Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Denmark, you may encounter traffic conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. You must be 18 years of age to drive a car in Denmark. U.S. tourists may use their state driver’s license in Denmark for up to 90 days. Long-term residents must obtain a valid Danish driver’s license. Driving in Denmark is on the right side of the road. Road signs use standard international symbols. Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transport only, and bicycle lanes are very common. Unless otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 130km/h on expressways.

Use of seat belts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children under three years of age or under 135 cm in height must be secured with approved safety equipment appropriate to the child’s age, size, and weight.

Driving any vehicle, including a bicycle, under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a very serious offense. The rules are strictly enforced and violations can result in stiff fines and jail sentences. It is also against the law to drive while using a hand-held cell phone.

Denmark has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. Trains, buses, and ferries connect Copenhagen with other major cities in Denmark and with Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Germany.

Bicycles are also widely used in Denmark. Passengers crossing streets or exiting public or tourist buses, as well as tourists driving rental cars, should be vigilant in watching out for bicycles using designated lanes and paths, which are usually located between the pedestrian sidewalk and the motor-vehicle lane, or on the streets in areas where there are no bike lanes. Many accidents occur when pedestrians and vehicles fail to give the right-of-way to bicycles.

Danish expressways, highways, and secondary roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country. It is possible to drive from the northern tip of Jutland or from Copenhagen to the German border in the south in just four hours. Greenland has no established road system, and almost all domestic travel is by foot, boat, or air. The majority of the Faroe Islands are interconnected by roads and tunnels, as well as by boats, and on the large islands even small hamlets are generally accessible by road. On the smaller islands, travel is mostly done on foot.

There is excellent mobile telephone coverage throughout Denmark, including its many islands. Mobile telephone coverage is also generally good in the Faroe Islands; coverage is more sporadic in Greenland and usually incurs high extra charges for roaming.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Denmark’s Ministry of Transport.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Denmark’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Denmark’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.