Copenhagen Cruise Port to City Center | Transport Guide + Best Excursions
- Aye Salazar
- May 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 15
Arriving at the Copenhagen Cruise Port and wondering how to get to the city center?
In this guide, we explain the fastest transport options from Ocean Quay, Nordre Tolbod and Langelinie — plus the best shore excursions if you want to explore Copenhagen with a local guide.
In this guide, we'll tell you the best options depending on how much time you have in the city.
How do I get from the Cruise Port to Copenhagen City Center?
Option 1: Some cruise lines offer buses that take you into the city, but we recommend confirming with them directly if they offer this service and which route they follow.
It's also important to know which terminal you'll be arriving at.
There are 3:
1) Ocean Quay
2) Nordre Tolbod
3)Langeline
Best Excursions from Copenhagen Cruise Port
If you only have a few hours in the city, joining a guided walking tour is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to explore Copenhagen’s highlights.
Once you reach Rådhuspladsen, you’ll be right at the starting point of our guided experiences — making it incredibly easy to turn your transport into a seamless shore excursion.
Our Copenhagen Historic Center Walking Tour for Cruise Passengers starts daily at Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), just 25–30 minutes from the cruise terminals.
✔ Perfect for cruise passengers
✔ Small groups
✔ Easy return to port
✔ No reservation required (subject to availability)
(Cruise ships usually dock for 6–8 hours, which makes a 2-hour walking tour the ideal way to explore Copenhagen without worrying about returning late to your ship.)
Option 2:
Rådhuspladsen is where the Copenhagen Historic Center Tour starts
From Ocean Quay to Rådhuspladsen
1. Bus 25 & Metro
Take Bus 25 from Oceankaj (Terminal Get off at Orientkaj Metro Station.
Take Metro M4 towards Kongens Nytorv, direct to Rådhuspladsen
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes. Ticket: 2-zone ticket (24 DKK).
2. Bus 164 & Metro
Take Bus 164 towards Ballerup St. Get off at Orientkaj Metro Station.
Take Metro M4 towards Kongens Nytorv, direct to Rådhuspladsen.
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes. Ticket: 2-zone ticket (24 DKK).
3. Taxi Cost: Approx. 212 DKK (day) / 262 DKK (evening/weekend/holiday).
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes.
From Nordre Tolbod to Rådhuspladsen
Walk: 14 minutes to Marmorkirken Metro Station.
Metro: Take M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv, direct to Rådhuspladsen
Duration: Approx. 25 minutes (including walk).
Ticket: 2-zone ticket (24 DKK).
2. Taxi
Cost: Approx. 116 DKK (day/weekdays) / 143 DKK (evening/weekend/holiday).
Duration: Approx. 20 minutes.
From Langeline to Rådhuspladsen
1. Bus 27 & S-Train
Walk: 5 minutes to the "Indiakaj" bus stop.
Bus: Take Bus 27 to Østerport Station.
S-Train: From Østerport, take an S-train (lines A, B, C, E, or H) towards Hundige, Høje Taastrup, Frederikssund, Køge, or Ballerup, and get off at Vesterport Station. Walk to Rådhuspladsen
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes (including walk).
Ticket: 2-zone ticket (24 DKK).
2. Walk & Metro
Walk: 15 minutes to Østerport Station.
Metro: Take M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv, direct to Rådhuspladsen
Duration: Approx. 20 minutes (including walk).
Ticket: 2-zone ticket (24 DKK).
3. Taxi
Cost: Approx. 135 DKK (day/weekdays) / 167 DKK (evening/weekend/holiday).
Duration: Approx. 15 minutes.
You can purchase your ticket through the DOT app, selecting the Single Ticket (valid for buses, trains, and metro), or you can also purchase it at the metro station (with a debit/credit card or Danish kroner coins).
Option 3:
For a stress-free visit, you can book a private tour that starts the moment you disembark. Your personal guide will meet you directly at your cruise terminal with a private vehicle, saving you the hassle of navigating buses or waiting in taxi lines. This seamless experience is tailored entirely to your pace and interests, ensuring you see the best of Copenhagen without any logistical worries. We prioritize your schedule to guarantee a comfortable return to your ship well before departure. Please contact us to arrange your private pickup and customized itinerary.
Can I walk to Copenhagen from the cruise port?
We wouldn't recommend it but would depend on how much you would like to explore. The Port of Copenhagen is located in an area called Nordhavn, and depending on your cruise line and how busy the port is, you may be able to walk from your ship to the city. The nearest pier is a ten-minute walk from The Little Mermaid statue and about a half-hour from the famous Nyhavn harbor.
The Historic Center Free Tour is the perfect way to start your visit. On this two-hour tour, you'll explore the Old Town's most important monuments and attractions while learning about Danish history and culture, including details about famous figures like Hans Christian Andersen.
The Copenhagen Free Tour begins at City Hall Square at 10:30 am or 4:00 pm. You can join the tour even if you don't have a reservation, as long as we have space available.
The tour concludes at Amalienborg Palace, just in time to witness the Changing of the Guard! (Only for the 10:30 am tour.)
During the tour, we'll provide you with an interactive virtual map with all our food recommendations, some of the most beautiful photos of the city, and a unique Copenhagen experience you're sure to remember!Why Cruise Passengers Choose Our Walking Tours
✔ Small groups
✔ Local expert guides
✔ Flexible schedule for cruise arrivals
✔ Easy return to port
You can find us at Copenhagen City Hall (or Rådhuspladsen), where you'll recognize us by our red umbrella. We're located next to the Dragon Fountain.
Please note that the tour will be conducted with a minimum of 6 adults. For groups of 6 to 10 adults, a contribution of 10 euros per person is requested at the beginning of the tour to ensure fair compensation for the guide.👉 Feel free to check out all our tours in www.walkandtour.dk/tours
We look forward to exploring Copenhagen together!
Frequently Asked Questions About Copenhagen Cruise Port
How far is Copenhagen Cruise Port from the city center?
It depends on the terminal, but travel time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes by metro or taxi.
What is the best shore excursion from Copenhagen Cruise Port?
A walking tour of the historic center is one of the most time-efficient options for cruise passengers.
Which terminal is closest to the city?
Nordre Tolbod and Langelinie are closer than Ocean Quay.