·
Updated July 22, 2026
·
This content contain affiliate or advertising links. If you click and make a purchase, we may receive a commission. Your price is not affected.
Need fuel late at night, unsure how to pay at an unmanned pump, or worried about high prices? This guide explains where to find petrol, typical opening hours, payment options and what to expect from the big brands in Denmark.
- Roughly 1,700+ petrol stations across Denmark (major brands and independents).
- Most pumps are self-service; many stations are unmanned outside core hours.
- Payment: debit/credit cards, contactless, apps and fuel cards. Cash is increasingly rare.
- Fuel types: unleaded 92/95, diesel, bio-blends, electric charging at many stations.
Gas Stations
Petrol stations in Danish are called tankstationer (or petrol stations). In towns you’ll usually find full-service convenience stores attached to brand locations; on motorways expect fewer options and sometimes only self-serve pumps. If you drive a lot, the main practical concerns are opening hours, payment options and whether the station has the right fuel or EV charger for your vehicle.
Most stations are self-service and accept Danish debit (Dankort) and international contactless cards; contactless mobile payments and brand apps are increasingly common. If you plan to use apps to pay or to find a station, see more about mobiles in Denmark so you can get the right data plan and apps working on your phone.
Payment gotchas: some remote pumps won’t accept foreign chip-and-pin cards or certain prepaid cards. If a pump asks for a PIN and your card uses signature, the transaction can fail – carry a second card or use a brand app where possible.
How to pump, pay and check fuel types
- Check pump labels for fuel type (Benzin 92/95 for petrol, Diesel for diesel). If you drive an EV, look for charging symbols or a charger icon.
- At unmanned stations: select pump → choose fuel → insert card or tap contactless/mobile (follow on-screen prompts). Many pumps pre-authorise a small amount.
- If payment fails: try the station app or go inside any staffed convenience store at the site. If no staff, another station down the road may accept your card.
- Keep receipts; fuel cards and apps sometimes give discounts or points useful for regular drivers.
Insider tip: if you need mobile data to use an app at the pump, consider getting a local SIM. You can read how to get a Danish prepaid SIM and start using mobile payment quickly.
Petrol Stations By Brand
Below are the main chains you’ll meet on Danish roads, what they typically offer and the usual opening hour patterns.
Shell
Shell is a global brand present across Denmark. Many Shell sites include convenience stores (7-Eleven at some locations), car wash bays and a mix of staffed and unmanned pumps. Shell promotes various fuel grades and increasingly offers electric vehicle chargers at major sites.
Opening hours
Hours vary by site; many suburban stations open early and close late (roughly 6:00-23:00) while larger motorway or city stations may be 24/7. Check the site map or the Shell app for specific opening times.
Circle K
Circle K operates hundreds of stations and is commonly found at urban and motorway locations. Expect a full convenience shop, loyalty options and self-serve pumps. They also run a station app for payments and offers.
Opening hours
Many Circle K stations are open 24/7, especially those on major routes or near bigger towns. Smaller local sites can have reduced hours.
OK
OK is a Danish cooperative-style brand with many local outlets. OK often emphasises community ties and offers an OK discount card and mobile plans as part of cross-promotions.
Opening hours
OK stations do not have a single uniform schedule – you will find both 24-hour sites and smaller outlets that open around 5:30-6:00 and close by 23:00. Use the OK app or site to locate exact opening times.
INGO
INGO positions itself on price, with a straightforward self-service model and a smaller footprint in town centres. They typically offer standard petrol grades and diesel.
Opening hours
Many INGO sites are open 24/7; some holiday or local-site restrictions may apply.
Q8
Q8 (Kuwait Petroleum) is a well-known brand in Denmark with a mix of stations offering convenience stores, car wash and sometimes EV chargers. Q8 often runs loyalty fuel cards for businesses and regular drivers.
Opening hours
Hours vary by location. Expect many Q8 stations to operate roughly 6:00-22:00, with select sites open overnight.
Uno-X
Uno-X emphasises low-cost petrol and largely unmanned, simple sites. Expect pay-and-pump systems, fewer amenities, and a strong presence across Denmark.
Opening hours
Most Uno-X stations are self-service 24/7.
F24
F24 is a smaller chain in Denmark, often competing on price and convenience. F24 sites are typically minimal but functional, aimed at drivers who want to fill quickly and cheaply.
Opening hours
Many F24 stations offer 24/7 access.
YX
YX is a smaller chain connected to the Uno-X family. You’ll find YX sites in select towns and often sharing backend systems with Uno-X for apps and payment.
Opening hours
Many YX stations operate 24/7, especially the unmanned sites.
Go’on
Go’on is a locally-focused chain often co-located with smaller Spar supermarkets or independent retailers. They have expanded rapidly in recent years and typically serve local communities rather than motorways.
Opening hours
Opening hours vary significantly between locations – many aim for long hours or 24/7 in larger sites, while small-town stations follow the local shop schedule.
Self-serve chains
Uno-X, INGO and F24 focus on low-price, unmanned, 24/7 models. Good if you want cheap fuel and minimal facilities.
Full-service chains
Shell, Circle K and Q8 tend to offer shops, car washes and EV chargers at larger sites – useful for longer trips or if you need extra services.
FAQs
Practical answers to common questions about petrol stations in Denmark.
How many gas stations are there in Denmark?
Counting major brands and independents, sources have reported roughly 1,700 petrol stations nationwide.
What is a gas station called in Denmark?
In Danish, a gas station is called a tankstation. Petrol itself is often called benzin. You’ll see signage using these words.
Is gas expensive in Denmark?
Fuel prices in Denmark tend to be higher than in many countries because of taxes and environmental levies. Prices fluctuate with global oil markets and local taxes – use price-comparison apps or loyalty programs to reduce cost per litre.
If you plan to shop at petrol convenience stores, check opening rules around holidays: see Danish grocery store opening hours at Christmas and New Year 2026 for how shop hours can affect petrol-site stores during the holidays.
Final notes
Most of your petrol needs in Denmark will be covered by the major chains; choose between lower-cost unmanned sites or full-service stations depending on whether you value price or convenience. If you need help getting mobile payment or data for station apps, learn about local mobile options and prepaid SIMs and mobile plans or read more about mobiles in Denmark to get online quickly.
Two simple actions: keep one card that supports contactless payments and download the brand app you use most often. If you’re new to Denmark, also read up on shopping in Denmark so you know where station shops fit into local shopping habits.