Is There Uber in Copenhagen? A Look at Ride-Sharing in the Danish Capital

Wondering if there is an Uber in Copenhagen or not? Then this post if for you. I was surprise when I visited late night at Copenhagen Airport during my Scandinavia Trip.

In the bustling streets of Copenhagen, where cyclists weave through traffic and historic architecture stands tall, one might wonder: Is there Uber here? 

The answer is both straightforward and intriguing. Let’s delve into the world of ride-sharing services in the Danish capital.

Is There Uber in Copenhagen?

To put it bluntly, no, Copenhagen does not have Uber. The reason lies in the national taxi laws of Denmark, which protect local taxi firms, including those in Copenhagen. Uber is technically illegal in Denmark.

I was not aware of it when I was visiting Copenhagen from Frankfurt during my #8Days6Countries Scandinavia trip. I reached the airport late at night around midnight and I opened my Uber app just to find no service.

But there are some alternatives that you can use, I have talked about that below. There are also services like Private Airport Transfer which you can consider booking if you are flight is reaching somewhere in the middle of the night.

Well, peace 🕊️ of mind is a must when you are traveling late at night.

History of Uber in Denmark

Now I am not sure what you are going to do with the below piece of information but it wasn’t like Uber was never there.

The Arrival

Back in 2014, Uber made its debut in Denmark, much like it did in other cities worldwide. The concept of convenient, app-based transportation appealed to locals and tourists alike. For a few years, Copenhagen residents enjoyed the convenience of summoning a ride with a few taps on their smartphones.

Controversies and Challenges

However, the honeymoon period didn’t last long. Disputes arose between Uber and the Danish government. The clash centered around the company’s business model, which diverged significantly from traditional taxi services. Uber’s arrival disrupted the status quo, leading to heated discussions about legality, fair competition, and passenger safety.

The 2017 Legal Changes

In 2017, Denmark enacted new taxi laws that shook the ride-sharing landscape. These regulations aimed to standardize the industry and protect local taxi firms. But what did they entail? Here are the key points:

1. Fare Meters: All taxi cabs were required to have fare meters—a feature absent from Uber’s model.
2. Video Surveillance: Cameras became mandatory in taxis, ensuring passenger safety.
3. Seat Sensors: Yes, even seat sensors were part of the deal, ensuring accurate fare calculations.

Uber’s Dilemma

For Uber, complying with these requirements meant a fundamental shift in their approach. Their technology-driven, flexible system clashed with the rigid rules. Negotiations ensued, but the gap remained wide.

Uber’s Exit from Denmark

The Farewell

In the face of legal constraints, Uber made a tough decision. In 2017, they bid farewell to Denmark, including Copenhagen. The app that once buzzed with ride requests fell silent. The Danish government’s stance was clear: Uber’s model didn’t align with their vision for the industry.

Attempts at Reconciliation

Since then, there have been sporadic attempts to find common ground. But the odds of Uber returning to Copenhagen seem slim. The 2017 law remains in force, and the local taxi industry continues to thrive.

Alternatives to Uber in Copenhagen

Viggo, Hailing Cabs and Taxs 4×35

Fear not, travelers! While Uber may be absent, Copenhagen offers alternatives:

Viggo: An app-based taxi service similar to Uber, operating within the legal framework. The company is focused on sustainable style and only uses zero-emission cars.

The below rate chart might look a bit on the higher end, but I find it similar to the taxis in Frankfurt as well.

Hailing Cabs: You can still wave down a taxi on the street, especially near train stations and popular nightlife spots.

Taxa 4×35: It is another option just like Uber and the prices are similar to what we have Viggo.

I frequently encountered the 4×35 cars. This taxi company began as a traditional firm but later developed an app with features similar to Uber.

Booking a ride is a simple process – you provide your destination, desired time of travel, and pick-up location, and the app calculates the fare for you.

Taxa 4×35 informed me via email about their goal to transition to 100% electric vehicles by 2025, with nearly half of their existing fleet already consisting of zero-emission taxis.

If I compare the rate between Viggo and Taxa 4×35 it is comparable but it is worth mentioning that Taxa 4×35 is a bit cheaper compared to Viggo.

I didn’t use the normal Taxi in Copenhagen so I don’t have the rate chart for that but if you recently booked a normal taxi then you can share the price and I would mention it in the post here.

What other Transportation options I have in Copenhagen?

One thing that I am personally a fan of is e-scooters which is a fun way to explore the city but guess what?

This is another thing that is banned in Copenhagen? So you can not have the pleasure of e-scootering ( I don’t even know if it is an actual word 😉) around the city.

In case you don’t want to use the taxi application you always have the below options

• Bus
• Train
• Car Rental
• Walking
• E-Bike ( Bolt )

You can also check out Copenhagen Card which gives you entry to around 80+ museums and attractions along with public transportation by bus, metro, and train. It can be a good option if you going all beast mode and planning to cover everything in Copenhagen.

Is There Uber In Copenhagen: FAQs

Below are some questions related to “Is there Uber in Copenhagen?” along with my answers.

Is there Uber in Copenhagen?

• No, Uber does not operate in Copenhagen. However, there are alternative ride-sharing services available in the city.

Are taxis readily available in Copenhagen?

• Yes, taxis are readily available in Copenhagen. You can find taxi stands at popular locations, hotels, and transportation hubs throughout the city.

Can I use public transportation as an alternative to Uber in Copenhagen?

• Yes, Copenhagen has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trains, and metro that can be used as an alternative to Uber for getting around the city.

How much does a typical ride cost in Copenhagen without Uber?

• The cost of a ride in Copenhagen without Uber varies depending on the distance traveled and the time of day. You can check the rates of alternative ride-sharing services or taxis before booking a ride.

Can I pay for rides in Copenhagen with cash?

• Most ride-sharing services and taxis in Copenhagen accept cashless payment methods such as credit/debit cards or mobile payment apps. However, it’s always best to check with the service provider beforehand.

Conclusion

Copenhagen’s streets may not echo with Uber drivers’ GPS instructions, but the city’s transportation options remain robust. Whether you hop into a traditional cab or embrace the Viggo experience, getting around this vibrant city is a breeze.

So next time you’re in Copenhagen, remember: No Uber, no problem! 🚖🇩🇰