Guide to Copenhagen Airport: Everything you need to know
Planning a trip departing from Copenhagen Airport? Then this guide is for you.
Get tips on arrival times, check-in, transportation options and airport facilities. We cover everything you need to know to make your trip as smooth as possible. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, this guide will give you the information you need to navigate the airport with ease. Read on to make sure your journey starts in the best way possible!
How many hours before departure do you need to be at the airport?
It's always a good idea to arrive at the airport well in advance. If you are traveling within the Schengen area, 1.5 hours before is often fine, but arrive 2.5 hours before to be on the safe side.
If you are traveling outside the Schengen area, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Transportation to the airport
Public transportation
The cheapest and perhaps easiest choice of transportation to the airport is public transport. You can take the bus, train and metro directly to the airport.
Bus lines 5C, 35 and 36 run to Copenhagen Airport, you'll find the stops outside Terminal 3.
The train station is located in Terminal 3, where trains run between the airport and Copenhagen city center, as well as between Malmö, Sweden and the airport.
The metro station is located in extension of Terminal 3. At the metro, you can go directly to security control if you don't need to check in your luggage, and you can also find check-in machines at the station. Tickets for both train and metro can be purchased at DSB's ticket office in Terminal 3, it is also possible to use Rejsekort.
Car and parking
If you take your car, you have plenty of opportunities to park it during your journey. If you book your parking online, you can save up to 20% on the parking fee. You can find more information about prices, parking garages and other options on the airport's website.
Drop-off and pick-up
If you're lucky enough to get a ride to the airport, drop-off and pick-up is completely free for the first 15 minutes. If you need a little more time to say goodbye, you have the option of short-term parking for DKK 65. per hour. You can read more about short-term parking and where to park here.
Transportation from the Airport
When you arrive at Copenhagen Airport, there are several options for getting around the city. If you are going to Copenhagen Central Station, for example if you are staying at Go Hotel Ansgar or Go Hotel Sagar, the fastest way is to take the regional train, which will take you to the station in 15 minutes.
If you are staying at Go Hotel City, the fastest way is to take the metro to Øresund St. The metro is located in Terminal 3 and takes you almost to the hotel door in just 13 minutes.
Although public transportation in Copenhagen is quick and easy to take, you also have the option of taking a taxi to your destination. You'll find taxis in front of Terminal 3. You can take both Danish taxis and Swedish taxis if you're heading to Sweden.
Parking at Go Hotel
At the airport hotel Go Hotel Copenhagen, 5 minutes from the airport, you can park your car at a good price. Read more about parking without a stay at Go Hotel Copenhagen here.
Remember that you can park your car for free during your stay at Go Hotel.
Check in
At Copenhagen Airport you have 3 options for checking in.
- Check in online: The easiest thing to do is to check in online. Most airlines offer you the option to check in via their app or website 2-3 days before departure. This way you can skip the line at the airport and jump straight to baggage claim.
- Physical check-in machines at the airport: In Terminals 2 and 3, you can check in physically at the self-service machines. It's easy, fast and there are often staff on hand to help.
- Check-in at the counter: You can choose to check in at your airline's counter where staff will assist you. Arrive early as there can be queues at the counters.
Check in your baggage
If you have used online check-in, you can use the self-service baggage tag machines and then drop off your suitcase or bag at a self-service desk at your airline. If you haven't checked in online or want to use a manned baggage desk, you'll find these in Terminals 2 and 3.
Get through security quickly
To get through security quickly, you can prepare a little in advance:
- Have your boarding pass and passport ready.
- Take loose items out of your pockets.
- Know what to take out of your hand luggage.
Liquids, electronics, food, medicine and lighters should always be removed from your hand luggage and placed in a tray. If in doubt, seek help from an employee.
Once you have placed your items and carry-on baggage on the conveyor belt, you will go through a metal detector. It is therefore important that you have placed all metal items in the tray.
What is not allowed in your hand luggage?
Prepare yourself at home by making sure you don't bring the following items in your hand luggage:
- Liquids in containers over 100ml - (Liquids in containers under 100ml must fit in one resealable plastic bag of max. 1 liter that is removed from your hand luggage through security checks).
- Weapons
- Sharp or pointed objects (e.g. knives)
- Flammable and explosive items
- Chemical substances
Family tracks
If you are traveling with children under the age of 6, you can use the family lane at the security checkpoint. You can recognize it by a family icon on the floor.
Fast track
If you are traveling in Business or First Class or traveling domestically, you can use "CPH Express" for fast track security screening. CPH Express is located between Terminals 2 and 3 at either end of the security checkpoint. Ask a staff member for help if you can't find it, as it can save you a lot of time.
Find your gate
Once you're through security, it's always a good idea to find out which gate your flight departs from. You can find this information on airport information boards and the airport app. If you're traveling long distances, you'll typically have to walk a bit to get to your gate. On the screens you can see how long it takes to walk to the gate. You can see an overview map of gates here.
Eating and shopping
At the airport you can shop Tax Free or find both Danish and foreign brands. Among the shops you will also find a variety of delicious and exciting places to eat. You can read more about where to eat at the airport in our blog post here. Or get inspiration for where to shop at the airport here.
Where to stay
If you are looking for accommodation close to the airport, Go Hotel Copenhagen is located on Gemmas Allé in Kastrup. Our airport hotel offers free parking and is located just 6 km from Copenhagen city center.
With 5 minutes to the airport, late check-out and a breakfast buffet from 5 am, Go Hotel Copenhagen is the perfect choice for those looking for a cheap and good hotel close to Copenhagen Airport.