Copenhagen metro future: the City’s finance administration has presented an analysis with eight candidate lines to guide network expansion toward 2070, when Greater Copenhagen is expected to host +400,000 residents. The proposals target hospital access, underserved districts and cross‑border capacity with Malmö.
Why the city is mapping eight lines now
Copenhagen projects sustained growth and tighter regional integration. The study outlines function‑driven options to increase capacity, reduce travel times and provide better coverage to outer boroughs and major hospitals, while assessing costs, carbon footprint and ridership gains.
Øresundmetro: linking Copenhagen and Malmö
One of the most ambitious proposals is a direct metro line between Copenhagen and Malmö. The line would cut travel time between København H and Malmö Central to 25 minutes, creating a high‑frequency cross‑border connection. The project is estimated at around €2 billion and could significantly strengthen labour‑market integration in the Øresund region.
Hospital connections with the orange line
A new route between Rigshospitalet and Herlev Hospital would link two of the capital’s largest medical facilities while serving dense urban areas. The line would add nine stations and is projected to be among the most expensive options, with an estimated cost above €4 billion.
Bringing metro access to Tingbjerg
Two separate proposals focus on the Tingbjerg district, long identified as underserved. One extends the existing M1/M2 lines, while another branches off the future M5. Both would shorten travel times to the city centre and connect tens of thousands of residents and workplaces to the metro grid.
Expanding the M4 corridor
The M4 line could be extended in two directions. A western stretch would connect København Syd to Hvidovre Hospital, while a northern expansion would run to Emdrup. Together, these options would add multiple new stations, improve hospital access and strengthen the backbone of the system.
A coastal axis to the airport
The so‑called pink line envisions a north–south link along the waterfront, running from Tuborg Havn to Copenhagen Airport. With eleven proposed stations, it would create a direct and rapid connection between residential areas, business hubs and the airport.
Connecting Bispebjerg Hospital to Holmen
Another proposal, known as the dark blue line, would connect Bispebjerg Hospital to Holmen. The cross‑city link would reduce travel times through the inner districts and create faster access to both hospitals and cultural areas.
What this means for Greater Copenhagen and the Øresund region
Taken together, the eight options would increase through‑capacity, ease hospital access, and improve coverage in outer districts. The Øresundmetro would create a high‑frequency cross‑border shuttle, reducing pressure on the fixed link and boosting labour‑market integration across Copenhagen–Malmö.
Next steps and outlook
The analysis is a screening tool, not a decision. The City and Metroselskabet will use it to select which corridors advance to detailed studies, funding talks and permitting. Choices will hinge on ridership uplift, strategic value, construction impact and financing.
