In a historic announcement, Copenhagen has officially presented plans for the new Copenhagen metro M5, a significant step in the city’s ongoing infrastructure expansion. The new metro route is set to enhance connectivity, address congestion in the city center, and support extensive urban development on the artificial island Lynetteholmen.
Route and stations of the new Copenhagen metro M5
Metro line M5 will feature a total of nine strategically located stations, creating a crucial link from Copenhagen Central Station (København H) to the newly established island of Lynetteholmen. The stations include:
- Copenhagen Central Station
- Bryggebroen (Islands Brygge)
- DR Byen
- Amagerbrogade South (Sundbyøster Plads)
- Lergravsparken
- Prags Boulevard East (Kløverparken)
- Refshaleøen
- Lynetteholm South
- Lynetteholm North
The construction of the M5 metro will unfold in two stages. The first underground section, expected to open in 2036, will run from Copenhagen Central Station to Prags Boulevard. The second stage, projected for completion by 2045, will be an elevated railway line connecting Prags Boulevard to Lynetteholmen.
Tackling congestion and boosting development
One of the primary objectives behind the introduction of M5 is to alleviate the strain on existing metro lines M1 and M2, particularly during peak hours between Nørreport and Amager. Nicolai Wammen, Denmark’s Minister of Finance, highlighted the metro expansion as “a major step forward in creating homes for Copenhagen residents, with a project that extends far into the future.”
The artificial island of Lynetteholmen will host approximately 50,000 residents and around 30,000 workplaces once completed by 2070. This ambitious urban development aims to stabilize housing prices by significantly increasing the housing supply, thereby facilitating accessibility for first-time homebuyers.
New eastern ring road and cycling infrastructure after the Copenhagen metro M5
Complementing the metro development, Copenhagen will also construct the first segment of a new Eastern Ring Road (Østlig Ringvej), initially connecting Nordhavn and Lynetteholmen via an underground tunnel, expected to open by 2037. Authorities intend this road to ultimately extend to Copenhagen Airport, further relieving the central area’s traffic.
Additionally, a new cycling bridge connecting Østerbro to Refshaleøen is planned, supporting the city’s sustainability goals and promoting greener mobility options.
The total estimated cost of the infrastructure project is approximately DKK 33.1 billion (EUR 4.44 billion). Initially, the Danish state will cover DKK 15.6 billion (EUR 2.09 billion) from the Infrastructure Plan 2035. In the long term, the project will be financed primarily through the urban development of Lynetteholmen and revenue generated from public transport, along with a contribution of DKK 2.5 billion (EUR 335 million) from Copenhagen Municipality, spread over 2026-2045.
Additional charges for airport passengers
To support financing, passengers traveling to Copenhagen Airport via public transport will incur an additional DKK 20 (EUR 2.68) fee starting from 2027. However, this charge will exempt commuters, youth, pensioners, and passengers who use the airport solely for transit purposes.
From 2036, when the first phase of M5 opens, a further surcharge of DKK 1 (EUR 0.13) will be applied across the entire metro network, similar to the existing arrangement for the M3 Cityringen.
Copenhagen Mayor Lars Weiss hailed the agreement as “a crucial contribution to ensuring Copenhagen remains a livable city for the long-term,” emphasizing the strategic importance of this major infrastructure initiative. (Read about criticisms from local mayors and residents’ concerns regarding the new metro line.)
