Copenhagen Cruise Port: Three Terminals and Shore Excursions

Photo: neandertours.de

Copenhagen has plenty to tell about its waterfront: the old canal harbor of Nyhavn, royal residences and a small fairytale figure at Langelinie. It makes for a lovely walk on your first day ashore. How you get there depends on your berth. Oceankaj, Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod are in different parts of the harbor.

Norway itinerary with Copenhagen

Copenhagen features on Norway and Northern Europe itineraries, between the Baltic Sea and the fjords. The MSC Euribia was scheduled to sail regularly on the Kiel–Copenhagen route and onward to Norway’s fjord region, including Flåm, as part of its summer 2026 program. Your pier and time in port determine how to plan your visit; book an embarkation only for a sailing date specifically listed as departing from Copenhagen.

From the ship to Nyhavn

At Oceankaj, the journey into the city center begins by bus and metro. Buses 25 or 164 go to Orientkaj station; from there, the M4 takes you to Kongens Nytorv, among other destinations. Nyhavn is then a walk away. To visit the southern part of the city center, you can also take the metro to the central station.

Bus 25 operates depending on cruise ship calls. So check the service for your visit date, and allow time to get from the terminal to the bus stop. For the return trip, be sure to enter your specific terminal as the destination.

From Langelinie, take bus 27 from the Indiakaj stop to Østerport. You can also walk to Østerport station and catch the metro or a train there. If you prefer to stay by the water, you could start with a visit to the Little Mermaid. Nordre Toldbod is closer to the central city area; at Marmorkirken, you can connect to the M3 and M4. The official directions from the three cruise terminals include connections and fare information.

From the airport or central station to the cruise terminal

From Copenhagen Airport, take the M2 to Kongens Nytorv, then the M4 to Orientkaj and bus 25 or 164 to the Oceankaj terminal. Bus 25 runs on cruise ship call days, while bus 164 operates year-round. The official terminal guide gives an estimated journey time of around 40 minutes for the full route; allow extra time for walking and check-in queues. From the central station, take the M4 to Orientkaj and then the bus.

To reach Langelinie from the airport, travel via Østerport and take bus 27 to Indiakaj; from the stop, it is about a five-minute walk. To get to Nordre Toldbod, take the M2 and then the M3/M4 to Marmorkirken, followed by a walk of about 14 minutes. If you have a lot of luggage, you can choose a taxi or cruise line transfer to the exact terminal. Have your luggage tags and check-in time slot ready. After disembarking, start from your terminal again and allow time for collecting your luggage and getting to the airport or train connection.

Between the canal harbor and the royal palace

Nyhavn was once a working and pleasure harbor. Today, colorful historic houses, restaurants and sightseeing boats define the scene along the canal. Especially on a short visit, it is worth resisting the urge to rush straight to the next attraction and instead strolling for a while along the water.

Our suggestion: Start in Nyhavn and link the canal with a walk to Amalienborg. Four palaces frame the square there. The square itself, the changing of the guard and the museum each offer a different glimpse into royal history.

You can add a canal cruise if you have enough time. It has a set departure time and requires more flexibility than a walk, which you can end whenever you like. So check your return connection to the ship beforehand.

The story of the Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid, created by Edvard Eriksen, has sat at Langelinie since 1913. Her face was based on dancer Ellen Price, while Eriksen’s wife, Eline, posed for the body. Behind the famous figure, then, lies not only Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale world but also a story about how the statue came to be, adding interest to a visit by the water.

From Langelinie, the statue makes an easy first stop. If you arrive at Oceankaj, however, make it a separate destination on your city visit—it is not right next to every cruise terminal.

The harbor is changing

Copenhagen’s modern harbor also provides shore power for cruise ships. At the facility’s inauguration, AIDAnova became the first ship to connect. While connected, the ship’s onboard power comes from shore, replacing the electricity that would otherwise be generated on board. Alongside the stories to be found along the promenade, the way the harbor operates is changing too.