Navigating København H: A Traveler’s Guide to Copenhagen Central Station – Services, Connections & History

Copenhagen Central Station, known in Danish as Københavns Hovedbanegård (or simply København H), is the main railway station in Copenhagen and the largest in Denmark. It serves as a crucial hub for domestic and international train travel, as well as an integral part of the city’s public transportation system. Its central location makes it a primary gateway for visitors and a key transit point for commuters.   

Location & Accessibility

  • Address: Banegårdspladsen 7, 1570 København V, Denmark.   
  • Area: The station is centrally situated between the districts of Indre By (Inner City) and Vesterbro. It’s conveniently located right next to the famous Tivoli Gardens and within walking distance of Strøget (Copenhagen’s main pedestrian shopping street) and City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen).   
  • Main Entrances: From Bernstorffsgade (opposite Tivoli Gardens), Banegårdspladsen, and Reventlowsgade.Platforms also have access from Tietgensgade.   

Train Services: Connecting Denmark & Europe

København H is the focal point for several types of train services:   

  • National Trains (operated by DSB – Danish State Railways):
    • Connects Copenhagen with major cities and towns across Denmark, including Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg.   
    • Both InterCity (IC) and regional (Re) trains serve these routes.   
  • International Trains:
    • Sweden: Frequent and direct Öresundståg services connect to Malmö (approx. 35-40 minutes), Lund, and Helsingborg. SJ (Swedish Railways) operates high-speed trains to Stockholm and Gothenburg.   
    • Germany: Daily connections to Hamburg, often with onward connections to other German and European cities.
    • Other international destinations are typically reached via these primary routes.
  • S-trains (S-tog – Copenhagen’s Suburban Rail Network):
    • Most S-train lines (Lines A, B, Bx, C, E, H) converge at Copenhagen Central Station, providing high-frequency services to the greater Copenhagen metropolitan area and its suburbs. This is an excellent way to explore areas around the city.

Connections to Other Public Transport

København H is seamlessly integrated with Copenhagen’s local public transport network:

  • Metro: The København H Metro station is located directly at the Central Station. It serves the M3 (Cityringen/City Circle Line) and M4 lines. These lines provide easy access to many parts of the city and connect to the M1 and M2 lines (the M2 line goes directly to Copenhagen Airport).   
  • Buses (operated by Movia): Numerous local and regional bus routes stop directly outside the Central Station, primarily at Banegårdspladsen and along Bernstorffsgade. These include:
    • A-buses: Main, high-frequency city bus lines (some operate 24/7).
    • S-buses: Faster, limited-stop bus routes.   
    • Night buses (N-buses): Operate during late hours when other services are less frequent.   
  • Taxis: Taxi ranks are located outside the station’s main entrances.

Station Facilities & Amenities

Copenhagen Central Station offers a wide range of services for travelers:

  • Ticket Sales: DSB ticket office for domestic and international tickets, as well as self-service ticket vending machines for trains, S-trains, and local transport (DOT – Din Offentlige Transport).   
  • Luggage Storage: Luggage lockers and a staffed left-luggage office are available (fees apply).   
  • Shopping & Dining (Hovedbanens Shoppingcenter): The station’s main hall hosts a large shopping center with:
    • Convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Brugsen supermarket).   
    • Cafes and coffee shops (e.g., Espresso House, Joe & The Juice).   
    • Fast-food outlets and restaurants (e.g., Sunset Boulevard, D’let Thai Take Away).   
    • Pharmacy, bookstores, and other retail shops.   
  • Waiting Areas: Seating is available in the main concourse and near platforms.
  • Information Desks: DSB staff and sometimes tourist information points are available to assist passengers.
  • Restrooms: Available within the station (a small fee may apply for some).
  • ATMs & Currency Exchange: Banking facilities are accessible.
  • Wi-Fi: Often available within the station complex, especially in cafes.   
  • Accessibility: The station is generally accessible with ramps and lifts to platforms. DSB provides an assistance service (DSB Handicap Service) for passengers with reduced mobility, which should ideally be booked in advance.  

History & Architecture

The current Copenhagen Central Station building is a historic landmark, opened on December 1, 1911. It was designed by the Danish architect Heinrich Wenck in the National Romantic style, characterized by its impressive facade, large arched windows, and spacious main hall. The iconic clock tower and the large clock inside the main hall (“Under Uret” – Under the Clock) have traditionally served as a popular meeting point for Copenhageners for generations. This building is the third central station to have served Copenhagen.   

Operating Hours

  • Station Hall: Generally open from very early morning (around 04:30) until late night (around 02:00). On Fridays and Saturdays, the main hall is often open 24 hours.   
  • Ticket Offices & Shops: Individual services and retailers within the station operate their own specific hours.
  • Train Services: Train services, including S-trains and international departures, run from early morning until late evening, with some night services available. The Metro runs 24/7.

Connection to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Getting between Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen Airport is quick and easy:

  • Train: This is the most direct and common method. Frequent regional trains and Öresundståg services depart from dedicated platforms at København H (often Platforms 11/12, but always check departure boards) directly to Copenhagen Airport, Lufthavnen station (CPH), located beneath Terminal 3. The journey takes approximately 13-15 minutes.
  • Metro: While the Metro at København H (M3/M4) doesn’t go directly to the airport on the same line, you can take it one or two stops to stations like Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport and transfer to the M2 line, which terminates at the airport (Lufthavnen station). The direct train is generally faster and more convenient from the Central Station itself.
  • Bus: Bus route 5C also serves the airport from stops near the Central Station, but the journey is significantly longer than the train or Metro.   

Official Information & Journey Planning

Copenhagen Central Station is not just a transit point but also a vibrant part of the city, offering a wide range of services and excellent connectivity for travelers.

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