Copenhagen Airport Expands Rail Capacity with Fresh Platforms, Boosting Trains to 30 Per Hour
COPENHAGEN — Travelers and freight operators in Denmark and southern Sweden are set to benefit from a major expansion of Copenhagen Airport’s railway station, which officially opened two new platforms on Monday, April 27, 2026. The upgrade, completed by state-owned infrastructure company Sund & Bælt, increases the station’s capacity from 20 to 30 trains per hour, a 50% boost that promises to ease congestion and improve connectivity across the Øresund region.
The expansion adds two new platforms—Platform 11 and Platform 12—located north of Terminal 3, closer to the airport’s Metro station. Under the new layout, trains bound for Danish destinations, including Copenhagen, Funen and Jutland, will depart from the new platforms, while trains heading to Malmö and other Swedish destinations will continue to use the existing platforms beneath Terminal 3. This one-directional system is designed to streamline operations and reduce bottlenecks, particularly as freight traffic is expected to surge in the coming years.
“Growth requires growth,” said Carl-Johan Sonesson, chair of the Greater Copenhagen region, in a press statement released by Sund & Bælt. “The more we increase mobility, the better we can integrate Sweden and northern Europe.” The project, known as New Kastrup Airport Station, is part of a broader effort to strengthen rail links between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, particularly ahead of the 2029 opening of the Fehmarn Belt fixed link, a tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany.
Why the Expansion Matters
Copenhagen Airport’s railway station is one of the busiest in Denmark, serving as a critical hub for both passenger and freight traffic on the Øresund line. The line, which spans approximately 12 kilometers from Copenhagen Central Station to the Øresund coast, connects Denmark’s capital to southern Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. However, the station had long struggled with capacity constraints, particularly during peak travel times and as freight volumes grew.
The new platforms address these challenges by separating passenger and freight trains, reducing delays, and improving punctuality. The expansion likewise includes a direct connection to Terminal 3 and the Metro, making it easier for travelers to transfer between air, rail, and urban transit. According to Sund & Bælt, the upgrades are expected to benefit not only commuters but also businesses relying on efficient freight transport, as well as the environment by promoting rail over road travel.
“This is a extremely busy section, which means that current capacity is challenged,” Sund & Bælt noted in a project overview. “As rail traffic, particularly freight traffic, on the Øresund line is expected to increase when the Fehmarnbelt fixed link opens in 2029, the train station at Copenhagen Airport is being expanded to accommodate future demand.”
What Travelers Can Expect
For passengers, the expansion means more frequent and reliable train services. The additional capacity allows for up to 10 more trains per hour, bringing the total to 30. This includes regional trains to destinations across Denmark, as well as international services to Sweden. The new platforms are equipped with modern amenities, including digital signage, seating, and sheltered waiting areas, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Travelers heading to Sweden will continue to use the existing platforms beneath Terminal 3, which are directly connected to the airport’s check-in and baggage claim areas. Meanwhile, those bound for Danish cities will now board from the new platforms, which are a short walk from the Metro station. Signage and wayfinding have been improved to guide passengers to the correct platforms, reducing confusion and travel time.
Freight operators are also set to benefit from the expansion. With dedicated tracks for freight trains, the station can now handle increased cargo volumes without disrupting passenger services. This is particularly important as the Fehmarn Belt link, scheduled to open in 2029, is expected to significantly boost rail freight between Scandinavia and Central Europe. The tunnel will provide a direct rail connection between Denmark’s Lolland island and Germany’s Fehmarn island, cutting travel times between Copenhagen and Hamburg by up to two hours.
Broader Implications for Regional Connectivity
The expansion of Copenhagen Airport’s railway station is more than just a local infrastructure project—it is a key component of Europe’s vision for an interconnected transport network. The Øresund line and the upcoming Fehmarn Belt link are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), a European Union initiative aimed at improving mobility and reducing carbon emissions by shifting more traffic from roads to rail.
For the Greater Copenhagen region, the upgrades are expected to foster economic growth by making it easier for people and goods to move between Denmark and Sweden. The region, which includes the Danish capital and the Swedish city of Malmö, is home to over 4 million people and is a major economic hub in Northern Europe. Improved rail connectivity is seen as a way to strengthen cross-border collaboration, attract investment, and reduce the environmental impact of transport.
“The railway will offer an even more attractive alternative for passenger and freight transport and will benefit passengers, freight customers, and the environment,” Sund & Bælt stated in its project materials. The expansion aligns with Denmark’s broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
What’s Next?
With the new platforms now operational, Sund & Bælt will continue to monitor the station’s performance and make adjustments as needed to ensure smooth operations. The next major milestone for the region’s rail network will be the opening of the Fehmarn Belt link in 2029, which is expected to further increase traffic through Copenhagen Airport’s station.
For travelers, the expansion means more options and greater convenience when moving between Denmark and Sweden. Whether commuting for perform, heading to the airport, or transporting goods, the upgraded station is set to play a central role in the region’s transport future.
Key Takeaways
- Increased Capacity: The expansion adds two new platforms, increasing the station’s capacity from 20 to 30 trains per hour.
- One-Directional Operations: Trains to Denmark depart from the new platforms, while trains to Sweden use the existing platforms beneath Terminal 3.
- Freight and Passenger Benefits: The upgrade separates freight and passenger trains, reducing delays and improving punctuality.
- Regional Impact: The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen rail connectivity between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, including the upcoming Fehmarn Belt link.
- Environmental Benefits: The expansion supports Denmark’s sustainability goals by promoting rail travel over road transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many more trains will the station handle after the expansion?
The station’s capacity has increased from 20 to 30 trains per hour, allowing for up to 10 additional trains per hour.
Which platforms should I use for my journey?
If you are traveling to Danish destinations such as Copenhagen, Funen, or Jutland, you will board from the new Platforms 11 and 12. If you are heading to Sweden, use the existing platforms beneath Terminal 3.
How does this expansion relate to the Fehmarn Belt link?
The Fehmarn Belt link, scheduled to open in 2029, will connect Denmark and Germany via a tunnel, significantly increasing rail traffic through Copenhagen Airport. The station’s expansion is designed to accommodate this future growth.
Will the expansion affect ticket prices?
There is no official information suggesting that ticket prices will change as a result of the expansion. However, increased capacity may lead to more competitive pricing and improved service options over time.
How do I get from the new platforms to the airport terminals?
The new platforms are located near Terminal 3 and the Metro station. Signage and wayfinding have been improved to guide passengers between the platforms, terminals, and Metro.
As the region prepares for the next phase of its rail development, the expansion of Copenhagen Airport’s station marks a significant step toward a more connected and sustainable future. Have you traveled through the upgraded station? Share your experience in the comments below or on social media.