Layover in Copenhagen: An Expert Guide to Scheduling Your Stopover

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), also called Københavns Lufthavn, is the main international airport in Denmark. It’s also one of the busiest airports in the Nordic region. The airport is just 8 kilometers from the center of Copenhagen. It is SAS’s primary hub and an important base for Norwegian. A record 32.4 million passengers passed through the airport in 2025. The airport connects travelers to cities across Europe, Asia, North America, and other regions. With its smart layout, modern design, and easy services, Copenhagen Airport is a convenient place for international layovers.

If you have a Copenhagen airport layover, you’ll find it easy to get through. Whether your stop is short or long, the airport gives you many ways to relax, eat, or shop. If your layover is long and your travel documents allow, you can even visit the city. Copenhagen is close enough to enjoy in just a few hours. This article will show you everything you need to know — from visa rules to what to do at the airport and in the city — based on how much time you have.

To make your time better, you can leave your bags with Qeepl. Qeepl is a luggage storage service near the airport and in the city. With your bags stored safely, you can walk around or relax without anything to carry. Daily storage with Qeepl costs €3.59 per day, and your luggage is protected by insurance coverage of €1,000.

Copenhagen Transit Visa Requirements

Before you begin planning your layover, the first thing to determine is whether you need an airport transit visa. Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, and requirements depend on your nationality, your itinerary, and whether you need to enter the Schengen Area.

Nationals of certain countries must hold an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) when passing through the international transit area of a Danish airport. Denmark’s current list includes nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria, subject to applicable exemptions.

An airport transit visa allows you to remain in the international airside transit zone only. It does not permit entry into Denmark or the wider Schengen Area. If you wish to leave the airport, you must meet Denmark’s normal Schengen entry requirements. Depending on your nationality, this may mean visa-free entry or a short-stay Schengen visa.

To check the exact requirements for your citizenship and travel documents, use the official New to Denmark immigration guidance and current EU Schengen visa rules.

Always verify your visa status before your trip, especially if you plan to leave the terminal during your Copenhagen layover.

What to Do at the Airport During Your Copenhagen Layover?

If your layover is less than 5 hours, it’s usually best to stay at the airport. Travel time to the city and back, along with passport control or security procedures where applicable, might make a city visit too rushed.

For shorter layovers, here are the top ways to enjoy your time inside Copenhagen Airport.

Restaurants Worth a Stop

Copenhagen Airport has many places to eat. You can try both Danish food and international meals. For something local, visit Hallernes Smørrebrød near gates A. It serves traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches.

If you want something quick and casual, go to Joe & The Juice, which has several locations around the airport. You can also stop by Lagkagehuset, a Danish bakery offering pastries, coffee, bread, and light meals.

Other current options include Gasoline Grill, Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Espresso House, Bistro Sommelier, and a range of cafés, bars, and quick-service restaurants throughout the airport.

Restaurant tenants and opening hours can change, so check Copenhagen Airport’s current dining directory if you’re looking for a particular venue.

Best Stores to Browse Between Flights

The shopping area at Copenhagen Airport offers a mix of international brands and Danish design. Current stores include BOSS, Illums Bolighus, Georg Jensen, Bang & Olufsen, Royal Copenhagen, and other fashion, home, accessory, and gift retailers.

For local souvenirs, Copenhagen Souvenir & Design sells Copenhagen and Denmark-themed products. There are also shops specializing in Scandinavian design, sweets, accessories, electronics, books, and children’s products.

After security, there are several TAX FREE shops. Perfumes, cosmetics, wine, spirits, sweets, and other products are available, while tax-free tobacco sales depend on your destination.

Lounges and Nap Zones

If you’re looking for extra comfort, Copenhagen Airport hosts several lounges, including Aspire Lounge and SAS Lounge.

Aspire Lounge near gates A can be accessed by passengers regardless of airline through paid entry, subject to available capacity, and also participates in several lounge membership programs. It offers food and drinks, Wi-Fi, charging facilities, workspaces, and other amenities.

SAS Lounge near gates C is available to eligible SAS and SkyTeam passengers, while some eligible economy passengers can purchase access if space is available. The lounge offers food and drinks, Wi-Fi, work facilities, a children’s area, and showers.

Other lounge options are available for some non-Schengen passengers, depending on airline and access eligibility.

Copenhagen Airport does not currently advertise dedicated public sleep pods. However, there are seating areas and designated quiet zones after security, including a quiet zone near gates C and a Silent Lounge near the beginning of gates A.

For proper sleep during a longer or overnight layover, nearby airport hotels are the more reliable option.

Facilities, Services, and Wi-Fi Access

Copenhagen Airport provides free Wi-Fi before and after security and at all gates. Connect to CPH Airport Free Wi-Fi; registration is free and no password is required.

Charging stations and power outlets are available around gates A, B, C, and E, in central airport areas, and at many restaurants and seating zones.

The airport also offers baby facilities, indoor children’s play areas, quiet zones, passenger information, ATMs, currency exchange, and accessibility services.

Luggage lockers are available in parking facilities P4 and P7A rather than in the arrivals hall. There are 330 lockers in several sizes, accessible 24 hours a day. The current maximum daily price ranges from DKK 100 to DKK 200 depending on locker size, and bags can be stored for up to seven consecutive days.

How to Spend Long Layover in Copenhagen?

If you have a long layover and meet the entry requirements, you can enjoy time in Copenhagen itself. The airport has fast train and Metro connections to the city.

The train between Copenhagen Airport and Copenhagen Central Station takes roughly 13 minutes, while the Metro provides a similarly convenient connection to central areas such as Kongens Nytorv.

Let’s look at how to plan your visit based on your available time.

8-Hour Layover in Copenhagen

With 8 hours to spare, you can see some of the city’s top highlights. Take the train or Metro into central Copenhagen.

Start at Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport Station. From Kongens Nytorv, walk to Nyhavn, the famous harbor lined with colorful historic houses and boats. It’s a perfect spot for a short walk, photos, and a bite to eat.

Continue to Strøget, the city’s famous pedestrian shopping area. If you still have time, swing by Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family. The city center is compact, so you can enjoy several sights within a short timeframe.

Keep a generous buffer for the trip back to the airport and any passport control or security procedures required for your onward flight.

12-Hour Layover in Copenhagen

With a 12-hour layover, you have more time to dive deeper into the city. After seeing Nyhavn and the city center, take a stroll through Rosenborg Castle Gardens and visit Rosenborg Castle, which houses the Danish crown jewels.

You could then head to Christianshavn and, if opening hours and availability allow, climb the tower of Church of Our Saviour for panoramic views. Another great stop is Torvehallerne, a food market near Nørreport where you can taste Danish dishes, pastries, seafood, and other specialties.

If you’re interested in museums, the National Museum of Denmark or Glyptoteket offers substantial collections. Both are relatively convenient for reaching Copenhagen Central Station afterward.

24-Hour Layover in Copenhagen

With a full 24 hours, you can enjoy a full cultural experience. In addition to the sights above, consider visiting Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, located next to Copenhagen Central Station. Opening days and hours are seasonal, so check the current calendar before planning your visit around Tivoli.

Spend more time exploring Copenhagen’s neighborhoods, like Vesterbro, Nørrebro, or Frederiksberg.

End your day with dinner in Kødbyen, the city’s Meatpacking District, which is known for restaurants and bars. After a night of exploring, take the train or Metro back toward Copenhagen Airport.

How to Handle Overnight Layover in Copenhagen?

If your layover includes an overnight stay, there are several good hotels close to Copenhagen Airport, along with downtown options.

• Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Located directly beside Copenhagen Airport with convenient covered access from the terminal area. It offers full-service hotel facilities, including restaurants, fitness and wellness amenities. Rates vary considerably by date and demand.

• Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Located right next to the airport, about a 5-minute walk from the terminals. It offers modern rooms, a gym, coworking and meeting facilities, and food and drink options. Rates vary by date.

• Four Points Flex by Sheraton Copenhagen Airport: This hotel was formerly Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Airport and was rebranded as Four Points Flex by Sheraton. It is located in the Kastrup area near the airport and offers simple modern rooms, Wi-Fi, a fitness center, breakfast, and parking. Check current transport options when booking.

• Copenhagen Go Hotel: A budget-oriented option near Tårnby with public transport connections to Copenhagen Airport and the city center. Check current train and bus schedules when planning an early departure.

• Wakeup Copenhagen, Bernstorffsgade: Located in central Copenhagen close to Copenhagen Central Station, Tivoli, and Vesterbro. It is a practical option if you prefer to stay downtown and return to the airport by train in the morning.

Hotel prices vary significantly with dates, events, and season, so check current rates instead of relying on fixed nightly price ranges. If you have a very early departure, prioritize a hotel next to the airport or confirm the first public transport departure before booking downtown.

FAQ

Can I go out of Copenhagen Airport during layover?

Yes, you can leave Copenhagen Airport during a layover if you meet Denmark’s Schengen entry requirements. Some nationalities can enter visa-free, while others need a short-stay Schengen visa. An airport transit visa alone does not allow you to enter Denmark. The airport has fast train and Metro connections to central Copenhagen, making city visits practical during longer layovers.

Is a 7 hour layover enough time to leave the airport in Copenhagen?

A 7-hour layover can be enough for a short visit to Copenhagen if you meet entry requirements and your flights run on time. The train between the airport and Copenhagen Central Station takes roughly 13 minutes. Keep your itinerary compact and leave a generous buffer for the return journey, security, and any passport control required for your onward flight.

Does Copenhagen have a stopover program?

Copenhagen does not currently have a major official airline or airport stopover program comparable to dedicated stopover packages offered by some other hubs. However, the airport’s proximity to central Copenhagen makes independent layover visits straightforward for eligible travelers. Luggage storage and nearby airport hotels can also make longer connections easier.

Is a 55 minute layover in Copenhagen enough time for an international flight?

A 55-minute layover at Copenhagen Airport can be enough for some protected connections, but it depends on your airline, arrival punctuality, gates, baggage arrangements, and whether you need passport control. Passengers connecting between Schengen and non-Schengen flights may need border procedures. Check the connection offered by your airline rather than relying on a universal minimum time, and choose a longer layover when possible if separate tickets are involved.

What to do during a 5 hour layover in Copenhagen?

For a 5-hour layover, staying at the airport is usually the more relaxed choice. Try Danish food at Hallernes Smørrebrød or Lagkagehuset, visit Joe & The Juice or other current restaurants, browse Danish design and duty-free shops, or use Aspire Lounge or SAS Lounge if eligible. Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, quiet zones, a Silent Lounge, and children’s play areas are also available.

Does Copenhagen have sleep pods?

Copenhagen Airport does not currently advertise dedicated public sleep pods. It does have quiet seating areas, a quiet zone near gates C, and a Silent Lounge near gates A, but these are not private sleeping cabins. For more comfortable rest during an overnight or long layover, hotels next to the airport such as Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport and Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport are more reliable options.