Copenhagen Card Public Transport Guide

Your card covers every bus, metro, train and harbour bus in Greater Copenhagen. Here’s exactly how far it goes — including the airport.

Transport Coverage

What transport does each card cover?

Two cards, two very different transport options. Here’s exactly what’s included.

Copenhagen Card
Discover Card
All public transport
Capital Region zones 1-99
Metro lines M1, M2, M3, M4 — including airport
S-trains — regional rail across Greater Copenhagen
City buses — all routes within the region
Harbour buses 991, 992, 993 — waterfront transport
Airport metro — Terminal 3 to city centre
Day trips — Roskilde, Kronborg, Louisiana, Frederiksborg
Hop-on hop-off buses not included
Copenhagen Card
Hop Card
Hop-on hop-off only
3 Stromma bus routes
Stromma hop-on hop-off buses — 3 city routes
Classic Copenhagen route — daily year-round
Home of Carlsberg/Green Line — specific schedule
Colorful Copenhagen/Purple Line — specific schedule
Metro not included
S-trains not included
City buses not included
Harbour buses not included
Airport metro not included

Full Discover vs Hop comparison — see every difference →

How to Use

Using your card on public transport

No separate ticket needed — your card works from the moment of activation.

1

Show your QR code

Open the Copenhagen Card app and show the QR code at validators on metro platforms, S-train platforms, and when boarding buses. The screen will flash green when accepted.

2

No separate ticket needed

Your card replaces individual transport tickets — no need to buy additional metro, train, or bus tickets during your card’s validity period.

3

Works across all zones

The Discover card covers zones 1-99 across the entire Capital Region — from the airport to day trip destinations like Kronborg Castle and Louisiana Museum.

Full activation guide and troubleshooting →
Airport Transport

Copenhagen Airport to city centre

The Discover card includes the airport metro — a significant saving over paying separately.

M2 metro line from Terminal 3 — the fastest way to reach central Copenhagen. Journey time is 13–15 minutes to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport. The metro runs 24/7 with trains every 4–6 minutes during the day.
Cost without the card: Airport metro tickets cost approximately €5 (DKK 36) each way — that’s €10 return per person. For a family of four, the return airport journey alone costs €40.
Hop card alternative: The Hop card does not include airport transport. You’ll need to buy separate metro tickets or take the more expensive airport bus.
Complete Copenhagen Airport guide →
Day Trips

Day trips covered by the Discover card

Your Discover card covers train journeys to major attractions across the Capital Region.

Castle · UNESCO World Heritage

Helsingør/Kronborg Castle

Hamlet’s castle — 40 minutes by train from Copenhagen Central Station. Your card covers the return journey plus castle entry.

Art museum · Modern art

Humlebæk/Louisiana Museum

World-class modern art and sculpture gardens — 40 minutes by train. Your card covers transport and museum entry.

Castle · Renaissance palace

Hillerød/Frederiksborg Castle

Denmark’s most magnificent Renaissance castle — 45 minutes by S-train. Your card covers transport and castle entry.

See which card covers which attractions →
Common Questions

Transport questions answered

Does the Copenhagen Card cover airport transport?

The Discover card includes unlimited metro, train, and bus transport across the Capital Region — including the M2 metro line to Copenhagen Airport. The Hop card does not cover any public transport including the airport — only the Stromma hop-on hop-off buses.

What about the harbour buses?

The Discover card covers all harbour bus routes — 991 (southbound), 992 (northbound), and 993 (Opera House on performance evenings). These boats run along the harbour with 11 stops including Nyhavn, Islands Brygge, and the Opera House. The Hop card does not cover harbour buses.

Can I use my card on arrival day?

Yes, but only after you activate it in the Copenhagen Card app. Do not activate until you are ready to start exploring — the timer begins immediately and cannot be paused. You can activate your card at the airport and use it for the metro journey into the city.

Do I need to validate my card on every journey?

Yes. Show your QR code at the validator every time you use public transport — metro platforms, S-train platforms, and when boarding buses. The validator will flash green when your card is accepted. This applies to both Discover and Hop cards.

All Copenhagen Card questions answered →

Ready to Book?

Buy the Copenhagen Card

Discover covers all public transport — Hop covers hop-on hop-off buses only.

Buy the Copenhagen Card →