Copenhagen Cruise Port (Denmark) - tips from an experienced cruiser

Copenhagen is one of the most convenient and friendly ports in Northern Europe. Everything is well thought out here, from transportation to passenger infrastructure. It's no wonder that the port consistently ranks among the top three in the region in terms of passenger traffic. In 2024, 280 cruise liners and 818,000 passengers visited the port. The city receives ships almost year-round, and during the peak season from May to September, there are usually two to three liners at the docks simultaneously.

Where Cruise Liners Dock

In Copenhagen, there are three main cruise terminals:

• Langelinie (piers 191–199) - the oldest terminal, closest to the city center. Nearby is a park and the famous statue of the Little Mermaid.
• Frihavnen (piers 240–262) - used for medium-sized ships, 800 meters from Nordhavn metro station.
• Oceankaj (piers C330–C334) - a new, spacious terminal opened in 2014. It is the terminal that accommodates the largest liners (MSC, Royal Caribbean, Princess).

You can find out where your liner will be docked a few days before the cruise on the official port website. This is important because routes and transportation methods to each terminal vary.

Getting from the Airport

The port is located 11–15 km from Kastrup Airport (Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup). A taxi will cost approximately 300 DKK (about 40 €). All taxis accept credit cards. Keep in mind that taxis in Copenhagen are among the most expensive in Europe: a kilometer of travel costs around 3 €.

The most economical option is the metro. It operates 24/7, modern, clean, and safe. You need to buy a ticket for 3 zones (36 DKK ≈ 5 €). Tickets are valid for one hour after validation. The journey time from the airport to the city center is about 20 minutes, to the port - up to 30 minutes. Payment can be made by card or through the Rejseplanen app. More details are available on the airport's website.

Getting to the Terminals

• To the Langelinie terminal: take the metro to Nørreport station, transfer to the S-train, and get off at Østerport after one stop. From there, it's about a 1 km walk along the waterfront to the pier.
• To Frihavnen and Oceankaj: go to Nordhavn station on the same line. Frihavnen is 800 m away, while Oceankaj is approximately 3.5 km from the station.

From Nordhavn to Oceankaj, you can take buses No. 25 and 27. The stop is near the station here, and at the terminal - here. The journey takes 10–15 minutes.

Detailed video instructions:

Sometimes cruise companies organize shuttles from the airport directly to the pier. The cost is from 5 to 15 € per person, but it's better to book in advance.

Bus No. 26 - Tourist Alternative

Bus No. 26 route passes by the Langelinie and Frihavnen terminals. You can take it to Kongens Nytorv (New Royal Square), Copenhagen Central Station, and Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). The ticket from the driver costs 24 DKK (3.5 €), is valid for 1 hour, and also works for the metro.

Travel and Tourist Cards

If you plan to move around actively, buy a City Pass for a day for 80 DKK - it is valid for metro, buses, trains, and ferries. Even more advantageous is the Copenhagen Card (~51 €): it includes city transportation and entrance to 79 museums and attractions.

If You Are in Transit

If your liner makes a stop in Copenhagen, it's simple:

• From Langelinie - you can walk to the city center (about 3 km), passing through a park, the waterfront, and the famous Little Mermaid.
• From Frihavnen and Oceankaj - take bus No. 26 or a shuttle from a company (around 13 €). You can also take the metro from Nordhavn.

Routes of Hop-on Hop-off buses CitySightseeing and Stromma pass by all terminals. The cost is from 179 DKK, with a Russian audio guide available, and children under 15 travel for free.

Water Tours - The Best Way to See the City

If you want to see Copenhagen from the water, take a boat tour from Kongens Nytorv. Two companies operate:

• Stromma - tickets from 109 DKK, with a Russian audio guide available.
• Havnerundfart - 60 DKK (~8 €), but without Russian audio.

Tip: Do not buy a combined "bus + boat" ticket in advance - it is often cheaper and more convenient to choose the time on-site.

Zoo and Other Entertainment

Animal lovers will appreciate the Copenhagen Zoo - one of the oldest in Europe. You can reach it by bus No. 26 or a tourist bus. The zoo features pandas, giraffes, elephants, and an excellent children's area.

City Video Presentation:

Useful Information

• Sightseeing Map
• Free Tourist Opportunities
• Cruise parking costs from 110 DKK/day.
• Port Information in English
• Excursions by Princess Cruises - here.

Seasoned Travelers' Advice

If you have already visited the capital of Denmark, take a day trip to neighboring Malmö (Sweden), just 35 km away via the Øresund Bridge. Trains depart from the central station every 20 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs 222 DKK. The schedule is available on the Øresundståg website.

Copenhagen is one of the best ports to start a cruise in Europe. Everything is convenient, logical, safe, and very Danish - with a smile, a bicycle, and a cup of coffee in hand.