Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Odense. Odense Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 70 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of ODE:
- Can you legally enter Denmark? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Local Bus Service, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the DKK. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Get Into Odense
From ODE, the Local Bus Service gets you to Odense in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus Service offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Bag Storage Near ODE
Dedicated luggage storage at ODE may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Odense’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.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Odense, budget roughly $43 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $22 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $11 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Odense, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Odense, here are two things worth checking out:
Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Odense Cathedral (Sankt Knuds Kirke) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A peaceful stop that offers a break from the rush of travel.
If you’d rather stay inside ODE — 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:
- Relax in the Terminal
- Odense Airport Shop
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Den Gamle Kro and Goma are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Odense.
- At the airport: Cafe Air Odense Lufthavn and Airport Coffee & Pastries will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and ODE is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Odense and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at ODE include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Denmark also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Odense exploring the streets or relaxing at ODE, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.