City Pass or Copenhagen Card compared
Facts checked in November 2026 against the operator's and attractions' own sources.
The main rival to the Copenhagen Card is the City Pass, a transport-only ticket that costs DKK 100 for 24 hours in the city and airport zones (Small) or DKK 200 in the whole region (Large). It includes no attractions, but one adult can take two children under 12 free. If you plan one or two paid sights a day, City Pass plus single tickets is usually cheaper. Figures checked in November 2026.
Transport passes against the card
Adult prices in DKK. City Pass Small covers zones 1 to 4, the city and the airport. City Pass Large covers zones 1 to 99, the same area as DISCOVER.
| Duration | City Pass Small | City Pass Large | DISCOVER | HOP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 100 | 200 | 589 | 600 |
| 48 hours | about 160 | 320 | 859 | 875 |
| 72 hours | about 220 | 440 | 1,039 | 1,050 |
| 96 hours | about 280 | 560 | 1,219 | n/a |
| 120 hours | 340 | 680 | 1,419 | n/a |
City Pass range 100-340 (Small) and 200-680 (Large) from Denmark's public transport operator DOT; intermediate Small prices estimated. Card prices: copenhagencard.com, November 2026.
What the gap pays for
The difference between City Pass Large and DISCOVER is what you are really paying for the attractions. For 24 hours it is DKK 389, for 48 hours DKK 539 and for 72 hours DKK 599. Against City Pass Small, which is enough if you stay in the city, the gap is larger: about DKK 489 for 24 hours and about DKK 819 for 72 hours.
So the question is simple. Will you spend more than that gap on entry tickets? Three typical adult entries in the centre, Rosenborg at DKK 140, the National Museum at DKK 135 and Tivoli at around DKK 170, add up to DKK 445. That is just under the 24-hour gap against City Pass Small. Add the canal tour at around DKK 199 and you are clearly ahead with the card.
Children change the picture
On a City Pass one adult takes two children under 12 free, and 12 to 15 year olds pay half. On the Copenhagen Card every child from 3 pays. Many big museums also let under-18s in free. So for a family whose plan is mostly museums, City Pass plus adult tickets is often cheaper. For a family whose plan is Tivoli, the Zoo and boat trips, the KIDS card at DKK 100 to 180 is good value against children's tickets at those places.
Other alternatives
A single Tivoli ticket
Tivoli prices vary by date and season, roughly DKK 170 to 230 for an adult in 2026. If Tivoli is the only paid thing on your evening, a single ticket is clearly cheaper than any card.
A hop-on hop-off ticket on its own
The operator values Stromma's bus at around DKK 279 for 24 hours. HOP at DKK 600 adds 40+ central attractions to that. If you would ride the bus anyway and visit two central museums, HOP comes out ahead. If not, DISCOVER at DKK 589 gives more for less.
Free and cheap sights
A lot of Copenhagen costs nothing: Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, Christiania, the King's Garden around Rosenborg, the Black Diamond's lobby, Superkilen and the harbour baths in summer. The Round Tower costs just DKK 60 and is not on the card. A trip built around these needs only a City Pass.
Our verdict
- One or two paid sights a day: City Pass plus tickets.
- Three or more a day, or a day trip north: DISCOVER.
- Cruise stop, centre only, want the bus anyway: HOP.
- Family with small children, Tivoli and Zoo: DISCOVER with KIDS cards.
- Family with teenagers, mainly museums: City Pass plus adult tickets.
Day-by-day calculations are on our is it worth it page.
Frequently asked questions
Is City Pass the same as the Copenhagen Card?
No. City Pass is a transport ticket only, from DKK 100 for 24 hours. The Copenhagen Card adds free entry to attractions and costs from DKK 589.
Does City Pass cover the airport?
Yes, both City Pass Small (zones 1 to 4) and City Pass Large (zones 1 to 99) include Copenhagen Airport.
Do children travel free on City Pass?
One adult can take two children under 12 free. Children aged 12 to 15 pay half price.
Where do I buy City Pass?
In the DOT Tickets app or the Rejsebillet app, both from Denmark's public transport operators.
Is HOP cheaper than DISCOVER?
No. HOP costs DKK 600 for 24 hours against DKK 589 for DISCOVER, and covers fewer attractions and no public transport.