How to Get to Aarhus: 7 Best Ways to Travel

Comparing All 7 Routes at a Glance

Before diving into details, this overview lets you compare every option side by side. Prices are indicative for 2026 and may vary by season or booking window. All times are approximate and assume normal traffic conditions.

Flying to Aarhus: Choosing Between AAR and BLL Airports

Aarhus Airport (AAR) is the most direct gateway for those flying into the region. It sits in Tirstrup, about 40 kilometers northeast of the city center. Check current flight schedules on the Aarhus Airport (AAR) Official Site. The airport is ideal for domestic flights from Copenhagen and for seasonal European charter routes.

Billund Airport (BLL) serves as a much larger international hub for western Denmark, directly connected to more than 55 European destinations. With a single connection you can reach Billund from over 540 worldwide destinations. The trade-off is a roughly 90-minute bus ride to reach Aarhus city center. Many travelers choose Billund for its competitive prices and wider flight selection.

Taxis from Aarhus Airport to the city center are available but expensive. Expect to pay between 650 and 1,300 DKK — roughly five to ten times the bus fare. The 925X airport express bus costs around 115 DKK and takes about 45 minutes. It is timed to meet every arriving flight and accepts credit cards, cash, or the Midttrafik app.

Renting a car at either airport gives you total freedom to explore the wider Aarhus Region. Major international rental brands have desks in the arrivals halls at both airports. Driving from Billund to Aarhus takes about one hour via the E45 motorway. Always confirm parking availability at your accommodation before booking a rental car.

Taking the Train from Copenhagen to Aarhus

The copenhagen to aarhus train is the most popular choice for both locals and visitors. DSB operates 22 services a day departing from Copenhagen Central Station, with the fastest InterCityLyn trains completing the journey in 3 hours 36 minutes. You can book DSB tickets online or via the DSB app up to three months in advance. Buying early secures the cheapest 'Orange' fares, which start from just 99 DKK one-way.

Standard InterCity fares without advance booking typically run 300–500 DKK. The first departure leaves Copenhagen at 00:29 and the last at 21:49, giving you great scheduling flexibility throughout the day. Trains cross the Great Belt Bridge — an iconic 18-kilometer span — offering spectacular sea views midway through the journey. Quiet zones, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets are available on all long-distance services.

Aarhus Central Station (Aarhus H) sits right in the heart of the city. Most major hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within a 15-minute walk. The station connects directly to local buses and the Letbanen light rail. Luggage lockers are available on the platform level if you arrive early and want to explore before check-in.

Upgrading to DSB 1' first class adds complimentary coffee, snacks, and extra legroom for around 100–150 DKK extra. Weekend and holiday schedules may reduce the number of direct services, so always check Rejseplanen for your specific travel date. Return tickets can be booked in one transaction through the DSB app or website.

Traveling by Bus: Long-Distance and Airport Express Services

Long-distance buses are the most budget-friendly way to reach Aarhus from Copenhagen. FlixBus offers regular connections with fares starting from 99 DKK, and most buses arrive at the terminal just behind Aarhus Central Station. The Kombardo bus is a Danish alternative that links Aarhus with Copenhagen, Randers, Viborg, and Silkeborg — handy if you are coming from Herning or Aalborg rather than the capital. Both operators run daily services and allow advance seat reservations through their respective websites.

If you are landing at Aarhus Airport, the 925X express bus is your best option. Check the latest timetables on the Midttrafik Airport Bus Timetables page. The bus stops at Nobelparken — a key stop for visitors heading to Aarhus University — before continuing to the central station. Tickets cost around 115 DKK and can be paid by credit card directly to the driver, via the Midttrafik app, or with a Rejsekort travel card.

The 912X express bus covers the Billund Airport to Aarhus route in about 90 minutes and costs roughly 160 DKK. It runs several times a day and is by far the most convenient option for international arrivals who are not renting a car. Drivers accept major credit cards and contactless payments on both airport express routes.

The Midttrafik app is essential for anyone using buses in the Aarhus Region. It sells digital tickets for local buses, the Letbanen light rail, and both airport express services. Digital tickets must be activated before you board — failing to do so can result in a fine. The app is available for iOS and Android and operates in English.

Driving to Aarhus: Routes and Toll Costs

Driving gives you the most flexibility to see the Danish countryside at your own pace. The standard route from Copenhagen follows the E20 westbound and then the E45 northbound through Jutland. This route crosses the Great Belt Bridge (Storebæltsforbindelsen), which charges a toll of approximately 240 DKK for a standard passenger car in 2026. You can pay by credit card at the toll plaza or use an electronic transponder to pass through the dedicated lane faster.

An alternative is to take the Molslinjen Ferry from Sjællands Odde. The ferry sails directly to Aarhus harbor and takes about 75 minutes to cross the Kattegat. This scenic option lets you rest while the ship covers the distance, and is popular with families and cyclists. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during summer as the ferry fills quickly on weekends.

Parking in Aarhus city center is available at several 'P-hus' multi-story garages near the main attractions. Expect to pay 15–25 DKK per hour. Many hotels offer private parking for an additional daily fee. If you are staying outside the city core, park-and-ride options near the Letbanen stations are significantly cheaper.

The E45 motorway is the main artery through Aarhus C and connects the city to the rest of Jutland. Speed limits are strictly enforced by fixed cameras and police patrols. Ensure you have a valid driver's license, third-party insurance, and a reflective vest in the car — this is required by Danish law. GPS navigation using Google Maps or Waze works reliably across the entire route.

The Nordic Seaplane: A Premium Harbor-to-Harbor Connection

The Nordic Seaplane offers the fastest way to travel between the two cities. This premium service operates harbor-to-harbor — from Nordre Toldbod in central Copenhagen directly to Aarhus Harbor — avoiding any airport transit entirely. The flight takes just 45 minutes and provides stunning views over the Danish islands and the Kattegat. It is a popular choice for business travelers and anyone who wants a memorable start to their trip.

Check-in is remarkably quick by aviation standards. You only need to arrive about 20 minutes before departure, and the harbor terminals in both cities are easy to reach by taxi or public transit. Flights run several times a day on weekdays, with a reduced schedule at weekends. Always verify the current 2026 timetable on the Nordic Seaplanes website before booking.

Baggage limits are stricter than on commercial aircraft. Standard tickets include a carry-on bag of up to six kilograms. Additional baggage can be pre-paid online, but space is limited on the small aircraft. If you are traveling with bulky luggage, the train or ferry is a more practical choice.

Fares typically run 700–1,200 DKK one-way depending on timing and demand. While significantly more expensive than the train, the 45-minute flight time versus the 3.5-hour train ride can make the seaplane the logical choice when time is the binding constraint. Complimentary coffee and newspapers are provided in the lounge while you wait to board.

Getting to Aarhus University and Campus Access

Aarhus University is a major destination for international students, conference visitors, and academics. The main campus sits just north of Aarhus C, about a 20-minute walk from the central station or a short ride on the Letbanen. If you are arriving by airport express bus, get off at the Nobelparken stop — this is the most central point for the faculty buildings and the main library. Many conference itineraries specifically route attendees through this stop, but it often goes unmentioned in general travel guides.

Line L2 of the Letbanen light rail is the most convenient way to reach the campus from the station. It runs every 10 minutes during the day and stops at Universitetsparken, putting you right at the heart of the campus. You can use the same Rejsekort, Midttrafik app ticket, or single-use zone ticket for the light rail as you do for the yellow city buses. The system is clean, punctual, and easy to navigate even on your first visit.

Taxis are a convenient but pricey way to reach the university directly. Aarhus Taxa is the main licensed provider and can be booked via their app or by phone. Expect to pay around 100–200 DKK for a short ride from the central station, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps like Uber also operate in Aarhus as of 2026.

The university campus is a destination in itself — rolling hills, yellow brick buildings designed by architect C.F. Møller, and several scenic lakes. Walking from Aarhus H takes about 20–25 minutes through pleasant city streets and parkland. Bicycles are very popular and can be rented from several shops around the station and along Nørreport.

How to Use Rejseplanen: Denmark's Essential Journey Planner

Rejseplanen is the official Danish journey planner and the gold standard for navigating public transport across the country. Every bus, train, light rail, and metro service in Denmark is included — including all connections to and from Aarhus. Download it free on iOS or Android before you travel so you have it working before you land. The app operates in English and displays real-time departures, platform changes, and service disruptions.

To plan a trip, open the app and tap the search icon. Enter your starting point (for example, "Aarhus H" or "Aarhus Airport") and your destination (such as "Nobelparken" or a specific street address). The app shows you all viable connections, the exact walk distances between stops, and the total journey time. You can filter results by accessibility needs, whether you are traveling with a bike, or if you want the fastest versus cheapest option.

Rejseplanen does not sell tickets directly — for that, use the Midttrafik app for regional buses and the DSB app or website for intercity trains. However, Rejseplanen links out to the correct ticketing platform from each search result, making it easy to jump straight to booking. If you plan to use public transport on multiple days, consider loading a Rejsekort travel card at Aarhus Central Station; the card gives you an automatic 20–30% discount versus single-use paper tickets and works on every operator in Denmark.

Spare Time? Essential First Steps Upon Arrival

Your first priority upon arriving in Aarhus should be getting your transport apps set up. Download Rejseplanen for route planning and the Midttrafik app for buying regional bus and light rail tickets. Together, these two apps cover virtually every public transport journey you will need to make in the city and the wider Aarhus Region.

Denmark is nearly a cashless society. You can pay by credit or debit card — including contactless — for almost everything: bus tickets, supermarkets, cafés, and museum entries. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. Keep a small reserve of Danish Krone (DKK) for rare situations where card machines are temporarily unavailable, but do not feel obligated to carry large amounts of cash.

If you plan on staying more than two or three days and using public transport frequently, pick up a Rejsekort at Aarhus Central Station. Top it up with at least 70 DKK (the minimum balance to start a journey) and remember to check in when you board and check out when you alight. Forgetting to check out is the single most common mistake among tourists and leads to being charged the maximum zone fare.

Visit the Aarhus City Welcome Centre near the Dokk1 library on the harbourfront if you need maps, museum passes, or local advice. The staff speak excellent English and can help you plan walking tours, book activities, or find out about local events during your stay. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Aarhus and the neighborhoods guide for where to stay in Aarhus to make the most of your time once you arrive.