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.