Located at the southern tip of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Copenhagen (København) is not only the capital of Denmark but also an international metropolis brimming with Nordic charm, design inspiration, and cultural appeal. As one of the gateway cities to the Nordic region, Copenhagen boasts frequent and efficient air connections with major European cities, allowing travelers from Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Zurich, and beyond to reach the Danish capital with ease.
I will detail the most convenient flight options to Copenhagen from major European cities, including flight times, airlines, estimated airfares, airport transportation and practical travel tips to help you start your trip to Northern Europe in the most relaxed and efficient way possible.
I. Why Choose to Fly Instead of Other Transportation?
While it’s also possible to reach Copenhagen from some European cities by train or long-distance bus, flying remains the preferred option for most travelers due to the following reasons:
- Time Efficiency: Most flights take just 1–3 hours—significantly faster than overland routes that can take 10 hours or more. For travelers on tight itineraries or weekend getaways, flying offers an unmatched time advantage. Unlike overnight buses or multi-stop train rides, a direct flight allows you to maximize your time exploring Copenhagen’s scenic streets, museums, and waterfronts rather than spending hours in transit.
- Multiple Daily Options: From early morning to late night, most cities offer several direct flights to Copenhagen each day. This high frequency not only gives travelers flexibility to choose the best departure time, but also provides backup options in case of delays or last-minute changes. Whether you prefer an early morning arrival to kickstart your day or a late evening departure after a full day in your city of origin, there’s likely a flight that fits your schedule.
- Competitive Pricing: Many budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Norwegian offer highly attractive fares. With proper planning, it’s not uncommon to find round-trip tickets under €100—even cheaper than some train routes. Additionally, these airlines often run promotions, especially during shoulder seasons, allowing savvy travelers to secure great deals. For backpackers and students, low-cost flights make visiting Copenhagen more accessible than ever.
- Convenient Connections: Copenhagen Airport is a major Nordic hub with efficient immigration and ground transport systems. Upon landing, passengers benefit from smooth customs processes, well-signposted terminals, and quick access to city transport such as the metro, airport trains, and buses. The airport’s close proximity to the city center (only about 15 minutes by metro) means you can step off the plane and be enjoying Danish pastries in Nyhavn in less than an hour.
II. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Overview
Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH), is one of the busiest and most efficient airports in Northern Europe. Strategically located just about 8 km from downtown Copenhagen, the airport offers excellent accessibility. Travelers can reach the city center in approximately 15 minutes via the M2 metro line, which runs frequently and directly from the airport to major urban hubs.
- Terminal Layout: The airport consists of three terminals (T1 to T3), which are seamlessly connected for smooth passenger movement. Most European short-haul and intra-Schengen flights operate out of Terminals 2 and 3, which are also where you’ll find check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and most retail and dining options. The terminal signage is clear and multilingual, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.
- Transport Options: Passengers can choose from a variety of transport modes including the metro, airport express trains (DSB), public buses, ride-sharing services, and taxis. The metro station is located directly beneath Terminal 3, ensuring a quick and weather-protected transfer. For travelers heading beyond Copenhagen, regional trains connect directly from the airport to cities across Denmark and southern Sweden.
- Facilities: Copenhagen Airport is well-regarded for its traveler-friendly amenities. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, along with a diverse array of shops selling international brands, Danish design, and local delicacies. There are stylish Nordic cafés serving everything from artisanal coffee to smørrebrød, and comfortable lounges—including SAS and Aspire Lounges—for those seeking rest or a productive space to work.
- International Transfers: The airport’s compact layout and well-designed signage make it particularly efficient for international transfers. With short walking distances between gates and fast-track security options available, the airport is ideal for layovers or onward journeys to neighboring countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Baltic states. The integration with Schengen and non-Schengen zones is also smooth, supporting hassle-free travel across borders.
III. Recommended Flights to Copenhagen from Major European Cities
Here’s a city-by-city breakdown of popular routes, flight durations, airline options, and practical advice.
1. From London to Copenhagen
- Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
- Main Airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), Stansted (STN)
- Airlines:
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Multiple daily flights, high service quality
- easyJet, Norwegian: Budget-friendly options for backpackers
- British Airways: Business and economy class available
- Estimated Fare: €60–150 round-trip, lower with early booking
- Tip: London City Airport (LCY) is ideal for business travelers—high efficiency and short security times
2. From Paris to Copenhagen
- Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
- Main Airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY)
- Airlines:
- Air France & SAS: Joint operations, good for mileage accumulation
- Transavia & easyJet: Excellent budget options
- Estimated Fare: €70–180 round-trip
- Tip: Take the RER B line from CDG for easy access to the city; avoid rush hours
3. From Berlin to Copenhagen
- Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
- Airlines:
- Eurowings, SAS, and Norwegian offer direct flights
- Estimated Fare: €50–120 round-trip
- Tip: Plenty of early morning flights, great for starting your trip right after arrival
4. From Amsterdam to Copenhagen
- Flight Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
- Airlines:
- KLM and SAS are primary carriers
- easyJet offers high-value alternatives
- Estimated Fare: €60–150 round-trip
- Tip: Schiphol has great duty-free shops—perfect for last-minute Nordic brand shopping
5. From Brussels to Copenhagen
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it one of the quicker international routes between Western Europe and Scandinavia. The short duration is ideal for both weekend getaways and quick business trips.
- Airport: Flights depart from Brussels International Airport (BRU), the main international gateway of Belgium. The airport is well-connected to the city center via train, bus, and taxi, and offers a range of services including duty-free shopping, business lounges, and dining options.
- Airlines:
- Brussels Airlines and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) operate multiple daily direct flights, ensuring flexible departure times throughout the day. These airlines are known for their punctuality and offer both economy and business class options for travelers with different needs.
- Estimated Fare: Return tickets typically range between €70 and €160 depending on the season, time of booking, and baggage options. Budget-conscious travelers can find deals closer to €70 by booking early, while last-minute bookings or peak season travel may fall toward the higher end of the range.
- Tip: If your journey continues to neighboring countries such as Sweden or Finland, consider booking a multi-leg or connecting flight with the same airline alliance. This can often simplify the check-in process, provide better baggage handling, and reduce overall travel costs while allowing for smoother layovers through Copenhagen’s well-organized international terminal.
IV. Budget Airlines vs Full-Service Carriers
| Feature | Budget Airlines (e.g., Ryanair, easyJet) | Full-Service Airlines (e.g., SAS, KLM) |
| Ticket Price | Generally lower | Slightly higher with more inclusions |
| Luggage Policy | Usually carry-on only | Often includes checked luggage |
| In-flight Service | Pay-per-item | Complimentary meals/snacks and drinks |
| Flight Times | Often off-peak hours | Wide range, including early/late |
| Best For | Backpackers, budget travelers | Business, families, comfort-seekers |
V. Booking Tips & Fare Advice
- Book Early: Ideally 1–2 months in advance, especially outside of peak travel seasons
- Recommended Price Comparison Sites: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo
- Flexibility: Choose flexible tickets that allow changes or refunds in case of changes in your itinerary
- Airline Websites: Sometimes offer exclusive deals, especially for SAS and Norwegian members
VI. Copenhagen Airport Arrival & City Transfers
- Immigration: Non-Schengen passport holders will undergo passport control; generally fast and efficient
- To the City Center:
- Metro M2 Line (~15 minutes, ~€4)
- Airport express train (~13 minutes)
- Taxi (€30–40 range)
- Tickets: Use a Rejsekort, single ride tickets, or the DOT app for mobile ticketing
VII. Travel Tips
- Packing Advice: Copenhagen’s weather is changeable—bring a wind- and waterproof jacket
- Plug Type: Denmark uses 230V voltage and standard European two-pin plugs
- Airport Shopping: Copenhagen Airport’s duty-free has Danish design brands like HAY and Georg Jensen
- Sustainability Tip: Many airlines offer carbon offset programs—opt in to support eco-friendly travel
VIII. A Short Flight, but an Exceptional Experience
Flying to Copenhagen from Europe’s major cities is more than just a quick hop—it’s the beginning of a journey into Nordic design, culture, and lifestyle. Choosing the right flight and airline not only simplifies your travel but also sets the tone for an unforgettable Danish experience.
Whether you take off from the Left Bank of Paris or the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, in just a few hours you’ll find yourself in a city where sea breezes, thoughtful design, and a relaxed rhythm of life await. Welcome to Copenhagen—your gateway to the North.
