The Copenhagen Metro is the city’s flagship rapid-transit system — fully automated, driverless, runs 24/7, and serves 121 million passengers annually. With 4 lines (M1, M2, M3 Cityringen, M4), 39 stations, and trains every 2-4 minutes during peak, the Copenhagen Metro is the fastest way to navigate Copenhagen for tourists. This complete Copenhagen Metro guide covers all 4 lines, ticket prices, app instructions, the M3 Cityringen loop, M2 to airport, and how the metro integrates with buses, S-tog trains, and the harbor buses.
Copenhagen Metro at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lines | 4: M1, M2, M3 Cityringen, M4 |
| Stations | 39 (after 2024 M4 extension) |
| Operation | 24/7 — Copenhagen has Europe’s only 24-hour metro |
| Frequency | 2-4 min peak; 6 min off-peak; 15-20 min overnight |
| Network length | 38 km total |
| Driverless | Yes — fully automated since 2002 |
| Annual passengers | 121 million |
| Daily passengers | ~350,000 |
| Operated by | Metro Service A/S (Hitachi Rail STS) |
| Single ticket (zone 1-2) | 30 DKK adult |
| 24-hour ticket | 80 DKK (all zones) |
| City Pass 24h | 100 DKK (covers metro, bus, train) |
Copenhagen Metro Lines
M1 (Green) — Vanløse to Vestamager
M1 is the green line, opened 2002. Connects Vanløse (NW) through central Copenhagen Nørreport, Kongens Nytorv, Christianshavn to Vestamager. Key tourist stations: Nørreport (Torvehallerne, Rosenborg), Kongens Nytorv (Nyhavn), Christianshavn (Christiania).
M2 (Yellow) — Vanløse to Copenhagen Airport
M2 is the yellow line, opened 2002 and extended to Copenhagen Airport in 2007. The fastest way from central Copenhagen to the airport — Kongens Nytorv to CPH airport in 13 minutes. Key tourist stations: same as M1 (shared track to Christianshavn), then Lergravsparken, Amager Strand, Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup Lufthavn). See our Copenhagen airport to city center guide.
M3 Cityringen (Red) — 17-Station Loop
M3 Cityringen, the red loop, opened September 2019 — Copenhagen’s biggest infrastructure project of the 21st century at 22 billion DKK. The 15.5 km underground loop connects all major Copenhagen neighborhoods: Vesterbro, Norrebro, Osterbro, Frederiksberg, central Copenhagen. Trains run both directions; full loop takes 24 minutes. The most useful line for tourists exploring multiple neighborhoods.
M4 (Blue) — Orientkaj/Sydhavn extension
M4 is the blue line, opened 2020 with extension to Sydhavn (south) and Orientkaj (north) added 2024. Connects Hovedbanegården (Central Station) through King’s New Square (Kongens Nytorv) to Orientkaj. M4 shares stations with M3 around the central loop.
Copenhagen Metro for Tourists — Best Stations
These Copenhagen Metro stations matter most for visitors:
- Nørreport (M1, M2, M3) — Torvehallerne food market, Rosenborg Castle, King’s Garden
- Kongens Nytorv (M1, M2, M3, M4) — Nyhavn (5 min walk), Charlottenborg
- Christianshavn (M1, M2) — Christiania, Nordhavn views
- Hovedbanegården (M3, M4) — Central Station, Tivoli (3 min walk)
- Marmorkirken (M3) — Marble Church, Amalienborg Palace, Little Mermaid (15 min walk)
- Frederiksberg Allé (M3) — Frederiksberg Have, Copenhagen Zoo (15 min walk)
- Forum (M3) — Carlsberg Brewery (10 min walk)
- Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) (M2) — direct to airport, 13 min from Kongens Nytorv
Copenhagen Metro Tickets and Pricing
Copenhagen Metro tickets are zone-based — 1, 2, 3, or all-zones. Most central Copenhagen + airport falls within zones 1-2-3 (3 zones).
| Ticket type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket 1-2 zones | 30 DKK | Single short trip in central Copenhagen |
| Single ticket 1-3 zones | 40 DKK | Single trip including airport |
| 24-hour all-zone ticket | 80 DKK | Single tourist day |
| 72-hour all-zone ticket | 200 DKK | 3-day tourist trip |
| City Pass 24h | 100 DKK | 1-day metro+bus+harbor bus |
| City Pass 72h | 270 DKK | 3-day metro+bus+harbor bus + free attractions |
| Copenhagen Card 24h | 569 DKK | Tourists wanting attractions + transport |
| Rejsekort travel card | Pay-as-you-go | Long-stay residents/students |
For 3+ day visits, the Copenhagen Card includes free metro + 80 attractions. See our Copenhagen Card review. For 1-2 days, City Pass 24h is the best value at 100 DKK. Single tickets only make sense for occasional users.
How to Buy Copenhagen Metro Tickets
- DOT app (recommended for tourists) — buy any ticket on iOS/Android. No account needed; pay with credit card.
- Self-service machines at every station — accept cards (Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay).
- Rejsekort travel card — refillable card; tap on/off; for long-stay only.
- Tourist information — Copenhagen Visitor Center sells City Pass and Copenhagen Card.
- Airport DSB ticket office — buy on arrival.
No paper ticket validation needed — trains run on honor system with random conductor checks. Always have a valid ticket; fines for fare-jumpers start at 1,000 DKK.
Copenhagen Metro vs S-tog vs Buses
| Mode | Best for | Speed | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro (M1-M4) | Central Copenhagen + airport | Fastest | 39 stations central |
| S-tog (suburban trains) | Suburbs + day trips (Helsingør, Roskilde) | Fast | 85+ stations regional |
| Bus (1A, 2A, 5C, etc.) | Where metro doesn’t reach | Slower | Citywide |
| Harbor bus (991, 992, 993) | Scenic Christianshavn-Nyhavn | Slow but scenic | Harbor route |
Copenhagen Metro is fastest for central trips and the airport. S-tog handles suburban and day-trip routes. Buses fill gaps where metro doesn’t reach. See our Copenhagen transportation pillar guide.
Copenhagen Metro Operating Hours
Copenhagen Metro is unique in Europe: 24/7 operation, every day, all year. Frequency varies:
- Peak (07:30-09:00, 16:00-18:00 weekdays): Every 2-4 minutes
- Off-peak (daytime): Every 4-6 minutes
- Evening (21:00-00:00): Every 6-9 minutes
- Overnight (00:00-05:00): Every 15-20 minutes
- Weekends: Slightly less frequent overnight, otherwise normal
- Holidays (Christmas Eve, etc.): Reduced service; check Metro app
Copenhagen Metro Accessibility
Copenhagen Metro is fully accessible:
- Step-free access at every station via elevator or ramp
- Tactile guidance for visually impaired
- Audio announcements at all stations and in trains
- Service dogs welcome — no muzzle/leash restrictions
- Wheelchair accessible — designated spots in every train car
- Bicycle access — bikes allowed except 07:00-09:00 and 15:30-17:30 weekdays; 12 DKK bike supplement ticket
- Stroller-friendly — no extra charge for strollers
Copenhagen Metro Safety and Etiquette
- Stand right on escalators — walk left.
- Mind the gap — though Copenhagen Metro has platform-screen doors at all stations.
- No food in trains — drinks ok; no smoking anywhere.
- Quiet cars — Copenhageners value calm; speak softly.
- Validate or buy your ticket BEFORE boarding — random conductor checks; fines 1,000+ DKK.
- Bag space — luggage on platforms; trains carry without issue.
- Pickpockets — rare but reported on M2 to airport; keep belongings close.
- Emergency intercom — every train has emergency call button.
Copenhagen Metro FAQs
Is Copenhagen Metro 24/7?
Yes — Copenhagen Metro runs 24 hours, 7 days a week, all year. Frequency drops to every 15-20 minutes overnight (00:00-05:00) but service never stops.
How much is a Copenhagen Metro ticket?
Single ticket 1-2 zones: 30 DKK. Single 1-3 zones (includes airport): 40 DKK. 24-hour all-zone ticket: 80 DKK. City Pass 24h (best tourist value): 100 DKK includes bus/harbor bus too.
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to city center?
M2 metro from Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) to Kongens Nytorv (city center) takes 13 minutes; trains every 4-6 minutes. Ticket: 40 DKK. See our Copenhagen airport to city center guide.
Is Copenhagen Metro driverless?
Yes — Copenhagen Metro is fully driverless and automated since 2002. The first such system in the world at full city scale. Manufactured by Hitachi Rail STS (formerly Ansaldo).
How does the Copenhagen Metro M3 Cityringen work?
M3 Cityringen is an underground loop with trains running both directions; full loop takes 24 minutes. 17 stations connect Vesterbro, Norrebro, Osterbro, Frederiksberg, central Copenhagen. Opened September 2019.
Are Copenhagen Metro stations accessible?
Yes — every Copenhagen Metro station is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, and platform-screen doors. Service dogs welcome. Wheelchairs use designated train spots.
Can I take a bike on the Copenhagen Metro?
Yes — bikes allowed except during peak hours (07:00-09:00 and 15:30-17:30 weekdays). 12 DKK bike supplement ticket required in addition to passenger ticket. See our cycling and bike rental Copenhagen guide.
Where can I buy a Copenhagen Metro ticket?
DOT app (recommended), self-service machines at every station, Copenhagen Visitor Center, or DSB ticket office at the airport. No paper-ticket validation; honor system with random checks.
Related Reading
- Copenhagen transportation guide.
- Copenhagen airport to city center.
- Copenhagen public transport tickets.
- Bike rental Copenhagen.
- Copenhagen Card review.
- Copenhagen itinerary.
- Things to do in Copenhagen.
The Verdict on the Copenhagen Metro
The Copenhagen Metro is unmatched among European city metro systems for tourists: 24/7 operation, fully driverless, modern stations with platform-screen doors, every-2-minute peak frequency, direct airport connection, and complete neighborhood coverage via M3 Cityringen. Buy the City Pass 24h (100 DKK) or Copenhagen Card if doing attractions, and use the DOT app for single tickets. The Copenhagen Metro is the fastest, cleanest, most modern way to navigate Copenhagen — fundamental to any Copenhagen trip.
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