Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a major cruise port in Northern Europe and the Baltic. Ships use one of three docking areas along the harbor north of the city center. This page covers the docking areas, maps and meeting locations, general port information, and how to get to central Copenhagen and Copenhagen Airport.
Copenhagen, Denmark, along the harbor north of the city center.
Where ships dock
Most large ships dock at Oceankaj, about 4 to 5 miles (7 to 8km) from the center. Smaller ships may use Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod, which are closer to the city. Your cruise line will confirm which dock your ship is using.
Exit your ship and walk through the terminal building to the main exit. Your driver or guide will be waiting just outside, holding a sign with your name on it.
Video Flyover of the Copenhagen Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows the Copenhagen cruise docking areas and where drivers and guides meet passengers outside the terminal.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Copenhagen Cruise Port Location
Ocean Quay (Oceankaj), Oceanvej, 2150 Nordhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark. Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod are further south along the harbor.
About Copenhagen Cruise Port
Copenhagen has three cruise docking areas, and the one your ship uses decides how you get to the city.
The Three Docking Areas
Ocean Quay (Oceankaj) in Nordhavn has three berths (quays 331, 332 and 333) along about 1,100 m of quay, with no ship length limit. It is the main berth for the largest ships and for turnaround calls.
Langelinie (quays 192 to 198) has about 710 m of quay and takes ships up to 320 m long. It is closer to the historic center and near the Little Mermaid statue.
Nordre Toldbod (quay 177) is a single berth of 225 m next to Langelinie. It takes ships up to 200 m long and is the closest berth to the city center.
Ships dock alongside the quay at all three, so no tendering is required.
Distance to the City
Ocean Quay is a commercial port area, and walking to the city is not practical. A taxi to Kongens Nytorv takes about 20 minutes.
From Langelinie, a taxi to Kongens Nytorv takes about 10 minutes. Osterport Station is about a 15 minute walk, and the Little Mermaid is a short walk along the waterfront promenade.
From Nordre Toldbod, Marmorkirken metro station is about a 14 minute walk, and Amalienborg Palace is close by.
Getting to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
By car or taxi the airport is roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the cruise berths, depending on the berth and traffic.
By public transport it takes about 35 to 40 minutes from each berth, using a 3-zone ticket.
Rejseplanen, the national journey planner, covers buses, metro and trains: rejseplanen.dk.
Getting From the Port to Copenhagen
Public transport, taxis and sightseeing buses all serve the cruise berths. Timetables change, so confirm current details before you travel.
Bus and Metro From Ocean Quay
Bus 25 leaves from the Oceankaj stop at terminal 1 and runs to Orientkaj metro station. Bus 164 also runs year-round to Orientkaj.
The bus runs about every 10 to 20 minutes while ships are in port, from the first arrival until about an hour before the last departure.
From Orientkaj, take metro line M4 toward Kongens Nytorv. From there you can reach Norreport and Copenhagen Central Station, and the M2 line runs to Copenhagen Airport.
Bus and Metro From Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod
From Langelinie, walk about 5 minutes to the Indiakaj stop and take bus 27 to Osterport Station, or walk about 15 minutes to the station. Osterport has metro lines M3 and M4, S-trains and regional trains.
From Nordre Toldbod, walk about 14 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station and take metro line M3 or M4 toward Kongens Nytorv. Central Station is about 25 minutes from there.
Buses, metro and trains in Copenhagen use a zone ticket, which must be bought before you board.
Taxi
Taxi companies serving the port include Amager-Obro Taxi, DAN Taxi and Taxi 4x35.
From Ocean Quay a taxi to the city center takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes.
From Langelinie a taxi to Kongens Nytorv takes about 10 minutes and to Central Station about 15 minutes.
From Nordre Toldbod a taxi to Norreport takes about 10 minutes and to Central Station about 20 minutes.
Copenhagen Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi from Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod.
Walking
Ocean Quay is a commercial port area, and walking to the city is not practical.
From Langelinie, the Little Mermaid is a short walk along the waterfront promenade.
From Nordre Toldbod, Amalienborg Palace is close by, and Nyhavn is roughly a 15 minute walk.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
A sightseeing bus stops at Langelinie, with a set route and commentary.
Routes and schedules follow the bus operator and not your ship, so check the last bus time against your all aboard time.
Bike Lanes
Copenhagen has many raised bike lanes. Stay off them when walking, since cyclists move quickly.
About Copenhagen and the Surrounding Area
Copenhagen is a compact, walkable capital with canals, palaces and harbor views, so even a short port call leaves time for the main sights.
A Brief History
Copenhagen began as a fishing village and grew into a fortified trading town in the 12th century. The name means "merchants' harbor."
King Christian IV shaped much of the city in the 17th century, building Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower and extending the city with new districts.
Hans Christian Andersen lived for years at Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid statue on the waterfront honors his fairy tale.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
Nyhavn, the colorful canal harbor.
The Little Mermaid statue on the Langelinie waterfront.
Amalienborg Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place daily around noon.
Tivoli Gardens, the historic amusement park and gardens.
Rosenborg Castle and the Kings Garden.
Christiansborg Palace and the Round Tower.
Stroget, the pedestrian shopping street.
Planning Your Time
The center is close to the cruise berths, so a half day covers the main sights. Check your ship's all aboard time before you plan your day.
The currency is the Danish krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted.
Danish weather can change quickly, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Nearby Destinations
Kronborg Castle in Helsingor, the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod.
Roskilde, known for its cathedral and Viking Ship Museum.
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is southeast of the city center on the island of Amager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my driver or guide meet me?
Exit your ship and enter the terminal building, then walk towards the main terminal exit. Your driver or guide will meet you outside, holding a sign with your name written on it.
Which docking area will my ship use?
Large ships usually use Ocean Quay (Oceankaj) in Nordhavn. Smaller ships may use Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod. Langelinie takes ships up to 320 m long and Nordre Toldbod takes ships up to 200 m. Your cruise line confirms your berth.
Is Copenhagen a tender port?
No. Ships dock alongside the quay at all three docking areas, so no tendering is required.
How far is the Copenhagen cruise port from the city center?
It depends on the berth. From Ocean Quay a taxi to Kongens Nytorv takes about 20 minutes. From Langelinie it takes about 10 minutes, and Nordre Toldbod is the closest berth to the center.
Can I walk from the cruise port into the city?
From Ocean Quay, no, because it is a commercial port area. From Langelinie, Osterport Station is about a 15 minute walk. From Nordre Toldbod, Marmorkirken metro station is about a 14 minute walk.
How do I get into the city by public transport?
From Ocean Quay, take bus 25 or 164 to Orientkaj metro station, then metro line M4 toward Kongens Nytorv. From Langelinie, bus 27 runs from the Indiakaj stop to Osterport Station. From Nordre Toldbod, walk to Marmorkirken metro station and take metro line M3 or M4.
Does the port have a shuttle?
Bus 25 runs from the Oceankaj stop at terminal 1 to Orientkaj metro station about every 10 to 20 minutes while ships are in port. No shuttle is listed for Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod, but some cruise lines offer their own paid shuttles, which vary by sailing.
How much is a taxi from the cruise port?
Approximate weekday fares from Ocean Quay are 175 DKK to Kongens Nytorv, 212 DKK to Central Station and 425 DKK to the airport. Fares are lower from Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod and higher in the evening, at weekends and on holidays.
How far is Copenhagen Airport from the cruise port?
By car or taxi the airport is roughly 30 to 45 minutes from the cruise berths, depending on the berth and traffic. By public transport it takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
What currency is used in Copenhagen?
The Danish krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted.
What time is the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace?
The changing of the guard takes place daily around noon.
Is the Little Mermaid statue near the cruise port?
Yes. The statue is on the Langelinie waterfront, a short walk from the Langelinie berth and close to Nordre Toldbod.
