Car Rental in Copenhagen (Denmark): A Practical Guide
Arranging a car rental in Copenhagen, Denmark gives you the freedom to explore the capital and the wider Zealand region.
Pickup stations are conveniently spread across Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the cruise port, and key downtown hubs.
Compare car rental deals in Copenhagen
from €27/day · Prices checked on September 02, 2026
Driving: on the right.
Local currency: DKK.
Emergency number: 112.
Good to know — verified sources- The emergency number in Denmark is 112, used for police, fire, and ambulance in any life-threatening situation. lifeindenmark.borger.dk
- In Denmark traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road; overtake to the left and stay in the right-hand lane of multi-lane roads. visitdenmark.com
- The legal alcohol limit for driving in Denmark is 0.25 milligrams. eurobreakdown.com
- Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need a Denmark ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area. etias.com
- In Denmark, the use of seat belts and child restraint systems is mandatory. europa.eu
Sources checked on September 11, 2026.
Pick-up: airport (CPH) · downtown · port
Pick-up points: Copenhagen (all locations), Denmark · Copenhagen Downtown, Copenhagen, Denmark · Copenhagen Hotel Marriott, Copenhagen, Denmark · Copenhagen Cruise Port, Copenhagen, Denmark
Partner link — DiscoverCars comparison| Major City Population | About 1,153,615 residents |
| Key Pickup Hubs | CPH Airport, Cruise Port, Downtown, Major Hotels |
| Driving Side | Right-hand side (overtake on left) |
| Legal Alcohol Limit | 0.25 mg |
| Emergency Number | 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
| Safety Rules | Mandatory seat belts and child restraints |
| Booking Aggregator | DiscoverCars coverage confirmed |
Renting a car in Copenhagen is one of the most efficient ways to travel across Denmark beyond the central metropolitan area. While Copenhagen itself is famous for its cycling infrastructure and extensive public transit, a personal vehicle becomes invaluable when you plan to visit coastal towns, historical castles, and scenic routes across Zealand or neighbouring islands. Pickup points are located right where incoming travellers arrive: Copenhagen Airport (CPH), the passenger cruise port, downtown offices, and prominent accommodation points such as the Marriott and Radisson hotels. This guide outlines everything you need to know about navigating local driving regulations, picking up your vehicle smoothly, and preparing for day excursions starting from Denmark's vibrant capital.
Local Driving Rules and Essential Regulations
Driving in Denmark follows standard European conventions, but local enforcement is strict:
- Side of the Road: Traffic drives on the right-hand side. You must overtake on the left and remain in the right-hand lane on multi-lane highways whenever possible.
- Alcohol Limits: The legal alcohol limit while driving is 0.25 milligrams.
- Safety Measures: The use of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants, and approved child restraint systems are legally required for children.
- Emergency Assistance: In any life-threatening situation or emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services.
- Entry Requirements: Note that starting in late 2026, travellers entering the Schengen Area from visa-exempt countries will need an approved Denmark ETIAS.
Rental Pricing and When to Book
Car hire rates in Copenhagen depend heavily on seasonality and vehicle category. To secure competitive rates and ensure vehicle availability, booking well in advance is strongly recommended, especially before summer travel peaks and major holiday periods.
Using comparison platforms like DiscoverCars allows you to review offers across available fleets in Copenhagen before arrival. Advance booking also gives you greater clarity on insurance options, fuel policies, and any seasonal surcharges before reaching the rental desk.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers multiple convenient collection points depending on how you enter the city:
| Location | Best For |
|---|---|
| Copenhagen Airport (CPH) | Arriving international flights; widest fleet selection |
| Copenhagen Cruise Port | Maritime arrivals and cruise passengers |
| Copenhagen Downtown | City-centre stays and railway station arrivals |
| Hotel Radisson / Hotel Marriott | Direct pickup near central waterfront accommodations |
Selecting a city-centre or hotel location can save you an airport transit trip if you plan to explore central Copenhagen first before starting a road journey.
Practical Tips for Driving Out of Copenhagen
Before heading out onto Danish motorways, keep these practical points in mind:
- Cyclist Awareness: Copenhagen has dense bicycle traffic. Always check your right-side mirror and blind spot before turning across bike lanes.
- Motorway Etiquette: Keep right on open highways and maintain safe following distances.
- Navigation Planning: Route your journey in advance when exiting the urban perimeter toward Zealand's regional motorways.
Where to go by car
| Destination | Distance | Time | Tolls (est.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roskilde | ~35 km | ~35 min | — | Visit the historic Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum along the fjord. |
| Helsingør (Kronborg Castle) | ~45 km | ~45 min | — | Explore the famous coastal fortress associated with Shakespeare's Hamlet. |
| Hillerød (Frederiksborg Castle) | ~40 km | ~40 min | — | Tour the grand Renaissance palace situated on three islets in a castle lake. |
| Møns Klint | ~135 km | ~1 h 45 min | — | Experience dramatic white chalk cliffs dropping steeply into the Baltic Sea. |
Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.