35–45 minutes, one seat, straight into Nørrebro and beyond
Lufthavnsbussen 5C is the yellow city bus running from Terminal 2/3 to Nørreport, Nørrebro, and Bispebjerg in about 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. It uses the same zones and tickets as the Metro and train, so you pay roughly $4–6 instead of tourist‑shuttle pricing. Think of it as a regular Copenhagen commuter line that just happens to start at the airport.
The 5C stop sits outside Terminal 3 arrivals; follow signs for “Bus” and look for the 5C toward Husum or Herlev Hospital. Buses run about every 6–10 minutes most of the day, with reduced frequency late at night and on very early mornings. The line serves key points like Hovedbanegården (Central Station), Rådhuspladsen, Nørreport, Nørrebro St., and further northwest, so it’s useful if your hotel is close to those corridors.
Tickets for the 5C match Metro/train pricing: around $4–6 for the 3‑zone airport–city trip. You can buy a single ticket from the DSB machines in Terminal 3, from the DOT machines near the bus stands, or by using the DOT app before you board. The same ticket covers transfers within the time limit, so if you need a short hop on another bus or Metro afterward, you don’t pay extra during that window.
How to ride Lufthavnsbussen 5C from CPH
- 1. Exit arrivals at Terminal 3 and follow the “Bus” signs to the forecourt outside; you’ll see several stands.
- 2. Find the 5C stop, marked for destinations like Husum Torv or Herlev Hospital; confirm the direction on the front display.
- 3. Buy a 3‑zone ticket (around $4–6) from the DOT/DSB machines in Terminal 3 or at the bus area, or activate a ticket in the DOT app before boarding.
- 4. Board through the front or middle door and keep your ticket or app ready; inspectors do random checks, and fines are steep.
- 5. Use the luggage racks near the middle doors when there’s space; avoid blocking the aisles, especially at the airport stop.
- 6. Track your stop on Google Maps or Rejseplanen; announcements can be hard to hear when the bus is full, especially around Nørreport and Nørrebro.
- 7. Exit with other passengers and watch for cyclists as you step off at busy stops like Rådhuspladsen or Nørreport.
What regulars do
Local riders on r/copenhagen say they usually skip the 5C for a straight airport–city‑centre run and instead take the 15‑minute train or Metro to Nørreport, then connect if needed. The bus shines if you’re staying directly on the 5C corridor in Nørrebro or Bispebjerg and want a one‑seat ride to your hotel. Some regulars even board a few stops after the airport to dodge the initial wave of suitcases and strollers.
Watch out for
The 5C doubles as a key urban route, so reviews mention it can be overcrowded at rush hour and late at night on weekends, with standees and luggage in the aisles. Luggage racks technically exist, but in practice they fill quickly; big checked bags can be awkward, especially if you’re boarding at Terminal 3 when a lot of passengers are getting on. Stops come fast, and with 30+ stops into town, using your phone to watch for Nørreport or Nørrebro is smarter than relying on muffled announcements.
One practical tip: if you’ve just landed after a long flight and are heading to City Hall, Central Station, or Kødbyen, take the train or Metro from Terminal 3 instead; save the 5C for trips where your bed is less than a 5‑minute walk from one of its stops.