Using The Bus in Copenhagen: What You Need To Know
Copenhagen is easily accessible by bus; they are punctual, have plenty of stops, and many buses connect with the metro and train stations.
Copenhagen buses typically travel every 3 – 5 minutes during rush hours. Outside peak times, they generally run every 10 minutes during the day, every 20 minutes after 6 pm and every 30 – 60 minutes through the night. The buses are clean and well-maintained and have plenty of standing room.
Living in Copenhagen, I often travel by bus, and can confidently say that they are comfortable, reliable and safe.
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Copenhagen Bus Ticket Prices
Copenhagen public transport ticket prices are calculated by zones. The Dot App shows which areas are covered by which zone.
A 2-zone ticket lasts 75 minutes, and a 3-zone ticket lasts 90 minutes.
How To Pay For The Bus In Copenhagen
You can pay for your bus ticket using cash, the DOT and Rejseplanen Apps, or buy a City Pass or Copenhagen Card – Discover.
It is not possible to purchase a ticket on the bus using a credit card or debit card, and there are no ticket machines at bus stops.
Tickets can be bought at 7-Eleven shops attached to stations, but this is not usually convenient when taking the bus.
Using Cash To Buy Your Bus Ticket In Copenhagen
You can pay for your ticket with cash when you enter the bus, but the Danish kroner is the only accepted currency.
However, the driver can not accept any bill larger than 200 kr; it’s best to have the correct change if you intend to pay by cash.
Check out this article that goes into much more detail about The Best Way To Pay For Things During Your Trip To Denmark.
How To Buy Your Copenhagen Bus Ticket Online
Tickets can be bought using the DOT and Rejseplanen apps.
You must buy your online ticket before boarding the bus and show the driver when you board.
Ensure you keep hold of your ticket, as there are regular inspections on all public transport in Copenhagen. There is a fine of up to 1,000 kr for travelling on public transport in Denmark without a ticket.
Are There Any Free Buses In Copenhagen?
There are no free buses in Copenhagen. However, transport costs are included in the ticket if you buy the Copenhagen Card – Discover.
The Copenhagen Card – Discover And How To Use It On The Bus
There are two Copenhagen Cards, but only one, the Copenhagen Card – Discover, includes free public transport.
The Copenhagen Card – Hop does not include public transport.
When you board the bus, show the driver your Copenhagen Card and keep it handy for ticket inspections.
What You Need To Know About The Copenhagen Card – Discover
The Copenhagen Card – Discover offers access to over 80 attractions in and around Copenhagen. In addition, the card covers public transport in zones 1 to 99, including transportation to and from Copenhagen Airport.
Copenhagen Card – Discover Prices 2024
All prices in my articles link to a currency converter to enable you to check the prices in your currency.
| Copenhagen Card – Discover | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | 499 kr |
| 48 hours | 739 kr |
| 72 hours | 919 kr |
| 96 hours | 1,069 kr |
| 120 hours | 1,199 kr |
Always check the Copenhagen Card website for up-to-date information.
The City Pass And How To Use It On The Bus
If you make several journeys, a City Pass is a cheap way to travel, not just on Copenhagen’s buses but also on the metro, trains and harbour buses.
Take a look at these articles to learn more about getting around Copenhagen.
Be aware the City Pass includes public transport only; it does not include any attractions.
When you board the bus, show the driver your City Pass and keep it handy for ticket inspections.
You can buy a City Pass through the DOT app and at ticket machines in the train and metro stations and at Copenhagen airport.
For more information about how to get to and from Copenhagen Airport, check out my article: 7 Ways To Get From Copenhagen Airport To The City Centre.
You need to be aware that the time on a City Pass purchased from a ticket machine becomes valid immediately, so don’t buy your ticket until you are ready to use it. The expiration time is shown on the ticket.
If you purchase your City Pass online, you can select the date and time you want the ticket to become valid. The expiration time is shown in the app.
Using A Rejsekort Anonymous
You may notice locals swiping in and out of public transport using a blue and white Rejsekort. Visitors to Denmark can buy a Rejsekort Anonymous, but unless you stay in Denmark for a while, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Use this link for more information about Rejsekort Anonymous.
How Often Do The Buses Run In Copenhagen?
Copenhagen buses travel throughout the day and night.
- Peak times in Copenhagen are weekdays between 7 am – 9 am and 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm.
- During peak times, buses typically run every 3 – 5 minutes.
- Outside peak times, between 6 am and 6 pm, buses travel every 10 minutes.
- Between 6 pm and 1 am, buses run every 20 minutes.
- Between 1 am and 6 am, buses typically run every 30 – 60 minutes.
Rush Hour In Copenhagen
Rush hour in Copenhagen lasts from 7 am to 9 am and from 3.30 pm to 5.50 pm.
Copenhagen Bus Routes And Timetables
Bus routes and timetables are available on the Moovit App, but if you are looking for a specific location, it’s easier to use either Rejseplanen or DOT apps.
Use Rejseplanen To Plan Your Bus Journey
Use the Rejseplanen app for a regularly updated bus timetable. It also includes trains and the metro, so be sure to filter them out if you specifically want to travel by bus.
How To Stop The Bus In Copenhagen
There is no need to put your arm out or wave down the bus. When you see a bus approaching, wait at the roadside, next to, but not inside, the bicycle lane and the bus will stop.
Buses will only stop if the driver sees someone waiting at the bus stop or if a passenger rings the bell to get off. They can only stop at designated bus stops.
Most buses have audio or screens to notify you of the next stop. Press the red stop button once, and the screen will show that the driver knows to stop.
How To Board The Bus In Copenhagen
As a general rule, board the bus at the front, especially if you need to buy a ticket or show your ticket to the driver. However, some buses board in the middle and the only way to know this is to watch where other people get on.
Use the middle or back doors to get off the bus in Copenhagen.
Be Aware Of Bicycle Lanes When Getting Off Or On A Bus
Take care when crossing the bicycle lanes when getting on or off the bus.
Cyclists are supposed to slow down and stop, allowing passengers to embark and disembark buses, but make sure cyclists have seen you before stepping towards or off a bus.
Accessibility On Copenhagen Buses
Let the driver know if you need help getting on or off the bus. A manual ramp is available at the middle doors, or the driver can lower the bus to provide better access.
The seats facing inwards are reserved for wheelchairs, prams, bicycles or electric scooters, but there is only enough space for two items. Therefore, if you wish to get onto a bus and there are already two items onboard, you must wait for the next bus.
Mobility scooters are not allowed on Copenhagen buses.
Copenhagen Bus Number 5C
Bus number 5C starts its journey at Copenhagen Airport and ends at Husum Torv. The entire journey takes 74 minutes and has 50 stops from end to end. As Denmark’s busiest line, this snake-like bus is longer than most.
Unless your journey from the airport is on the bus route, I don’t advise you to take the bus. The train and metro are much quicker options, but to help you make an informed decision, I have written a separate article titled 7 Ways To Get From Copenhagen Airport To The City Centre.
International And Long Distance Coaches In Copenhagen
From the 6th of June 2024, a new, purpose-built bus station will open on Carsten Niebuhrs Gade, next to Ikea. The new bus station will have a passenger waiting room, toilets and a small shop.
A lift will connect Fisterorvet S Train station.
Until then all long-distance and international coaches stop on Ingerslevsgade, 1704 København V, across the road from DGI-Byen and Copenhagen Central Station (København H). There are no facilities and no shelter. The closest toilets, shops and cafes are inside Copenhagen Central Station.
How Can I Help?
Having lived in Copenhagen for over a decade, I have all the best insider tips and local know-how to ensure your trip is unforgettable. Got a question? My advice is free, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
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