Copenhagen, Denmark’s cosmopolitan capital, is renowned for its stunning harbor views, colorful medieval waterfront buildings, renowned restaurants and rich cultural attractions. As a compact city, Copenhagen is easily navigable by foot, bicycle and public transit, yet renting a car opens doors to easy side trips and deeper exploration of Zealand island.
Benefits of Having a Rental Car in Copenhagen
Renting your own set of wheels in Copenhagen delivers advantages over buses, taxis and tours:
Access to Surrounding Areas
A rental car allows easy day trips to top attractions like Louisiana Museum, Kronborg Castle, Malmö Sweden or coastal castles along the Øresund. Public transport access to these sites is limited.
Transport Convenience
Avoid lugging luggage on trains or relying on sparse night buses by having 24/7 access to your own vehicle outside the city centre.
Save Money
For 2 or more people, rental car costs compare favorably to taxis, trains or organized tours for flexibility to control your own adventure.
Tailor Your Own Itinerary
Go wherever your interests take you on any schedule without fixed public transport timetables or tour group agendas. Spontaneously stop to capture that perfect photo.
Comfort and Privacy
Road trip in relaxed comfort with family or friends, while storing luggage and belongings securely out of sight. Crank the stereo and sing out loud!
Where to Rent a Car in Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers extensive rental car choices across providers to meet traveler needs:
Copenhagen Airport
Denmark’s busiest travel hub has rental desks for Avis, Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise and local outfits like OK, Avia and Unik. Pick-up is in the airport parking garage.
Central Train Stations
Major intercity rail hubs like Copenhagen Central Station and Nørreport have rental agencies nearby catering to those arriving from across Denmark and Europe.
Downtown Depots
Walk-in outlets located downtown enable city guests to access vehicles conveniently. Look for agencies near Tivoli Gardens, Strøget pedestrian street or Waterfront promenade.
Delivery Service
Some firms like Let’s Go or Green Mobility allow tourists to book online for rental car delivery and collection right to their accommodation doorstep.
| Area | Major Car Rental Locations |
|---|---|
| Inner City | Tivoli Gardens, Strøget, Waterfront |
| Nørrebro | Nørreport Station, Mimersgade |
| Vesterbro | Copenhagen Central Station, Istedgade |
| Ørestad | Fields Shopping Center, Ørestads Boulevard |
Table: Key districts for car rental outlets across Copenhagen
Driving Tips for Exploring with a Rental Car in Copenhagen
Follow these suggestions when road tripping around Copenhagen in your rental:
Know the Rules
As elsewhere in Europe, Denmark drives on the right with required seat belts, hands-free mobiles and 0.05% BAC. Watch for cyclists even on highways and don’t turn right on red lights.
Book Extras Upfront
Reserve child safety seats, snow chains, navigation systems or other gear with your car to prevent later availability issues during peak season.
Pack an Adapter
Bring a European two-pin adapter to plug in phones or charge other electronics while on the road.
Use Expressways Cautiously
While Denmark’s network of pay motorways allows driving longer distances quickly, their cost can add up with a rental car. Consider more scenic backroads.
Refuel Regularly
With long distances between outlying towns, refill your tank completely when you see a petrol station to avoid unexpected empty in remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in Copenhagen
What documents do I need to rent a car?
You’ll need your full driver’s license, passport, the credit card used to pay for the rental, and for some companies, a valid International Driving Permit.
How old do I need to be to rent a car?
In general, you must be at least 20 years old to rent a car in Denmark, while some firms set higher minimum ages of 23-25 for inexperienced drivers. Extra daily insurance fees apply for drivers under 26.
What side of the road do Danes drive on?
Denmark drives on the right side of the road with the steering wheel on the left side of the car, like the rest of continental Europe.
What transmission types are readily available?
While both manual and automatic transmission cars are accessible across car classes, automatics remain less common in Europe, so confirm availability upfront if required especially for premium vehicles, minivans or specialty cars.
Conclusion
As a walker- and cyclist-friendly city focused on sustainability, Copenhagen offers myriad transit options for effortless mobility without a car. Yet for travelers keen to venture further across Zealand and eastern Denmark at their own pace, renting a vehicle unlocks doors from historic castles to quaint seaside villages to Sweden beyond. Booking the optimal car rental for your travel party in advance ensures the freedom of discovering Denmark on your own wheels.
