Welcome to Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a vibrant Scandinavian capital known for its colorful Nyhavn waterfront, world-class cycling culture, and innovative food scene. Whether you have a short 2-hour connection or a longer 8-hour layover, there are plenty of ways to experience this charming city or make the most of your time at the airport.
Before You Leave RKE
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your specific nationality and destination.
- Language: English is widely spoken in Copenhagen, especially at the airport and in tourist areas.
- Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). Use ATMs or a Wise/Revolut card for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters.
- Transit Time: Always factor in immigration and security time. For international connections, budget 2.5-3 hours before departure.
Getting to Copenhagen City Center
RKE (Copenhagen Airport) is located about 8 km south of the city center. Several transit options are available:
| Transport Option | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Metro/S-train) | 15-25 min | Fastest and most reliable option. Direct connections to city center. |
| Bus | 30-45 min | Budget-friendly but slower during peak hours. |
| Taxi/Ride-share | 20-30 min | Convenient but more expensive. Uber and local apps available. |
For detailed, up-to-date transit information, visit the Copenhagen Airport official website.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layover (2-4 hours)
If you have limited time, stay near the airport or explore the terminal itself:
- Rest at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or check if airport lounges are available (see FAQ below).
- Grab food: Airport food courts are 2-3x city prices, but they’re convenient for quick meals.
- Shopping: Browse duty-free shops or airport retail.
- Freshen up: Use airport bathrooms and facilities to refresh before your next flight.
Medium Layover (4-8 hours)
With 4-8 hours, you can venture into the city and return comfortably:
- Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront with colorful buildings, restaurants, and canal views. 20-30 minutes from the airport by train.
- Tivoli Gardens: Historic amusement park in the city center. Perfect for a 2-3 hour visit.
- Strøget: Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street. Great for a quick walk and people-watching.
- Rosenborg Castle: Beautiful Renaissance castle with gardens. Allow 1-2 hours.
- Eat in the city: Restaurant prices are better than the airport. Try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) at a local café.
Long Layover (8+ hours)
With a full day or overnight layover, you can experience Copenhagen more thoroughly:
- Explore multiple neighborhoods: Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Christianshavn.
- Visit museums: National Museum, Thorvaldsen Museum, or modern art galleries.
- Rent a bike and cycle like a local – Copenhagen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.
- Take a canal tour for scenic views of the city.
- Overnight stay: If you have 12+ hours, consider booking a budget hotel or hostel near the city center.
Luggage Storage & Sleeping Options
Luggage Storage: If you’re leaving the airport, store your luggage with a service like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero. These services partner with local businesses near the airport and cost $5-10 per bag per day – much cheaper than airport lockers.
Sleeping at the Airport: For information on sleeping facilities at RKE, check SleepingInAirports.net, which ranks airports worldwide for rest quality.
Airport Lounges: If lounge access is available at RKE, you can purchase a one-time day pass (typically $39-59 depending on the airline) or use a Priority Pass membership, which gives access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards include Priority Pass for free.
Quick Tips for Your Layover
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me before landing. Airport WiFi can be unreliable.
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access.
- Bring an empty water bottle: Fill it after security to stay hydrated and save money.
- Use an eSIM: Get instant data with Airalo or Holafly instead of hunting for WiFi or buying local SIMs.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, let a trusted contact know where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave RKE airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave RKE during a layover if you have enough time. For international connections, budget at least 2.5-3 hours before your departure flight to account for immigration, security, and transit back to the airport. For domestic flights, 60 minutes is sufficient. Always check your visa requirements before leaving the airport.
What is there to do at RKE during a layover?
At the airport, you can shop, eat, rest, or freshen up. If you leave the airport, Copenhagen offers Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Strøget shopping street, Rosenborg Castle, and excellent restaurants. With 4+ hours, you can easily reach the city center by train (15-25 minutes) and explore multiple attractions.
How long of a layover do I need at RKE?
For a short layover (2-4 hours), stay at the airport. For a medium layover (4-8 hours), you can visit the city center and return comfortably. For a long layover (8+ hours), you have time to explore multiple neighborhoods, visit museums, or even take an overnight stay. Always factor in immigration, security, and transit time when planning.
Are there lounges at RKE?
Lounge availability at RKE depends on your airline and ticket class. You can purchase a one-time day pass (typically $39-59) or use a Priority Pass membership, which provides access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. Some premium credit cards include Priority Pass for free. Contact your airline or check the airport website for specific lounge options.
Is there luggage storage at RKE?
Yes, luggage storage is available at RKE. For budget-friendly options, use services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near the airport and cost $5-10 per bag per day. These are cheaper than airport lockers.
Ready to Plan Your Layover?
Use the Yopki layover calculator to find the perfect activities and transit options for your specific layover length. Whether you have 2 hours or 12 hours, we’ll help you make the most of your time in Copenhagen.