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Car Hire in Copenhagen: Competitive Prices With a Complete UK Traveller’s Guide

Compare trusted providers, choose the right pick-up point (CPH Airport or the city), and get straightforward tips on insurance, fuel policies and fees for stress-free driving in Denmark.

Updated for UK travellers driving in Denmark
Copenhagen Car Hire Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Expect
Hiring a car in Copenhagen is a great option if you’re planning day trips beyond the city—think North Zealand’s castles, the Louisiana Museum area, Roskilde, or onward journeys into Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. For central Copenhagen itself, public transport and cycling are often quicker than driving, and parking can be limited and costly. Most UK travellers find the best balance is to pick up a car only for the out-of-town portion of the trip—either directly at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for immediate onward travel, or from a city location if you’re spending a few days in town first. Expect automatic transmissions to cost more than manuals, deposits to be held on a credit card, and winter tyres to be relevant in colder months (requirements can vary by region and conditions).
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) – Car Rental Centre
Best for quick motorway access and early starts. Follow signs for car rental/car hire in the terminal area and proceed to the dedicated car rental centre; most major brands operate here with longer opening hours than city offices. Pros: widest choice of vehicles (including estates and premium), easier out-of-hours flight alignment, straightforward access to E20/E47 and the Øresund link. Cons: airport surcharge can apply, queues at peak arrivals, and you may pay more for parking while sorting paperwork.
Copenhagen Central Station (København H) / Vesterbro Area
Convenient if you’re arriving by rail or staying in Vesterbro. Pros: easy to reach by public transport, good option to delay car hire until you leave the city. Cons: limited parking for pick-up/return, slower traffic leaving the centre, and shorter opening hours than the airport.
Copenhagen City Centre (Indre By) Offices
Works for central hotels and short local hires. Pros: walkable from many accommodations and useful if you only need a car for one day. Cons: tight streets, strict parking controls, higher risk of minor kerb/parking scuffs, and returns can be stressful in busy periods.
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Drive Copenhagen Your Way: Best Car Hire Deals

Explore Copenhagen and beyond with our curated car rental recommendations. Find the perfect vehicle for your Danish adventure and discover more popular options.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

City Driving

Small

Compact Agility for Urban Exploration
5
2
Auto

Copenhagen's historic city centre features narrow cobbled streets and limited parking spaces that can challenge larger vehicles. A small car offers exceptional manoeuvrability for weaving through Nyhavn's colourful harbour-front and finding parking in the medieval quarter. Denmark's fuel prices rank among Europe's highest, making fuel efficiency a key consideration for budget-conscious travellers. These compact models excel in the city's stop-start traffic while keeping running costs minimal.

Coastal Road Trips

Medium

Versatile Companion for Scenic Routes
5
2
Auto

Denmark's flat landscape makes it ideal for leisurely drives along the southern coast to attractions like the white cliffs of Møns Klint or the charming harbour town of Dragør. A medium saloon or estate provides the perfect balance between comfort for longer journeys and practicality for everyday use. The Danish road network connects these destinations smoothly, and having a hired car allows spontaneous exploration of hidden coastal villages and nature reserves that public transport cannot reach.

All-Weather Comfort

SUV

Confidence in Unpredictable Conditions
5
3
Auto

Denmark's maritime climate brings frequent rainfall throughout the year alongside occasional strong winds from the Kattegat and Baltic seas. An SUV provides elevated seating positions that improve visibility during inclement weather and offer greater reassurance when navigating wet country roads or unexpected surface water. The higher ground clearance also proves valuable when accessing rural attractions, country pubs, or coastal viewpoints that may require traversing uneven terrain after rainfall.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pick-up (CPH)
City Pick-up

Why Choose Copenhagen Airport Pick-up

Ideal for UK arrivals who want to drive straight to Zealand, Odense, Aarhus, or across the Øresund Bridge. Airport desks typically offer the broadest vehicle choice, longer opening hours, and simpler one-way options, with clear signage and fast access to major roads.

logo
City-savvySmall
Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10

Keddy by europcarIn terminal, Free shuttle bus
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-savvySmall
Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,184.30
MileageLimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City-savvySmall
Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10

Keddy by europcarIn terminal, Free shuttle bus
4
1
2
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rural explorerSUV
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

Keddy by europcarIn terminal, Free shuttle bus
5
3
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rural explorerSUV
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,184.30
MileageLimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Rural explorerSUV
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,025.52
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Group tourerLarge
Hyundai i30 Estate

Hyundai i30 Estate

BudgetFree shuttle bus
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$602.19
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Group tourerLarge
Hyundai i30 Estate

Hyundai i30 Estate

AvisFree shuttle bus
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$411.77 - $613.91
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Group tourerLarge
Skoda Fabia Estate

Skoda Fabia Estate

BudgetFree shuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$410.05
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates

CPH Car Hire: Trusted Ratings for Your Perfect Trip

Explore car rental options at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) with verified customer ratings. Make informed decisions based on genuine reviews from fellow travellers.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Keddy by europcarBest Overall
3.7
860+ reviews
$290.4 mi from Copenhagen Downtown-
  • Best car rental experience
  • Outstanding service every time
  • Excellent price great customer experience
SixtBest Overall
3.2
1,100+ reviews
$41Shuttle bus
$392 - $965
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Quick and easy pickup
  • Professional service
National
2.9
25 reviews
$48In terminal, Walk to counter
$1,009 - $1,131
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Quick pick-up and drop-off
  • Clean and tidy vehicles
Flex to go
2.6
2260+ reviews
$34In terminal, Walk to counter
$395
  • Helpful and professional staff
  • New and clean vehicles
  • Smooth pick-up and drop-off
Hertz
2.2
42 reviews
$434.1 mi from Copenhagen Downtown
$394 - $965
  • Flexible booking amendments
  • Quick collection and return
  • Professional staff service
Europcar
2.1
865+ reviews
$2140.4 mi from Copenhagen Downtown
$392 - $394
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Smooth pickup and drop-off process
  • Good value for money
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$34Shuttle bus
$394 - $965
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Complimentary vehicle upgrades
AlamoBest Overall
1.6
91 reviews
$51In terminal, Walk to counter
$960 - $1,150
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • No hidden fees
  • Quick pickup and return
Avis
1.5
1080+ reviews
$63Free shuttle bus
$406 - $846
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Quick and efficient service
  • Clean and well-maintained cars
BudgetBudget Friendly
1.5
178 reviews
$60Free shuttle bus
$597 - $824
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Competitive pricing options
  • Easy online booking process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 7 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Quick Guide to Danish Petrol Stations for Visitors
This guide provides visiting drivers with essential information on refuelling in Denmark, including fuel types, station options, and payment methods.
View details
Copenhagen car hire guide to avoid a £2,500 excess and choose the right cover
Essential guide to avoid the costly £2,500 car hire mistake in Copenhagen. Learn what CDW and selvrisiko mean, common damage risks, and how to choose between rental company Super Cover or a third-party excess policy for stress-free travel
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Copenhagen Airport (CPH) handles over 32M passengers annually, with airport car rental locations accounting for an estimated 60-70% of all rentals in the Copenhagen region, driven by international traveller demand."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars hold over 32% of the global car rental market, with SUV bookings growing at a projected 10.7% CAGR; online bookings exceed 71% of all reservations."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of consumers globally report a disconnect between advertised prices and final bills due to hidden fees, while 57% find the rental checkout process frustrating."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Copenhagen Airport Official Statistics
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Analysis
  • Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Analysis
  • Allied Market Research - Car Rental Market
  • Consumer Car Rental Industry Research

Discover Copenhagen: Your Ultimate Driving & Travel Companion

Everything you need to know about driving in Copenhagen - from speed limits and fuel prices to car rental deals and local driving customs in Denmark's vibrant capital

LANGUAGES

Danish, German

CURRENCY

DKK

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+45

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$70 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

3 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.65/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.20/L - $2.98/L

TRAVELER RATING

9.2 / 10

Copenhagen Car Rental Guide

Essential driving and car rental FAQs for navigating Denmark's capital and beyond

Can I drive in Denmark with my home country's licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
EU/EEA driving licences are accepted directly. If you're visiting from outside the EU, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence — a translation alone isn't sufficient for rental purposes. The IDP is valid for up to 1 year and can be obtained from your home country's automobile association before departure. Minimum rental age is typically 21, with a young driver surcharge of approximately 100–150 DKK (≈£11–17) per day for drivers under 25.
Are there any road tolls or congestion charges in Copenhagen, and how do I pay them?
Copenhagen itself has no urban congestion charge. However, the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark to Sweden costs 455 DKK (≈£52) per crossing for a standard car — this is charged automatically via number plate recognition or a prepaid BroPass device. The Storebælt Bridge (connecting Funen to Zealand) costs 210 DKK (≈£24). Most rental cars are equipped with an AutoPASS transponder for effortless toll payment, which will be added to your final bill.
What should I know about cycling and road priority in Copenhagen before getting behind the wheel?
Copenhagen is a cyclist's city, and cyclists have priority over motor vehicles on most designated lanes — always check before turning. The city features extensive cycle superhighways, and cyclists frequently run red lights (though legally they shouldn't). Watch for cyclists on your left when turning right, and never park in cycle lanes. Failure to yield to cyclists incurs fines of 700–1,500 DKK (≈£80–170). Speed limits are 50 km/h in city zones, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways.
Is winter driving a concern in Copenhagen, and do I need winter tyres?
From December to March, icy or snow-covered roads are common, particularly on bridges and rural routes. Danish law mandates winter tyres (or M+S-rated all-season tyres) when conditions require — most reputable rental companies fit these automatically in winter at no extra cost. Snow chains are rarely needed within Copenhagen itself but are advisable if you're heading to rural Jutland. Daytime temperatures in January–February hover around 0–3°C, so frost on windscreens is a daily ritual. Always allow extra stopping distance on cold, slippery surfaces.
How expensive is parking in Copenhagen, and where can I leave my car?
On-street parking in central Copenhagen costs 27–36 DKK (≈£3–4) per hour, typically from 8am–8pm on weekdays and 8am–4pm on Saturdays. Sunday parking is usually free but limited to 2 hours. The city operates a zone system — P-zone (orange) is most restrictive. Consider park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts (e.g., at Bella Center or Ørestad metro stations) for cheaper daily rates, then use public transport into the centre. Parking garages near tourist spots cost 20–35 DKK per hour, with better hourly rates at shopping centres like Field's.
What fuel options and EV charging infrastructure should I expect when renting a car in Denmark?
Petrol and diesel vehicles are widely available, but Denmark has one of Europe's highest EV adoption rates — over 40% of new car sales are electric. Charging infrastructure is excellent along motorways and in cities via the CLEVER, E.ON, and Ionity networks. Most rentals are diesel or petrol; if you want an EV, book well in advance as stock is limited. Rental companies typically operate a full-to-full fuel policy — receive the car with a full tank and return it full to avoid steep refuelling charges.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

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The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

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The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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