Copenhagen Card Airport Transfer Guide

The Copenhagen Card Discover covers the metro all the way from the airport to the city centre. No separate ticket needed — here’s how to use it from the moment you land.

Quick Answer

Yes, the Discover Card covers Copenhagen Airport — the Hop Card does not

Copenhagen Card
Discover Card
From $91 (€79)
24 · 48 · 72 · 96 · 120 hours
Airport metro included — no extra cost
Both directions — arrival and departure
13 minutes to city centre — direct metro line M2
Runs 24/7 — every 4–6 minutes during day
All zones covered — unlimited Capital Region transport
Copenhagen Card
Hop Card
From $93 (€80)
24 · 48 · 72 hours only
Airport metro not included
No public transport coverage
Hop-on hop-off buses only
40+ city-centre attractions
Unlimited Stromma buses — 3 routes

See all differences between Discover and Hop →

Step by Step

How to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre using the Discover Card

1

Activate your card before leaving Terminal 3

Open the Copenhagen Card City Guide app and activate your card before tapping the validator. The card must be active to work on transport — you cannot tap an inactive card.

2

Follow signs to Lufthavnen metro station

The metro station is in direct extension of Terminal 3. Follow the blue M signs through the arrivals hall — it’s a 2-minute walk from baggage claim.

3

Tap your QR code at the yellow validator

Before boarding the M2 line towards Vanløse, tap your QR code at the yellow validator on the platform. Hold the phone steady until you hear the beep and see the green light.

4

Ride the M2 to the city centre

The journey to Kongens Nytorv takes 13 minutes. Trains run every 4–6 minutes during the day and every 15–20 minutes overnight. The line runs 24/7.

5

Get off at your destination

Popular stops: Kongens Nytorv (city centre), Christianshavn (canal district), or continue to Vanløse. No need to tap out — just exit the station.

Complete Copenhagen Card transport guide →
Cost Breakdown

Airport transfer costs — with and without the card

Journey Without Card With Discover Card
Single journey (3-zone ticket) DKK 30 (€4) Included
Return journey per adult DKK 60 (€8) Included
Return for 2 adults DKK 120 (€16) Included
Return for family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) DKK 120 (€16) Included
72hr Discover Card cost €139 + €16 = €155 €139 total

The 72-hour Discover Card costs $161 (€139) compared to the 72-hour Hop Card at $163 (€141). Airport transfer is effectively included for free — the Discover Card actually costs less than the Hop Card despite covering 80+ attractions and all public transport.

Note: Children aged 0–11 travel free on public transport with each adult Discover cardholder. Ticket machines at the airport accept coins and cards only — no notes.

Common Questions

Airport transfer questions

Does the Hop Card cover the airport?

No. The Hop Card only includes Stromma hop-on hop-off buses — no metro, no trains, and no airport transfer. You need to buy separate tickets costing DKK 30 (€4) each way.

Which terminal does the metro connect to?

Terminal 3. Lufthavnen metro station is in direct extension of Terminal 3 — a 2-minute walk from baggage claim. If you arrive at Terminal 1 or 2, follow signs to Terminal 3 and the metro.

Can I use the card on arrival before activating it?

No. The card must be activated in the app before you can use it on transport. Activate before leaving Terminal 3, then tap the QR code at the yellow validator on the metro platform.

Does the card cover the train to the airport as well as the metro?

The Discover Card covers all public transport across the Capital Region, but there is no train to Copenhagen Airport — only the M2 metro line. The metro is the fastest and most direct connection.

Do I need to tap out when I exit the metro?

No. The Copenhagen Card works on a time-based system — just tap in when boarding and exit freely at your destination. This applies to all public transport covered by the Discover Card.

What if my flight lands after midnight?

The M2 metro line runs 24/7. After midnight, trains run every 15–20 minutes instead of every 4–6 minutes during the day. Your Copenhagen Card covers all overnight services.

Full Copenhagen Card activation guide →

Ready to Book?

Buy the Copenhagen Card

Airport transfer included with the Discover Card — activate before your first metro journey.

Buy the Copenhagen Card →