You can leave Copenhagen Airport on a layover if you are allowed to enter the Schengen area. EU/EEA citizens can; many other nationalities (such as US, UK, Canadian and Australian passport holders) can enter visa-free for short stays; others need a Schengen visa. The city centre is only 15 minutes away. With a layover of 6 hours or more you can see real highlights. Allow about 2 hours at the airport for the return (security, and passport control for non-Schengen flights).
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Copenhagen may be the best layover city in Europe: the airport is compact, the metro runs 24/7, and Nyhavn, the palaces and the harbour are 20 minutes from the terminal. A layover can become a mini-trip. You just need to check your entry rules and be realistic about time.
Can you leave the airport?
| You hold | Can you leave CPH? |
|---|---|
| EU / EEA / Swiss passport | Yes |
| Visa-exempt passport (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Yes, for short stays; passport control and EES registration apply |
| Passport requiring a Schengen visa | Only with a valid Schengen visa |
Since April 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers’ biometrics at the border. That can add time to passport control on your first entry. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation has not launched yet. Always check the latest rules on official EU sources such as the European Commission before relying on a layover exit.
How much time do you need?
- Under 5 hours: stay airside, or at most visit Dragør, the village next to the airport. The risk outweighs the reward.
- 5–7 hours: a short city loop: Nyhavn, Amalienborg and the harbour.
- 8–10 hours: a proper half-day, with lunch.
- 12+ hours: a full day, or an overnight in the city.
Budget: 30–60 minutes to exit after landing (longer if non-Schengen), 15–25 minutes to the city, and back at the airport 2 hours before departure (3 for long-haul at busy times).
Luggage
If your bags are checked through to your final destination, you only have hand luggage. If not, use a luggage-storage service (check current options on the official CPH website) or keep them in your chauffeur’s car during a private tour.
Layover plans
4 hours in the city (6–7 hour layover)
Metro or chauffeur to Kongens Nytorv. Walk Nyhavn, cross to Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church, see the Opera across the harbour, then have coffee and a cinnamon swirl (kanelsnegl) before heading back.
8 hours
Add the Little Mermaid and Kastellet, lunch with smørrebrød, Christiansborg’s free tower view, and Strøget. With a chauffeur, the car moves you between stops and has you back at CPH on time.
12 hours
All of the above plus Rosenborg Castle and the crown jewels, Christiania and Christianshavn’s canals, or Tivoli in season. Or a short drive north along the coast to the Louisiana Museum.
For business travellers, see our 24-hour private itinerary for business layovers.
Metro or chauffeur on a layover?
The metro is quick and cheap (DKK 30; see Metroselskabet). A chauffeur makes sense when time is tight, since the car waits and takes you straight back: we meet you in arrivals, run a private tour by the hour (from €120/h, 3-hour minimum) and drop you at departures with a planned buffer. It also helps with luggage, and with a group or family.
“Amazing service. On time. On point. And just all around on it.”
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Staying overnight?
For an overnight connection, stay near the airport or in the city. See hotels near Copenhagen Airport and best luxury hotels in Copenhagen. For the arrivals process, read the CPH arrivals guide.
Book a layover tour
Send your arrival and departure flights. We’ll plan a tour that fits and have you back at CPH with time to spare.
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Phone: +45 92 90 92 10 · Email: [email protected] · Available 24/7
Related reading: top things to do in Copenhagen · how many days you need in Copenhagen
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave Copenhagen Airport during a layover?
Yes, if you’re allowed to enter the Schengen area: EU/EEA citizens, visa-exempt nationals and holders of a valid Schengen visa can leave the airport.
How many hours do I need to visit Copenhagen on a layover?
At least 6 hours to see a few highlights comfortably; 8–12 hours for a proper visit including lunch.
How long does it take to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city?
About 15 minutes by metro or train, and 15–25 minutes by car.
Where can I store luggage at Copenhagen Airport?
Check the official Copenhagen Airport website for current luggage-storage options. With a private chauffeur tour, your luggage can stay in the car.
When should I return to Copenhagen Airport for my connecting flight?
At least 2 hours before departure, or 3 hours for long-haul flights at busy times, to allow for security and passport control.
Header photo: Boats in Nyhavn, Copenhagen. Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
Photo: Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen. Photo: Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
