Copenhagen opens Capital Light Rail phase one
Copenhagen has added a new chapter to its transport network: a light rail line running along the Ring 3 motorway corridor, linking suburban municipalities and creating new interchanges with the S-train system.
The 12-stop section runs between Ishøj and Rødovre Nord, with free rides offered on the inaugural day.
The line is owned by Hovedstadens Letbane I/S, a state and municipal company, with operations contracted to Metro Service A/S, which also runs the Copenhagen Metro. The project has a total value of around EUR 1.6 billion.
Phased opening and network links
When complete, the Capital Light Rail will span 28 km with 29 stops, running from Ishøj in the south to Lundtofte/DTU in the north. The full line will interchange with five S-train corridors, providing orbital capacity that bypasses the city centre.
The northern extension toward Lyngby and DTU is planned for completion by summer 2026, though this timeline remains subject to confirmation.
Why it matters: The orbital route relieves road congestion on Ring 3 and strengthens suburban connectivity by linking multiple S-train lines without requiring travel through central Copenhagen.
What’s next: Staged construction continues toward the full 28 km network, with the final section targeted for summer 2026.