Transport and Driving in Denmark

Taking public transport and driving in Denmark is convenient and efficient. Denmark’s roads are in excellent condition and congestion isn't a major issue. There is also a comprehensive public transport system in Denmark comprising trains, buses and ferries, so expats who choose not to drive will have plenty of ways to get around.

Denmark has a reputation as one of the world's cycling capitals, and new arrivals will soon find that this is well-earned. Copenhagen, in particular, is exceptionally bike-friendly, and the government is constantly extending the existing cycling infrastructure.

Public transport in Denmark

Public transport in Denmark is an efficient way for expats to reach almost any part of the country. Many Danes use public transport daily, and the Danish government encourages residents to pick it over driving.

Rejsekort, a central electronic ticketing system, covers buses, trains, and the metro. Commuter passes and discounted fares can also be accessed via Rejsekort. 

Trains

Danske Statsbaner (DSB) operates the national rail network in Denmark and the S-train rail network in Copenhagen. Expats can use the train to travel between the major cities on all of Denmark’s islands. 

Regional trains service smaller towns and rural areas in Denmark. Long-distance trains run frequently throughout the day and are a relaxing and safe way to travel between cities. The country also has international railway links to Sweden and Germany.

Metro

Copenhagen is home to Denmark's only metro system, which is well integrated with other public transport links throughout the city. The metro offers 24/7 services and has four lines, with more under construction. Metro trains leave every two to four minutes during the day, and up to every 20 minutes at night.

Buses

Denmark has an efficient system of long-distance buses that makes travelling between Danish cities painless and easy. Express coaches are also available. Travellers can purchase bus tickets on the bus itself using exact change or in advance.

Ferries

Denmark is an archipelago, so ferries are one of the best ways to get around. This is especially the case for expats who want to explore some of the smaller islands. There are also international ferry connections to destinations such as Sweden, Norway, Germany, and the UK.

Useful links

• Rejeskort
• DSB Train
• Copenhagen Metro

Taxis in Denmark

Large cities in Denmark will have an abundance of taxis run by many different companies. Smaller cities might only have one or two local operators. Taxis can be hailed off the street, or can be booked online or via phone.

All taxis in Denmark have meters and the fares are regulated. Ride-hailing apps also available in Denmark and are a great way for expats to mitigate potential language barriers. 

Useful links

• Taxa
• Dantaxi
• Bolt

Driving in Denmark

Expats driving in Denmark can expect a fairly easy, stress-free experience. The roads are in excellent condition and traffic jams are not a major issue. The Danish government has invested in extending the country’s road network and expats will find that, due to the construction of bridges, more and more areas and islands of the country are accessible by car. Expats can also use ferries to transport their cars between Denmark’s islands.

Driver's licences

Expats can drive in Denmark with their foreign driving licence for a total of 180 days after receiving their permanent residency status. Thereafter, they must exchange their licence for a Danish one. Expats from EU/EEA countries can legally drive in Denmark, provided their licences are still valid. 

Most expats from outside these regions will need to exchange their foreign driver's licence and take theoretical and practical driving tests.

Useful links

• Foreign Driving Licences – Danish Road Traffic Authority

Cycling in Denmark 

Cycling is an extremely popular mode of transport among the Danish population – in fact, in the city of Copenhagen, there are more bicycles than people. The country has a huge network of bicycle routes that extends for more than 7,000 miles (over 12,000km), making cycling an easy and safe way to get around. Additionally, Denmark has several bicycle-sharing programmes in its major cities to make commuting by bicycle easier for cyclists. 

Useful links

• Donkey Republic is a 24-hour bike rental programme available in Copenhagen. 

Air travel in Denmark

Denmark’s cities are fairly close together, so travelling by plane within the country is rarely necessary. That said, there are numerous domestic airports around the country, with the main hub being Copenhagen Airport. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the national carrier for Denmark, along with Sweden and Norway.