Copenhagen is considering a major expansion of its metro system, with city authorities announcing that eight potential new lines are now under study. The proposal, supported by a broad coalition in theKøbenhavns Rådhus (Copenhagen city hall), aims to future-proof the capital’s public transportation and make it easier for residents and commuters to travel efficiently across the metropolitan area.
Copenhagen metro network: rapid growth since 2002
The Copenhagen Metro currently consists of four fully automated, driverless lines, with the most recent, M4, completed in 2024. Construction of a fifth line (M5), which will connect Hovedbanegården to the new Lynetteholm district, is already at an advanced planning stage.
Since its inauguration in 2002, the metro system has rapidly expanded to become a backbone of urban mobility in the Danish capital. The network is operated by Metro Service A/S, a subsidiary of Azienda Trasporti Milanesi S.p.A (ATM), the public transport company of Milan, Italy.
Eight new metro lines under consideration
According to a press release from Københavns Kommune, a majority of political parties—including Socialdemokratiet, SF, Det Radikale Venstre, Konservative, Venstre, Liberal Alliance, and independent councillor Finn Rudaizky—have agreed to initiate feasibility studies on eight possible metro lines. These potential projects include:
- Rigshospitalet – Herlev Hospital (new line)
- Vanløse St. – Tingbjerg (extension of M1/M2)
- Stengade St. – Tingbjerg (branch of M5)
- København Syd – Hvidovre Hospital (extension of M4)
- København Syd – Emdrup St. (extension of M4)
- Hellerup Havn – Københavns Lufthavn (new line)
- Bispebjerg Hospital – Holmen (new line)
- Øresundsmetro (Prags Blv. Øst – Malmö C) (new line, connecting Denmark and Sweden)
If built, these new connections would greatly enhance cross-city and regional accessibility, including the creation of an Øresundsmetro—a direct link between Copenhagen and Malmö that would strengthen ties with Sweden and facilitate cross-border commuting.
Political consensus and next steps
The initiative comes from the forligskredsen behind the Lynetteholm project, who argue that future urban development and sustainability goals require a robust and flexible public transport infrastructure. Preliminary screening has already been completed by Metroselskabet, which will also oversee the next phases of detailed analysis and planning.
Not all political groups are backing the plan: Enhedslisten and Alternativet have chosen to remain outside the agreement.
Urban mobility and international collaboration
The Copenhagen Metro’s rapid growth is notable in a European context, both for its technological innovation (being fully driverless) and for the international collaboration involved in its operation. The management by Milan’s ATM highlights a unique partnership between Denmark and Italy in public transport innovation.
Looking ahead, the proposed expansion could reinforce Copenhagen’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban mobility and set new standards for cross-border transportation solutions in the region.
