Navigating Copenhagen: A Traveler’s Handbook for Taxis & Approved Ride Services

While Copenhagen is a very walkable and bike-friendly city with excellent public transportation, taxis and approved ride-hailing services offer convenient alternatives, especially for direct routes, late-night travel, or when carrying luggage. Here’s what you need to know as of May 2025.

Official Taxis in Copenhagen

Licensed taxis in Copenhagen are a reliable and safe way to get around.

  • Recognizing Official Taxis:
    • Roof Sign: Taxis will have an official “TAXI” sign on the roof. The sign is usually lit (often green) when the taxi is available.
    • Meter: All licensed taxis are equipped with a visible taximeter that calculates the fare based on distance and time.
    • Company Information: The taxi company’s name and contact details are typically displayed on the vehicle.
    • License Plates: Danish taxis have standard Danish license plates; the key identifiers are the roof sign and company markings.
    • Rates Displayed: Taxi companies are required by law to display their average price for a standard journey (e.g., 10 km/12 minutes) on the taxi door, allowing for price comparison.
  • Hailing and Finding Taxis:
    • Street Hailing: You can hail a taxi on the street if its roof sign is lit (indicating it’s available). This is more common on busier streets.
    • Taxi Ranks: Designated taxi ranks are found throughout the city, especially at:
      • Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
      • Copenhagen Central Station (København H)
      • Major hotels
      • Tourist attractions and central squares
    • Phone Booking: You can call major taxi companies to book a ride. Some prominent companies include:
      • Taxa 4×35: +45 35 35 35 35
      • Dantaxi: +45 48 48 48 48 (formerly TaxaMotor)
      • Taxi 4×27: +45 27 27 27 27
    • Hotel/Restaurant Assistance: Staff at hotels or restaurants can often assist in calling a taxi for you.

Taxi Apps (Official Taxi Companies)

Most major Copenhagen taxi companies have their own dedicated apps, which are often the most convenient way to book a licensed taxi, get fare estimates, track your ride, and pay.

  • Key Taxi Company Apps:
    • Taxa 4×35 app: Allows booking, in-app payment, and often shows an estimated waiting time.
    • Dantaxi app: Similar features for booking, payment, and tracking.
  • Other Apps:
    • Talixo: An app that caters to both individual and corporate clients, offering pre-booking and various vehicle classes with transparent pricing.
    • Blacklane: Focuses on premium and limousine services, suitable for airport transfers and a more luxurious experience.
    • Taxi.eu: A broader European taxi booking app that may include Copenhagen services.

Ride-Sharing: Uber, Lyft, and Local Alternatives

  • Uber and Lyft:
    • Uber’s Status: As of early 2025, Uber has made a limited return to Copenhagen through a partnership model with a licensed Danish taxi company (Drivr). This means you can use the Uber app to order a Drivr taxi, which operates under Danish taxi laws (including fare meters). Uber had previously withdrawn from Denmark in 2017 due to regulatory conflicts. Always check the Uber app for current service availability and operational details in Copenhagen.
    • Lyft: Lyft does not operate in Copenhagen or Denmark.
  • Local Ride-Hailing Alternatives:
    • Bolt: This app-based service operates in Copenhagen, working similarly to Uber by connecting passengers with licensed drivers. Bolt has also notably acquired Viggo, further strengthening its presence.
    • Viggo: Known as an eco-friendly ride-hailing service, Viggo focuses on using only electric vehicles. It was acquired by Bolt in March 2025, so its services are now part of the Bolt platform.

When using these apps, you’ll typically set your pickup and drop-off locations, choose a ride option, see a fare estimate, and pay through the app.

Fares and Payment

  • Taxi Fare Structure (Regulated):
    • Base Fare (Flag Drop): Approximately DKK 39-50 (around €5-€7).
    • Per Kilometer Rate: Approximately DKK 10-15 (around €1.35-€2.00).
    • Time Rate: A per-minute charge also applies, meaning fares can be higher during heavy traffic.
    • Fares can vary slightly between companies and may differ for nighttime, weekends, or holidays.
    • Airport to City Center: A taxi from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to the city center typically costs between DKK 250-350 (around €34-€47), depending on traffic and exact destination.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Taxis: Widely accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and cash (Danish Kroner – DKK).
    • App-based services (Taxi apps, Bolt): Payment is usually handled cashless through the app using your registered credit/debit card or mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Tipping

  • Tipping taxi drivers in Copenhagen is not obligatory or generally expected, as service charges are typically included in the metered fare and drivers earn fair wages.
  • However, if you receive exceptional service, rounding up the fare to the nearest significant amount or leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) is appreciated but entirely at your discretion.

Reliability and Safety

  • Licensed Taxis: Generally very reliable and safe, as the industry is regulated. Drivers are professional, and vehicles are usually well-maintained. A significant portion of Copenhagen’s taxi fleet, especially at the airport, consists of electric vehicles.
  • App-based Services: Services like Bolt and Uber (via Drivr) also use licensed drivers and vehicles, offering a good level of safety and reliability. In-app safety features like trip sharing and driver verification are common.
  • General Tips:
    • Always use official taxis from ranks, book via reputable company apps/phone numbers, or use established ride-hailing apps.
    • Avoid unmarked or unsolicited offers for rides.
    • For app-based rides, always verify the car model, license plate, and driver details match what’s shown in your app before getting in.
    • If you have any issues, note the taxi number or use the app’s help/complaint features.

Official Information Sources:

  • Taxi Companies:
  • Ride-Hailing Apps:
    • Bolt: Check the Bolt app or their official website for service details in Copenhagen.
    • Uber: Check the Uber app for current operational status and service details in Copenhagen.
  • VisitCopenhagen (Official Tourism Site): Often provides general advice on transportation: www.visitcopenhagen.com

By using official taxi services or approved ride-hailing apps, you can expect a safe and generally efficient transportation experience in Copenhagen.

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