Copenhagen is an excellent base for exploring Denmark and southern Scandinavia by car. While the city itself is famously bike-friendly, a rental car lets you discover Zealand's castles, Funen's fairy-tale villages, and even cross into Sweden via the iconic Øresund Bridge.
Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also known as Kastrup, is Scandinavia's busiest airport and is located just 8 km south of the city centre. All major international rental companies operate from the airport's parking house, accessible via a covered walkway from Terminal 3. The process is efficient and well-organized.
Rental prices in Denmark are higher than southern Europe, with economy cars typically costing €40-€60 per day. Booking well in advance and comparing across companies can reduce this significantly. Automatic transmission costs more than manual.
Copenhagen and several other Danish cities operate miljøzoner (environmental zones). Diesel vehicles must be fitted with a particulate filter meeting Euro 5 standards. Key points:
Denmark is at its best from May to September. June offers the longest days with up to 17.5 hours of daylight and the midsummer celebrations of Sankt Hans. July and August are warmest but also the peak holiday period. September brings beautiful light and fewer tourists. Winter driving is straightforward on well-maintained Danish roads, though daylight is limited to 7 hours in December.
Danish roads are excellent and well-maintained. There are no toll motorways, but you pay to cross the Great Belt Bridge (Storebælt, ~€35 one way) connecting Zealand to Funen, and the Øresund Bridge (~€55 one way) to Sweden. Speed limits are strictly enforced: 130 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Headlights must be on at all times, even during daylight.
Fuel costs approximately DKK 13-15 per litre (~€1.75-€2.00), among the highest in Europe. Diesel is slightly cheaper. Self-service unmanned stations (such as F24 and Circle K unmanned) offer lower prices.
Copenhagen has more bikes than cars, and cyclists expect to be treated as equal road users. Always check your right mirror and blind spot before turning right, as cyclists travel in dedicated lanes that run between the road and the pavement. Opening a car door into a cyclist is both dangerous and will result in you being liable. Bike lanes are marked with blue paint at intersections.
Parking in central Copenhagen is expensive and time-limited. If staying in the city, choose accommodation with parking included or use a Park & Ride facility at suburban train stations. The parking app EasyPark is widely used and avoids the need for coins at meters. Note that parking wardens (P-vagter) are extremely efficient and fines start at DKK 510 (~€68).
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Copenhagen:
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Zone (Indre By) | DKK 50/hr (~€6.70) | Central Copenhagen. Maximum 3 hours. Enforced Mon-Sat 8:00-24:00, Sun 8:00-17:00. |
| Green Zone | DKK 19/hr (~€2.55) | Inner suburbs like Nørrebro and Vesterbro. No time limit. Enforced same hours as red zone. |
| Blue Zone (Free with disc) | Free (1-3 hours) | Outer areas. Use a parking disc (P-skive) on the dashboard. Available at petrol stations. |
| Private Garages | DKK 150-300/day (~€20-40) | Q-Park and APCOA operate garages throughout the city. Pre-booking recommended. |
Traffic note: Copenhagen is one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities, and drivers must be extremely vigilant for cyclists. Dedicated bike lanes run along most major roads, and cyclists have priority when cars turn right across bike lanes. The city centre has an environmental zone requiring vehicles to meet Euro 5 standards for diesel particulate filters. Rush hour congestion is moderate compared to other European capitals, mainly on the Helsingørmotorvejen (E47) and Køge Bugt Motorvejen (E20) from 7:30-9:00 and 15:30-17:30. Speed cameras are widespread and fines are steep.
Book your Copenhagen rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at CPH pickup locations.
The UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle that inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. Magnificent setting overlooking the narrowest point of the Øresund strait to Sweden.
Home to the Viking Ship Museum with five original Viking vessels, and the UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral where Danish monarchs have been buried for centuries.
Cross the spectacular Øresund Bridge into Sweden. Malmö offers the Turning Torso tower, charming old town, and excellent restaurants. Bring your passport.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Denmark — parking tips, toll info, and more.
Free download. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.