Copenhagen’s metro system is set to undergo significant expansion in the coming years, with plans to introduce new lines and extend existing ones. This ambitious project aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and support the city’s growing population and environmental goals.
Here are all the upcoming projects.
M5: the next chapter
The M5 is already being advertised on all currently active lines, with the map appearing just a few days after the inauguration of the last section of the M4. The line is currently in the planning phase and is expected to be completed before 2030.
In its first phase, it will operate as a traditional independent line, with a starting point (A) and an endpoint (B). Specifically, the M5 (purple, like its counterpart in Milan—both lines are managed by the same company) will connect the Central Station (København H) to an area of the city currently lacking public transport, Refshaleøen, and the future Lynetteholmen district, the new artificial islands currently under construction.
It will intersect with the M1 at DR Byen and the M2 at Lergravsparken, then return to Østerport through an underwater tunnel that passes beneath the city’s main canal and Nordhavn. The second phase plans to make the M5 the second Circle Line in Copenhagen, after the M3, with three new stops: Rigshospitalet, Stengade, and Forum, where it will intersect again with the M1 and M2 before returning to København H.
The M6 Line
One of the most anticipated developments is the introduction of the M6 line. This new line will connect key areas of the city, providing residents and visitors with more efficient and convenient transportation options.
The M6 line is expected to alleviate congestion on existing lines and offer a direct route to some of Copenhagen’s busiest districts, expanding further in Ishøj and other suburbs.
The Øresund metro
The Øresund Metro is the project for a metro system between Malmö, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark. This innovative metro system not only addresses the future needs of sustainable transport but also enhances the largest labor market in the Nordic countries, promoting green commuting and bolstering public transport.
The Øresund Metro will create a new, faster, and more reliable connection across the Öresund Strait, significantly enhancing mobility between Malmö and Copenhagen. With the upcoming Fehmarnbelt tunnel between Denmark and Germany, set to open in 2029, the number of freight trains moving goods between Scandinavia and Central Europe is expected to surge.
The Øresund Metro aims to play a crucial role in managing this increase by offering an alternative for commuters and travelers, thereby freeing up capacity on the Øresund Bridge for long-distance and freight trains.
Travel time between Malmö and Copenhagen will be slashed to approximately 20 minutes, with departures every 90 seconds. This dramatic reduction in travel time will expand the labor market, increasing the number of people who can commute between the two cities within an hour from 1.3 million to 2.3 million. Consequently, the number of accessible jobs will rise by 500,000, from 800,000 to 1.3 million, fostering better job matching and economic integration across the Øresund region.
Extensions to Existing Lines
In addition to the new M6 line, there are plans to extend the M4 line further. The recent extension to Sydhavn and Valby has already proven successful, with five new stations enhancing accessibility and reducing travel times across the city.
Future extensions will continue to build on this success, linking more neighborhoods and making it easier for people to move around Copenhagen.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The expansion of the metro system is not just about improving transportation; it also aligns with Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability. By providing a reliable and efficient public transport option, the city aims to reduce car usage, lower emissions, and promote a greener urban environment. Additionally, the construction and operation of new metro lines are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The metro expansion is also seen as a catalyst for urban development. New stations often lead to the revitalization of surrounding areas, attracting businesses, and encouraging residential development. This can transform neighborhoods, making them more vibrant and economically viable.
