London to Copenhagen (LGW–CPH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Denmark (and the entire Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date with at least two blank pages. UK passports are stamped on entry and exit since Brexit.

Border officers can ask for proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds (Denmark suggests DKK 500 per day, about $70). The 90-day limit is shared across all 29 Schengen states. Note that Greenland and the Faroe Islands are Danish territories but are not part of the Schengen Area, so travel there does not count against Schengen days (separate entry rules apply). ETIAS pre-travel authorization (EUR 7, valid 3 years) is expected to become mandatory in late 2026.

Direct flights from London to Copenhagen run about 1 hour 55 minutes on SAS, British Airways, Norwegian, easyJet, and Ryanair. Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), pegged to the euro at roughly 7.46 DKK per EUR 1. Denmark is nearly cashless: card payment works everywhere, including market stalls and taxis. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals. A UK driving license is valid for short visits.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.

The Metro M2 runs every 4–6 minutes from the airport station to central Copenhagen (15 min, DKK 36 on Rejsekort). DSB regional trains depart for Copenhagen Central Station (13 min) and continue to Malmö (Sweden) via the Øresund Bridge (35 min total from airport). Taxis from arrivals to the city centre cost DKK 250–350; Uber also operates.Terminal 3 (international) and Terminal 2 (domestic/Schengen) are connected by a covered walkway. Rental car desks are in Terminal 3 arrivals. CPH is also a ferry hub; routes to Oslo (DFDS) and Bornholm depart from Copenhagen's harbour, accessible via city transit.

Temperate maritime climate. Winters (November–February) are cold and frequently overcast at −2 to 5°C with rain, sleet, and occasional snow. Copenhagen is better prepared for winter operations than many European cities, but heavy snowfall still causes delays. Fog is a seasonal disruption risk, particularly October through January.

Summers (June–August) are mild and pleasant at 18–24°C with long daylight hours and generally good flying conditions. Wind from the southwest can be strong year-round. CPH has a crosswind reputation. Spring and autumn are transitional and variable.