One of the safest roads in Europe is in Danmark or Denmark. This country’s road is well-maintained and is usually in good condition so that the driving will be smoother and hassle-free. Another plus side is that the motorway network is located throughout the country to go to your destinations in less time. Overall, the drive is generally a pleasurable experience for many tourists and locals.
However, know that those car rentals are expensive in Denmark and petrol will cost you even more. Renting may be convenient, but you may want to see your options of going around the country. The flip side is, if you have the budget, you should definitely go for it.
Decide first whether you really need to rent a car in this country or you can get by with buses and public commuting. You may be staying in Copenhagen, and if you’re going to see the tourist spots nearby, you don’t need to rent. Public transport and bicycles may be more than enough since the services are excellent, and parking is costly.
You may be planning a cross-country trip and go further afield, and it’s best if you could stick to the primary cities. With this said, you still won’t probably need your own vehicle to travel. The public transport is efficient, and there are regular departures like the 45-minute train trips to Helsingor from Copenhagen.
However, if you’re going somewhere specific or you want to try the beaten track to see the beautiful countryside and coastlines, then a car rental will definitely open a world of options for you. There are rural settlements and unique fishing villages that you can visit in your spare time. These things are not available when you’re opting for public transport.
There’s also the chance to see some parts of the countries that don’t have a lot of tourists and most visitors never reach. If you’re set on renting a car, then here’s some helpful information for you.
Where to Rent?
Major international rental companies are available for you 24/7 to cater to your needs. Some have offices in Denmark, and others are available in airports. Check out i Danmark for more information about legitimate rental companies. It’s best if you could book in advance through online platforms so you can save more. Expect to pay within the range of 1500 to 2000 DKK if you’re going to need the car for a week. This is the rate of many major companies, but you may find cheaper deals online.
One of the more accessible options is to look for social media pages and online bookings that offer affordable vehicle rentals. Tons of providers are out there, and you just need to specify what you’re looking for so you can get quotes. Save and budget for petrol and get ready with the toll fees.
Options to Know About
-One of the things to do when it comes to car rentals is to contact a private individual. You may have a family or friend in the country who is willing to lend their vehicles to you during your short stay. Other car-hailing services are advertised in various social media platforms and online ads where the cars may range from a Mercedes to a Skoda.
-Budget companies are available for those who are looking for cheaper rates. However, when it’s time to pick up what you’ve agreed on, you may find the representatives to do hard sells so you can upgrade to something more. Say no to all the extras, upgrades, and additional insurance if you want to save.
-It would be best to bring your child’s own car seat, so you won’t have to use one from the companies. Others also use the GPS that their phone offers, so they don’t need an extra one.
-Before you leave the country, apply for an excess insurance policy online. Some companies will encourage you to reduce your insurance payments by about £8. Annual policies in Europe are often around £46, so even if you’re going to Denmark only once a year, you can still save money.
Licenses in the EU
It’s best to have a valid EU driving license from Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands, Norway, or Iceland. The holders of non-EU driving licenses are still allowed to drive around the country in Denmark, but they are only allowed to do so for 90 days.
Renting a vehicle means that you should be at least 21 years old and you’ve held the license for over a year. For foreign ones written in Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, or other non-Roman characters, an International Driving Permit is a must before you’re allowed to drive.
Rules in the Country
As with any other country in the EU, Denmark has similar rules, which is you’re required to drive cars to the right side, and you can only overtake in the left-hand lanes. Know that there are enforced speed limits, and these are around 31 mph in cities and towns. On open roads, it’s 49 mph and 81 mph for the motorways with four lanes and major highways.
Driving and Drinking
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden in any part of the country. Denmark is very strict with this, and it has some of the lowest limits in Europe, much lower than the UK. The legal driving limit is 0.05% breath alcohol concentration, and if you’re caught with more than the allowed level, you may expect to land in jail and pay high fines.
Seatbelts and Mobile Phones
Calling, texting, or using your mobile phone while driving is definitely forbidden. It’s best if you could rent a vehicle with hands-free systems built into the driver’s seat so you can navigate the map while driving without holding your mobile phone.
Seatbelts are a must for all passengers. If you have a child passenger under 4.3 feet, they must use a booster or car seat for additional safety. There are also on-the-spot fines for anyone caught breaking the law. There are hefty penalties, and it’s best to read the rules before you go, especially if this is your first time in Denmark.
Helpful Tips for You
Cyclists May Be Everywhere on the Road
You need to watch out for cyclists as so many of them are frequently found on the roads of Denmark. Non-Danes and tourists often have a challenging time getting used to a lot of cyclists on national roads.
Some of them have bike lanes, countless cycle paths, and people of all ages who are riding a bike. They are everywhere regardless of the weather, and in various circumstances, the cyclists always have the right of way. Keep a careful look before you turn and avoid the cycle lanes.
Be Careful when Parking
Many cars in Denmark will have a parking disc that’s located on the dashboard. It’s best to check this before you take out the vehicle you’re renting, as they are used in areas where parking does not have any fees.
The disc is a clock that sets the time when you’ve arrived at a particular location. The street signs and car park signals will tell you where you’re allowed to park, so always be on the lookout. If you don’t have this particular disc, you might find your vehicle getting towed away, and this will also result in hefty fines.
Info about the Toll Fees
Denmark doesn’t necessarily have toll roads, but the ones on the bridges are pricey. Some are found in the links of Fyn and Zealand, and cars that are average in size may need to pay about 245 DKK when they want to do a one-way cross.
The second toll bridge is the iconic Oresund bridge that connects Malmo in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark. Approximate costs are about 450 DKK or 53 USD. There’s an advance payment online where you only have to pay 420 DKK.
If you decide to drive your car over to Sweden through the Oresund Bridge, it’s best to check with the rental company first if this is allowed. Some are not allowed to operate within international borders, and others are fine, but there will be extra fees. Read the terms and conditions, policies, and other helpful information before you drive to international borders, and make sure to prepare your trip accordingly.
Call several companies and let them know your itinerary. Others will give you quotes over the phone, or you can see their pricing online, while some will provide you with discounts if you book early.