Car rental in Copenhagen at the best prices

The Scandinavian city of Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital city and is located on the islands of Amager and Zealand. From this prestigious location, Copenhagen provides links to Malmo in Sweden via the Öresund Bridge. The city has much to offer any visitor, from an 18th Century rococo district to numerous palaces and Renaissance castles. Along with its deep history, culture and heritage, Copenhagen also offers bars, coffee houses, restaurants and plenty of tourist attractions to entertain you.

With over 60 year’s car hire industry experience Auto Europe is able to provide great deals on car rental in Copenhagen. Through our trusted suppliers, we offer unprecedented vehicle choice and pick-up locations in Copenhagen. Along with car hire, we also offer luxury car hire, motorhome hire and a transfer service. Contact one of our dedicated reservation agents to find out more.

How is the traffic in Copenhagen?

Denmark and especially Copenhagen has well-maintained and managed roads. National roads are generally a more direct way of getting to your destination, although the toll-free motorways are equally as efficient. Traffic can occur mainly during rush hour and in central city areas. Likewise, popular tourist attractions and points of interest can also see higher congestion. Major city interchanges, especially those linking up with main motorways can see an increase in traffic, especially during peak times.

Where can I park my car rental in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen like other European capitals suffers from lack of on-street parking especially within central areas. Although hard to come by, free on-street parking is available, alongside paid on-street parking. There currently exist three parking zones in Copenhagen – Red, Green and Blue. The closer you are to the centre, the more you can expect to pay per hour. Parking garages are secure and often well located near tourist attractions and points of interest. Generally, these are much cheaper than on-street parking.

Copenhagen Airport

Located in Kastrup, Copenhagen Airport is the largest airport in Scandinavia, with easy access to the Danish capital city’s centre. It can easily be reached by train, metro, taxi and bus. The airport handles both domestic and international airline routes, and is the main hub for SAS and Norwegian Airlines.

Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH)
Address: Lufthavnsboulevarden 6 DK-2770 Kastrup
Official website: https://www.cph.dk
Phone number: +45 32 31 32 31

What to do in Copenhagen

When you decide to visit the Danish capital city of Copenhagen you’re opting for world-class culture, heritage and entertainment. Copenhagen has much to offer, from wide open green spaces, to beautiful coastlines and views. The city with its neoclassical architecture will draw you into its cosmopolitan lifestyle, providing great shopping, restaurants to dine in and coffee houses to relax in during the morning. With so much on offer, we recommend the following during your trip.

• Brygge Havnebadet: Does having a dip in Copenhagen’s harbour sound appealing? Then consider joining the locals and going for a swim in the city’s harbour. The water is known to be clean enough for safe bathing, with the only issue being finding the right weather conditions. With this being said, swimming in Copenhagen’s harbour is done all-year round, from summer to chillier winter times. Alternatively, the Islands Brygge baths are free and very pleasant.


• Strøget: As one of the world’s longest pedestrian streets, Strøget is Copenhagen’s main shopping centre, attracting around 10,000 visitors per day. This high street encompasses historical buildings, exquisite fountains and relaxing squares – along with its seemingly endless array of stores. Venturing slightly off the main high street, you’ll find prettier squares, such as Magstraede and Gråbrødretorv.


• Nyhavn: One of the most visited sites in Copenhagen is the Nyhavn. With its colourful tall ships and nautical heritage, this place is perfect for capturing great photos and views. Along this canal you’ll also come across famous buildings, for example, the house where Danish fairytale author Hans Christian lived in 1835. Consider also having a picnic by the water’s edge and create some amazing memories.


• Amalienborg Palace:As the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, Amalienborg Palace is a must visit. Plan you viewing for when the Danish Guards change over and accompany them as they march from the barracks to the palace courtyard – in their iconic blue uniforms and bearskin helmets. During the changing of the Guards, if a band is present, then this will signify that the queen is staying at the palace.


• Little Mermaid:A popular statue to view amongst visitors to Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid. Sitting on a rock, the little mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen is a sculpture that draws plenty of crowds. Along your walk towards the iconic sculpture, take in the beautiful harbour views and other tourist attractions. If you tire, then pop into one of its numerous coffee houses or lovely restaurants.

Best day trips with my car hire in Copenhagen

Denmark by contrast to its neighbours isn’t the largest country in northern Europe, however, its size does aid itself well for a car rental in Copenhagen. From Copenhagen you are able to drive along its well maintained road network all over Denmark and into neighbouring countries. With so much to see and do, we would recommend the following not to be missed day trips to enhance your Danish experience.

Kronborg Castle

This stunningly beautiful Danish UNESCO castle was constructed in 1420 and still stands practically unaltered today. Located on Helsingør Island, Kronborg Castle boasts amazing panoramic views over the water. The castle was constructed amongst other things to protect access to the Baltic Sea. Inspiration for Hamlet, the castle hosts numerous annual Shakespeare performances. Along with the Knight’s Hall, you can also view the West Wing tapestry and the Castle Chapel.

Bakken Amusement Park

Located only half an hour away from Copenhagen, the Bakken Amusement Park is set within an oak forest, teeming with deer and wildlife. The forest is UNESCO listed due to its beautiful woodlands, which is where the world’s oldest amusement park resides. Contained within this park, the most iconic ride of all is the 1930s rollercoaster ride. An excitement day for the whole family, spend the day enjoying yourself and the various Danish street vendors on offer.

Malmö

Across an impressive bridge from Copenhagen you’ll reach the Swedish city of Malmö. As the second largest city in Sweden, Malmö makes for a great day trip due to being only an hour away. Enjoy one of the oldest Scandinavian Renaissance castles, and one of Scandinavia’s tallest buildings, the Turning Torso. During your visit, try some Swedish meatballs, contemporary food and also enjoy some lively music.

Lyngby Open-Air Museum

Located a short 15 km from Copenhagen, the Lyngby Open-Air Museum is a pleasant contrast from Copenhagen city. This museum portrays century old farming traditions and encompasses numerous traditional buildings, including farmhouses, mills and homes. Enjoy the day exploring the acres of land that this museum has on offer from a horse drawn carriage, or simply relax on the grass and enjoy some Danish cuisine – whilst gazing over grazing farm animals.

Geographic Information & History

Spread across two main islands – Amager and Zealand – Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark, located on the northern European continent. Copenhagen is sited on a stretch of coastline that faces Sweden – connecting the North Sea with the Baltic Sea. An impressive bridge covers some 25,000 km, and connects the Danish capital with the Swedish city of Malmo further north.

Copenhagen’s weather is very volatile and changes frequently throughout the year. The city is within an oceanic climate zone, meaning that summers reach on average 20ºC, whilst winters have an average of –2ºC. Snowfall does happen during the winters months but it seldom stays set in the city environment. Rainfall is common, so we always advise being prepared for all seasons within a single day.

Established as a Viking fishing settlement in the 10th Century – what is now known as Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the 15th Century. During the 17th Century, Copenhagen established itself firmly as the regions central hub of power through the construction of numerous important buildings. Copenhagen became the de facto capital of the whole Nordic region during the renaissance period. The Kalmar Union, which encompassed Sweden and Norway, was ruled by the Danish monarchs from Copenhagen.

As the most important city in the Scandinavian Union, Copenhagen flourished economically and culturally until the 16th Century, when Sweden left the union. Following the plague and a great fire, the city had to once again rebuild itself in the 18th Century – establishing the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Royal Theatre and so forth. The city was once again destroyed during a bombardment in the early 19th Century, but rose up once more with a new redevelopment plan.

During the Danish Golden Age, Copenhagen was rebuilt in a neoclassical style, giving much of its present charm. Following World War II, the city commenced developing homes and businesses along its urban areas. Present day Copenhagen has grown substantially with investment being made to its infrastructure and key institutions.

Public Transport

Copenhagen has a well-maintained public transport infrastructure consisting of buses, trains, metro and ferries. The network is easy to get around, fast and very convenient to use. Through its main public transport hubs it is easy to hop between different transport types, allowing you to get all over the city and into its suburbs with minimum of effort. The network is also generally a cheaper way to get around town, especially in comparison with other European capital cities.

Train

Known locally as an S-Train, the Copenhagen train network is a modern system that consists of both local routes and international routes. International destinations include, Hamburg, Berlin, Stockholm and so forth. Whilst domestic lines include, Aarhus, Esbjerg, Thisted, Odense and many more. Trains depart from the Copenhagen Central Station, with the S-Trains running every 5-20 minutes from 05:00 until 00:30.

Metro

A driverless light metro system exists in Copenhagen that will take you throughout the city quickly. The M1 and M2 metro lines where open in 2002 and extended in 2007 to the airport. A circle line M3 was also added in 2019. Together the metro system consists of thirty-seven metro stations. The M3 connects to the S-Train network via Copenhagen Central Station. The metro network serves the city’s municipalities and those of Tårnby and Frederiksberg.

Bus

A driverless light metro system exists in Copenhagen that will take you throughout the city quickly. The M1 and M2 metro lines where open in 2002 and extended in 2007 to the airport. A circle line M3 was also added in 2019. Together the metro system consists of thirty-seven metro stations. The M3 connects to the S-Train network via Copenhagen Central Station. The metro network serves the city’s municipalities and those of Tårnby and Frederiksberg.

Taxi

Copenhagen taxis are either yellow or yellow with a black roof. They display upon their roof the taxi sign and are metered. There are three primary taxi services in the city – 4x27, Taxa 4x35 and DanTaxi. Fares charged can be viewed on their websites, although it is always good to confirm with the driver estimated cost before setting off. From 18:00 until 06:00 weekdays and all day weekends, and public holidays, rates are slightly higher. Taxis can be hailed down, pre-booked or boarded at one of the numerous taxi ranks.

Ferry

City ferries are run by the same company as the bus company, meaning that your tickets will also be valid on the ferry. Ferries are a great way to get to see Copenhagen from the river and especially pleasant during the summer months. It’s fast and convenient with a route running from Refshaleøen to Teglholm. Also known as harbour buses, they have various stops along their routes and are even environmentally friendly – running on electric.

Useful links

Tourist Guide Copenhagen