Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport is SAS’s main hub, bringing together Scandinavian services, European flights and long-haul connections. For a city break, a holiday departure or a change of aircraft, the useful starting point is your flight’s check-in area and gate: Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 handle check-in, while the departure screens guide you through the rest of the journey.

Flights and connections

The airport’s network supports both journeys that end in Copenhagen and transfers to another flight. SAS plays a central role in that connecting traffic, with passengers using Copenhagen to continue to North America, Asia and the Middle East as well as European destinations.

Photo by Rasmus Lauridsen on Unsplash

Emirates’ service to Dubai International is one example of a nonstop long-haul flight. When comparing tickets, distinguish the flight from Copenhagen from any later connection: an airline may sell onward destinations that it does not serve nonstop from this airport. Use the operating airline’s schedule for your dates, particularly for seasonal services.

Finding your way through the airport

Check-in takes place in Terminals 2 and 3, with airline counters and self-service options varying by flight. Follow your airline’s instructions and the terminal information boards rather than choosing a terminal from the destination alone.

The airport map lets you switch between floors and identify gates, passport control, toilets, places to eat and lounges. Check whether a facility is before or after security when arranging to meet someone or deciding where to spend your waiting time. Continue watching the departure screens after security for gate information and changes.

Time between flights

Shops, cafés, restaurants and lounges offer different ways to use a wait. Opening hours and lounge admission conditions vary, so choose an option that fits both your flight and your access. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the passenger journey.

For a connection, establish whether your baggage is checked through and whether you already hold the next boarding pass before leaving the transfer area. Separate tickets can require a new check-in; the Practical Information guide explains what to allow for.

Continuing by ground transport

Metro, train, bus, coach and taxi services support onward journeys, while rental-car collection generally uses the Car Rental Centre and its free terminal bus. Choose the service for your destination and use current journey information for the departure and boarding point. The Transport guide covers tickets, platforms, taxi collection and car hire.

Check-in and baggage drop

CPH recommends reaching the airport at least two hours before a Schengen departure and three hours before a departure outside Schengen. Check your airline’s own baggage-drop and boarding deadlines as well: completing online check-in does not remove the time needed for bags, document checks or security.

Your airline may offer online check-in, airport self-service machines or staffed counters. Machines are available in Terminals 2 and 3, but not every airline supports them. Use the terminal information boards to find the counter for your flight. If you have checked in online and need to drop a bag, follow your airline’s bag-tag and baggage-drop instructions; with hand baggage only and a valid boarding pass, you can proceed to security unless your airline requires a document check.

Baggage size, weight and included pieces depend on your airline and ticket. Arrange oversized items such as bicycles or golf bags with the airline before travelling.

Security and travel documents

Scan your boarding pass at the security entrance, then follow staff instructions for screening. Families with children under approximately six can use the family lane; staff can direct you.

Prepare ordinary hand-baggage liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent, resealable one-litre bag. This includes toiletries and liquid or spreadable foods. Baby food and liquid medicines have exceptions; consult CPH’s specific guidance before packing them. Power banks must not go in checked baggage, and their carriage in hand baggage is subject to additional restrictions.

Crossing the Schengen border involves passport control on arrival or departure. Have the documents required for your nationality and itinerary ready, including any necessary visa, and leave time for the queue. Follow the gate screens and signs after security rather than treating security screening as the last step before boarding.

Changing flights

For a journey booked as one trip, baggage is usually checked through. Confirm the final destination on the bag tag and ask your airline if you are unsure. With separate tickets, you may need to collect baggage, check in for the next flight and clear security again, plus passport control where applicable.

Before following an arrivals exit, establish whether you need baggage reclaim or can continue towards the next gate. Keep the next boarding pass available and follow the transfer instructions for your arriving flight. Screening requirements depend on the connection.

You can leave during a layover if you meet the applicable entry requirements. Keep the documents needed to return and allow time to clear security and, where required, passport control again. CPH permits overnight stays but may ask to see a valid boarding pass; this does not mean every shop or passenger service operates overnight.

Assistance and hidden disabilities

Book assistance through your airline or travel agency when arranging the trip, including arrival assistance if required. Falck provides airport assistance across airlines. CPH requires at least 48 hours’ notice when travelling with an electric wheelchair or assistance dog.

A sunflower lanyard signals that you may need extra time, patience or consideration. It does not guarantee faster check-in or security. You can explain your needs to staff at the entrance; a lanyard does not replace a booking for personal assistance.

Opening hours and passenger facilities

Terminals 2 and 3 remain open around the clock. Security hours follow the flight programme, and shops and restaurants keep individual hours. Use the airport map to find facilities and check which are accessible before or after security.

Connect to “CPH Airport Free Wi-Fi” for free internet without a password. If a checked bag is missing or damaged, contact the airline or its baggage-handling company; CPH’s lost-baggage guide provides the relevant contacts.

Choosing metro or train

Use the journey planner for your final destination before choosing between metro and rail. Both are accessed through Terminal 3, but they use different boarding areas. Rejseplanen provides journey options and departures, including rail journeys to Copenhagen and Malmö; the metro operator provides current metro service information.

Train and metro tickets are sold at the DSB ticket office in Terminal 3, with further ticket options at station machines. Buy a valid ticket before boarding a train, as tickets are not sold on board. Metro ticket machines accept coins and payment cards rather than banknotes.

For rail departures, check the screens in Terminal 3 and follow the signs to the named platform. CPH uses tracks 1 and 2 as well as tracks 11 and 12, so allow time to find the platform shown for your service.

Buses and coaches

Plan local bus journeys in Rejseplanen. For a longer-distance coach, confirm the airport stop, ticket and departure with the operating company; a coach booking should not be treated as interchangeable with a local bus ticket.

For a chartered group bus, CPH designates Terminal 2 for passenger drop-off and Terminal 3 for both pick-up and drop-off. Follow your organiser’s meeting instructions and airport staff directions.

Taxis

Taxi passengers can be dropped off at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3; arriving passengers use the pick-up point at Terminal 3. There is also a dedicated rank for journeys to Sweden, and Danish taxis can accept those journeys.

Confirm the destination and payment arrangements with the driver. CPH says card payment is usually available and that some companies add an airport pick-up charge.

Rental cars and the free terminal bus

Check your rental supplier’s collection instructions before heading to the vehicle. The Car Rental Centre is served by the free terminal bus, which also serves Terminals 2 and 3 and selected airport car parks. Some suppliers use another collection location: CPH lists SwipNgo separately at P7a, Level 1, Zone E.

Use CPH’s terminal-bus information to plan the transfer, and follow the rental company’s return and out-of-hours instructions. Allow for the bus connection when planning a return before a flight.