Train Travel in DenmarkMastering train travel in Denmark is not that difficult once you understand how the system works. In order to do that, you need to understand how to read the maps, zones and timetables. A few explanations and examples should help you become proficient in no time! A little bit of information first.The infastructure in Denmark is top-notch and the government is constantly trying to encourage more and more people to leave their cars at home and use "offentlig" (public) transport or their bicycles. Which is working well. For a visitor to Denmark, train travel may be a new experience, especially if coming from the US or Britain, where the car is still KING. You will soon find out that the experience is quite painless, fun and very relaxing. There are two major types of train travel - the local trains and the regional trains. I am not going to cover European train travel
The train system is much more concentrated in Sjaelland, than it is in other parts of Denmark. For that reason I will discuss the DSB S-Tog system first, which is the one most visitors to Denmark will be exposed to and use.
Train travel in Denmark may seem a bit complicated, but it really is very simple when you understand the basics. Take it one step at a time and it will all come together. Let's start with the basics. Traveling on the S-Tog
The Copenhagen train system is known as the S-Tog. Most of the trains on the system now are new and very sleek red carriages. There are still a few of the older type of carriages, but the majority are very modern - making train travel fun and enjoyable!
Stations are marked with large red sign with a white S. (See above)
Boarding a train is simple. Trains stop at all train stops on their routes. That does not mean that every train going through your station will stop. If the train is scheduled to stop, it will – you don’t need to flag it down or push a button on the train for it to stop.
Always stand behind the yellow line by the edge of the platform. This is for your safety; don’t fool around with this, you will lose out. It hurts getting hit by a train.
When the train comes into the station, you will hear a beeping sound when the doors have been unlocked. You can now open the door to board. On the new trains you will see a round circle with blinking green lights. Push that button and the doors open automatically. When the train is ready to leave, the doors also close automatically. On the older trains, the doors have lever handles. They are opened by pushing the vertical door handles sideways.
If you're not sure how to open the doors, just watch other people boarding. You will soon learn how simple it is. On the new trains there are glass doors connecting each compartment. These doors are activated by pushing the blue dots on the door frame or waving your hand right in front of the door. There is an electric eye above the door that opens it. There is no reserved seating, but be aware of which way you are sitting - some seats will face forward and some face backwards. Some people do not like riding backwards. If you do not like riding backwards – hey, you can always change seats. A few things to remember
1. The trains stop running around 1am and start about 5am. Most trains make their final stop at the main station instead of at the end of the line. 2. There is no smoking on trains or in the stations. 3. Never ride without a ticket; inspectors travel on trains and if you are caught without a ticket you are fined 750 DKR. Due to a large number of complaints about the 750DKK fine for riding without a ticket, DSB has now instituted a new system. If you are caught without a ticket and it is your first offence, you will be made to buy a ticket on the spot and fined 100DKK. If you are caught a second time, than you will be paying the 750DKK fine. During 2010, there were over 3.7 million trips taken without a ticket, which is well over 50 million kroner lost in revenue. This is one of the reasons ticket prices keep going up. If people are not paying, than others who do will have to pay more. Do not be part of this illegal activity and report those who do. It will save you money. 4. Even though Denmark is very safe and muggings are rare, always be aware when traveling late at night. There are often lots of drunks and wild people going home after a night of partying. It's best to just move into another carriage if you see a wild group get on. 5. S-Togs do have conductors, so if there is an emergency you can pull the emergency stop. Only pull the emergency stop if it is a real emergency or you will be fined. 6. Check the time stamp on your ticketstickets for the expiration. You need to be finished with your journey before the time expires. If you board the train/bus/metro before the time expires but do not complete your journey before the expiration, you can be fined. 7. You can now take your bicycle along with you on the S-Tog for free. No more having to buy an extra ticket. This is part of the city promoting more bicycling and less cars. There are also air pumps and more parking for bicyles at most of the stations. The next steps to mastering the train travel are 1. understand the various train routes 2. read time tables /schedules
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