Aarhus, Denmark, is home to the Aarhus Letbane, the country’s first modern light rail system, offering efficient and eco-friendly transportation across the city and its surrounding regions.
🚋 Overview of Aarhus Letbane
- Inauguration: The Aarhus Letbane commenced operations in December 2017, marking the return of tram services to Denmark after a 45-year hiatus.
- Network Length: The initial phase encompasses approximately 110 km of track, integrating both newly constructed lines and upgraded existing railway lines.
- Stations: The network serves 51 stations, connecting urban areas with suburban and regional destinations.
- Rolling Stock: The fleet includes Stadler’s VarioBahn trams for urban routes and Tango tram-trains for longer regional services.
🕒 Schedule & Frequency
The Aarhus Letbane operates two primary lines—L1 and L2—providing comprehensive coverage across Aarhus and its surrounding regions. Below is the current schedule and frequency for each line:
🚈 L1 Line: Grenaa – Aarhus H
- Route: Extends from Grenaa on the Djursland peninsula to Aarhus H (main station), passing through towns like Hornslet and Lystrup.
- Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 05:10 – 23:10
- Friday and Saturday: 05:10 – 01:24
- Sunday: 05:10 – 23:10
- Frequency:
- Weekdays: Every 3–30 minutes
- Saturday: Every 4–60 minutes
- Sunday: Every 60 minutes
- Trip Duration: Approximately 65 minutes end-to-end.
🚋 L2 Line: Odder – Lystrup
- Route: Connects Odder in the south to Lystrup in the north, traversing Aarhus city center and key locations such as Aarhus University and Skejby Hospital.
- Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 05:11 – 01:02
- Saturday and Sunday: 05:41 – 01:02
- Frequency:
- Weekdays: Every 9–21 minutes
- Weekends: Every 9–30 minutes
- Trip Duration: Approximately 30 minutes end-to-end.
📅 Seasonal and Special Schedules
Midttrafik occasionally implements special timetables for events or maintenance periods. For instance, during June 2025, there are planned evening closures between Aarhus and Grenaa, as well as adjustments for the Bestseller Half Marathon. It’s advisable to consult the official Midttrafik website for the most current schedules and any service alterations.
📱 Planning Your Journey
For real-time updates, ticket purchases, and detailed planning:
- Midttrafik App: Available on iOS and Android for ticketing and live service information.
- Rejseplanen: Offers comprehensive journey planning across Denmark.
- Midttrafik Website: Provides schedules, fare details, and service alerts.
These tools ensure a smooth and informed travel experience on the Aarhus Letbane.
🚈 Light Rail Lines
L1 Line: Grenaa – Aarhus H
- Route: Extends from Grenaa on the Djursland peninsula to Aarhus H (main station), traversing towns like Hornslet and Lystrup.
- Stops: 22 stations along the route.
- Operating Hours: Daily from 05:10 to 23:10; extended service until 01:24 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Frequency: Every 3–30 minutes on weekdays; up to 60 minutes on Sundays.
L2 Line: Odder – Lystrup
- Route: Connects Odder in the south to Lystrup in the north, passing through Aarhus city center.
- Stops: 22 stations along the route.
- Operating Hours: Daily from 05:11 to 01:02.
- Frequency: Every 9–21 minutes on weekdays; every 9–30 minutes on weekends.
🎟️Fares
The Aarhus Letbane offers several ticket options to suit different travel needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available fares:
🎟️ Ticket Options
Single Trip Ticket
- Price: DKK 26.00 for a 2-zone journey.
- Validity: Valid for 2 hours and 15 minutes within Aarhus Municipality (zones 301–313).
- Purchase: Available via the Midttrafik app, Rejsebillet app, or ticket machines on Letbane platforms.
Day Tickets
- Aarhus Day Ticket:
- Price: DKK 49.00 for adults and seniors; DKK 24.50 for children.
- Validity: Unlimited travel within Aarhus Municipality (zones 301–313) until 23:59 on the day of purchase.
- Additional Info: Adults and seniors can bring up to two children under 12 years old for free.
- Midtjylland Day Ticket:
- Price: DKK 99.00 for adults and seniors; DKK 49.50 for children.
- Validity: Unlimited travel throughout the Central Denmark Region until 23:59 on the day of purchase.
- Additional Info: Same child travel benefits as the Aarhus Day Ticket.
Multi-Trip Tickets
- 10-Trip Ticket:
- Price: DKK 230.00 for 2-zone journeys.
- Validity: Each trip is valid for 2 hours and 15 minutes within Aarhus Municipality.
- Purchase: Available through the Midttrafik app.
Transit Ticket (Commuter Pass)
- Description: Offers unlimited travel within a chosen area for a fixed price.
- Minimum Purchase: 30 consecutive days.
- Usage: Valid on buses, Letbanen, and trains within the selected area.
📲 How to Purchase Tickets
- Midttrafik App: Buy single, multi-trip, and day tickets for buses, Letbanen, and Midtjyske Jernbaner.
- Rejsebillet App: Purchase single trip tickets and commuter products throughout Denmark.
- Ticket Machines: Located on Letbane platforms; accept international payment cards.
- Midttrafik Webshop: Buy and print tickets from home or show them on your mobile device.
🚨 Important Information
- Advance Purchase: Tickets must be purchased before boarding. Failure to present a valid ticket during inspections may result in a fine of approximately €130.
- Child Travel: Children under 12 years old travel free when accompanied by a paying adult or senior (up to two children per adult/senior).
- Payment Methods: International payment cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted. National payment cards from other countries may not be accepted.
Tickets & Travel Information
- Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be bought via the Midttrafik app, at ticket machines on Letbane platforms, or on city buses (cash only).
- Travel Planning: Use Rejseplanen for journey planning and Midttrafik for schedules, fares, and service updates.
🗺️ Trams in Aarhus Map
🗺️ Exploring Aarhus with Letbanen
The Aarhus Letbane seamlessly connects the city center with key destinations such as Aarhus University, Skejby Hospital, and coastal towns like Grenaa and Odder. Its integration with city buses and regional transport makes it convenient for both daily commuters and tourists to navigate the Aarhus region.