Hey fellow travelers—if you’re landing in Copenhagen and the metro gates look like a puzzle, I’ve got you.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where to get a Rejsekort, how to top up, how to scan it the right way at the gates, and what to do if you forget your card.
What a Rejsekort is (and what you’re actually buying)
Before you go hunting for one, let’s demystify it. A Rejsekort is a smart card you tap to pay for public transport in Copenhagen (and more broadly in Denmark). For tourists, the key is: you’re not buying paper tickets for each ride—you’re using a card with a balance (and sometimes eligibility for specific fares, depending on what you load).
Rejsekort vs. tourist “one trip” tickets
In practice, tourists usually choose between:
- Rejsekort (smart card): You tap in/out and it deducts from your balance.
- Single/period tickets: You buy a ticket that covers a specific ride or time window.
If you’re doing lots of metro trips in a short stay, the smart-card approach can be easier—especially if you’re hopping between areas.
The type of card most tourists use
Tourists typically go for the anonymous style card option (so you’re not tied to a personal account during your trip). If you see a choice on the machine or at the counter, choose the one meant for visitors (the “anonymous” wording is usually shown clearly).
Trade-off to know upfront
The trade-off is simple:
- Good: You can tap quickly and keep moving.
- Not so good: You still need the card physically with you, and you have to tap correctly at entry/exit.
Where to get a Rejsekort as a tourist (and where to look)
If you’re in Copenhagen and you want the card today, you need places that sell it on the spot.
Buy it at metro stations (look for the Rejsekort logo)
Your best bet is to start at a busy metro station and look for:
- Ticket machines that mention Rejsekort (sometimes they’re separate from standard single-ticket vending)
- Staffed service points / ticket counters (if you get stuck, staff can point you to the right machine)
Tip: when you walk into the station, scan the signs near the ticket area. If it’s a Rejsekort-selling station, it’ll usually be obvious once you’re standing in front of the right machines.
Find the right sales points if you don’t want to guess
If you don’t want to wander around hoping the nearest kiosk sells Rejsekort, stick to the high-probability places:
- Major metro hubs (central stations with lots of foot traffic)
- Stations with clear ticket-service areas
- Retailers explicitly displaying “Rejsekort” signage
I’m keeping this general because sales availability can vary by location and time. But the method is consistent: look for Rejsekort branding and/or ask at a station desk.
“Which card should I choose?” quick check
When you’re in front of options, check for these cues:
- Anonymous vs personal (choose anonymous for a visitor trip)
- The ability to add value (“top up”)
- Whether it supports metro gates (it should—Rejsekort is designed for this)
Places you’ll likely take the Metro to (so you can judge whether it’s worth it)
If you’re the “we’ll do a mix of neighborhoods” type of traveler, a Rejsekort can make sense for rides to places like:
- Nyhavn (harbourfront walking area)
- Christianshavn / the canals
- Tivoli Gardens (classic Copenhagen stop)
- Nørreport area (a useful connection hub for central exploring)
- Østerport (convenient for specific central routes)
- Amager Strand / Amager area
Not every destination requires the Metro (Copenhagen is very walkable), but these are exactly the kinds of stops that create “tap-tap-tap” days.
How to top up your Rejsekort (step-by-step)
Top up is where most tourists slow down, mostly because the machine language can be intimidating. Don’t worry—you don’t need to master Danish. You just need to follow the flow.
Decide what you’re topping up
Depending on the machine/card option, you’ll typically be adding:
- Balance value to deduct per ride
- Sometimes specific fares/periods (if offered for visitors)
If you’re unsure what to pick, choose the option that clearly reads like adding money/credit rather than something complicated.
Top up at the station machine
Here’s the usual rhythm at a Rejsekort-capable machine:
- Insert/hold your Rejsekort when prompted
- Choose “Top up” / “Add value” (wording varies, but the icon often helps)
- Select an amount (or add money in steps)
- Pay with the method the machine supports (commonly card)
- Wait for the confirmation and remove the card only when it’s done
Practical tip: don’t walk away immediately. Many machines give a final “OK / done” screen or sound after updating the balance.
How much should you load?
I can’t give one perfect number without knowing your itinerary, but you can estimate like this:
- Think about how many Metro rides you’ll do (not just destinations—remember there are often entry + exit taps).
- If you’re doing a “morning Metro, afternoon Metro, evening Metro” type day, top up enough so you’re not scrambling mid-day.
If you’re topping up for the first time and unsure, start with a sensible mid-sized amount. You can always add more later.
Keep your receipt/confirmation (at least mentally)
When possible, take note of:
- The amount you added
- Whether you got a “success” confirmation
If the machine fails mid-transaction, you’ll want to know what happened.
How to scan correctly at Copenhagen Metro gates
This is the part that trips people up—not because it’s hard, but because gate systems punish “almost correct.”
On entry: tap the card at the validator
When you enter:
- Hold your Rejsekort in front of the reader at the gate
- Listen for the confirmation beep or watch for the green light
- Then step through
Key habits:
- Tap once per entry
- Don’t wave the card around randomly—aim at the actual reader
On exit: tap again before you leave the paid area
Most systems require tapping on exit too.
- Find the exit gate reader and tap your card before you clear the gate
- Again, look for the confirmation (beep/light)
If you forget the exit tap, you might not be charged correctly—or the system may flag your journey.
Transfers and connections (don’t overthink it)
For most tourists, the reliable rule is:
- Tap when entering a zone/gate you’re required to access
- Tap again when leaving that controlled area
If you’re transferring within the Metro network, you’ll usually follow signage for where to walk and where gates apply.
Common “reader” mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself)
- Holding the card too far from the reader
- Tapping through a phone wallet or thick cover (if you use one, take the card out)
- Tapping too quickly without making sure the confirmation happens
If you feel uncertain, tap again—usually the system will reject incorrect reads. If it’s truly not accepting it, that’s a sign to check the card or use station help.
Using your Rejsekort smoothly (and avoiding tourist headaches)
Once you’ve got the basics, you’ll still run into a few “why did that happen?” moments.
Low balance and what it feels like when it’s not enough
If you’re short on credit, the gate may:
- Not allow entry
- Show an error state on the reader
- Require you to top up before continuing
If this happens:
- Don’t force your way through
- Go back to a nearby top-up machine (often close to stations)
- Try topping up and then re-tapping
What to do if the card doesn’t scan
When your card isn’t recognized:
- Clean it gently (finger smudges can interfere)
- Remove any thick case/wallet cover
- Try tapping on a different reader if there are multiple at the gate
If it still fails, you’ll need staff help. The station is designed for passengers—there’s usually a way to resolve it on-site.
The “I tapped but it didn’t beep” moment
Sometimes you tap and you’re not sure if it registered.
My rule:
- If the gate opens and you pass, assume it likely worked—but if you see errors later, keep an eye on it.
- If the gate doesn’t open, tap again calmly (same reader, close distance), and watch for the confirmation light.
If you’re travelling with someone
Each rider generally needs their own valid tapping setup.
- Don’t expect one person’s card to cover two passengers.
- If you’re sharing plans with a friend, make sure they each know where the reader is at entry and exit.
What to do if you forget your Rejsekort (or it’s lost)
This is the scenario nobody wants, but it’s also the one with the least mystery if you plan your response.
If you forgot it at home
If you’re already at the Metro gates:
- Don’t panic—go back to the ticket machines area and look for single tickets / temporary options that let you pass.
- Ask at the station counter if you can’t find the right machine option.
Then, once you’re sorted, you can buy or set up your Rejsekort for next time.
If your card is lost or damaged
If you think the card is gone or no longer works:
- Head to a station service desk if available
- Explain that your Rejsekort isn’t usable
- Ask what reissue/replacement options exist for the card type you bought
If you’re using an anonymous tourist-style card, the exact process can differ, so station staff are your fastest route.
If the reader says “error” even after you top up
This one’s annoying. If you top up successfully but the gate still won’t accept the card:
- Confirm the top up screen showed a success message
- Try a different gate/reader
- If it still fails, ask station staff to check the card
Keep a backup plan for the day
Real talk: I always try to have a Plan B when I’m moving around a new city.
- Carry enough cashless payment options for ticket machines
- Keep your accommodation area in mind in case you need to return and sort it out
- If you’re in a hurry, prioritize getting through the gate first, then fix the card afterwards
Final thoughts
Using a Rejsekort in Copenhagen is one of those “annoying the first time, brilliant once you get it” things.
If you remember just four points, you’ll be fine:
- Get the right tourist-friendly Rejsekort option at a station or official sales point.
- Top up at the station machines and confirm it completes.
- Tap on entry and exit at the readers—wait for the confirmation.
- If you forget it or it fails, use station machines/counters to get you moving.
If you want, tell me what your Copenhagen itinerary looks like (how many days + where you’re staying), and I’ll help you estimate whether a Rejsekort makes sense and how much to load for your rhythm.
