Cheap flights to Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen Travel Guide

A charming city, Copenhagen, Denmark is located on the island of Sealand, looking across at Sweden. It may not be in the first tier of must-see European cities, but it should be. Travelers on cheap flights to Copenhagen will discover its beautiful harbor (with world-famous resident, The Little Mermaid), fantastic museums, cutting-edge designers, excellent shopping and delicious seafood. 

Think Hans Christian Andersen’s storyland meets modern-day technology and design, and you’ve got a grasp of Copenhagen’s culture. The Danish capital stays true to its traditional roots while throwing a bit of contemporary motif in the mix. Copenhagen is flanked with narrow streets and little houses under a skyline of tall modern buildings.

Copenhagen is a regular in the list of the world's most livable cities. It's clean, tolerant and safe. In addition, between the contemporary architecture and the 17^th-century buildings, lies the greenest city in Europe. It’s not likely you’ll fly to Copenhagen on a hybrid jetliner, but once you’re in the city air-pollution laws take flight. Copenhagen enforces strict commuter rules – bikes outnumber cars and the Tivoli (one of the world famous “green spaces”) is a central attraction to Copenhagen travelers.

Copenhagen lays claim to having the longest pedestrian walkway of any European city. Stroget is the city's main thoroughfare, a car-free shopping heaven, bounded on the west by the City Hall Square and on the east by the King's New Square and along which are the city's most famous, and priciest, stores. To get a glimpse of Copenhagen in all its red-roofed medieval glory, visit the Round Tower, Europe's oldest observatory. For thrills and spills of another kind, the Tivoli Gardens has a ride called the Demon that soars and loops more than 215 feet. There’s also the Carlsberg Visitors Center, founded by Carl Jacobsen, son of the famous brewer and known for his cultural contributions to the city. Here, one can sample some of the brewer's famous beers. Jacobsen also provided a couple of other landmarks; he commissioned the Little Mermaid statue and founded the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of Denmark's finest museums.

One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. Hop on a boat at Nyhavn for a guided tour that will pass the Little Mermaid, Christianshavn, the 17th-century dock area with its beautiful pastel-colored merchants' houses, and Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister's Office and Supreme Court. An alternative sight is Freetown Christiania, a self-governing neighborhood. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to take a deep breath at one of the city’s open-air restaurants and cafes.

Find out if this really is the happiest city in the world by booking cheap flights to Copenhagen. Whatever your reason for going is – quiet resorts or eclectic nightlife, the opera or the cinema, castles or sidewalk cafes – you can find it here. However, with so much history to take in, and things to see and do, it may be difficult to figure out where to start when you get to Copenhagen. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Copenhagen and enjoy the smoothest possible visit to this charming Scandinavian city.

What’s the weather like in Copenhagen?

Travelers on cheap flights to Copenhagen can expect to find a city milder than it should be, given its latitude. The climate has four distinct seasons. The summer months of June, July and August are the warmest months, with temperatures averaging in the upper 50’s to mid-60’s (Fahrenheit). Winters are chilly, with temps averaging typically around freezing, in the mid to low-30’s. Those opting to visit Denmark’s capital city in late autumn and early winter will find themselves reaching for extra layers to block out the impending chill. Spring and fall are also quite cool, though May and September are quite comfortable. Though rainy and cloudy weather is quite common throughout the year in Copenhagen, the heaviest rain falls between June and December.

When is the best time to fly to Copenhagen?

Peak season:

The peak time to take flights to Copenhagen is May through August/September (late spring through early fall). However, the city is a bit quieter in July when most Danes are on vacation. Roskilde Festival takes place around June/July and is around a thirty-minute drive southwest of Copenhagen. The festival sees around 100,000 campers pitch up their tents a couple of days before the actual festival, extending the duration to almost a week, so if you are looking to get a good camping spot it is advisable to travel down in good time. This might also help you find better flight deals to Copenhagen. New and renowned artists travel from around the globe to perform at the festival, resulting in tickets selling out quickly. In addition, every year during the Whitsun Holiday (the seventh Sunday after Easter), Copenhagen Carnival’s festivities are spread out over three days and it has developed into the largest music festival in Denmark, attracting more than 100,000 spectators. Throughout the carnival there are parades of samba and steelpan music along with number other music styles, however the main parade takes place on the Saturday which travels from Kongens Nytory to The City Hall Square along the pedestrian street Stroget. Flights to Copenhagen during these events might be more expensive, so be aware.

Copenhagen is also enchanting when the snow starts falling in December, and Christmas-time is quite busy and full of festive fun with illuminations, market and gift stalls. If you plan to travel to Copenhagen during Christmas and New Year’s, then expect flight tickets and accommodations to be more expensive.

Off season:

Winter, with the exception of the Christmas/New Year’s period, is the off season and when you can pick up some cheap flights to Copenhagen. January and February are the coldest months with daytime temperatures typically hovering around freezing. For some this is the best time to explore the city for its lack of tourists and uncrowded museums, galleries and restaurants. Just don’t be surprised if you encounter some wintry weather.

You can also try looking for cheap flights to Copenhagen in the transitional seasons of late autumn and early spring. Though brisker than the summer months, spring and fall experience less rain and comfortable temperatures, as well as visitors to the city. 

When is the best time to book a flight to Copenhagen?

If you plan well you can save a few dollars and find cheap flights to Copenhagen. Ideally it's best to get your flight tickets booked as soon as possible, especially if you want to visit during events such as the Copenhagen Carnival and the Roskilde Festival, which each attract large crowds. Being flexible and not having your heart set on one particular week will make it easier for you to find cheap flights to Copenhagen, but as a general rule try to book at least a minimum of 2-3 months before you fly, but aim to book much more in advance if you can to save the most on your flight tickets. Any time from May to September is a good time to book flights to Copenhagen weather wise, as the temperatures are warmer, but flights will be more expensive.  

How long is the flight to Copenhagen?

If you catch a direct flight from the East Coast to Copenhagen, you can expect to spend just under nine hours in the air. If you're flying out of Los Angeles, you'll take the polar route and land in slightly less than eleven hours. If your flight has one or more stop, your flight time might be increased anywhere from four to twelve extra hours.

Which airlines fly to Copenhagen?

Enjoy a nonstop flight from the United States to Copenhagen flying Delta, SAS or Norwegian Airlines. These three airlines are by far the most popular for getting to Denmark, but you can also catch flights on British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Icelandair and American Airlines if you're willing to handle a stopover on the way.

What should you pack for a flight to Copenhagen?

If you're heading to Copenhagen in the fall or winter, definitely take an umbrella and a good pair of stylish but comfortable boots that you can walk in. You're likely to need a warm coat, but you should also take a lighter jacket that's a little bit dressier. While Copenhagen's weather is fairly mild, even in winter, a scarf, hat and gloves are recommended. In spring and summer, you may want to join the locals and get around by bicycle, so make sure you have shoes that you can ride in. Women don't really need to pack heels for any occasion. Don't forget travel adapters (and converters, if your devices require them) to keep your electronics charged.

Getting to and around the city of Copenhagen

Copenhagen International Airport (CPH), commonly referred to as Kastrup Airport or simply Kastrup, is the biggest airport in Scandinavia, and the busiest airport serving Nordic destinations in the world. It is situated just 5 miles southeast of Copenhagen’s city center. With metro, trains and buses serving the airport getting to the city shouldn’t pose any problems. The train is the quickest method with just a 15-minute journey time. Buses typically take around a little under an hour, and the metro will probably take around a half hour to Kongens Nytorv station. Metered taxis are also available, as are rental cars if you are feeling ambitious to drive around the city.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll find that it’s easy to get around Copenhagen. You can borrow a bicycle with CityBikes, a free service that lets visitors pedal their way around the city. You will have to leave a small deposit that is fully refundable when you and your bike return. The next-cheapest way to get around is by buying a Klippekort, worth 10 trips on the metro or bus. To go beyond Copenhagen, you may want to purchase a ScanRail pass, which offers discounts on travel through Denmark and other Scandinavian countries. Lastly, Copenhagen is a very walkable city and it’s a great way to experience what it has to offer.

What are some things to do in Copenhagen?

In Copenhagen, everyone ends up at Tivoli Gardens at some point. This delightful amusement park, built in 1874, was one of the inspirations for Disneyland, and it's easy to see why. Yes, there are plenty of rides and shows to choose from, but much of the enjoyment of this spot comes in relaxing during the evening under the twinkling lights, enjoying a picnic, or stopping for a Danish beer. Don't miss the over-the-top decorations for major holidays like Christmas or Halloween. The Gardens also host several concerts and theatrical events at the Pantomine Theatre and the Glass Hall throughout the year. If you're an amusement park fan, don't stop with Tivoli Gardens, but head just outside Copenhagen to Bakken, the world's oldest amusement park (well over 400 years old). It's situated in a forest where more than 2,000 deer roam free. Finish off your fun day with a visit to Bakkens Hvile, where "singing girls" put on a show steeped in tradition.

Fans of Hans Christian Andersen’s fabled story, The Little Mermaid, will delight in the statue honoring the favorite fairy tale. Head to Langelinje Pier to see the famous statue, now more than 100 years old. Copenhagen’s most popular attraction, sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, watches over the harbor since its 1913 unveiling. To prepare yourself – if you haven’t already – be sure to read the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, which is far more nuanced than the Disney movie. If you booked flights to Copenhagen for an end-of-August vacation, don’t miss a trip to the waterfront for the bronze statue’s birthday. The celebration includes a host of festivities. For a more unusual view, take a boat tour of the city - the boats travel the canals and the sea and show you most of the major monuments to be found.

Copenhagen also has its share of old-world palaces. Check out Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament and the Royal Family, or brush up your Shakespeare and head to Kronberg Castle, most commonly associated with Hamlet. Denmark is also home to the world’s oldest monarchy. The Danish Royal Family has lived in Copenhagen since 1417 and no trip to Copenhagen is complete without a trip to Amalienborg Palace, where the reigning monarch currently resides. Amalienborg Palace is the place to go if you have a hankering to learn about Danish royal history. A visit to the Amalienborg Museum offers a glimpse at life within the palace walls including precious objects owned by the Royal family. Keep an eye out for the changing of the Royal Guard, who are on duty twenty-four hours a day. Rosenborg Castle is also a must see, as are the surrounding grounds where, on a nice day, you’ll see lots of people lounging around.

Alternate lifestyles are front and center in Freetown Christiania, a community established as a hippie commune in the 1970’s and given official status by the government in 2011. About 1,000 people took over the area of military barracks and created a self-governing pocket with self-contained businesses and judiciary. It's an alternative society within society. You can take fascinating guided tours of the community, but don't take photos and make sure to follow the stated rules. There are cafés, restaurants and stalls selling jewelry and other arts and crafts. After your day of sightseeing, head to Nyhavn for a relaxing dinner in one of the renovated houses lining the waterfront. This neighborhood is where Hans Christian Andersen lived, and it's especially festive at Christmastime.

Tips for your stay in Copenhagen

• Before boarding your flight to Copenhagen, purchase a CPH Card to save on transportation, museum entry fees, eating out and even souvenir shopping. The CPH card, which is valid for twenty-four hours or seventy-two hour increments, can be purchased online up to 10 days before your trip to Copenhagen. If you forgot to order your CPH Card before your cheap flight to Copenhagen, don’t fret - the CPH Card is available to purchase at tourist offices throughout Denmark, as well as at the airport and all major train stations.
• The winters in Copenhagen may chill you to the core, but the events scheduled during the winter are reasons enough to consider booking cheap flights to Copenhagen and braving the cold. February calls all fashionistas eager to check out new styles at the International Fashion Fair, as well as Copenhagen Fashion Weekend. Art shows provide entertainment during the winter months, so be sure to read up on Copenhagen events before boarding your flight to Copenhagen.
• Copenhagen's canals are pristine. In good weather Danes head to the harbor basin at Islands Brygge to swim and dive. There is a swimming pool, diving pool and children's pool, and it is open during the summer, seven days a week and for the greater part of the day.
• After disembarking cheap flights to Copenhagen, get an injection of culture, free. The state-run museums such as the National Museum, Museum of Danish Resistance, Open Air Museum and National Gallery offer free entry all week to permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions. Other museums, that are free on Wednesdays, include the Hirschsprung Collection, the Geological Museum, Thorvaldsens Museum, Naval Museum and Hunting and Forestry Museum. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is free on Sundays and the Copenhagen City Museum is free on Fridays.
• Copenhagen is just half an hour from the Swedish city of Malmo, and the journey there is stunning. Rent a car, or join a tour, and head across the huge Oresund Bridge that joins Denmark and Sweden. At almost 5 miles, it is one of the longest bridges in Europe.
• The Guinness World Records Museum, on the main shopping street in Stroget, is a popular destination for adults and children. The museum illustrates some of the world records, with a statue of the world’s tallest man at the doorway to welcome you in. Other exhibits include statues of the world’s heaviest man (featured in front of a very large cake) and the man with the longest moustache alongside interactive challenges, such as testing how hard you can punch or discovering what it feels like to accelerate in a real dragster.

Finding Flights from Copenhagen

From Copenhagen, you can find nonstop flights that take you all across Europe, including to London, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Oslo, Rome and more. You can also grab a flight back to the States, or to many other destinations across the globe. Many of the same carriers that fly into the airport, fly out of it as well, including Delta, Icelandair, British Airways, and more. Cheapflights can help you find the top deals on flights from Copenhagen to the destination you want to visit.

Getting to the airport in Copenhagen is as easy as it can be. Take a train from the central station in the city; they run every ten minutes during the day and every twenty minutes at night. You can also take the Metro directly to the airport in under a half hour. Trains depart every few minutes during the day. Buses and taxis are also available for the airport run.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Copenhagen airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.