Hiring a Car in Denmark: A Comprehensive Guide
Denmark is an easy and enjoyable country to explore by car. Distances are manageable, roads are generally excellent, and a rental car gives you the flexibility to travel beyond Copenhagen and discover coastal towns, islands, castles, countryside routes, and family attractions at your own pace.
With a rental car, you can combine Copenhagen with Odense, Aarhus, Billund, Aalborg, Skagen, and the beaches of Jutland. It is also a practical way to explore Viking sites, royal castles, ferry-linked islands, scenic coastal roads, and family favourites such as Legoland Billund.
Driving in Denmark is straightforward for most visitors once you are familiar with right-hand traffic, local parking rules, bridge tolls, and the strong presence of cyclists in towns and cities. Most roads are toll-free, the motorway network is efficient, and clear signposting makes Denmark a very manageable self-drive destination.
Requirements for renting a car
Driving licence
Visitors must have a valid driving licence from their home country. EU licences are generally accepted. If your licence is issued outside the EU or does not use Latin characters, check with your rental provider whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original licence. Some rental companies may also have stricter rules on minimum driving experience or accepted licence formats.
Age requirement
Drivers are typically required to be at least 21 years old, though age limits vary by supplier and vehicle type. Many companies charge a young driver supplement for drivers under 25, and premium, larger, or higher-powered vehicles may require a higher minimum age.
Credit card
A credit card in the main driver’s name is normally required to process the rental and security deposit. The deposit amount varies by provider, vehicle category, rental duration, and insurance level, so always check the rental terms before booking.
Passport or ID
A valid passport or national ID card is usually required for identification, depending on your nationality and the rental company. Make sure the same name appears on your booking, driving licence, identification document, and payment card to avoid delays at the rental desk.
Where to pick up your rental car in Denmark
For most visitors, airport pick-up is the easiest option. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main gateway and the most convenient starting point for city breaks, Zealand day trips, and wider Denmark road trips. Other useful pick-up points include Billund, Aarhus, Aalborg, and downtown branches in major cities.
Popular pick-up regions for road trips:
- Copenhagen: best for first-time visitors, Zealand day trips, castles, and onward routes to Sweden.
- Billund: ideal for family holidays, Legoland, central Jutland, and west-coast touring.
- Aarhus: useful for east Jutland, cultural trips, beaches, and coastal routes.
- Odense: good for Funen, relaxed town touring, and easy cross-country connections.
- Aalborg: ideal for northern Jutland and scenic routes toward Skagen.
- Roskilde or Helsingør: good for castles, coastline, and shorter regional drives from Copenhagen.
Choosing the right car for Denmark
Denmark is well suited to compact and mid-size cars. Roads are good, distances are moderate, and parking can be tight in city centres, so a practical, fuel-efficient vehicle is often the best choice.
- Cities and short breaks: economy and compact cars are ideal for easier parking and lower fuel costs.
- Longer motorway routes: a mid-size car, estate, or compact SUV adds comfort for family travel.
- Families and luggage: estate cars and SUVs give more boot space for multi-stop trips.
- Island and coastal touring: a fuel-efficient car is usually the most practical option.
Automatic cars are widely available, but booking early still helps if you want the best choice during summer, school holidays, or busy weekends in Copenhagen and Billund.
Car rental costs
Car type: Small economy cars are often the best-value option for city breaks and shorter Denmark trips, while larger family cars, SUVs, estates, and automatic vehicles usually cost more.
Seasonal variations: Prices can rise during summer, Christmas periods, school holidays, major events, and busy weekends in Copenhagen or Billund. Booking early usually gives you more choice and better rates.
Location costs: Rentals from Copenhagen Airport are convenient and usually offer the widest vehicle choice, though airport fees can sometimes make them slightly more expensive than city branches.
Rental duration: Multi-day and weekly rentals often work out better value than very short bookings. If you plan to combine Copenhagen with Funen, Jutland, or northern Denmark, a longer hire usually makes more sense.
Insurance and deposits: what to expect
Denmark rentals normally include basic cover, with optional extras to reduce your excess. Always check what is included, what the deposit is, how large the excess is, and whether items such as glass, tyres, wheels, roof, and underbody damage are covered.
- CDW or LDW: often included, but usually with an excess.
- Theft protection: commonly included or offered as an additional layer of cover.
- Tyres, glass and undercarriage: often excluded from basic cover unless extra protection is purchased.
- Deposit hold: usually placed on the main driver’s credit card and released after return.
Take photos or a short video at pick-up and drop-off, including the wheels, glass, interior, roofline, fuel level, and mileage. This is especially useful if you park in busy city areas or use multi-storey car parks.
Bridge tolls and fuel in Denmark
Most roads in Denmark are toll-free, but there are important exceptions. The two bridge crossings visitors most often notice are the Storebælt Bridge between Zealand and Funen and the Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. If your route includes either crossing, ask your rental provider how the car is set up and how charges are handled.
Fuel is easy to find on major routes and around cities. Unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available, and most stations accept card payments. If you are driving through quieter parts of Jutland, coastal areas, or island routes, it is still sensible to refuel before your tank gets too low.
Driving tips in Denmark
Speed limits
Standard speed limits are commonly 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside built-up areas, and 110 or 130 km/h on motorways depending on the section. Always follow posted signs, especially near cities, roadworks, bridges, and variable-limit areas.
Traffic rules
Always drive on the right-hand side. Seat belts are compulsory, and using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Dipped headlights are commonly used during the day, so check the car’s light settings before setting off.
Parking
Parking in city centres can be restricted, time-limited, or paid. In Copenhagen especially, it is often easier to use hotel parking, underground garages, or park-and-ride options rather than rely on on-street spaces.
Road quality
Main roads and motorways in Denmark are generally in very good condition. Rural roads are usually easy to drive, but weather, coastal winds, and lower visibility can affect conditions in winter or on exposed bridge crossings.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are common in towns and on regional roads. Give way to traffic already on the roundabout and signal clearly when leaving. Watch carefully for cyclists around exits in built-up areas.
Bridge crossings
Most Danish roads are toll-free, but the Storebælt Bridge and Øresund Bridge are charged crossings. Check your route before travelling and ask your rental provider whether tolls are paid directly, charged later, or handled through an electronic payment system.
Practical driving advice and safety
- Documents: keep your driving licence, passport or ID card, and rental agreement accessible.
- Bridge crossings: confirm before departure how toll payments are handled if your trip includes Storebælt or Øresund.
- Cyclists: always check mirrors and blind spots carefully when turning, opening doors, or crossing cycle lanes.
- City centres: watch for one-way streets, pedestrian zones, parking restrictions, bus lanes, and heavy bike traffic.
- Alcohol: Denmark’s legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 g/l BAC. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.
- Driving with children: request child seats early if you need them, as availability can be limited during busy travel periods.
- Emergency number in Denmark: 112 is the main emergency number.
What to carry in the car
Rental cars in Denmark should include the basic legally required safety equipment, so it is worth checking at pick-up what is provided and where it is stored. Before leaving the rental location, familiarise yourself with the lights, wipers, fuel cap, charging port if electric, warning lights, and emergency contact details.
Great Denmark road trips to plan with a rental car
- Copenhagen to Odense and Aarhus: a classic route linking the capital with Funen and east Jutland.
- Aarhus to Skagen: a longer Jutland drive with beaches, dunes, fishing towns, and northern scenery.
- Copenhagen to Helsingør and the north coast: ideal for castles, seaside towns, and shorter day trips.
- Billund and central Jutland: perfect for family travel, attractions, countryside routes, and easy regional touring.
- South Jutland: a good option if you want quieter countryside, coastal stretches, historic towns, and easy access toward Germany.
- Funen island touring: great for relaxed drives, smaller towns, coastal views, and an easy link between Zealand and Jutland.
If you are planning a one-way trip or cross-border route into Sweden or Germany, check permitted countries, one-way fees, insurance restrictions, and allowed drop-off locations before booking.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Denmark
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Denmark?
Many visitors can rent with a valid driving licence from their home country. EU licences are generally accepted. If your licence is issued outside the EU or does not use Latin characters, check with your rental provider whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original licence. Some rental companies may also have stricter rules on minimum driving experience or accepted licence formats.
Which side of the road do drivers use in Denmark?
Drivers in Denmark use the right-hand side of the road.
Are there toll roads in Denmark?
Most roads in Denmark are toll-free. The main exceptions are major bridge crossings such as the Storebælt Bridge and the Øresund Bridge.
What fuel is available in Denmark?
Unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available. Fuel stations are easy to find on major routes and around cities, though prices can be higher than in some other European countries.
Is it safe to drive in Denmark?
Driving is generally straightforward on main roads and motorways. Visitors should pay attention to cyclists, parking rules, speed enforcement, bridge tolls, and busy traffic around Copenhagen.
What are the driving age limits for renting a car?
Minimum ages vary by provider, but many require drivers to be at least 21. Some companies apply a young driver surcharge under 25 and may require you to have held your licence for at least one year.
Can I take a rental car from Denmark into Germany or Sweden?
Often yes, but it depends on the rental company and vehicle category. Always confirm permitted countries, insurance cover, and any extra cross-border charges before booking.
What are the drink-driving rules in Denmark?
Denmark has strict drink-driving rules, and the legal alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l BAC. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.
Do I need to carry safety equipment in the car?
Rental cars in Denmark should include the basic legally required safety equipment, so it is worth checking at pick-up what is provided and where it is stored.
When should I return my rental car before my flight?
Aim to arrive at the rental return area at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Allow extra time at busy airports, especially in Copenhagen, and if you need to refuel before returning the car.