Passing through Copenhagen Roskilde Airport? A layover in Copenhagen is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into Copenhagen, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Denmark vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Copenhagen is roughly 60 minutes from RKE via Public Bus and Regional Train. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in DKK. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
The Best Way Into Copenhagen from RKE
From RKE, the Public Bus and Regional Train gets you to Copenhagen in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Public Bus and Regional Train offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Copenhagen:
Transport to the city and back runs about $11 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $22 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $43 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Copenhagen.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Copenhagen, two standouts are:
- Roskilde Cathedral (Roskilde Domkirke) — The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
- Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet) — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside RKE — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aircraft Observation Point
- Roskilde Airport Terminal Lounge
Eating Well on a Copenhagen Layover
For food in Copenhagen, local travelers recommend Mumm Roskilde. If you have time for a second stop, La Rustica Roskilde is another popular pick.
Back at RKE, Café Roskilde Lufthavn (Lunch & Hot Meals) is the go-to. Café Roskilde Lufthavn (Coffee & Pastries) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Luggage Storage at RKE
Dedicated luggage storage at RKE may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Copenhagen’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at RKE, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Copenhagen itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Denmark that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at RKE
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at RKE, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Copenhagen doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from RKE, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.