Copenhagen Airport Guide (CPH) – Copenhagen

Airport Overview

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also known as Kastrup Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Scandinavia and one of the top airports in Northern Europe, handling approximately 29 million passengers per year. Located just 8 km south of Copenhagen city centre on the island of Amager, CPH is one of the most conveniently located major airports in Europe in terms of its proximity to the city. It serves as the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and is a significant transatlantic and intercontinental gateway for the Nordic region. The airport also uniquely connects Denmark and Sweden via the Øresund Bridge.

Terminals

Copenhagen Airport has three terminal buildings — Terminal 1 (domestic), Terminal 2 (Schengen international), and Terminal 3 (non-Schengen international) — all interconnected within a single complex.

• Terminal 1: Danish domestic flights, primarily SAS Scandinavian domestic routes to other Danish cities.
• Terminal 2: Schengen European international flights. SAS short-haul European routes, easyJet, Norwegian, and other European carriers.
• Terminal 3: Non-Schengen international flights including transatlantic routes (Delta, American, United), Asian carriers, and SAS long-haul. The most modern and well-equipped terminal.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout Copenhagen Airport under the network "CPH Free WiFi". Connect by selecting the network — no registration is required for basic access. The free service provides unlimited access with very good speeds, reflecting Denmark's reputation for excellent digital infrastructure. Premium WiFi options are also available. The network covers all public, departure, and airside areas comprehensively.

Transport to City Center

Metro Line M2

Copenhagen's Metro Line M2 runs directly from Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup station beneath Terminal 3) to central Copenhagen including Christianshavn and Kongens Nytorv in approximately 15 minutes. The metro runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with trains every 3–6 minutes during peak hours. A single adult fare costs 36 DKK (approximately €5). This is the fastest, most reliable, and most popular transport option for reaching the city.

DSB Train to Malmö

The DSB regional train also serves CPH Airport station and runs across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö Central in Sweden in approximately 35 minutes. This provides a unique opportunity to easily cross between two countries from the airport.

Bus Services

Several bus routes serve Copenhagen Airport including the 5C and various regional buses. Journey times to the city centre range from 30–50 minutes depending on route. City bus tickets cost 24–36 DKK.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis are available from the taxi rank outside the arrival areas. A metered taxi to Copenhagen city centre costs approximately 250–350 DKK (€33–47) and takes 15–25 minutes. Uber also operates in Copenhagen. For Malmö (Sweden), taxis require crossing the Øresund Bridge and are more expensive.

Airport Lounges

Copenhagen Airport has a good range of airline lounges and independent options, with SAS operating some of Scandinavia's finest lounge facilities.

• SAS Business Lounge (T2, T3): Premium SAS lounges for business class passengers and EuroBonus Gold/Diamond members, offering Scandinavian food, Nordic design, and excellent coffee.
• SAS Gold Lounge (T2): For EuroBonus Diamond members and Star Alliance Gold status holders, with the highest level of SAS hospitality.
• No. 1 Lounge (T3): Independent Priority Pass-accessible lounge with hot food, beverages, and comfortable seating for non-Schengen travellers.
• Copenhagen Lounge (T2): Priority Pass-accessible lounge in the Schengen zone with solid food selection and bar.
• Star Alliance Lounge (T3): For Star Alliance Gold members on qualifying long-haul flights, offering premium amenities.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Hilton Copenhagen Airport: The only hotel directly connected to the terminal building via covered walkway, with premium rooms and spa.
• Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers: Design-focused 4-star hotel near the airport with sustainability focus and good transport connections.
• Copenhagen Airport Marriott: Well-appointed hotel in the airport vicinity with pool and multiple dining options.
• ibis Copenhagen Airport: Budget option a short distance from the terminal with good value rooms and easy transport access.
• Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen: Landmark hotel in central Copenhagen reachable in 15 minutes by metro from the airport.

Food and Restaurants

Copenhagen Airport reflects Denmark's reputation as a food destination, with high-quality Scandinavian cuisine and Nordic design elements throughout its dining spaces.

• Kanteen (T3, airside): Nordic-inspired casual restaurant with smørrebrød (open sandwiches), Danish pastries, and freshly brewed coffee.
• Sticks'n'Sushi (T3): Copenhagen's beloved sushi and yakitori chain, offering high-quality Japanese-Danish fusion cuisine.
• Joe & The Juice (T2, T3): Danish healthy juice and coffee brand serving freshly pressed juices and sandwiches — a Danish airport staple.
• McDonald's (T2, T3): Standard fast food options available in both Schengen and non-Schengen areas.
• Lagkagehuset (T2): Beloved Danish bakery chain serving excellent rugbrød (rye bread), pastries, and coffee.
• Meyers Deli (T3): Premium Danish deli from celebrated Copenhagen chef Claus Meyer, offering quality Scandinavian food.

Travel Tips

• The Metro M2 is undoubtedly the best way to reach central Copenhagen — 15 minutes, 24-hour service, and very affordable. Buy tickets from machines in the station below T3.
• CPH's duty-free is excellent for Danish design products, LEGO sets, Royal Copenhagen porcelain, and Danish aquavit spirits.
• The airport's Nordic design aesthetic is genuinely impressive — it's one of the most beautifully designed airports in Europe and worth appreciating.
• Copenhagen also serves as a gateway to Malmö, Sweden — the 35-minute train connection via the Øresund Bridge is a remarkable experience.
• SAS lounges at CPH are particularly good — the Scandinavian food, design, and coffee quality is noticeably above average for European airline lounges.
• Denmark is expensive — airport food and drink prices at CPH reflect the high Danish cost of living; budget accordingly.
• CPH is 8 km from central Copenhagen, one of the shortest airport-to-city distances of any major European airport — this makes it exceptionally convenient for city visits.