Finding a car rental in Copenhagen is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Denmark with no booking fees. Pick up your Copenhagen car hire in the city centre, at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) or Central Station and visit North Zealand’s castles, Møns Klint or cross to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. Book early for summer weekends to lock in lower rates and the vehicle size you want.
Copenhagen has several car rental locations, each offering different benefits:
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
---|---|---|
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) | Largest selection; convenient upon arrival; 24-hour service | Airport surcharges; distance from city centre (8 km) |
City Centre | Convenient if already staying in Copenhagen; potentially lower rates | Limited weekend hours; navigating city traffic; smaller selection |
Copenhagen Central Station | Good for travellers using train connections; central location | Urban traffic when departing; limited parking for pickup/return |
Suburban locations | Lower rates; easier parking and exit routes | Limited hours; transportation needed to reach them |
Popular rental locations in the city centre include:
On average, car rentals in Copenhagen cost around 533 kr. per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from 294 kr. per day.
Compare pickup locations: Prices vary across Copenhagen Airport, city centre and suburbs. City pickups often avoid the airport surcharge of 40-100 DKK. Suburban depots can be cheaper, but factor in the time to get there.
Be flexible with dates: Weekday pickups in Copenhagen are often cheaper than weekends. Shifting your start or return by a day can lower the total.
Book smart for summer: For June to August, reserve 3-4 weeks ahead to avoid price spikes. In off-season, watch rates and book when they dip.
Rent only when you need it: Use Copenhagen’s transit in the city. Pick up the car the morning you head out and return it after your day trips to skip hotel parking costs.
Check weekly rates: For 4-5 days, a 7-day rate can be cheaper. Compare both options.
Choose a smaller car and watch trip costs: Compacts are cheaper to rent and fuel. Refuel in suburban stations, and only use toll bridges like Øresund or Great Belt if they fit your plan.
Copenhagen City Parking Zones:
Zone | Location | Hourly Rate (Approx.) | Time Limits |
---|---|---|---|
Red | City centre core | Highest | Payment required 8:00-22:00 everyday |
Green | Inner neighbourhoods | High | Payment required 8:00-22:00 everyday |
Blue | Outer neighbourhoods | Moderate | Payment required 8:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, 8:00-15:00 Sat |
Yellow | Fringe zones | Lower | Payment required 8:00-17:00 Mon-Fri |
Parking Tips:
Local Driving Rules:
Hire a car so you can drive to:
North Zealand castles – Frederiksborg, Kronborg
Møns Klint – Stevns Klint
Roskilde – Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Cathedral
Dragør
Malmö, Sweden – Lund
Odense – Funen
Is it necessary to rent a car in Copenhagen city? If you're only exploring the city, no. Copenhagen has great public transport and is very bike-friendly. You'll find a car most useful for day trips outside the city.
How difficult is parking in central Copenhagen? Finding a park can be hard and expensive. Prices change depending on the area. You could look for hotels that have parking or use Park & Ride services.
Can I drive to Sweden with a Danish rental car? Yes, most rental companies let you drive to Sweden. Just let the company know when you pick up the car. Remember you'll need to pay the Øresund Bridge toll, which is about 460 DKK one-way.
What's the best day trip from Copenhagen by car? Many people enjoy the "Castle Tour" of North Zealand to see Frederiksborg and Kronborg castles. You could also visit the white cliffs of Møns Klint or the historic Viking sites in Roskilde.
How does the Copenhagen Low Emission Zone affect rental cars? It won't affect your rental car. The rental companies make sure all their cars meet the zone's rules. It's only a problem if you drive your own older car into the city.
Is it worth getting a car for a day trip to Malmö, Sweden? Trains go across the Øresund Bridge all the time. But if you have a car, you can easily explore places beyond Malmö, like Lund or the Swedish countryside.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Copenhagen? You won't need one if your licence is from an EU country or is written in English. You will need an International Driving Permit if your licence uses a different alphabet (not A, B, C).
What's the deposit requirement for Copenhagen rentals? The rental company will put a hold on your credit card for about 5,000-10,000 DKK. This is the excess amount you'd pay if there's damage. They won't charge you this money unless the car gets damaged.