Safety and transport

Denmark is generally a safe country with an efficient transport system that makes it easy to get around — whether you are staying in Copenhagen or another Danish city. Still, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take simple precautions, just as you would anywhere else.

On this page, you’ll find key information about safety, emergency numbers, and how to use public transport in Denmark. You can also read about cycling — one of the most popular and convenient ways to get around — and find tips to help you travel safely and confidently during your stay.

Safety

Denmark is generally a safe country. However, as in any other part of the world, you should take some basic precautions, especially in cities and larger towns. In crowded areas, such as around central stations and city halls, watch out for pickpockets — they often work in teams and use distractions.

STAY ALERT

  • Keep an eye on your valuables when you are in a crowd
  • Keep your phone, bank cards and cash in a safe place
  • Cover your PIN when making a payment
  • Keep your bank cards separate from your PIN codes

Emergency numbers

112 – for emergencies (accidents, fire, serious crime, or situations where lives, property, or the environment are in danger)

114 – for non-emergency police assistance

Transport

Journey Planner (Rejseplanen)

The Journey Planner is a helpful tool when you want to plan your travels in Denmark. The Journey Planner plans your journey from your point of departure to your destination, can provide information about fare rates and always has the most updated information. Access the platform at www.rejseplanen.dk and switch language in the top right corner - or find the mobile application “Rejseplanen”. The app is applicable for both android and iPhone. Google Maps can also be used as a way to find your way around Aarhus and Denmark.

Transportation in Copenhagen

If you are participating in a short-term learning activity (less than six weeks) and the commute from your accommodation to your place of study cannot be made on foot, you will be issued with a travel pass. The travel pass covers your transport between your place of study and your accommodation and it can be used for all means of public transport within designated travel zones. If this applies to you, you will be given an introduction to the travel pass when you arrive.

Public transportation in Copenhagen includes buses, the metro and trains, and there is a common fare system which allows you to transfer between the three different forms of transport on the same ticket. There are different types of tickets and travel cards and they are all valid for buses, trains and the metro in the greater Copenhagen area.

Transportation outside of Copenhagen

If you are staying outside of Copenhagen, you will find information about regional and local transport on local websites, for example in Esbjerg, Aalborg and Aarhus.

A general warning

Please note that passengers riding on public transportation without a valid ticket will be given a fine of up to DKK 1100 (€ 140)

Cycling in the city

One of the first things that many people notice when they arrive in Denmark is the number of people who move around by bike. Many people use bikes as their main means of transportation simply because it is the easiest, fastest, cheapest and most healthy way to get from one place to another. Try it!

Find out how to rent a bike in Copenhagen or Aarhus. Remember to read the traffic rules, lock your bike when you leave it and always wear a helmet. The Danes take cycling seriously and can be short-tempered, if you disrupt the flow of the traffic when they are hurrying to or from their places of study or work.

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