Copenhagen is a pretty expensive place to visit. So find out how to save money on transport
Though Copenhagen has its famous cycling network to get you anywhere in the city, you as a traveller may not be willing to hop straight on a bike for several days in a row just to get around.
With one of the most clearly understandable and straightforward public transportation network systems which also operates in an effective way, you still may want to consider other options, such as skateboarding or adult scooter, which would also not require you to spend fortune just to get to the most amazing places, and additionally leave some funds for that fancy Danish dinner in a restaurant.
Public transport
If your preference shifts to the side of public transportation, convenience and (to be fair – laziness) comfort of warmth and dry environment when going from one amazing place to another, then buses, metros and S-togs (S trains) will be your best choice.
Metros are going at intervals of 2 to 4 minutes in daytime connecting almost 40 metro stations, S-tog offers you a view to Copenhagen with Wi-Fi and buses service those willing to go to suburban areas and take a stroll around touristic spots or enjoy Copenhagen from Step-in-Step-off bus.
You see, Copenhagen has it all. The only thing you may want to have a look before making the final decision are the different zones and limited time transportation cards, as the system is one of zones.
Longboarding
If, however, you are travelling to Copenhagen in summer, spring or early autumn, you may want to consider other transportation alternatives.
One of the best options, especially if you want to go on a Eurotrip, hence see several big cities in Europe, is skating. Skate boards, especially longboards, allow you to go fairly fast from one to another place, and contrary to other eco alternatives (such as bikes, and scooters) do not take so much space in your luggage when flying from country to country.
Affordable longboards can beat any other mode of transportation, especially when travelling in warm climates and trying to save on transport. Copenhagen in skate world is very famous for street skating, and if you use the board not only to get around, but to do some tricks, then Fælledparken, Copenhagen Skate Park in Enghave and Den Røde Plads by Nørrebrohallen are worth checking out.
Otherwise, feel safe to pack your longboard in luggage and go around Copenhagen riding on a path.
Scooters
Although not as popular as bikes are, foldable scooters, both electric and mechanical are good options, if you want to travel with your own and go around several cities.
They take very little space and are much easier to fold and take with you on the plane. In Copenhagen, you will probably be one of very few going on a scooter, but if you travel for an extended time period and are located not so far from the centre, then going with a scooter on the street will be the best option to save and get from place to place on your personal transport.
Biking
Coming to Denmark’s world famous two-wheel obsessed nation, cycling is truly the best way to get around Copenhagen.
No wonder that Copenhagen has been voted as the world’s best cycle city by sustainability experts, with an especial advantage of many and widely used cycle lanes.
The paths compromise not only network from suburban to centre areas, but also allow you to go to Denmark’s fantastic beaches, parkland or forests to enjoy the nature, when cycling North or South.
The city alone sports more than 350km of cycle paths and lanes, which, contrary to other European cities where the cycling culture is only emerging (talking Eastern/Central Europe) are very safe, as they are raised from the road.
Cycling paths are regularly restored and some of them have flashing lights to warn drivers about the approaching cyclists on turns. Even if you are not in your best form, Copenhagen is mostly flat, therefore making the cycling effortless. No matter the safety on the roads, helmets are suggested.
Picture. The city alone sports more than 350km of cycle paths and lanes.
Danes associate cycling with good health and social status, hence you will be looked at as more of a local if you rent a bike.
Renting bike is easy, as the bike rental shops are located all around the city. Average cost for renting a bike is 75 DKR a day or 350DKR for the whole week.
For even cheaper alternative, there is a bike service all around the city called “CityBikes.” You can borrow the bike for only 25 DKR per hour and leave it anywhere in the city at the bike stand. Bikes come with an in-built GPS, which is even a better option if you are new to the city.
Combine transport
If you wish to rent a bike, take your longboard or scooter with you while being more mobile, a good option is to combine transportation modes.
Longboards are generally allowed in any public transport, and you will not have to purchase an additional ticket.
If you take your longboard in the metro of Copenhagen, then going to Amager White Beach skateboarding or by metro (Amager Strand station) to enjoy 5 km of white sand beach, beautiful islands, parkland and amazing dunes is worth it. There are cycling paths and skaters regularly hold meetups, so you may want to check it out.
The same goes for foldable scooters. If you wish to go far away from the city center, but are not willing to go all the way by rolling, then taking your foldable scooter on metro, S train or bus is possible without paying any additional fee.
For bikes, they are accepted without any additional fees in all metros, as well as city S trains. Thera are also bike shops in 10 of city train stations, so you can leave your bike for repair and get it back in the evening.
Additionally, bikes are accepted in water buses as well as taxis and suburban buses for a small fee (12 DKR.) You may want to get on a regional train, take your bike with you and go to Viking museum 36km from Copenhagen with 5 original Viking longboats found at the bottom of Roskilde Fjord or Kronborg Castle, a World Heritage Site in Helsingør to see Hamlet’s castle.
Picture. Renting the bike and leaving it at the stand outside museums or hopping on the train is no problem.
Conclusion
All in all, affordable transportation in one of the most expensive European cities is possible. Not only you will enjoy the eco-friendly style of living and feel closer to Danes when choosing skateboarding, cycling or scootering, but you will also save money, especially if taking your own longboard with you when going on a trip.
Safe for cyclers, skaters and welcoming to step off the regular tourist pathway in Copenhagen, the city is offering public transportation to enhance your travel.
