Renting a Car at Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) serves Denmark's elegant, design-conscious capital and is strategically placed for both Scandinavia and northern Europe. The airport is actually closer to Malmö, Sweden (just across the Øresund Bridge) than to many parts of Copenhagen, making it a hub for both countries.

Prices from €30/day. Danish roads are excellent; speed limits are strictly enforced. A Danish road tax (motorvejsbillet) is not required for foreign vehicles on most routes — confirm for specific toll sections.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at CPH?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Copenhagen Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Copenhagen Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at CPH

  • The Øresund Bridge toll (DKK 410 / ~€55) is significant — worth it for a Sweden day trip.
  • Danish speed cameras are very effective — take the limits seriously (130/80/50 km/h).
  • Copenhagen city centre parking is metered and expensive; use the Kiss&Ride zones and public transport for the inner city.
  • Fuel in Denmark is among Scandinavia's cheapest — still expensive by EU standards.
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Getting from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen city centre takes approximately 20 min (12 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Denmark

Denmark uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. Øresund Bridge toll to Sweden applies. Copenhagen has strict parking zones. Currency: Danish Krone (DKK).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Helsingør (Elsinore) — 50 km, 45 min. Kronborg Castle — Hamlet's castle from Shakespeare's play. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Roskilde — 35 km, 35 min. Denmark's medieval capital — the Viking Ship Museum and a cathedral with 40 royal tombs.
  • Malmö, Sweden — 20 km, 20 min. Cross the Øresund Bridge to Sweden's third city — the Turning Torso, a diverse food scene.
  • Louisiana Museum — 35 km, 35 min. Denmark's greatest modern art museum — perched above the Øresund strait, combining art and landscape perfectly.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.