Making the Best of a Layover in Copenhagen (What We Did)

Our around the world journey began with a flight from New York City to Copenhagen, Denmark, where we had a six-hour layover before a later flight took us on to Rome, Italy. Six hours is a long time to spend hanging around an airport, so we decided to make the most of it and see a little of Copenhagen instead.

In this post, we’ll share what we did with our six hours, which was really just a relaxed lunch and stroll in Nyhavn, since we’d already spent two days exploring Copenhagen the year before. But if this is your first time in the city and you have more time to work with, we’ll also break down what to do with a layover of any length, from a quick trip to Nyhavn to a fuller taste of the city center.

The Essentials

MINIMUM LAYOVER TO LEAVE THE AIRPORT | 5 hours

HIGHLIGHTS | Nyhavn, canal cruise, Amalienborg Palace, city center

AIRPORT TO NYHAVN | Metro (M2), about 15 minutes, direct

RETURN BUFFER BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT | 90 minutes to 2 hours

IMMIGRATION | Only if arriving from outside the Schengen Zone

LUGGAGE | Check bags through to your final destination if possible

Table of Contents

July 2026 Update: We’ve added a full breakdown of what to do with a Copenhagen layover of any length, plus updated transit and timing details.

What We Did with a 6 Hour Layover in Copenhagen

The four of us had previously visited Copenhagen on a summer trip through Scandinavia the year before, so we were familiar with the city and its public transportation. We loved Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic harbor, and decided this would be a good place to get some lunch. We flew from New York City to Copenhagen, landing at 1:30 pm local time (7:30 am EST).

A convenient metro line runs directly from the Copenhagen airport to Nyhavn. In just fifteen minutes we were walking through downtown Copenhagen, each of us carrying a daypack. Fortunately, our two large backpacks were checked in at the airport, waiting for transfer onto our next plane.

This was a different experience for us, and one we would have to get used to. We had already been traveling for almost 24 hours so we could really use a little freshening up. The best we could manage was brushing our teeth and combing our hair. Plus, trying to get some sleep on a plane doesn’t come too easy, unless you are Tyler, who somehow managed to curl up in his seat and sleep the entire flight. So, the four of us, backpacks in tow, tired, maybe a little smelly, made our way to Nyhavn.

The weather was perfect. It was a crystal clear day with temperatures in the low 70’s. Nyhavn was packed with tourists taking in the views, waiting in lines to board the canal cruise, and having drinks and lunch at the outdoor cafes that line the harbor. It was so nice to be back!

We picked a restaurant with an open table and ordered our first meal of the trip. The food was mediocre but the atmosphere was awesome. Lunch here definitely blows away any airport food we would have ordered.

We didn’t have long to linger in Nyhavn until we had the catch the metro back to the airport. Our quick trip into Copenhagen was a much needed break from the airport and it was a fun afternoon in a great European city.

And now we are off to Rome, where the real adventure begins!

How Much Time Do You Actually Need to Leave the Airport?

If you’re flying internationally with a layover in Copenhagen, budget at least 5 hours before you commit to leaving the airport.

Denmark is part of the Schengen Zone, so if you’re arriving from outside it (as we were, connecting from the US), you’ll clear passport control in Copenhagen rather than at your final destination, but that’s it, no separate customs stop.

On the way back, you’ll only need to clear security again before your gate. Plan to be back at the airport with 90 minutes to 2 hours to spare before your next flight. With less than 5 hours, it’s best to just stay in the airport. It’s not worth the stress of rushing back.

What to Do With a Copenhagen Layover

How you spend your layover depends on how much time you have:

Under 5 hours: Stay at the airport.
5 hours: Head straight to Nyhavn for a meal and a stroll along the harbor. This is exactly what we did with our 6 hours, since we’d already spent two days exploring the city the year before and just wanted to enjoy being back.
6 hours: Everything above, plus one more stop: either the canal cruise (it departs right from Nyhavn) or a walk over to Amalienborg Palace.
8 hours: Nyhavn, the canal cruise, and Amalienborg Palace. If the Palace isn’t a priority for you, swap it for a walk down Strøget instead and see more of the city center.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Always confirm your visa/passport requirements for entering Denmark before you commit to leaving the terminal.

How to Get from the Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn

The M2 metro runs directly from Copenhagen Airport to Nyhavn, with no transfers required. The station is inside Terminal 3, just a short walk from baggage claim.

You can buy a ticket at one of the machines near the platform, through the DOT Tickets app before you land, or simply tap a contactless credit card at the gate, no paper ticket needed. Ride to Kongens Nytorv station, about a 15-minute trip, then it’s a five-minute walk from there to Nyhavn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave Copenhagen Airport during a layover?

Yes, as long as you meet visa requirements for entering Denmark and have enough time. We recommend at least 5 hours total layover time if you want to head into the city.

Is a 5-hour layover enough to see Copenhagen?

It’s enough for a relaxed visit to Nyhavn – a meal and a stroll along the harbor, which is what we did with our 6 hours. It’s not enough time to add much beyond that.

Do you have to go through customs or immigration on a layover in Copenhagen?

It depends on where you’re flying from and to. If you’re connecting between two Schengen-zone flights, you won’t go through passport control at all. If you’re arriving from outside the Schengen Zone, like we were, you’ll clear passport control in Copenhagen — but not customs.

What’s the best thing to do with a short layover in Copenhagen?

Nyhavn. It’s the closest major sight to the airport by metro, and it gives you a real taste of the city even if you only have a few hours.

Explore More of Europe

Want more of Copenhagen than a layover allows? → Our One Perfect Day in Copenhagen guide covers a full day in the city, from biking the harbor to climbing the Round Tower.
Exploring more of Denmark? → Our Denmark Travel Guide covers where else to go beyond Copenhagen.
Continuing on to Sweden? → Our One Day in Stockholm guide covers another great one-day city itinerary.
Building a longer European trip? → Our 10 Days in Europe guide covers 10 ready-made itineraries to choose from.
First time traveling to Europe? → Our How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

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