The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Overview of Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also known as Københavns Lufthavn, is Denmark's largest airport and a vital hub for Northern Europe. Located just 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Copenhagen's city center, CPH serves as a primary gateway for international and domestic travel. Renowned for its efficiency, Scandinavian design, and traveler-friendly amenities, Copenhagen Airport consistently ranks among the best airports in Europe.

• Location: Kastrup, Copenhagen, Denmark

• IATA Code: CPH

• ICAO Code: EKCH

• Opened: 1925

• Annual Passenger Traffic: Over 30 million (pre-pandemic levels)

• Terminals: 2 (Terminal 2 and Terminal 3)

History of Copenhagen Airport

Established in 1925, Copenhagen Airport is one of the world’s oldest international airports still in operation. Over the decades, it has grown into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, serving as a hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and a major transfer point for flights between Europe, North America, and Asia. The airport has undergone several expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, including the construction of Terminal 3 and upgrades to its runways and taxiways.

Terminals at Copenhagen Airport

1. Terminal 2

• Overview:

  • Primarily serves European and domestic flights.

  • Handles low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Norwegian.

• Key Features:

  • Efficient check-in areas with self-service kiosks.

  • Modern dining and shopping options.

  • Quick access to security checkpoints.

2. Terminal 3

• Overview:

  • Serves intercontinental and long-haul flights, as well as major European routes.

  • Home to Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and other Star Alliance carriers.

• Key Features:

  • Direct access to the train station and Metro.

  • Spacious lounges for premium travelers.

  • Integrated baggage handling systems for seamless connections.

Transportation Options to and from CPH

1. Metro (M2 Line)

• Details:

  • Connects CPH to the city center and other parts of Copenhagen.

  • Trains run every 4-6 minutes.

• Travel Time: ~15 minutes to Nørreport Station.

• Cost: DKK 36 (one-way ticket).

2. Train

• Details:

  • The airport’s train station is located beneath Terminal 3.

  • Regional and intercity trains connect CPH to Copenhagen Central Station, Malmö, and other destinations.

• Travel Time: ~13 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station.

• Cost: DKK 36 (one-way ticket).

3. Taxi and Rideshare

• Taxi:

  • Travel time: ~20 minutes to Copenhagen city center (traffic-dependent).

  • Cost: DKK 250-350.

• Rideshare:

  • Services like Uber and Bolt operate at designated pickup zones.

4. Buses

• Details:

  • Several bus routes connect the airport to Copenhagen and nearby cities.

  • Line 5C is a popular choice for reaching the city center.

• Travel Time: ~30 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station.

• Cost: DKK 24-36.

5. Car Rentals

• Providers:

  • Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget.

• Pickup/Drop-off: Located in the dedicated car rental area near the terminals.

Parking at Copenhagen Airport

1. P1, P5, and P9 (Short-Term Parking)

• Details:

  • Conveniently located near the terminals for quick drop-offs and pickups.

  • Ideal for stays of a few hours.

• Cost: Starting at DKK 50/hour.

2. P7, P8, and P12 (Long-Term Parking)

• Details:

  • More affordable options located slightly farther from the terminals.

  • Free shuttle buses run every 10 minutes.

• Cost: Starting at DKK 85/day.

3. Premium Parking

• Details:

  • Located closest to the terminals for maximum convenience.

  • Includes valet services and reserved spaces.

• Cost: Starting at DKK 300/day.

Dining and Shopping Options

Dining at CPH

• Terminal 2:

  • Joe & The Juice: Freshly made juices, smoothies, and light meals.

  • Caviar House & Prunier: High-end dining with seafood specialties.

• Terminal 3:

  • Lagkagehuset: Famous Danish bakery offering pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

  • The Italian: Casual dining with pizza and pasta options.

Shopping at CPH

• Duty-Free:

  • Large selection of alcohol, perfumes, and luxury goods.

• Luxury Brands:

  • Hugo Boss, Gucci, and Hermès.

• Local Danish Products:

  • Shops like Illums Bolighus offer Danish design and souvenirs.

• Essentials:

  • WHSmith and 7-Eleven for snacks, books, and travel items.

Lounges at Copenhagen Airport

1. SAS Lounge (Terminal 3)

• Access: Available to SAS Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.

• Features:

  • Buffet dining, showers, and workspaces.

  • Family-friendly areas and comfortable seating.

2. Aspire Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Access: Pay-per-use or Priority Pass members.

• Features:

  • Complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

  • Relaxation areas with panoramic views of the tarmac.

3. Eventyr Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Access: Premium pay-per-use lounge.

• Features:

  • Upscale dining, fine wines, and a tranquil ambiance.

Nearby Hotels

1. Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport

• Distance: Connected to Terminal 3 via a covered walkway.

• Features:

  • Luxurious rooms, conference facilities, and a fitness center.

2. Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Airport

• Distance: 5 minutes by car.

• Features:

  • Budget-friendly accommodations with modern amenities.

3. Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport

• Distance: A short walk from the terminals.

• Features:

  • Stylish rooms, on-site dining, and co-working spaces.

Top Tips for Travelers at Copenhagen Airport

1. Arrive Early: Allow at least 2 hours for Schengen flights and 3 hours for non-Schengen flights.

2. Explore Danish Cuisine: Try local specialties at Lagkagehuset or Caviar House.

3. Use Public Transport: The Metro and train are fast and affordable ways to reach the city center.

4. Free Wi-Fi: Unlimited and reliable throughout the airport.

5. Shop Local: Pick up Danish design items or specialties like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).

Future Developments at CPH

• Terminal Expansion: Plans to increase capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually by 2030.

• Green Initiatives: Investments in renewable energy and carbon-neutral operations.

• Airport City: Development of a business and leisure hub near the airport.

Copenhagen Airport seamlessly blends Scandinavian design with modern functionality, making it a top choice for travelers. Whether you’re connecting to other destinations or exploring Denmark, CPH ensures a world-class travel experience.