Getting around Denmark is generally easy thanks to excellent public transport, cycling culture, and walkable cities. Still, there are times when you might want to leave your bike at home and prefer a taxi or a ride share — whether it’s late at night, when you have heavy luggage, or if public transport is limited. For foreigners, understanding how taxis & ride share in Denmark work can help you avoid confusion and unexpected costs. Both options are safe, regulated, and widely used, though prices are higher than in many other countries.
In this guide, we write everything you need to know about taxis & ride share in Denmark, and give you good tips at navigating the field.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Easy Transportation in Denmark: Denmark offers excellent public transport, cycling culture, and walkable cities, but taxis and ride share are also available for convenience.
- Requirements for Taking a Taxi in Denmark: Taxis are reliable, safe, and can be found at designated stands or booked via phone and apps, with regulated fares and multiple payment options.
- Rideshare and Transport Apps in Denmark: Popular services like DRIVE NOW and GreenMobility, as well as taxi company apps, facilitate easy booking, fare estimation, and cashless payment, especially in larger cities.
- Costs and Payment Methods for Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis are somewhat expensive with regulated fares, usually paid via credit cards, MobilePay, or cash, with higher charges during nights and holidays.
- Practical Tips for Foreigners Using Transportation: Booking in advance, using apps for booking and payments, and considering electric taxis like Viggo can save money and ensure convenience.
If you are looking for more in-depth guides on specific matters related to taxis & ride share in Denmark, you may want to read our other guides, in which we dive deeper into these areas:
What to Expect When Taking a Taxi in Denmark
Taxis in Denmark are reliable, safe, and available in all major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. In smaller towns, availability can be limited, so it’s best to book with a transport app in advance. You can find taxis at designated taxi stands (often near train stations, airports, and central squares), order by phone, or book through apps.
Fares are regulated and calculated using a taximeter, with starting fees typically around 40–50 DKK, plus a per-kilometer rate. Expect surcharges for nights, weekends, and public holidays. For airport transfers, flat rates are sometimes offered.
Most taxis accept credit cards and mobile payment apps like MobilePay, which makes cash unnecessary. You can expect drivers to speak English alongside Danish, which makes communication easy for foreigners.
Rideshare and Transport Apps in Denmark
Ridesharing has grown in popularity in Denmark, especially in larger cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. While international platforms like Uber are no longer active due to local regulations, Danish alternatives have taken their place. Services like DRIVE NOW (car sharing), GreenMobility (electric cars), and ride-hailing apps connected to established taxi companies are widely used.
Many Danes and foreigners alike rely on transport apps that allow you to book rides, see estimated prices, and pay directly within the app. This makes it easier than trying to hail a cab on the street.
For long-distance travel, ridesharing platforms like GoMore allow you to share car journeys with other drivers, offering a cheaper and more social alternative to trains or buses.
Costs & Payment Options for Taxis and Rideshare
Traveling with taxis & ride share in Denmark can be more expensive than what you have been used to in other countries. Thus, it may be good idea to have some sense of the prices so that you know what to expect. Here’s a rough overview of what you can expect to pay for taxis and rideshare services in Denmark:
| Service Type | Starting Fee | Price per km (approx.) | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi | 40–50 DKK | 8–12 DKK | Credit card, MobilePay, cash, app |
| Night/Weekend Taxi | 50–70 DKK | 10–15 DKK | Credit card, MobilePay, cash, app |
| Airport Flat Rates | 250–350 DKK | Fixed (city dependent) | Credit card, MobilePay, app |
| Rideshare (GoMore) | No fee | Shared cost | Credit card, MobilePay |
| Electric Taxi (Viggo) | 40–50 DKK | 7–11 DKK | In-app payment only |
Tip for foreigners: Taxis are among the more expensive transport options in Denmark. If you plan frequent city travel, consider combining public transport with occasional taxi or rideshare trips to save money.
Practical Tips for Foreigners Using Taxis & Ride Share in Denmark
Plan for rural areas: Outside major cities, taxis may be limited. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in smaller towns. For this, you can always rely on using transport apps.
Language isn’t a barrier: Most taxi drivers speak at least basic English, and apps allow you to input your destination without needing Danish.
Book via apps, not the street: In most Danish cities, it’s uncommon to hail a taxi on the street. Use apps for transport instead.
MobilePay is king: While you can still use cash or card, MobilePay is the most convenient payment method and widely accepted.
Airport transfers: Consider booking a fixed-price taxi through an app if you are traveling to/from airports — it avoids meter surprises.
Eco-friendly options: Services like Viggo provide electric taxis, often at a similar price to regular taxis, and are popular among environmentally conscious locals.
What the Numbers Say About Taxis & Ride Share in Denmark
Taxis and rideshare services in Denmark form a smaller share of overall transportation compared to public transport and cycling, but they remain important for certain groups, including foreigners and business travelers.
Environmental trends: The Danish government has set a target that all new taxis should be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, boosting the share of electric taxis each year.
Market size: Denmark has around 5,000 licensed taxis nationwide, with the majority operating in Copenhagen and Aarhus.
Pricing regulation: Taxi fares are partly regulated by municipalities, ensuring consistent pricing, though companies may set their own app-based offers.
App usage: A 2023 survey showed that over 70% of taxi trips in Copenhagen are booked via apps, with traditional phone bookings declining.
Rideshare growth: Platforms like GoMore have over 1 million registered users in Denmark, making it a significant alternative for long-distance travelers.
FAQ About Taxi & Ride Share in Denmark for Foreigners
Can I hail a taxi on the street in Denmark?
In Copenhagen and other large cities, you may find taxis waiting at designated taxi stands, but it’s not common to hail one on the street. Most people book taxis via apps or by phone.
How expensive are taxis in Denmark?
Taxis are relatively expensive compared to many other countries. A short ride in Copenhagen can easily cost 150–250 DKK (€20–35). Prices increase at night, on weekends, and during holidays.
Do taxis accept credit cards or cash?
Yes, almost all taxis accept both credit/debit cards and cash. Many also accept MobilePay, which is Denmark’s most popular mobile payment app.
Is Uber available in Denmark?
Uber left Denmark in 2017 due to regulation changes. Currently, there are no traditional Uber services, but app-based taxi services like Dantaxi, TAXA 4×35, and Viggo fill a similar role.
What is the difference between a taxi and rideshare in Denmark?
Taxis are licensed, regulated, and must use meters unless offering fixed app-based prices. Rideshare (e.g., GoMore) is mainly for long-distance travel and not for short city rides. It connects drivers with passengers going the same way.
How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center?
A taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 250–350 DKK (€35–50). You can also take the metro or train, which is much cheaper (~36 DKK).
Are taxis safe in Denmark?
Yes, taxis in Denmark are very safe. Drivers are licensed, regulated, and generally reliable. Taxi scams are extremely rare.
