Siemens Mobility and Aarsleff Rail have successfully completed the delivery of the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail, marking a major milestone in Denmark's public transport transformation.
The full 28-kilometre light rail network is now operational, connecting Ishøj in the south with Lundtofte, north of Lyngby, via 29 modern stations located along Ring 3. The scheme creates an important cross-regional transport corridor, linking residential areas, business districts, hospitals, educational institutions and key transport interchanges across the Greater Copenhagen region.
Delivered under a comprehensive turnkey contract, Siemens Mobility supplied 29 Avenio light rail vehicles alongside the electrification, signalling and communications systems required to support the network. The company also provided depot workshop equipment, project management, system integration and a 15-year maintenance agreement.
The infrastructure investment is expected to encourage greater use of sustainable transport, serving around 12,000 passengers daily and forecast to attract approximately 14 million journeys annually by 2030.
Speaking about the achievement, Léon Soulier, CEO of the Turnkey Business Unit at Siemens Mobility, said:
"With the full opening of the Capital Light Rail, we are proud to see Siemens Mobility's turnkey expertise contribute to one of the most ambitious public transport projects in Denmark."
He added:
"From the delivery of 29 innovative Avenio light rail trains to electrification, signaling technology, communication solutions, system integration, depot equipment and long-term maintenance, this light rail system delivers a significant improvement in everyday mobility while underscoring a strong commitment to sustainable transport."
The project has been delivered through close collaboration between Siemens Mobility, Aarsleff Rail and the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail organisation. The first phase of the network opened in October 2025, when 12 stations entered service. With the launch of the remaining 17 stations, all eight municipalities served by the route are now connected, with integrated links to six S-train stations.
Frequent Services to Support Modal Shift
Passengers using the new network will benefit from frequent and reliable services. During an initial transition period of three to six months, trams will operate every five to eight minutes throughout the day, with departures every 10 minutes during evenings and on Sundays.
The high-frequency timetable is designed to support a shift away from private car use, helping ease congestion across one of Denmark's busiest urban regions while supporting national sustainability objectives.
Siemens Avenio Fleet at the Heart of Operations
The Greater Copenhagen Light Rail fleet comprises 29 Siemens Avenio vehicles, specifically designed to meet the region's future mobility requirements.
Each tram measures 36.9 metres in length and can accommodate up to 260 passengers, including 64 seated travellers. Flexible standing areas, together with dedicated spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs, provide a highly accessible passenger environment.
The low-floor design enables step-free boarding throughout the network, improving accessibility for all users. Combined with energy-efficient operation and enhanced passenger comfort, the Avenio platform has been developed to support modern urban mobility demands.
Capable of operating at speeds of up to 70 km/h, the vehicles form the backbone of a transport system designed to provide reliable, environmentally responsible and inclusive travel across the Copenhagen metropolitan area.
Key Project Facts
- 28 km light rail route
- 29 stations across Ring 3
- 29 Siemens Avenio light rail vehicles
- Eight municipalities connected
- Six S-train interchanges
- 12,000 daily passengers expected
- 14 million annual passengers forecast by 2030
- 15-year maintenance contract
- Maximum operating speed of 70 km/h
Image credits: Siemens
