How to Use the Copenhagen Card

Your booking confirmation email is not your card. You must enter your 8-character code into the Copenhagen Card City Guide app before visiting any attraction. Miss this step and you won’t get in anywhere.

Critical Step

Your booking email is not your card

This won’t work
Showing the booking confirmation email at an attraction
Taking a screenshot of the email
Printing out the email
Using any other app except the official one
This will work
Download the Copenhagen Card City Guide app
Enter your 8-character code from the email
Activate when you are ready to start
Show the QR code in the app at each venue
Step by Step

How to activate your Copenhagen Card

1

Download the official app

Download the Copenhagen Card City Guide app — free on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). This is the only app the card works with.

2

Find your 8-character code

Look for the 8-character reference code in your booking confirmation email. It will be in the format ABC12345 or similar. This code is different from your booking number.

3

Enter your code in the app

Open the app, go to “My Cards” and enter your 8-character code. The app will confirm your card details. Do not tap Activate yet — this starts the timer immediately and cannot be undone.

4

Activate when ready

When you are at your first attraction or ready to use transport, tap Activate and swipe to confirm. The hours count from this moment — not from purchase. Your code is valid for up to 24 months from purchase.

5

Show your QR code

Show the QR code in the app at each attraction entrance and tap it on transport validators. One scan per attraction — re-entry is not possible. The app works offline once activated.

All cards on one order activate at the same time

If you bought multiple cards in one order, they will all activate simultaneously. You cannot stagger activation times. Buy separate orders if your group starts on different days.

Troubleshooting app problems →
Transport

Using the card on public transport

Discover Card
Metro — tap QR code on validators at station gates
Trains — show QR code to conductor or tap validator
Buses — show QR code to driver when boarding
Harbour buses — show QR code when boarding
Airport metro — included at no extra cost
Hop Card
Hop-on hop-off bus — show QR code when boarding
3 city routes — Red, Blue, and Green lines
Metro not included
Trains not included
Regular buses not included
Airport transport not included
Airport transfer with the Copenhagen Card →
Practical Tips

Things worth knowing

Entry

One scan per attraction

Each attraction can only be visited once per card. Re-entry is not possible. Plan your visit accordingly — especially for places like Tivoli Gardens where you might want to return in the evening.

Children

Kids aged 0–2 are free

Infants aged 0–2 do not need a card for attractions or transport. Children aged 3–11 need their own child card. You cannot add children to an existing booking.

Sharing

Cards cannot be shared

Each person needs their own card. The QR code is personal and tracks individual usage. Sharing a card between multiple people will not work.

Exclusions

Not everything is included

Tivoli rides, restaurant discounts, and some seasonal attractions are not covered. Some venues require advance booking even with the card.

Common Questions

Activation and usage questions

What happens if I accidentally activate my card early?

Activation cannot be undone or paused. The timer starts immediately and will count down whether you use the card or not. Contact customer service within 24 hours for a possible refund, but this is not guaranteed.

Can I use the card without internet?

Yes, once activated, the app works offline. However, you need internet connection to initially download the app and activate your card. After activation, the QR code will work at all venues without internet.

What if my phone battery dies?

You cannot use the card without the app on your phone. Carry a portable charger or power bank. Screenshots of the QR code will not work — it must be the live app.

How long do I have to activate after buying?

Your 8-character code is valid for up to 24 months from purchase. You can buy well in advance and activate when you arrive in Copenhagen. The countdown only starts when you activate, not when you buy.

Can I visit the same attraction twice?

No. Each attraction can only be scanned once per card. If you leave and want to return the same day, you will need to buy a separate ticket. This applies to all venues including Tivoli Gardens.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?

Most attractions accept walk-ins with the card, but some require advance booking: Palm House, Home of Carlsberg, Museum of Illusions, IKONO Copenhagen, and the Planetarium. The card covers entry but not the timed slot.

All Copenhagen Card questions answered →

Ready to Book?

Buy the Copenhagen Card

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before use — activated cards are non-refundable.

Buy the Copenhagen Card →