Taxi in Denmark: The Complete Tourist's Guide to the Land of LEGO Bricks
- Damian Brzeski
- Jul 29
- 11 min read
Updated: Nov 25
Did you know that in Denmark, every taxi must meet 10 strict rules to receive a special "Safe Taxi" sticker? In a country where LEGO and ecology go hand in hand, even a simple airport transfer becomes part of a system of trust, order, and digital precision. But how can you tell a legitimate taxi from a fake?
How much does a ride from Copenhagen Airport to the city center really cost? And why are more and more Danish taxis now emission-free? Find the answers in our complete guide, which will help you plan every transfer – stress-free, smart, and Danish.
What Does a Danish Taxi Look Like? Your Guide to Comfort and Safety
Have you ever wondered how to get around Denmark, the home of LEGO, quickly, comfortably, and without any surprises? A Danish taxi isn't just a means of transportation—it's a true lesson in trust, order, and... ecology!
In the guide below, you'll find everything you need to know to make your transfer in Denmark go smoothly. From recognizing a legitimate taxi , to pricing, and even safety tips. Ready?
How to Recognize a Danish Taxi? Your Guide to Legal Rides
As you navigate Danish cities, you'll quickly learn to distinguish a genuine, licensed taxi from a fake. Fortunately, the Danish system is designed to keep you safe. It's like a game of spot the difference, but with a guaranteed level of comfort!
What Does a Danish Taxi Look Like? Decoding the Visual Signs
At first glance, Danish taxis may look different, but a few key features will always give them away as legal.
See a taxi at a taxi rank in Copenhagen ? It'll often be a yellow and black vehicle, though this isn't the case across Denmark . Official markings are key:
Rooster/Lamp sign on the roof with the word "TAXI" : If it's lit, it means: "I'm free! You can stop me!"
License number and official price list : Always visible inside, at your fingertips. Zero hidden costs!
Average price information : Every taxi door displays the price for a typical ride (10 km in 12 minutes). This is great because you can instantly compare prices between companies.
Sealed taximeter : This is the basis for billing. Check if it works!
The Role of License Plates: The Most Reliable Identification
Want to be 100% sure? Check the license plates! Commercial vehicles in Denmark have yellow license plates with black characters .
What's more, taxi license plate numbers fall into specific series: 98000–99699 for single-row plates and 99700–99999 for double-row plates. Simple? Simple!
Corporate Branding: Logo is a Guarantee
Large companies such as Dantaxi or TAXA 4x35 are giants on the market, so they make sure that their vehicles are well marked.
The logo is a hallmark and a guarantee of quality. And speaking of Dantaxi – they truly go green! Their over 800 electric taxis feature a special lightning bolt symbol. Want an eco-friendly ride? Look for the lightning bolt!
Safe Taxi Initiative: An Additional Guarantee for Your Safety
Are you worried about safety? The Danes have thought about that too! They created the "Safe Taxi" initiative (tryg.taxi) – a voluntary code that raises the bar for safety even higher.
More than 2,600 taxis in Denmark (over half the fleet!) are marked with a special "Safe Taxi" sticker on the windshield.
The program operates in major cities such as Copenhagen , Aarhus and Odense.
A taxi driver with a "Safe Taxi" sticker had to meet 10 strict rules, including having a clean criminal record, undergoing customer service training, and committing to a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment.
When you choose such a taxi , you know you are in good hands!
Fleet on Danish Streets: What Do Taxi Drivers Drive?
Danish taxis combine luxury and ecology. Until recently, premium German brands dominated, particularly the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But times are changing!
Remember ecology? In Denmark, it's essential! In Copenhagen , from 2025, all newly registered taxis must be zero-emission—that is, electric or hydrogen-powered.
See the Toyota Mirai that purifies the air? It's no joke! Your taxi can be part of a national environmental project. It's a conscious choice that makes your Denmark airport transfer or airport transfer even greener.
Price List and Payment Systems – How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Denmark and How to Pay for It?
Now you know how to find a legal taxi in Denmark . Now it's time to get financially ready! Prepare yourself for the fact that taxi fares in Denmark are among the highest in Europe.
But don't worry, this higher transfer price guarantees transparency, security, and... simply high quality! There's no room for fraud here, and you're paying for reliability and the certainty of a fair exchange rate.
Fare Structure: Understanding the Danish Taximeter
The price of a transfer in Denmark is not a fixed amount, but the sum of three elements that the taximeter calculates every second:
Starting fee (Base fare) : Aka the famous "door slam"! It's a fixed amount that appears on the meter when you set off.
Distance Fee (Price/km) : Every kilometer counts. The further you go, the more you pay – simple.
Time Fee (Price/min) : Stuck in traffic? That costs money too! This fee is charged for every minute you spend traveling.
Keep in mind that rates increase after 6:00 PM, on weekends, and on public holidays. And if you book your transfer in advance (via phone or app), you may be charged a slightly higher upfront fee. It's a bit of a "convenience tax."
Detailed Price List for Services (Copenhagen as an example)
Want to know exactly how much you'll pay? Check out the table below! These are the official rates from one of Copenhagen 's largest companies, TAXA 4x35. It's easy to estimate costs when planning your Copenhagen transfer .
Category | Fee component | Daily tariff (Mon-Fri 6:00-18:00) | Night/weekend tariff |
Standard car (1-4 persons) | Initial fee | 39 DKK | 49 DKK |
Price/km | 11 DKK | 14.70 DKK | |
Price/min | 6.75 DKK | 7.00 DKK | |
Minibus (5-8 people) | Initial fee | 69 DKK | 79 DKK |
Price/km | 15.40 DKK | 22.00 DKK | |
Price/min | 6.70 DKK | 7.00 DKK |
Source: Based on data from TAXA 4x35. Prices are given in Danish kroner (DKK).
Sample Prices on the Most Popular Routes
Below, you'll find approximate costs for the most frequently used routes. Remember, these are just estimates – the final transfer price depends on traffic, time of day, and the specific taxi company.
Route | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost |
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) → City Center | 20-30 min | 250 - 400 DKK (approx. €34 - €54) |
Billund Airport (BLL) → Legoland | 3-6 min | 65 - 90 DKK (approx. €9 - €12) |
Copenhagen City Hall → Christiania | about 10 minutes | approx. 110 DKK (approx. €15) |
Tivoli Gardens → The Little Mermaid | about 10 minutes | approx. 82 DKK (approx. €11) |
Rosenborg Castle → Opera House | approx. 15 min | approx. 90 DKK (approx. €12) |
Surcharges and Additional Costs: What to Look Out For?
Here are some “surprises” that could increase fares :
Bridge crossings : Are you heading to Sweden via the Øresund? Or perhaps the Storebælt? Tolls for these bridges will be added to your bill, often for both ways.
Luggage and bikes : Bringing a bike or a giant piece of luggage on an external rack? Expect an additional fee.
Airport Tax : Are you departing from Copenhagen Airport ( Kastrup )? You may be subject to a small service fee. This is standard, so don't panic.
Additional assistance : If the taxi driver helps you with your luggage when the taximeter is turned off, there may be a charge for this too.
Payment Methods: Cash, Card or App?
Denmark is a digital country! Cashless payments are the norm:
Credit and debit cards : Absolute standard! Accepted in virtually every licensed taxi .
Cash : You can still pay with cash, although cards rule.
Mobile Apps : Besides Uber and Bolt, Danes love MobilePay. If you want to feel like a local, this is your app!
Taxi Market and Alternatives – Who Rules the Danish Roads?
The Danish taxi market is a fascinating story of tradition meeting innovation. Global giants like Uber and Bolt had to adapt to strict local regulations. The result?
You can be sure that your taxi booking and every transfer in Denmark will be safe and legal, while also benefiting from the convenience of modern apps.
The Biggest Players on the Market: Traditional Corporations
For years, these companies have dominated Danish roads:
Dantaxi : A true veteran of the taxi market in Denmark , operating since 1937! They have a fleet of around 1,900 vehicles and can be found in most municipalities. They are also a leader in the green transition, with over 800 electric taxis . Interestingly, Dantaxi has been part of Uber since 2025 – a true revolution!
TAXA 4x35 : If you're looking for a taxi in Copenhagen , TAXA 4x35 is your guarantee of high standards. They offer everything from standard cars, to Minibus 7PAX , Minibus 10PAX , Minibus 13PAX , Minibus 16PAX , Minibus 19PAX , and even Premium Minibuses and Minivans 4PAX ! They even have a "PartyTAXA" with sound system and taxis with guides.
Taxi 4x27 (Amager-Øbro) : Another important player in the capital. They, in turn, have partnered with Bolt, strengthening their position in the digital age.
A New Era: The Entry and Adoption of Global Applications
Remember the days when Uber "fought" taxi drivers? It was similar in Denmark , but the Danes showed who's boss!
Uber in Denmark: From Withdrawal to Dominance via Acquisition
Turbulent beginnings (2014-2017) : Uber launched a ride-sharing model (UberPOP), which resulted in protests and accusations of illegal activity. In 2017, a new, restrictive taxi law (mandatory taximeters, CCTV!) forced the company to… withdraw from Denmark .
Strategic Comeback (2025) : But Uber hasn't said its last word! It's back, but this time on Danish terms, taking over Dantaxi.
How does it work now? This is great news for you! You can use the Uber app you're used to, but you'll be ordering a fully legal, licensed Dantaxi taxi . You'll get a pre-paid price, track your ride, and see your driver's details , all in compliance with Danish regulations.
Bolt in Denmark: Aggressive Expansion and Multi-modal Offering
Entry and Strategy : Bolt also has a strong presence in Denmark , particularly in Copenhagen . They acquired Viggo (a company with an all-electric fleet!) and formed a partnership with Taxi 4x27.
Tourist Offer : Bolt isn't just a taxi (Standard, XL, Premium). It's a whole mobility ecosystem! In one app, you can rent an e-scooter, an e-bike, or even a car by the minute (Bolt Drive). Bolt 's pricing is also transparent and based on regulated fares.
This duopoly of mobile apps, created by the collaboration of global apps with local companies, gives you convenience and security, although it may affect ride prices in the future.
Characteristic | Traditional Taxi (from a taxi stand / by phone) | Uber (in Denmark) | Bolt (in Denmark) |
How to order | Street, stop, telephone number to the headquarters | Mobile application | Mobile application |
Price transparency | The price according to the taximeter, known after the end of the ride | Price known in advance (upfront), in line with regulations | Price known in advance (upfront), in line with regulations |
Vehicle type | Licensed taxi (sedan, minibus) | Licensed Dantaxi taxi (sedan, EV, minibus) | Licensed taxi (Standard, XL, Premium, EV) |
Driver status | Licensed, professional taxi driver | Licensed Dantaxi taxi driver | Licensed, professional taxi driver |
Availability | Mainly urban areas and rest areas | 75 of 98 municipalities in Denmark | Major cities ( Copenhagen , Aarhus) |
Payment methods | Card, cash | In-app payment (card, digital wallets) | In-app payment (card, digital wallets) |
Additional services | Varies depending on the company (e.g. PartyTAXA) | Standard Uber features (fare split, ETA) | E-scooters, e-bikes, car-sharing |
Alternative Transport: Cheaper and More Danish Options
Taxi is comfortable, but if you are looking for something more economical or just want to feel the atmosphere of Denmark , you have other options:
Public Transport (DOT) : Copenhagen is world-class! Metro, trains (S-tog), and buses (even water buses!). City Pass is your ticket to unlimited travel and significant savings compared to taxis .
Cycling : Denmark is a cyclist's paradise! Renting a bike is often the fastest, cheapest, and most "Danish" way to explore. The bike paths are excellent!
E-scooters : Popular in larger cities, but remember: helmet required, minimum age 15 and absolute ban on riding on sidewalks!
Tips and Trivia for Tourists – How to Use Taxis Like a Local
Now you know what transfer services in Denmark look like and how much they cost. Now it's time for the "fine tuning" – the unwritten rules and tips that will make you feel like you've been riding Danish taxis forever! From tipping to safety – everything in a nutshell.
Tipping Culture in Denmark: Should You Give, When and How Much?
Surprised? In Denmark, tipping is simple:
Basic Rule : Tipping are neither expected nor required ! The service charge is already included in the bill. This applies to everything – restaurants, hotels, and, of course, taxis .
Cultural Context : Why is this? It's a result of the Scandinavian welfare state model. Service sector workers, including every taxi driver , are paid a decent wage and don't have to rely on tips to make ends meet.
How to behave? A tip is purely a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service . If your taxi driver was super helpful and the trip was a dream, you can round up the bill (e.g., from 92 DKK to 100 DKK). A 5-10% tip is quite generous!
Practical advice : Don't stress! No one will consider not tipping rude. It's simply local custom.
Practical Tips for Safety and Comfort
The Danes care about your safety, and your airport transfer in Denmark , or any other journey, is triple-protected! However, there are a few rules worth remembering:
Ordering : You can hail a taxi on the street (if the sign is lit!), catch it at a taxi stand (you can find them at railway stations and airports such as Copenhagen Airport , Billund Airport , Aalborg Airport , Aarhus Airport ) or order it by phone/via an app ( Kiwitaxi , AtoB , Uber , Bolt).
Communication and Passenger Rights : Most Danish taxi drivers speak excellent English. You are always entitled to a running taximeter and receipt. Keep it – it will be useful if you lose something or have any complaints.
"Safe Taxi" Tips : Regardless of the sticker, remember: travel with others if possible; if you feel uncomfortable, sit in the back; avoid sharing a taxi with strangers. Your safety is our priority!
Cultural and Technological Context
A Danish taxi ride isn't just a journey. It's an experience that shows how this modern country functions!
Danish Ecology in Practice : By choosing an electric taxi (the one with the lightning bolt symbol!) or a hydrogen Toyota Mirai, you become part of the revolution! Your taxi booking is a building block in building Denmark's green future . Remember, AtoB offers transfers in eco-friendly vehicles.
Digital Society : Although you won't see it directly, the Danish state is based on digitalization (e.g., the MitID system). This is why transfer services They operate so efficiently, and you can enjoy seamless transfer bookings and secure payments. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained trust is in Danish society.
The Danish taxi system is the epitome of national character: expensive, perhaps, but regulated, safe, transparent, and technologically advanced. For you, as a tourist, this provides tremendous peace of mind.
The risk of fraud is minimal, standards are the highest, and cashless payments are the norm. The unique history in which giants like Uber and Bolt had to adapt to Danish regulations demonstrates the strength of this country.
When you get into a legal taxi in Copenhagen , or at any of the airports in Denmark , such as Billund Airport (when you need an airport transfer to Legoland!), you pay not only for the fare , but also for certainty, order and – increasingly – for participating in the ecological future of transport.
Whether you choose an individual transfer or a group transfer , remember that AtoB and Kiwitaxi offer a wide range of vehicles and transfer services to make your transfer in Denmark perfect. You can easily book a transfer tailored to your needs.
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