Two public ferries run along the inner harbour from Sluseholmen in the south to Orientkajen in the north, calling at Nyhavn, the Black Diamond library, the Opera and Refshaleøen. A cheap alternative to a tour boat.
The harbour buses, routes 991 and 992, are public ferries operated for Movia that run along the inner harbour of Copenhagen, Denmark, from Sluseholmen in the south to Orientkajen in the north. They call at Nyhavn, the Black Diamond library, the Opera and Refshaleøen, which makes them a low-cost alternative to a sightseeing boat tour. Because they are part of the public transport network, they are priced as a regular bus ticket, from about DKK 24, and can be paid with the DOT app or a Rejsekort card; visitors should check moviatrafik.dk for current fares. The activity is an island-hop by water, with no skill or fitness requirement beyond being able to step aboard a moving dock, and it is rated easy. There is no age limit, and children travel with adults. No equipment is needed beyond a light jacket, since the upper deck and landings are exposed to wind, and visitors may bring bicycles on board subject to space. The operator is Movia, the regional public transport company for greater Copenhagen, and the ferries are crewed by trained mariners following standard passenger-ferry procedures, with life-saving equipment on board and the route kept clear of larger shipping lanes. In an emergency, the crew coordinate with harbour authorities and Copenhagen emergency services. A full end-to-end run takes about an hour, and many visitors board at Nyhavn, which is a five-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv station on metro lines M1 to M4. The best season runs from April to October, when daylight is long and the decks are comfortable, although the ferries run daily on a published timetable, so winter use is possible with warm clothing. Conditions to avoid are strong wind and ice, which can disrupt timetables, and commuter peaks when crowded boats leave less room for sightseeing. Visitors should check rejseplanen.dk for current departure times and any route changes, because timetables vary by season. A hop-on style trip can include a stop at Refshaleøen for its street food and waterfront walks.
| Price | Same fare as a regular bus ticket, from about DKK 24 (about USD 4) with the DOT app or Rejsekort (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour (end to end) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Season | April-October |
| Address | Nyhavn, 1051 København K |
Activity facts
- Where
- Inner harbour, Copenhagen
Equipment
Light jacket
Location
Nyhavn, 1051 København K
55.6806, 12.5917 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the public harbour ferries for the price of a bus ticket
- Pass Nyhavn, the Black Diamond library and the Opera from the water
- Stop at Refshaleøen for food and waterfront walks
- Pay with the DOT app or a Rejsekort
Tips for visiting
- Check rejseplanen.dk for current timetables before boarding
- Buy a ticket in the DOT app or use a Rejsekort before boarding
- Sit on the open deck on dry days for the best harbour views
- Avoid commuter peaks for a more relaxed sightseeing trip
- Bring a light jacket; the water is breezy
When to visit
April to October on a dry day; avoid commuter peaks for room on deck.
Accessibility
The ferries are public transport and generally allow step-free boarding for wheelchairs and prams where the quay allows; visitors should check moviatrafik.dk or ask the crew.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How much does the harbour bus cost?
The fare is the same as a regular bus ticket, from about DKK 24, payable with the DOT app or Rejsekort.
How long is the full route?
About one hour from end to end between Sluseholmen and Orientkajen.
Which sights does it pass?
It calls at Nyhavn, the Black Diamond library, the Opera and Refshaleøen.
Can bicycles be taken aboard?
Bicycles are generally allowed subject to space. Check moviatrafik.dk for current rules.