convenient, allowing you to pay for individual tickets at a discounted price.
You have to check in when you enter the metro and check out when you leave. The app handles the rest, calculating the distance and charging you accordingly.
They are not charging you right away, they will charge you once a day.
The app link
Buses
There is also a network of buses in Copenhagen.
They are especially useful in zones where the metros is not present.
You can pay with your credit card, you will need an app for that.
For instance, the Rejsekort can work for that.
Cars
Cars are quite expensive to maintain here in Denmark, as you pay a wide range of taxes to own one.
In most cases, it wouldn’t be worth having one.
The administration is quite strict with fines, and you can end up getting a fine without even knowing why.
Denmark also discourages importing your own car by imposing significant taxes.
Make sure you know where to park, as you can’t park your car within 10 meters of an intersection.
Bikes
Bikes are the most convenient way to get around Copenhagen.
The city is relatively small compared to other European cities like London or Paris, making it easy to reach everything you need.
There are several options to get a bike:
Brand new ones
Bikes are quite expensive in Denmark, but buying one could be worth it if you plan to stay for a long time and enjoy cycling even in winter.
Here are few shops that are selling either second hand or brand new bikes:
- Buddha Bikes
- Chili bikes
Second hand
Facebook Marketplace is quite popular in Denmark. You can find refurbished or second-hand bikes at better prices.
Swapfiets
Then, there is swapfiets, that allows you to rent a bike monthly.
The only criminal things that happen in Denmark is bike thief, so make sure you have a strong lock.
You are also less likely to get your bike stolen if it’s a swapfiets one.
Finally, biking requires some maintenance, as winters can be harsh with salt, cold, snow, and rain on the streets. Be prepared to know how to repair your bike.
If you opt for swapfiets, they will take care of the bike for you.
Donkey Republic
Donkey Republic provides a convenient bike-sharing service with rentals available by the minute throughout Copenhagen.
These bikes are especially convenient if you live near the city center, as they are abundant in central areas.
You can pick up and drop off bikes at any of their designated parking spots across the city.
The service is reasonably priced, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance. However, keep in mind that these bikes aren’t the most comfortable option for longer rides.
I personally opted for the “Daily Rider” membership, which provides 2 hours of free riding per day for approximately 115 DKK per month.
Conclusion
To conclude, I recommend biking as the best option for getting around Copenhagen, especially in summer. The metro is an excellent alternative during winter when cycling becomes challenging due to snow and ice.
However, I recommend trying different transportation options to find what works best for you.
When it comes to cycling specifically, there are several options available, each with its own advantages depending on your needs:
- Swapfiets offers the most convenient solution but is also the most expensive
- Donkey Republic provides good flexibility and coverage in central areas, though the bikes are less comfortable for longer rides
- Owning your bike gives you the most freedom but comes with additional responsibilities like maintenance and repairs
Choose the option that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and comfort level with bicycle maintenance.