24-Hour Layover in Copenhagen: What To Do
Kastrup Airport (CPH) · Denmark
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Key Facts
- Airport: Kastrup Airport (CPH)
- Country: Denmark
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Denmark is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. CPH airport is exceptional for transit — direct rail to centre in 13 minutes makes 4-hour layovers viable for downtown visits.
Insider tip
CPH is one of the closest major European airports to its city — Metro takes just 13 minutes to the centre for €5. The station is inside Terminal 3 (signed clearly). For 3-hour layovers: Nyhavn photo + smørrebrød lunch is achievable.
Getting to Copenhagen City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro M2 (to Kongens Nytorv / Nørreport) | DKK 36 (€5) | 13 min |
| DSB train (to København H) | DKK 30 (€4) | 12 min |
| Taxi (metered) | DKK 250–350 (€33–47) | 20–30 min |
Top Copenhagen: Where to Go
Nyhavn + waterfront walk
25 min from city centreIconic 17th-century harbour with painted houses. Hans Christian Andersen's former home. Cafes + canal boat tours (€15, 1 hour).
Tivoli Gardens
25 min from city centreWorld's 3rd-oldest amusement park (since 1843), open mid-April to late-September + winter. €25 entry. Walt Disney visited + was inspired to build Disneyland.
Christiania (alternative quarter)
30 min from city centreSemi-autonomous "free town" since 1971 — alternative arts community. Walk through Pusher Street (no photos). Unique to Copenhagen.
Reffen street food + Refshaleøen
35 min from city centreOpen-air food hall on a former shipyard with 60+ vendors. Easy reach via harbour ferry from Nyhavn. Peak Copenhagen vibe.
Eat Like a Local in Copenhagen
Smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches) at Hallernes — pickled herring + remoulade rye toppings, DKK 60-100. World-class restaurants Noma + Geranium both within 30 min of airport for fine-dining layovers.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Copenhagen signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Copenhagen?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Kastrup Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Kastrup to Copenhagen city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Kastrup?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at CPH
Getting out of Kastrup Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Copenhagen
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Copenhagen and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse CopenhagenJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Copenhagen
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Copenhagen
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Hotels near Copenhagen Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.