Rejseplannen
Rejseplanen is the most essential app for public transport in Denmark. It helps you easily plan your journey from A to B by showing all available bus, train, and metro connections. You can see departure times, routes, and platform information, and get real-time updates on delays or changes. The app is available in English and is highly recommended for anyone traveling around Denmark.
Buses
Horsens has a well-developed bus infrastructure, making it easy to get around the city and to nearby areas. Local and regional buses are operated by Midttrafik, with frequent routes connecting key locations such as VIA University College, the train station, and the city center. Buses are modern, reliable, and equipped for accessibility.
For planning your journey and buying tickets, several apps are available:
rejsekort
Rejsekort is a smart card used for travel on public transport in Denmark. It's an essential tool when traveling by bus and here's how you use it:
- Make an account and add a payment method (credit card or MobilePay).
- Whenever getting on the bus, simply swipe "Check in" on your phone and show the QR code to the driver.
- When you reach your destination, remember to end your journey so you don't get charged for the entire route.
Midtraffik live
Midtraffik live is the official app for Midttrafik. It offers features like live tracking of buses, notifications about delays, and the ability to purchase tickets directly from your phone.
Trains
Horsens is well-connected by train, making it convenient to travel both within the city and to other parts of Denmark. The main train station offers frequent regional and intercity services operated by DSB, Denmark’s national railway company. Trains are modern, comfortable, and provide easy access to destinations like Aarhus, Copenhagen, and beyond.
For real-time schedules, ticket purchases, and travel updates, the DSB app is highly recommended.
DSB
DSB is the official app for Denmark's national railway company. It provides real-time information on train schedules, platform changes, and ticket purchases. Here's how you use it:
- Make an account on the DSB App.
- Search for your desired train route and view real-time schedules.
- If you are in the age of 16-25, make sure you choose "Young 16-25 years" for discounted fares.
- Purchase tickets directly through the app for a seamless travel experience.
- On the "Your trips" section, you can view your tickets and past travel history.
The ticket costs around 50-200DKK depending on the distance. The ticket to Copenhagen H and Copenhagen airport solds out and can get pricey fast. Don't think, buy.
Airports
There are 3 main airports close to us:
- Aarhus Airport (AAR) - Located about 40 km from Horsens, it offers both domestic and international flights.
- Billund Airport (BLL) - Approximately 50 km away, it's the second-largest airport in Denmark and serves many international destinations.
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH) - The largest airport in Denmark, located about 200 km from Horsens, it connects to numerous global destinations.
Your main one, most likely, will be the CPH airport
To get to the airport, you can use the DSB train service from Horsens to Copenhagen Central Station (København H), and then transfer to the Metro or another train that goes directly to the airport. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on connections.
In case of wanting to use Billund Airport, you can take a train from Horsens to Vejle, and then Bus to Billund which takes about 1 hour. The bus service is operated by Midttrafik and offers a convenient way to reach the airport.
Commute Card
If you plan to commute frequently, consider getting a commute card. It offers unlimited travel within a specific zone for a monthly fee, making it a cost-effective option for regular commuters. You can purchase it through the Rejseplanen app or at ticket counters.
The commute card is especially useful for students and professionals who travel daily, as it provides flexibility and convenience.
As for interns...
you can get a student commute card which is cheaper than the regular one. It costs around 500DKK per month allows unlimited travel within your selected zones. You can let your employer know, and they will help you with the process of getting it. Then, the government will cover the expenses.
Cars
You probably already heard how expensive it is to have a car in Denmark, mainly because of the taxes. Don't worry, we'll explain it as simply as possible and also share some tricks.
1. Driving on Foreign Plates explained.
This is a big one for newcomers and has strict rules.
If you are moving to Denmark:
You have 30 days from the date you register for your CPR number to register your foreign car in Denmark. You can't just keep driving it on your old plates. I mean you can but if they catch you, it's going to be expensive... You need to start the import and registration process with the Danish Tax Agency (Skat) within that month.
If your car is not in Denmark all the time, but shifts from one country to another with a proof, that's a different case.
If you are just visiting (Tourist):
You can drive your foreign-registered car in Denmark for up to 6 months.
If you work in Denmark but live abroad (Cross-border commuter):
You might be able to get a permit from Skat to drive your foreign car, but you must apply for it.
2. The Taxes explained.
This is the most important part to understand. Danish car prices are inflated by one of the highest car tax rates in the world.
1. Registration Tax (Registreringsafgift)
This is the big one. It's a one-time tax you pay when a car is first registered in Denmark (whether it's brand new or imported). The tax is calculated based on the car's taxable value, and it's brutally high.
How it works:
- You pay a low rate (25%) on the first part of the car's value
- You pay a medium rate (85%) on the middle part
- You pay a high rate (150%) on the value above a certain threshold
This tax can often more than double the price of the car compared to what you'd pay in a country like Germany.
Good to know: Electric cars get a significant tax discount, making them much more attractive and relatively cheaper than gasoline or diesel cars.
2. Periodic Green Tax (Grøn Ejerafgift / CO2-afgift)
This is your car's ongoing "rent" to the government, which you pay either semi-annually or annually.
What it's based on:
- For older cars: based on fuel efficiency (km per liter). The further it goes on a liter, the cheaper the tax
- For newer cars (registered after July 2021): based directly on CO2 emissions (grams per km). The lower the emissions, the cheaper the tax
3. Car Insurance (Forsikring) explained.
Insurance is mandatory, and you can't get license plates without proving you have it.
Mandatory Liability Insurance (Ansvarsforsikring)
This is the legal minimum. It covers any damage you might cause to other people or their property. You absolutely must have this.
Comprehensive Insurance (Kaskoforsikring)
This is optional, but highly recommended, especially for newer or more valuable cars. It covers theft and damage to your own car if you get into an accident. Most people get this.
Cost: The price varies wildly based on your age, driving experience, the car model (a fast car costs more to insure), and where you live. New and young drivers often pay a very high premium. It's always a good idea to get quotes from several different insurance companies.
The Process of Getting a Car in a nutshell
You have two main paths:
1. Buying a Car in Denmark
This is the simplest way. You go to a dealer or find a used car online (on sites like bilbasen.dk or biltorvet.dk), agree on a price, handle the ownership registration digitally with your MitID, get insurance, and you're done.
Pro-tip: When buying a used car, always check for outstanding debt (gæld) on the car through the official registry (Bilbogen). If you buy a car with debt, you become responsible for it!
2. Importing a Car from Abroad
This is more complicated but can save you money if you find a good deal abroad (even after the tax).
- Bring the car to Denmark
- Take it for a mandatory inspection (syn)
- Report it to the Motor Registry (Motorstyrelsen) for a valuation
- Pay the massive registration tax (registreringsafgift) based on their valuation
- Buy Danish insurance
- Get your new Danish license plates
Bike
Biking is one of the best ways to move around the city. Horsens has a well-developed network of bike lanes, making it safe and convenient for cyclists. You can easily rent bikes through various apps or buy a second-hand one from local Facebook marketplace.
If you plan to bike regularly, consider investing in a good quality bike lock just to be sure it won't get stolen.
What to keep in mind:
- Buy the front and back lights and thank me later. You can get a fine up to 1000DKK from police if you don't have them.
- You don't need a safety helmet.
- Repairing a flat tire or other similar stuff costs around 80-200DKK
- Kamtjatka dormitory sometimes gives away free bikes which got abandoned.
- If you get your bike stolen, I've got bad news. The chance to get it back is really low, so its better to have it insured.
E-scooter
E-scooters are fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. They are easy to use and can be a used as main way to commute to work.
Just remember to follow the local traffic rules and park them responsibly to avoid fines.
What to keep in mind:
- You need to be 15 years old to use them. If you are younger, you can use them only with an adult.
- Always wear a helmet. You will get fined 1000DKK if you don't wear it on e-scooter.
- Follow the local traffic rules and regulations.
- Park them responsibly to avoid fines.
- Be aware of the speed limits. The limit is 25km/h.
- Some apps offer discounts for students, so check if you can get a better deal with your ISIC card.