Denmark Transport

Airports
Denmark’s national airlines are SAS (SK) and Sterling Airlines (SA) (formerly Maersk Air). The major airlines that fly to Denmark are SAS and British Airways. 

The vast majority of overseas flights land at Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) (www.cph.dk) located 8km southeast of the city centre. A rail link connects the airport and main railway station in Copenhagen in just 12 minutes. There are also high-speed Intercity trains to Funen (1 hour) and Jutland (2 hours) with additional connections to Malmø (Sweden) on a 30-minute journey via the Øresund link. Regular bus services from the airport depart every 10 to 20 minutes, taking about 20 minutes in travel time. 

Århus Tirstrup Airport (AAR) is 44km from the city. Buses connect with flight arrivals; taxis are also available. The airport has the following facilities: Duty free shop, a wide range of car hire firms, currency exchange, a post office and a restaurant. 

Billund Airport (BLL) is approximately 2km from Legoland.

Rail
Copenhagen is connected by rail to all other major European cities, and typical express journey times from Copenhagen are: to London 24 hours; to Hamburg four hours 30 minutes; to Berlin 11 hours 25 minutes. All international trains connect with ferries where applicable. For more information, visit www.raileurope.com/

Road
All the major road networks of Europe connect with ferry services to Copenhagen. It is advisable to book ferries in advance. The completion of the 18km long toll Great Belt bridge and tunnel, linking Copenhagen (which is situated on the island of Sjælland) with the island of Funen, now provides the first seamless surface connection from the European continent to Copenhagen. It includes a 6.5km suspension bridge. A second bridge and tunnel, the Øresund connection, links Copenhagen with Malmø in Sweden. This consists of an 8km bridge and an 8km tunnel linked by an artificial island. Tolls are applicable for both bridges. 

Bus
Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London and various other stations across Europe, serves destinations in Denmark. For further information, contact Eurolines www.eurolines.com or www.nationalexpress.com. 

Sea
Several major cruise lines serve Copenhagen Port (www.cmport.com). Other ports are at Esbjerg (www.port-of-esbjerg.dk), Frederikshavn (www.frederikshavn.dk), Hanstholm (www.hanstholmshavn.dk) and Hirtshals. 

There are regular ferries to and from the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the UK. DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) is one of the main operators. North Jutland is connected to the Faroes, Iceland, Norway and Scotland during the summer by ferries. There are no departure taxes when leaving Denmark by sea.

Air
The network of scheduled services radiates from Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport (CPH). Other airports well served by domestic airlines include Ålborg, Århus, Billund, Esbjerg, Karup, Rønne, Skrydstrup, Sønderborg and Thisted. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities which are within easy reach of each other. Domestic flights are usually no more than 30 minutes’ duration. Limousines are often available. Discounts are available on certain tickets bought inside Denmark. Family, children and young person’s discounts are also available.

Rail
The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Ålborg, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Herning, Horsens, Odense and Randers. Danish State Railways (DSB) operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel. For more information, visit www.dsb.dk. 

Intercity IC3 trains are faster and more direct. Seat reservations are compulsory. Children under 10 years old travel free. There are also price reductions for persons over 65 and groups of eight people or more. The Englænderen boat-train runs between Esbjerg and Copenhagen and connects with ferries from the UK. 

The Scanrail Pass allows unlimited travel within Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. As elsewhere in Europe, Inter-Rail passes are valid in Denmark. Bus and ferry and, of course, rail tickets may be purchased at all railway stations. 

Road
Due to the country’s geology, the road system in the Danish archipelago makes frequent use of ferries. Country buses operate where there are no railways, but there are few private long-distance buses. 

Motorways are not subject to toll duty. Emergency telephones are available on motorways and there is a national breakdown called Falck, which can be called out 24 hours a day. There are petrol stations on motorways, generally with other services such as restaurants. Many petrol stations are automatic. A maximum of 10 litres of petrol is allowed to be kept as a reserve in suitably safe containers. The Danish Motoring Organization is Forenede Danske Motorejere (FDM), (www.fdm.dk). 

Speed limits are 110kph on motorways, 80kph on other roads and 50kph in built-up areas (signified by white plates with town silhouettes). Speed laws are strictly enforced, and heavy fines are levied on the spot; the car is impounded if payment is not made. Traffic drives on the right. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Motorcyclists must wear helmets and drive with dipped headlights at all times. Headlamps on all vehicles should be adjusted for right-hand driving. All driving signs are international. Children under 12 years old need to travel in the rear of the car. A national driving license from your home country is acceptable. Car repair is often available at petrol stations; costs include 25 per cent VAT on labour and materials, which is not refunded when you leave the country. 

Car hire: Available to drivers over the age of 20, and can be reserved through travel agents or airlines. However, many car rental firms will only hire vehicles out to drivers over 25 years of age. A national driving license from your home country is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Denmark are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover in Denmark; the Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. 

Parking: Parking in cities is largely governed by parking discs, available from petrol stations, post offices, tourist offices, banks and some police stations. These allow up to three hours parking in car parks (one hour in Copenhagen). Kerbside parking is allowed for one hour Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00 unless stated otherwise. The hand of the disc should point to the quarter hour following time of arrival. The disc is to be placed on the side of the car’s front window nearest the kerb. Where discs do not apply, parking meters regulate parking.

Cycling
There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many kilometres of scenic cycle track. Bikes can easily be taken on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services.

Sea
There are frequent ferry sailings from Kalundborg to Århus, Ebeltoft to Sjællands Odde and Rønne to Copenhagen. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafes and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network.