We lived without a car for many years and did just fine using public transportation, until– our son was born. It’s a different ballgame when you’re juggling kids and have places to be. Besides the weekday life, we found we also needed a car on the weekends – trips to visit family, and many other things to do here in Denmark is just easier with a car. I can’t say “always” easier, because for quick trips to places in the inner cities, the Letbane and busses are definitly our go-to methods of transportation.
There’s a lot to consider, so below, we break down the pros and cons of train and bus travel versus driving yourself in Denmark, helping you decide what works best for your family.
1. Convenience and Flexibility
Renting a Car
- Pros: Having your own vehicle means ultimate flexibility. You can depart on your own schedule, make spontaneous stops at roadside bakeries or playgrounds, and easily carry bulky items like strollers, suitcases, or picnic gear. Especially when exploring rural areas—think the rolling hills of Jutland or the quaint villages on Funen—a rental car allows door-to-door access without the limitations of timetables.
- Cons: Driving in unfamiliar territory can be stressful, especially navigating narrow country roads or downtown Copenhagen’s one-way streets. Finding parking in city centers can also be expensive or time-consuming.
Public Transport
- Pros: Denmark’s trains, operated by DSB, and extensive bus networks are renowned for punctuality and coverage. In cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, frequent metro and local buses make short trips effortless without worrying about parking. For longer distances, InterCity trains offer spacious seating, family compartments and space for luggage and strollers.
- Cons: You’re bound by schedules, which may not align perfectly with toddlers’ nap times or meal breaks. A missed connection can turn into a logistical headache when wrangling multiple children and luggage.
2. Cost Comparison
Renting a Car
- Base Rental Rates: Expect to pay around 375–600 DKK per day for a compact car in peak season (June–August). Prices can climb higher for larger vehicles or automatic transmissions.
- Extras: Child safety seats are mandatory; rental agencies typically charge an additional 55–90 DKK per seat, per day. Don’t forget fuel costs and highway tolls (though Denmark has few major toll roads).
- Parking Fees: Urban areas often have paid zones at 22-26 DKK per hour; many hotels include a parking surcharge of around 150 DKK per night.
Public Transport
- Train & Bus Tickets: Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult on most services. Adults pay around 99–490 DKK for a one-way InterCity ticket between Copenhagen and Aarhus. Booking as early as possible means you have a chance to buy those orange tickets for around 99 kr. Regional buses and trains within urban zones can be as low as 26 DKK per adult, per trip.
- Travel Passes: The Copenhagen Card or Rejsekort (get the app) can reduce per-trip costs and offer unlimited travel within specified zones, often saving families up to 30% when traveling multiple times per day.
3. Comfort and Kid-Friendly Features
Renting a Car
- Privacy: Your own “mobile living room” means kids can nap undisturbed, play with their toys, or get as loud as you can stand it.
- Space: SUVs or station wagons offer room for family gear. You won’t worry about aisles or seatbelts in cramped train compartments.
- Safety: Danish roads are well-maintained, and speed limits encourage safe driving. However, unfamiliar signs and local driving habits require attentiveness.
Public Transport
- Family Compartments: On InterCity and most regional trains, designated family areas come equipped with fold-down tables and space for prams. Many buses also feature low floors and ramps for easy stroller boarding.
- Restrooms: Long-distance trains have onboard toilets—an advantage over shorter bus routes. However, urban buses typically do not.
- Entertainment: While some newer trains offer onboard Wi-Fi, connectivity can be spotty in rural stretches. Kids may need travel games or coloring books to pass the time.
4. Environmental Impact
Choosing public transport vs car Denmark isn’t just a budget question—it’s an eco-choice. Denmark is a global leader in sustainability, with trains and buses running on renewable energy sources in many regions. One family car outing has a higher carbon footprint compared to the equivalent journey by rail, especially when trains are powered by wind energy. Families conscious of their environmental impact may lean toward public transport for inner-city and long-distance legs, supplementing with a rental car only for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
5. When a Hybrid Approach Works Best
Many families find a blended strategy optimal:
- City Stay by Public Transport
- Rural Excursions by Car
- Combination Tickets
Conclusion
Deciding between public transport vs car for your Danish vacation ultimately depends on your itinerary, budget, and comfort preferences.
- Rent a Car if you plan on venturing off the main rail lines, have multiple young children (for whom hauling strollers and luggage on and off trains is a challenge), or crave complete itinerary flexibility.
- Choose Public Transport for city-focused stays, environmental peace of mind, and when you want to avoid parking and fuel hassles.
- Mix and Match: Combine the best of both worlds—discover Denmark’s urban wonders via train and bus, then switch to a rental car for countryside adventures.
Whichever route you choose, your family is bound to enjoy Denmark’s safe roads, punctual trains, and unforgettable Danish “hygge” experiences along the way!
