Navigate Copenhagen Airport Like A Boss. Copenhagen is a beautiful, modern city with all the amenities you would want as a traveler – including an airport with distinctly Danish appeal. While it’s very well-laid out, there are some issues that you need to be aware of, and even a few secrets that might not be obvious to the first-time visitor. If you spend some time looking over the online reviews, you’ll see that people complain about the lines blocking traffic in the terminals, lack of adequate seating in certain areas, and even a lack of clear signage around the airport itself. It’s true that some issues crop up from time to time, but that’s the case with any airport, anywhere. Copenhagen Airport, or Kastrup, is actually a breeze if you know what you’re doing.
Located just outside of Copenhagen, about 15 minutes by train to the city center, Kastrup consists of a main building and two terminals – Terminals 2 and 3. The terminals are connected once you pass through security and the whole airport is easily walkable for a parent with a child. The airport itself is large and open with very clean facilities – it is Denmark after all – so feel comfortable using any of the toilets you find. The trains, ticket counters, automation, and friendly people make it a much nicer place to arrive or depart from than a lot of others, so, with a few tips, you should have absolutely no problem making that flight, or finding the perfect place to grab a bite during your layover. Here are our secrets to success at Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport:
Luggage & Lost Stuff: Grab a luggage trolley! They’re completely free to use and will save you and your back from lugging around all your suitcases and backpacks and whatnot. You can find the trolleys at all of the entrances into and out of the airport. You can also rent a storage locker for your luggage in parking area P4 and find the Lost & Found Office in Arkaden which is directly in-between Terminals 2 and 3.
Places for Infants & Kids: You can find baby care facilities in all of the restrooms passed the security checkpoints. These have changing tables, seating for nursing mothers, and even microwaves for warming formula. You can rent strollers at the Information Desk in the Public Transit Area and at the Designated Area in the Departures Hall. You’ll find clearly marked signage leading you to them and they can be taken all the way to your departure gate. There is also a great play area for kids 10 and under in Terminal 2 near GateA18’s entrance, so if you’re in the airport for any length of time it might just save the day.
Find Your Way to Relaxation: Kastrup offers visitors access to a great many massage chairs located throughout the airport – both inside and outside of security. If you need a bit more relaxation, you can go to Ni’mat Spa in the Hilton Hotel connected to Terminal 3. They offer everything you’d want in an upscale day spa – complete with fish spa for your feet. The entire airport offers free Wi-Fi to guests which can be accessed by connecting to the CPH Hotspot network and entering your credentials. It’s free of charge. You can visit the information desk in the transfer center to ask any specific questions you have about Wi-Fi speeds, cookies, etc.
Transportation & Accommodation: The easiest, and least expensive, hotel is the Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport. It’s a two-minute walk under covered walkway and has reasonable rates year-round. If you’re in one of the airlines’ premier clubs, you can access their lounge at the airport itself, or, if you’re economy class without membership, you can buy a pass that will grant you access to the facility and all its amenities. The Aviator Lounge in Terminal 2 is the most economical of the bunch. You can rent a car at any of the booths in Terminal 3 or take the train which is, in my opinion, the best way to go. Trains leave every ten minutes and can take you to the city center and just about anywhere else you’d like to go. Denmark is famous for a lot of things, but they lead the world in mass transit – literally they are number one.
Shop, Grab A Bite & Shop Some More: Kastrup features a wide variety of shopping and dining options for a smaller airport. There are two Danske Bank locations, one inside security and one outside, for all your currency exchange needs and ATMs located throughout the airport. Of course, you’ll find plenty of duty-free shopping options and stores like H&M, Victoria’s Secret, and a ton of Danish boutiques offering purchases of every imaginable variety. When you get hungry, there’s a 7-11, a Burger King, a Baresso for great coffee, and the Dutch specialty bakery Lagkagehuset for all your sweet pastries.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll do alright when traveling through Copenhagen’s Kastrup Airport. If you’re having trouble, approach someone in authority. Most people, including all of the security officers, will speak fluent English. They’ll be more than helpful – they’ll be downright friendly. Enjoy yourself and all Denmark has to offer!