Copenhagen Central Station — København H, or just "Hovedbanegården" to locals — is a handsome late-19th-century terminus that also happens to be one of the best-connected stations in northern Europe, sitting on the direct line to the airport and, via the Øresund Bridge, to Sweden. It's compact enough to navigate quickly once you know the basics. Here's what to expect.
Layout and orientation
Copenhagen Central is a partial terminus built around a grand vaulted timber-roofed hall, with platforms fanning out beneath and beyond it. Unlike some of Europe's largest stations, it's relatively easy to get your bearings: the main hall houses ticket offices, a Narvesen kiosk, and clear overhead departure boards in Danish and English, with numbered platforms reached by short walks or a single flight of stairs or escalators. The station sits right in the city centre, close to Tivoli Gardens and within easy walking distance of much of central Copenhagen, so unlike airport-adjacent or out-of-town termini, arriving here genuinely does put you in the heart of the city.
Trains to the airport
Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is directly connected to Copenhagen Central by frequent train service, taking around 15 minutes with no changes — one of the more painless airport rail links in Europe, run partly by DSB and partly by the Öresundståg trains that continue on into Sweden. Trains run regularly throughout the day and into the evening, making a taxi or airport bus largely unnecessary for most travellers. For the fuller picture on getting between the airport and the city, including alternatives to the train, see our guide to Copenhagen airport transfers.
Øresund trains to Malmö and Sweden
One of the station's most distinctive features is its role as the Danish end of the Øresund link: direct trains cross the Øresund Bridge and undersea tunnel to Malmö in Sweden in around 35 minutes, continuing on to other Swedish cities. These are genuinely domestic-feeling international trains — there's no border checkpoint or passport control in the way air travellers might expect, since both Denmark and Sweden are within the Schengen Area, though random spot checks have been reintroduced at times on this specific crossing in recent years, so it's worth carrying your passport or ID regardless. Departures run frequently throughout the day, making a day trip to Malmö or even Sweden's third city, along the coast, a realistic option from Copenhagen without booking ahead.
Bikes at the station
Copenhagen is one of the world's great cycling cities, and the station reflects that: it has extensive bike parking directly outside, and Danish trains generally accommodate bikes with a paid ticket or supplement, space permitting, particularly on regional and Øresund services. If you're planning to combine rail travel with cycling once you arrive — a genuinely normal way to get around Copenhagen — the station's bike facilities and nearby cycle routes make this an easy transition, more so than in most other European capitals. See our guide to Copenhagen public transport for how the Metro, S-tog and bikes fit together once you're in the city.
Luggage storage
Coin- and card-operated luggage lockers are available within the station, in a handful of sizes, along with a staffed left-luggage option at busier times of year. Given the station's central location, many travellers use lockers here to explore Copenhagen on a stopover between connections, particularly since Tivoli Gardens and the pedestrianised Strøget shopping street are both a short walk away. See our general guide to left luggage at train stations for how this typically works across Europe.
Changing trains
As a fairly compact station, changing trains at Copenhagen Central is more straightforward than at some of Europe's sprawling termini — platforms are close together and well signed. Long-distance domestic connections from here run across Denmark's bridges and islands, and DSB's InterCity network reaches most of the country within a few hours; see our guide to Denmark by train for the fuller network picture, and Scandinavia by train for how Danish, Swedish and Norwegian rail connect. International travellers heading further north sometimes combine this route with the classic Hamburg to Copenhagen journey via the new Fehmarn link.
Food and shopping
The main hall and surrounding concourse have a reasonable range of food outlets, from a supermarket-style convenience shop to bakeries and takeaway options — enough for a quick breakfast or a sandwich before boarding, though the selection is more modest than at some of the continent's larger hub stations. Copenhagen's famous food scene is a short walk away in every direction if you have more time before a train.
Accessibility
Copenhagen Central has step-free access to all platforms via lifts and ramps, and the station's relatively compact, single-level layout makes it easier to navigate for travellers with mobility needs than many larger European termini. DSB offers assistance booked in advance for boarding, and staff are generally available at the station to help on the day if notice wasn't possible.
A few quirks worth knowing
- The station's Danish name, "København H" or "Hovedbanegården," appears on tickets and departure boards; "Copenhagen Central" is the English translation you'll see used for visitors.
- Because the Øresund trains function almost like a domestic service, it's easy to forget you're crossing an international border — keep your ticket and ID to hand regardless.
- The station's grand wooden-roofed hall dates from the early 20th century and is worth a look even if you're only passing through.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre?
By direct train from Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) to Copenhagen Central, taking around 15 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day.
Do I need my passport for the train to Malmö?
There's no routine passport check since both countries are in the Schengen Area, but temporary ID checks have been applied on this crossing at times, so carry a passport or national ID card to be safe.
Can I take my bike on trains from Copenhagen Central?
Generally yes, with a paid ticket or supplement depending on the service and space availability, particularly on regional and Øresund trains.
Is there luggage storage at Copenhagen Central?
Yes, coin- and card-operated lockers in various sizes are available, plus staffed left-luggage options at busier times.
Sources and further reading:
- Station and timetable information: DSB (Danish State Railways).
- Øresund and cross-border service details: The Man in Seat 61.
- Entry and border information: European Commission.