🧭🚇 How much does public transport cost in Copenhagen in 2026: a clear guide to zones, tickets and savings

Created at: Jan 02, 2026

🎯 What this article covers and how the system works

The capital region uses a unified ticketing system: a single ticket works on the metro (M1–M4), S‑tog suburban trains, regional trains (within the paid zones), city and night buses, and the harbour bus lines. The price depends not on the mode but on the number of zones travelled — the minimum is 2 zones. That means you can ride, say, metro + S‑tog + bus within the zones you’ve paid for and within the ticket’s validity window.

How to read zones: the historic centre is zone 1; the airport (CPH) is zone 4. A trip “centre → airport” equals 3 zones in total (1→4 through the rings).

Validity for a single ticket grows with the number of zones (table below shows typical times).

A lively multi-modal moment at Nørreport: metro entrance, S-train directions and a city bus outside the glass. A family taps a phone ticket while commuters navigate between modes, illustrating how one ticket works across transport types in Copenhagen.

🗺️ Zones in two minutes: quick examples

Minimum 2 zones — short trips within the centre. Entry price for an adult: 24 DKK.
Centre → airport: 3 zones (a standard single = 30 DKK; see tables for details).
If you expect many rides over 1–5 days, consider a City Pass: Small (zones 1–4, airport included) or Large (zones 1–99) — handy for Roskilde, Hillerød, Helsingør, etc.
Harbour buses (the yellow boats) are included under the same zone fares.

Close-up of a station kiosk showing the Copenhagen zone ring map under glass, dusted with snow. A gloved hand points from the inner zones toward the outer airport zone, making the zone concept easy to understand at a glance.

💰 Single tickets (Single Ticket), 2026: what you pay

Heads‑up (from 18 January 2026): prices for 4–6‑zone single tickets increased by 2 DKK. Other zone levels unchanged. The grid below shows the new 2026 values.

A modern ticket machine scene with a smartphone showing a simplified single-ticket price for multiple zones, plus a clear note about the January 2026 price update. A polite winter queue reinforces the real-world “buying a ticket” moment.

🧾 Single tickets 2026: 2–12 zones

Zones	Adult price (DKK)	Typical example
2	24	Short inner‑city ride
3	30	Centre → airport (3 zones in total 1→4)
4	40	Longer cross‑city/suburban travel
5	46	City → near suburb
6	50	City → farther suburb
7	54	Extended regional ride within the island
8	60	Bigger satellite towns (within 8 zones)
9	66	Deeper into Zealand
10	72	Longer regional distances
11	78	Longer regional distances
12	84	Very long ride within the island

Note: 4–6‑zone levels increased by 2 DKK on 18 Jan 2026; other levels unchanged. Always confirm zones for your exact trip in the app.

The 8‑zone corridor often covers typical day trips on Zealand (e.g., Roskilde is within that reach), while City Pass Large covers zones 1–99 (Roskilde, Hillerød, Helsingør, and more).

⏱️ Validity by zones (how long a single lasts)

Below are typical validity windows for an adult single. You can make transfers within the paid zones during that time.

🧾 How long is my ticket valid?

Zones	Validity
2	75 minutes
3	90 minutes
4	105 minutes
5	120 minutes
6	135 minutes
7	150 minutes
8	165 minutes

For 9+ zones there are “long‑distance” rules; always check the app before you go.

📦 Day and multi‑day passes: City Pass (tourist‑friendly)

City Pass Small covers zones 1–4 (airport included), City Pass Large covers zones 1–99 (the whole capital region). It’s time‑based (24/48/72/96/120 hours) and valid on metro, S‑tog, buses and harbour buses.

Warm interior of an S-train carriage against frosty windows. A commuter checks an off-peak discount message on a generic travel app, reflecting how digital tickets and off-peak pricing help save money in Copenhagen.

🧾City Pass 2026: prices and zones

City Pass Small (zones 1–4)

Duration	Price (DKK)
24 hours	100
48 hours	160
72 hours	220
96 hours	280
120 hours	340

Ideal if you stay in the city and/or fly via CPH.

City Pass Large (zones 1–99)

Duration	Price (DKK)
24 hours	200
48 hours	300
72 hours	400
96 hours	500
120 hours	600

Pick Large if you plan Roskilde/Hillerød/Helsingør etc.

Valid on metro, trains, S‑tog, buses and harbour buses within the chosen zones.

💳 Rejsekort / Rejsebillet: when it’s cheaper, and what changed in 2026

Rejsebillet is the mobile way to buy tickets in 2026 (replaces the old “DOT Billetter”). For many trips it’s simpler than paper singles.
DOT Billetter closed at the end of 2025, and in 2026 the physical Rejsekort is being phased out — focus on Rejsebillet and digital payments.
20% off off‑peak with Rejsekort applies (e.g., 4‑zone base on Rejsekort = 38 DKK; ~−20% off‑peak). The app shows the exact charge/rounding.
On 18 Jan 2026 Rejsekort fares for 4–6 zones also went +2 DKK (like singles; 2–3 zones unchanged).

🚲 Bikes, kids, airport: frequent details

Bikes are free on S‑tog; in the metro you need a bike ticket, and peak‑hour restrictions apply (typically 07:00–09:00 and 15:30–17:30 on weekdays). Bus rules vary by route/space.
Children: as a rule, up to two kids under 12 travel free with one adult (also valid for City Pass); 12–15 pay the child fare. Always check the specific ticket in the app.
Airport (zone 4): either a 3‑zone single or any City Pass Small/Large.
Harbour buses are included under the same tickets (a scenic alternative to bus/metro).

S-train bike area in winter with two cyclists and clear bike pictograms. The scene explains bike-friendly commuting in Copenhagen, contrasting free bike access on S-trains with ticket/peak limits in the metro—perfect for travelers who ride.

🧮 Mini calculator: what will my trip cost?

Zones (2–12) Type Trips Include airport?

Pick parameters above to see an estimate.

Disclaimer: this is indicative. For Rejsekort outside zones 4–6 we use typical values (usually below single). Always verify in the app.

🛠️ What changed in 2026 and what to watch out for

18 January 2026 — annual indexation point: 4–6 zones went +2 DKK; other levels unchanged. Rejsekort saw the same +2 DKK for these zones (2–3 zones unchanged).
Going digital: DOT Billetter closed (end of 2025); in 2026 the physical Rejsekort is being phased out — rely on Rejsebillet and digital payments.

🧠 Quick scenarios: which option fits

1–2 rides/day downtown → a single (2–3 zones) is usually best.
3+ rides/day or airport + city → consider City Pass Small (zones 1–4) for 24–72 hours.
Day trips out of town (Roskilde/Hillerød/Helsingør) → City Pass Large (zones 1–99) for 24–48 hours so you don’t think about zones each way.
You ride in off‑peak and not too often → Rejsekort with the ~20% off‑peak discount.

Short recap

2026: minimum ride (2 zones) — 24 DKK; airport ↔ centre (3 zones) — 30 DKK; from 18 Jan 2026 4–6 zones are 40/46/50 DKK.
City Pass remains the best day‑based deal: Small 100–340 DKK (zones 1–4), Large 200–600 DKK (zones 1–99).
Rejsekort is great off‑peak (~−20%) and ticketing moves into Rejsebillet.

❓ How much from the airport to the centre in 2026?

3 zones = 30 DKK on a single; valid on metro and trains alike. If you’ll make a couple more rides within a day, compare with City Pass Small 24h = 100 DKK.

❓ What should I choose for 3–5 days in the city?

If you won’t head far beyond the capital, City Pass Small for the needed hours. If you plan Roskilde/Hillerød/Helsingør, pick Large.

❓ Is there a price difference between metro, bus and S‑tog?

No. Within the paid zones and validity time, one ticket works on all modes (including the harbour bus).

❓ When is Rejsekort actually cheaper?

When you ride off‑peak (about −20%) and/or make short, irregular trips. For 4–6 zones in 2026 Rejsekort is still below the single (38/44/48 vs 40/46/50 DKK).

❓ What about bikes?

S‑tog — free for bikes; metro — bike ticket needed and no bikes at peak times. Check day‑of rules in the app.

❓ Do kids travel for free?

Typically up to two children under 12 travel free with one adult (also with City Pass). Ages 12–15 pay the child fare. Check the ticket details in the app.

❓ Are night buses more expensive?

No, same zone fare; just mind the timetable and your ticket validity.

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Undreaz

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