Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural gem of the Danish capital. Located adjacent to the famous Tivoli amusement park, the station welcomes thousands of passengers daily, connecting Copenhagen with other cities in the country and Europe. The majestic red brick building with wooden arches inside creates an atmosphere of classic travel, despite its modern technical equipment.
City
Copenhagen
Country
Denmark
Type
Railway station
It is important for passengers to know that the main hall is located at street level, while the platforms are situated below, in a cutting. Navigating inside the station is easy thanks to clear signage: exits to long-distance trains (InterCity, Regional) and suburban trains (S-tog) are separated but located within the same space. Additionally, there is a direct connection from the station building to the M3 circle line metro station, making transfers as convenient as possible.
Contact Information
Official website: dsb.dk (Danish State Railways)
Information service phone: +45 70 13 14 15 (general DSB line, open from 07:00 to 20:00)
Address: Banegårdspladsen 7, 1570 København V, Denmark
Opening hours: The station building is open 24 hours a day. Ticket counters usually operate from 07:00 to 20:00, but machines are available 24/7.
Luggage storage: Automatic lockers (bagagebokse) are located on the lower level and are accessible around the clock.
Accessibility: The station is equipped with lifts to all platforms; an assistance service (DSB Handicap Service) is available and must be booked in advance (at least 12 hours prior).
Getting There
Getting to Copenhagen Central Station is very simple, as it serves as the central hub of the city's transport system.
Public Transport: All suburban S-tog lines (A, B, C, E, H) arrive here. The station is also connected to the København H metro station (lines M3 Cityringen and M4). From Kastrup Airport, you can reach the station by a direct regional train in just 13–15 minutes.
Taxi and Transfer: The taxi rank is located at the main exit (on the Vesterbrogade side) and on the Bernstorffsgade side. A trip within the city centre will take 5–10 minutes.
On Foot: The station is located in the very heart of the city. From City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) and the beginning of the Strøget pedestrian street, you can walk there in 5–7 minutes, simply by moving along Tivoli Gardens.
Services and Amenities
The station offers a full range of services for a comfortable wait and journey. In the central hall, there are ticket counters with operators and numerous red DSB machines for self-service ticket purchasing.
For passenger convenience, the following are provided:
Waiting Halls: General areas with seating in the main hall and the exclusive DSB 1' Lounge for first-class passengers.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the area (SMS registration is often required). Power outlets can be found in cafes and the first-class lounge.
Luggage: Lockers of various sizes are located on the lower level.
Hygiene: Paid toilets (payment by card or coins) and shower cabins.
For passengers with reduced mobility: Lifts, ramps, and specially equipped toilets.
Where to Eat
It is difficult to stay hungry at the station. Inside the building, there is a range of establishments, from quick snacks to coffee shops.
Quick Snacks and Coffee: In the main hall, you will find popular chain coffee shops such as Espresso House and Starbucks, as well as bakeries offering fresh Danish pastries. For a quick lunch, there is McDonald's, Burger King, Sunset Boulevard, and 7-Eleven kiosks (which in Denmark offer quite high-quality ready-to-eat food: sandwiches, salads, and wraps).
Near the Station: If you have time, exit towards Bernstorffsgade — directly across the road is the Tivoli Food Hall. This is a gastronomic space with many stalls where you can try everything: from smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to sushi. The average price there is higher than at the station, but the quality of food and the atmosphere are worth it.
Station History
The current building of Copenhagen Central Station is the third to stand on this site. It was officially opened on December 1, 1911. The project was designed by the renowned architect Heinrich Wenck, who created a monumental structure in the National Romantic style, characteristic of Scandinavian architecture of that time.
A distinctive feature of the construction is the impressive wooden arched ceilings of the main hall, which have been preserved to this day. Throughout the 20th century, the station was modernized repeatedly: steam locomotives were replaced by diesel, and then by electric trains. A major milestone in modern history was the opening of the metro station in 2019, which finally integrated the main railway hub into the city's metro system, completing the circle line.
Passenger Tips
Arrival and Boarding: Arrive at the station 15–20 minutes before your train departs. In Denmark, there are no turnstiles at the platform entrances, but tickets are strictly checked by conductors on board. Fines for travelling without a ticket are very high.
Safety: The station is a safe place, but like any major tourist hub, you should keep a close watch on your personal belongings, especially in crowds and during peak hours.
Luggage: If you have heavy suitcases, look for the lifts (usually located at the beginning or end of the platform), as escalators are not available everywhere.
Overnight Waiting: Although the station is open 24/7, most shops close by 20:00–22:00. At night, the hall is patrolled by security, but conditions are not the most comfortable for long sleep; it is better to use nearby hotels.
