Transiting through Copenhagen Airport
Conveniently situated just 15 minutes from the city center, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is one of the most user-friendly and modern airports you can transit through. The two main terminals, Terminals 2 and 3, feature a common shopping and dining area past security, doubling the number of facilities for passengers.
The airport features top-notch eateries and quality, luxury stores, alongside family-friendly amenities including nursing rooms and interactive play areas. All this, in addition to premium lounges and rest areas, ensures a pleasant and seamless Copenhagen layover.
Things to do at the airport
Transiting through Copenhagen, but don’t have enough time to leave the airport? Not to worry, if you find yourself with a 5-hour layover in Copenhagen, or less, this is the perfect amount of time to sample the countless restaurants, bars, and cafes on offer, or to shop up a storm.
For on-the-go meals, Steff’s Place, Jo & The Joice, and 7-Eleven are quick and easy options. Alternatively, if you have time to settle in, we recommend checking out The Union Kitchen, Lagkagehuset, Mikkeller for a craft beer, or Bistro Sommelier for something a little fancier.
There’s no shortage of stores available too, ranging from local boutiques and souvenir shops, including Copenhagen Souvenir & Design and Nordic Gastronomy, to luxury favourites such as Rituals and Gucci, not to mention the various duty-free shops. And my personal recommendation – Lakrids by Bülow chocolate and licorice!
For those traveling with children, be sure to stop by the Airport Square in between Terminals 2 and 3, where kids can marvel at the huge wooden airplane and use the slippery slide. Afterwards, check out the Experimentarium for interactive puzzles and games, before admiring the fish at the aquarium. Past security, there are several playgrounds to choose from, in addition to the Lego store and the Build-A-Bear Workshop near Gates A.
If you need to catch up on work during your Copenhagen Airport layover, charging points can most easily be found near the open square adjacent to the B Gates, and along the wall of art next to the C Gates.
Copenhagen Airport transit hotels and lounges
Passengers with an overnight layover in Copenhagen can take advantage of the modern and comfortable facilities at the Clarion Hotel and Comfort Hotel, both within a 5-minute walking distance from Terminal 3.
If you’d prefer to spend your layover in Copenhagen Airport but would still like to get some rest, your best option is to visit an airline or premium lounge. The SAS Gold Lounge and the Eventyr Lounge have showers and nap areas, and all lounges should provide complimentary food and beverages, high-speed WiFi, and dedicated workstations with charging points.
To help you decide, we’ve put together a comprehensive Copenhagen Airport Guide, which provides greater detail on the available lounges, their locations, and the amenities they offer.
Finally, for some peace and quiet away from the crowds, the Silent Lounge near Gates A is the perfect spot for you to take a moment of reflection, partake in prayer, or simply catch your breath.
How to spend a layover in Copenhagen city
Sometimes a lengthy transit can be a blessing in disguise, as it presents the opportunity to explore a city you otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to. So, if you find yourself with at least a 6-hour layover in Copenhagen, why not take a 15-minute train or metro directly from Copenhagen Airport to the city center? Or, for extra convenience, take a Copenhagen Airport taxi or a pre-booked airport transfer in as little as 20 minutes.
Just across the road from Copenhagen Central Station is the Tivoli Gardens theme park; ride on rollercoasters, feel your heart in your stomach on the Golden Tower free-fall ride, and enjoy views over the city on the Ferris wheel. This is a great option for those with children, but keep in mind that it’ll take up a large chunk of your time, and may be best reserved for a 24-hour layover in Copenhagen.
Other popular sights include Nyhavn harbor, known for its photogenic, brightly colored townhouses, and Rosenborg Castle, a 400-year-old landmark showcasing some of Denmark’s most important cultural and political history. Afterward, you can pop into the Torvehallerne food market to sample some of Denmark’s freshest produce and local delicacies.
Still have some time to spare? Round out your layover in Copenhagen with a wander through Freetown Christiania. This self-governed community is a creative haven filled with vibrant street art and live music, and is well worth a visit if only for a different perspective on community living.
Many of the attractions in Copenhagen are spaced out and require a 2-3 hour visit, which is why booking a private Copenhagen layover tour is often a practical solution. Welcome Pickups can arrange bespoke sightseeing tours for up to 12 people, so you won’t need to worry about getting back to the airport on time.
Tips for a Short Layover at Copenhagen Airport
- Rest and relax in the Silent Lounge, located near the A Gates, an ideal spot for meditation or prayer before your flight.
- Use the high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or plan your onward travel.
- Grab a bite to eat from Flyvergrillen and watch planes take off and land as you dine.
- Once a month, a behind-the-scenes look at Copenhagen Airport is possible on an Airport Tour. Be sure to nab your spot well in advance.
- Skip poor exchange rates at currency booths and instead, use contactless cards or withdraw krone or euros from ATMs with competitive fees.
Tips for a Long Layover in Copenhagen
- As long as you have a boarding pass for your onward flight, it’s possible to spend your overnight layover in Copenhagen Airport. The best areas to sleep are near Gates A25-A30 in Terminal 2, and near the C gates in Terminal 3.
- Head to one of Copenhagen Airport’s premium lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. The SAS Gold and Eventyr Lounges have showers and designated rest areas.
- If you’ve got at least a 6 or 7-hour layover in Copenhagen, you can easily catch the M2 metro line train, the DB train, or a taxi into the city center. To save time and avoid queuing, purchase your entrance tickets to popular destinations in advance.
- For stress-free travel around some of Copenhagen’s most famous sights, you can arrange a private driver for 1-12 people with Welcome Pickups.
- Forgot about carrying your luggage from A to B while touring the city. If you have a long layover in Copenhagen, it’s worth storing your luggage or carry-on bags in a locker in the Kiss ‘n’ Fly zone of the P4 and P7A parking lots.
Flight Connections
Visa Required: Certain nationalities may require a transit or short-stay Schengen visa.
Average Flight Connection Time: Travel time between gates is 10-20 minutes on foot.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 6-7 hours
Since most flights depart from Terminals 2 and 3 at Copenhagen Airport, transferring between flights through the shared Transit Center is generally straightforward and seamless. If you’re traveling under a single booking with the same airline and your bags are checked all the way through, you’ll only need to clear Security or Passport control if you’re entering or leaving the Schengen Zone.
Otherwise, you’ll need to collect your luggage and follow the standard Copenhagen Airport Departures procedures before proceeding to your next gate. In this instance, you may be asked to present a visa on arrival. Several countries have visa-free arrangements with Denmark, allowing them to stay up to 90 days, while others do not and will need to apply for one before arriving.
Tip: Terminals 2 and 3 are conveniently located under one roof, allowing easy passage for transiting passengers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you leave Copenhagen Airport during a layover? 
Yes, so long as you have enough time and an appropriate visa (if necessary), then it’s possible to leave the airport during your Copenhagen layover.
Is a 1-hour layover enough in Copenhagen Airport?
If you’re transferring between two Schengen countries or two non-Schengen countries, and your luggage has been checked all the way through to your final destination, then yes, 1 hour is a sufficient layover at Copenhagen Airport. In all other instances, we recommend leaving a 2-3 transfer period between each flight.
Is a layover in Copenhagen worth it?
Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the world’s most expensive places to visit, so a longer layover can be a great way to get a taste of the city without breaking the bank. While many attractions have an entrance fee, it’s possible to explore on foot, for example, the Nyhavn harbor area, without paying a cent.
Is a 6-hour layover enough time to leave the airport in Copenhagen?
Yes, 6 hours is just enough time to travel to the city and back, and enjoy 3-5 hours visiting one or two popular attractions. Note that how long you spend in the city will depend on whether your luggage has been checked through to your final destination.
Is Copenhagen Airport good for connecting flights?
Copenhagen is an excellent transit destination. The airport is modern, well-equipped, and easy to navigate from one gate to the other. Moreover, for those who wish to leave the terminal, the city can be reached quickly and easily.
Do I have to go through security again for connecting flight in Copenhagen?
You will only need to clear Security again if you are entering or leaving the Schengen Zone.
