Getting Around Denmark

Air

Internal flights in Denmark are served by a network of scheduled services from Copenhagen Airport, also known as Kastrup. Other airports well served by domestic airlines include Aalborg, Aarhus, Billund, Bornholm, Midtjyllands and Sønderborg. Domestic airports are generally situated between two or more cities that are within easy reach of each other. Internal flights are usually of no more than 30 minutes' duration. SAS (www.flysas.com) is the main domestic carrier.

Road

Denmark has an excellent network of roads connecting all towns and cities. All roads are toll-free except the two big bridges: Storebæltsbroen between Zealandand Funen and Øresundsbron between Copenhagen and Malmö.

The 3,600km (2237 miles) Marguerite Route covers some of the most beautiful parts of Denmark and makes for epic road trips. It is marked by brown signs with the white Marguerite Daisy flower, hence it is also nicknamed "Daisy".

In Copenhagen, Ring 2 surrounds the most central part of Copenhagen and it is connected to major highways like E47 and E20.

Side of the road

Car Hire

Generally available to drivers over the age of 21. However, many firms apply a surcharge for drivers under the age of 25. All major international firms are represented.

Bike

There are cycle lanes along many roads and, in the countryside, many miles of scenic cycle track. It's easy to take bikes on ferries, trains, buses and domestic air services.

Regulations

The legal driving age in Denmark is 17 with supervision.

The speed limits are as follows:
• Highways 68 mph (110 kmh) to 80 mph (130 kmh)
• Main roads 49 mph (80 kmh) to 55 mph (90 kmh)
• Built-up areas 24 mph (40 kmh) to 31mph (50 kmh)

Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Drivers must keep their headlights switched on at all times, including during the day. Every car must also have a red warning triangle in case of an accident or breakdown. An International Driving Permit is not required.

Breakdown services

Dansk Autohjælp A/S (tel: +45 7010 8090; www.dah.dk).

Documentation

A national driving licence is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Denmark are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card - a document produced by car insurers to prove that a driver has adequate insurance cover for driving abroad. Green cards are widely required throughout mainland Europe.

Urban travel

Copenhagen has an integrated bus and urban train network, known as S-tog (www.dsb.dk/s-tog), as well as a metro (www.m.dk). Taxis are also widely available in cities. It is not customary to tip the driver but rounding up the fare is usual.

Rail

The main cities on all islands are connected to the rail network: Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Herning, Horsens, Kolding, Odense and Randers. Danish State Railways (DSB) (www.dsb.dk) operates a number of express trains called Lyntogs which provide long-distance, non-stop travel.

InterCity trains (IC) are faster and more direct. Seat reservations are not required on most InterCity trains but recommended if you want to be sure of a seat. However, seat reservation is required for some international trains (like on the SJ High Speed train between Copenhagen and Stockholm).

DSB passenger fares are based on a zonal system. The cost depends on the distance travelled; the cost per kilometre is reduced on the longer the journey. Accompanied by an adult, up to two children under 12 years old travel free. There are also price reductions for passengers over 65 and groups of eight people or more.

Water

There are frequent ferry sailings from Zealand Odde to Ebeltoft and Aarhus, and Rønne to Køge. The larger ferries usually have restaurants or cafés and may have TV, video and cinema lounges, shops, play areas for children and sleeping rooms. Local car ferries link most islands to the road network.

Domestic ferries between Jutland and Zealand are operated by Molslinjen (tel: +45 7010 1418; www.molslinjen.dk). Ferries to Bornholm island are operated by Bornholmslinjen (tel: +45 7090 0100; www.bornholmslinjen.com).