Key Highlights
-
The Port of Copenhagen is a main starting point for the Baltic Sea. It has many modern cruise ship terminals.
-
Big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line go from this port. There is a busy cruise ship schedule you can expect.
-
It is easy to get to the port from Copenhagen Airport or the city center. People often use public transportation, such as the metro or the buses.
-
The main terminals at the port are Ocean Quay (Oceankaj) for large cruise ships, and also Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod.
-
People can find many on-site places at the port, and it is close to big spots like the Little Mermaid statue and Tivoli Gardens.
Introduction
Welcome to your simple guide to the Port of Copenhagen. If you want to visit Denmark and plan to use a cruise port, this guide is for you. The cruise port in Copenhagen is not just a place for ships to be. It is busy, full of life, and helps people get right into this pretty city in Denmark. You may start your trip at the port, or you may just go by for a short time. Knowing how the port is built and what it offers can help make your trip easy and nice. Get ready to see all the good things this cruise port has for you.
The Port of Copenhagen: An Overview
The Port of Copenhagen is the biggest seaport in Denmark. It is busy and active and has both a cruise terminal and a container terminal. The port is a main link that connects Denmark to other places. It is known as a gateway to the Baltic Sea.
The port stands close to the city center, so you can get into Copenhagen with ease. Many people use the port when they want to see the city.
At the port’s terminals, there are many services and things you can use, such as transport options and other helpful features for people traveling. These are meant to make your visit go well, whether you use the cruise terminal or the container terminal.
Now, you can also take some time to find out about the port’s past. You might also be interested in how its day-to-day work and management are set up.
Brief History and Importance in Northern Europe
The story of the Port of Copenhagen goes back to the Middle Ages. During that time, it became a major spot for ships in Denmark. The natural harbor and its good place on the map made it important for trade, keeping the city safe, and getting people and goods where they needed to go. All these parts helped Copenhagen grow and do well through many years. This story has made the port a big part of the shipping world in northern Europe.
Over the years, the port kept getting bigger as more ships started to come. It turned into the largest Danish seaport. As the world changed and trade continued to grow, the port changed too. What started as a simple spot for boats is now a modern port that can do lots of jobs at once.
Today, the Port of Copenhagen is important for more than just moving goods. It is also a top spot for international cruise lines, with millions coming each year to visit. This helps drive the local economy and brings new faces from all over Europe and beyond. In the buildings all around, you can still see its long history. The port still stands strong as a top port in Europe.
What Is Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP)?
Copenhagen Malmö Port, or CMP, is the company that runs the ports in both Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden. CMP handles many different projects all over the Øresund strait. It is one of the largest port operators in this part of the world. The company takes care of everything from cruise business to handling general cargo and running the container terminal.
The group has some big jobs to do at the Port of Copenhagen. CMP looks after logistics and works on making the port better. This includes running cruise terminals such as Oceankaj. CMP helps all ships do their work as they come into the Baltic. CMP wants to be one of the most sustainable ports anywhere.
Bringing together ideas and resources from both places helps CMP to do a good job for everyone. It gives more than one city a boost. Travelers get a safe, modern, and easy time at the port because CMP works so well. The company cares about new ideas and wants to keep things green and smart.
Main Cruise Terminals at the Port of Copenhagen
Copenhagen has three big cruise ship terminals. These are Ocean Quay (Oceankaj), Langelinie Pier, and Nordre Toldbod. The company CMP looks after these places. All these terminals have a few berths, so many cruise ships and people can come and go with ease.
It does not matter if you are coming on one of the largest ships or a small cruise ship. You will reach one of these Copenhagen terminals. Now, let’s look at each cruise ship terminal, so you know what you will get when you come in.
Ocean Quay (Oceankaj) Terminal Features
Ocean Quay, which many people call Oceankaj, is the newest and most modern cruise terminal in Copenhagen. It was made to fit the world’s biggest cruise ships. This is the main spot for many big international cruise lines. If you take a trip on a large cruise ship, you will most likely come into this terminal.
The terminal has a lot of good and up-to-date things that help make getting on and off the ship easy. It is in the Nordhavn area, so you get quick links to public transport. This means you can get out and see the city with no trouble.
Key features of the Ocean Quay cruise terminal include:
-
Three terminal buildings so people can board or leave from several cruise ships at one time.
-
Room for large cruise ships, so top cruise lines use it all the time.
-
Easy and fast baggage handling to help all travelers.
-
Direct access to public transport choices, with cruise shuttle buses ready for you.
Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod Terminal
Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod are closer to the historic city center in Copenhagen. Langelinie Pier sits by the water and is near the famous Little Mermaid statue. This spot is nice because it often gets small and medium cruise ships. It also gives a charming welcome for people as they get off the ship.
Nordre Toldbod lies just south of Langelinie. It is the terminal closest to downtown. People love it because they can walk from here to main spots in Copenhagen, like Amalienborg Palace. It makes it simple for visitors to see the city on foot.
Both Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod let people come into the city right away. The terminals mix the feeling of being by the Baltic Sea with all the culture that Copenhagen gives. For cruisers, these terminals are perfect if you want to be in the heart of the city as soon as you arrive.
Getting to and from the Port of Copenhagen
Getting to and from the Port of Copenhagen is easy. This is true because the city has good public transportation. If you arrive at Copenhagen Airport or need to get there from the city center, you have many ways to reach the cruise port terminal. The metro, buses, and taxis all work well.
It helps to plan your trip early. This saves you time and makes your day smoother. Below, you will see the best ways to go from the city center, the airport, and the main train station to the cruise port.
Transportation Options from the City Center
Getting from Copenhagen’s city center to your cruise terminal is easy. There are many ways to travel by public transport. The best way may change, depending on the terminal you want to reach. If you need to get to Ocean Quay, you can take the M4 Metro line and then catch a bus. This is a common and quick option.
You can also take a taxi. Taxis in Copenhagen are easy to find and will take you straight to your cruise terminal. While taxis can cost more, they are good if you have a lot of bags, or if you are with family or friends. You can get a taxi at many places in the city center.
Here are some common ways to get to your terminal:
-
Public Bus: Some bus lines go from the city center to the port areas. You can use the journey planner to find a bus that stops close to your terminal.
-
Metro: The M3 and M4 metro lines run quick trains to stations near the cruise terminals.
-
Taxi: This is a fast and comfortable way to travel, with trips taking ten to twenty-five minutes, depending on which terminal and on traffic.
No matter which way you choose, getting from the city center to Ocean Quay or any cruise terminal is simple in Copenhagen.
Access from Copenhagen Airport and Central Station
Arriving at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and need to get to your cruise terminal? It is simple because the city’s public transport is great. Most people take the M2 metro from the airport. You go to a station like Kongens Nytorv or Østerport. There, you can switch to another metro line or a bus to get to your terminal.
If you come from Copenhagen Central Station, you are already near the port. The M3 and M4 metro lines run right from the central station. These lines bring you to stations close to all three cruise terminals. The trip is fast. Most people get there in less than 30 minutes.
You can also use taxis at both the airport and the central station. Taxis are good for door-to-door service. A taxi from the airport to Ocean Quay is about 40 minutes. If you leave from the central station, the ride will not take as long. Always check the terminal with your driver before you go.
Parking and Accessibility at the Port
If you plan to drive to the Port of Copenhagen, you need to know about the parking there. Each copenhagen terminal has different parking options. Some have parking on-site, and for some, you will need to park close by in other lots.
It is also good to think about how easy it is to get around at the port. The port works to help all people who visit.
If you learn the parking rules and features for people who need them ahead of time, your trip will start well. Now, let’s look at the parking spots and rules for each copenhagen terminal.
Parking Facilities for Travelers & Cruise Passengers
For cruise passengers driving to the port, parking arrangements differ by terminal. At Ocean Quay (Oceankaj), there is a public car park conveniently located just 50-100 meters from the ships. This lot has space for about 200 cars, and payment is required. Unfortunately, advance reservations are not possible.
For the Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod terminals, long-term parking is not available directly on-site. If your cruise departs from one of these locations, you will need to find alternative parking. The nearest recommended indoor car park is located in the city centre at Dronningens Tværgade 4, though it comes at a higher daily rate.
Here is a breakdown of the parking fees for the public car park at Ocean Quay. Please note that an additional fee may apply depending on your payment method.
|
Time Period |
Rate per Hour |
|---|---|
|
07:00 – 17:00 |
DKK 22.00 |
|
17:00 – 07:00 |
DKK 12.00 |
|
Maximum per 24 hours |
DKK 150.00 |
Accessible Services & Visitor Guidelines
The Port of Copenhagen wants every person, including those with disabilities, to have a good time when they visit. The modern cruise terminal at Ocean Quay makes it simple for people who need help. There are ramps, elevators, and easy-to-use restrooms made for this reason. Other places like Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod have some basic options to help people get around, too.
To make sure you and others stay safe and happy at any cruise terminal, please follow the basic visitor tips. Get to the cruise terminal at the time you are told to check in. Stay with your bags until you check them in with staff. Watch out for cars and buses in the port.
To help your trip go well, think about these points:
-
Get in touch with your cruise line before your trip if you need help moving around at the terminal.
-
Public transport, like some buses and the metro near the copenhagen cruise terminal, can help people who use wheelchairs or need a bit more time.
-
If you have any needs you want to talk about, call ahead and ask your cruise terminal like Ocean Quay or Nordre Toldbod, what is waiting for you when you get there.
Cruise Lines, Ships, and Live Port Information
The Port of Copenhagen is busy with many cruise lines from around the world. Many of them travel in the Baltic area. Here, you will see all kinds of cruise ships. Some are big ocean liners. Some are smaller and offer luxury trips. CMP keeps track of all of these ships.
If you want to know the cruise ship schedule for arrivals and departures, it is easy to get that online from the port. This is great when you need to plan your visit. It is also helpful if you like to watch the ships come and go. Now, let’s see what cruise lines you might find and how you can check up-to-date port information.
Major Cruise Lines Operating at Copenhagen
Many of the top cruise lines in the world pick the Port of Copenhagen as a main place to start or stop on their Baltic Sea trips. The port is known for new buildings and a great spot in Northern Europe. This helps companies who plan trips to places like Scandinavia, Russia, and other parts of Europe.
You will see many types of cruise lines here, from modern to fancy ones, and many offer a good mix. Most of these companies come from April to September, which is the busiest time to visit. Big names like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises stop often. They like to use the Ocean Quay terminal when they bring their larger ships.
Some of the main cruise lines you will often see at the terminal are:
-
Royal Caribbean International
-
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
-
Princess Cruises
-
Disney Cruise Line
-
Celebrity Cruises
Finding Ship Schedules, Arrivals, and Departures
Are you trying to find out which cruise ship is in Copenhagen today, or do you want to check your own cruise ship schedule? It is easy to get live updates on arrivals and departures at this terminal. You just need to go to the official Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) website to see this information.
On the CMP website, there is a “Ships in Port” section. Here, you will find a full list that shows every large cruise ship in port, which ones will arrive soon, and the ships that will leave. You can search by ship name or by date. This makes it easy to see what you need.
This tool is good for people who want to know their terminal and the time to be there. It is also useful for friends or family meeting passengers. Anyone who likes watching large cruise ships will enjoy seeing all the movements at the copenhagen port, especially during cruise season.
On-site Services and Facilities for Travelers
The cruise terminals at the Port of Copenhagen have the things you need to make your trip nice and easy. From the moment you get there, you will see services for cruisers, like help with your bags, places to sit and relax, and ways to get online.
If you have to check your email, pick up a quick gift, or just sit down before you get on the ship, the copenhagen terminal has what you need. Let’s look at what visitors can do and the food and shopping choices you have there.
Visitor Amenities: Wifi, Lounges, Baggage Services
Travel today asks for easy things, and Copenhagen’s cruise terminal is ready for that. At places like Ocean Quay, you will find many things made to help you before your trip starts. These things let you relax and stay in touch right before you get on your ship.
There are good baggage services at the port. Your luggage goes from where you drop it off to the ship with no trouble. While you wait, you can sit in the seating area or use other things the cruise terminal has.
Key things that the cruise terminal in Copenhagen and Ocean Quay gives you include:
-
Free Wi-Fi: You can get free internet in all the terminal buildings.
-
Seating and Lounges: Rest in nice waiting areas before you get on your ship.
-
Restrooms: Restrooms are clean, open, and easy to use.
-
Baggage Services: It is easy to drop off your luggage and get help with it.
Shopping, Dining, and Practical Essentials
The cruise terminals are mainly set up for check-in and other important steps before you go on your trip. There are some good choices for shopping and food, but they are not many. These spots make sure you have what you need right before you get on the ship. What you find may be different at each terminal.
If you are at Ocean Quay, you might see small shops or stalls where you can buy souvenirs, things you need for travel, and simple snacks. If you want to shop or eat more, the city center is close to most of the terminals. Places like Nordre Toldbod and Langelinie are easy to walk to from many restaurants, cafes, and stores.
CMP works hard to offer what you need in the terminal. Still, for a bigger meal or more shopping, you may want to go into the city center before or after being at the port. This will let you enjoy more of what Copenhagen has to offer when it comes to food and shopping.
Things to Do Near the Port
One great thing about the Port of Copenhagen is how close it is to the city’s most famous spots. Depending on the terminal your cruise port uses, you might be just a short walk or a quick bus hop from sights like the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, and the lively Kongens Nytorv.
You can use your time well near the port—there is a lot you can see and do, no matter if you have a few hours or all day. You can join one of the shore excursions or go out and explore on your own. You will get to see the magic of Copenhagen up close.
Shore Excursions and City Highlights
Many cruise lines have different shore excursions. These make it easy for you to see the top sights in Copenhagen. You do not have to worry about the plan or transport. The guided tours are set up to show you the must-see places. They pick you up right at the port and get you back on time. This is a great and stress-free way for you to see the best of the city when you only have a short time.
But, if you want to go on your own, many of the most popular spots in Copenhagen are easy to reach. You can walk by the pretty gardens at Rosenborg Castle. You can step back in time and learn about the past at the National Museum of Denmark. Or you can go and feel the fun at Tivoli Gardens with its rides and magical feel.
Top attractions to put on your list are:
-
Tivoli Gardens: This is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. You get rides, lovely gardens, and good shows all in one place.
-
Rosenborg Castle: Walk through this beautiful castle from the Renaissance. Inside you will find the Danish Crown Jewels.
-
The National Museum of Denmark: Come here to see how the people of Denmark lived from the Stone Age all the way to today.
Recommended Nearby Hotels and Attractions
If you plan to stay in Copenhagen before or after your cruise, you will find many hotels near the cruise terminal and close to the city centre. Pick a hotel in places like Nyhavn, Indre By, or near Kongens Nytorv. This will put you close to the cruise terminal and many of the city’s main sights.
There is much to do near these areas. You can take a nice walk by the colorful harbor at Nyhavn. You can also go to Amalienborg Palace and watch the Royal Guard, or climb the Round Tower to see great views of the city. The north side of the port, around Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod terminals, gives you easy ways to go and see more on foot.
There are all kinds of hotels here, from luxury places to options that fit a smaller budget. Lots of these hotels give you quick ways to get to public transport. It is easy to get from your hotel to the cruise terminal when you are ready to go.
Tours and Activities Starting from the Cruise Terminals
Starting your trip in Copenhagen is simple. Many tours and activities begin at or close to the cruise terminals. You do not need to go far to find an easy way to see the city. You can choose from guided city tours or the popular hop-on hop-off bus. This bus stops near the port.
These tours are made for cruise passengers who do not have much time. They let you see all the best parts of the city while having fun. Let’s look at some top tours and cultural spots you can enjoy in Copenhagen.
Guided City Tours & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Options
If you want an easy way to see Copenhagen, a hop-on hop-off bus is a good choice. These buses usually stop at or very near the cruise terminal, including Langelinie. This makes it very handy for people coming off a ship. You can buy a ticket and see the city at your own pace. Get off at any stop that looks fun or interesting to you.
You can also choose a guided tour. There are walking tours of the city centre, and many canal tours too. These canal rides show you a different side of Copenhagen from the water. A lot of private or group tours will meet you right at your terminal.
Popular tours are:
-
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Visits main spots like Tivoli, Nyhavn, and Amalienborg Palace.
-
Canal Tours: A calm way to see the city and its sights by water.
-
Guided Walking Tours: Walk with a local and find hidden places and old neighborhoods.
-
Bike Tours: Get a feel for Copenhagen by bike, just like the people who live there do.
Cultural Experiences at the Port and Beyond
Copenhagen is full of things to do and see, and you do not have to go far from the port to find them. You can step into the world of Denmark’s best-known writer, Hans Christian Andersen, by visiting places linked to his life. Or you can go see the Little Mermaid statue, which is based on his famous story.
If you like history, you should stop by a museum close by. The Viking Ship Museum is in Roskilde, and while it’s a day trip from Copenhagen, it is worth the visit. In Copenhagen, you can also find the National Museum of Denmark. Here, you will see many years of Danish and Viking history in one place.
But there is more than museums here. Life in the city is easy to feel as you walk around. You can watch royal events at Amalienborg Palace. You will also see modern design in shops and art spots. In every part of Copenhagen, you get to join in its, special style, old ways, and the fast new life too. This is what makes a trip here so special for people who want to learn and see more.
Conclusion
When you plan your trip to the Port of Copenhagen in 2026, keep in mind that this busy place is more than just a way into the city. There are many things here you can see and do. The port shows the deep history of Copenhagen. It also has top cruise facilities, easy ways to get around, and lots of helpful services at the port. The whole place is set up to greet people like you in a friendly way. Make sure to check out the things to do and places to see near the port. This will make your visit even better.
It does not matter if you are coming through as a cruise passenger or just stopping by. The port in Copenhagen is not just a simple stop. It is a big part of what will make your trip special. If you need help or tips that fit what you want out of your trip, book a free talk with our experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to get to the cruise terminals from downtown Copenhagen?
The best ways to get from the city center to a cruise terminal are the bus, metro, or other public transport. These ways are quick, and you can save money. If you have a lot of bags, or just want an easy trip, you can take a taxi. The taxi will drop you at your terminal door. This is a good and common way to get there.
Are there special facilities for families or travelers with disabilities?
Yes, the cruise terminals, and especially Ocean Quay, have ramps and lifts for visitors. These things help everyone get around the place. It is a good idea to reach out to the cruise line before you travel. You can ask them to set up what you or your family need. This way, your time at Ocean Quay will go well.
Is it possible to visit the port without booking a cruise?
You cannot go into the cruise terminal in Copenhagen if you do not have a ticket. But there be some areas you can get to, like the Langelinie promenade. This spot be open for all people. You can come see the ships there and take walks by the water. You do not need to be on a cruise to check out things near this terminal.