How to Get Around Greenland: Flights, Ferries, and No Roads Explained

How to Get Around in Greenland: A Complete Travel Guide for Adventurers

Greenland is one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth, where immense glaciers, towering icebergs, and colorful Inuit villages define the landscape. But getting around Greenland requires a different mindset, as its lack of traditional infrastructure makes travel an adventure in itself. With no roads connecting towns, visitors rely on a combination of flights, ferries, boats, and helicopters. Here's your essential guide to traveling to and within Greenland, including key tips on how to make the most of your journey.

How to Get to Greenland

There are no direct flights from the U.S. or most European countries, so getting to Greenland usually involves a layover in Iceland or Denmark. Two main airlines, Air Greenland and Icelandair, provide regular routes into the island. Once you land, your journey continues by plane, boat, or helicopter, depending on your destination.

1. Flights to Greenland

Reykjavik to Nuuk (Greenland's Capital)

One of the most common routes into Greenland is via Reykjavik, Iceland, to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Air Greenland operates this route with a flight time of approximately 3 hours. These flights are available year-round, but availability increases during the warmer months (May to September).

Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (International Hub)

For most international travelers, the flight from Copenhagen, Denmark to Kangerlussuaq (Greenland’s main international hub) is the easiest way in. This route, served by Air Greenland, takes about 4.5 hours. From Kangerlussuaq, travelers can catch domestic flights to various regions across the country.

Flight Booking Tips

• When to Buy Tickets: Tickets are often more affordable when booked 6 to 11 months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices and monitor trends.
• Flying with Icelandair: Another option is to fly with Icelandair from Reykjavik to Ilulissat or Nuuk. Icelandair offers a few seasonal routes to Greenland during the summer months, which are ideal for tourists.

Traveling Within Greenland

Greenland's geography and infrastructure present unique challenges for travelers. The country lacks an extensive road network, with no roads connecting towns or cities due to the rugged terrain and the vast ice cap that covers most of the island. As a result, travel between locations is limited to air, sea, or helicopter. Here’s how to explore Greenland’s towns and regions.

1. Domestic Flights: Air Greenland

For long-distance travel between Greenland's towns and settlements, Air Greenland is your go-to. The airline offers domestic flights to major destinations like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Kangerlussuaq.

• Flight Durations: For example, a flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, while a flight from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut lasts around 40 minutes.
• When to Book: Flights often fill up quickly, especially in the summer, so it’s wise to book domestic tickets early. These flights can also be impacted by Greenland’s unpredictable weather, so plan for potential delays and leave some buffer time in your itinerary.

Sea Travel: Arctic Umiaq Line Ferry

For a more leisurely and scenic way to travel along the west coast of Greenland, the Arctic Umiaq Line ferry is a popular option. The ferry operates from April to October and connects several coastal towns, offering travelers a unique view of the fjords, icebergs, and wildlife.

1. The Route and Stops

The Arctic Umiaq Line runs between Qaqortoq in southern Greenland and Ilulissat in the north. The full route includes multiple stops along the way:

• Qaqortoq: A charming southern town known for its colorful homes and stone carvings.
• Narsaq: Famous for its nearby fjords and mineral-rich landscapes.
• Paamiut: A coastal village surrounded by dramatic mountains and wildlife, including whales and sea eagles.
• Nuuk: Greenland’s capital, offering a mix of modern life and traditional culture.
• Maniitsoq: Known for its stunning archipelago and opportunities for boat tours.
• Sisimiut: Greenland's second-largest town, famous for its outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
• Aasiaat: A hub for Disko Bay explorations, known for its birdlife and sea kayaking.
• Ilulissat: One of the most popular tourist destinations in Greenland, home to the breathtaking Ilulissat Icefjord.

The ferry provides a unique opportunity to explore the country while interacting with locals and witnessing Greenland's majestic coastal scenery.

2. How to Book Ferry Tickets

• Booking Online: You can book tickets directly on the Arctic Umiaq Line website. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist months.
• Comfort Options: The ferry offers several comfort levels, including basic sleeping accommodations, shared dorms, and private cabins.
• Travel Time: The full route from Qaqortoq to Ilulissat can take up to four days, but you can choose shorter segments based on your itinerary.

Helicopter Travel with Air Greenland

For those looking to reach remote settlements or explore Greenland's more isolated regions, helicopters are often the only option. Air Greenland offers regular helicopter transfers, especially to towns and villages that don’t have an airport or are difficult to reach by boat. Helicopter flights also give you an incredible bird’s-eye view of Greenland’s ice caps, glaciers, and rugged coastlines.

• Popular Routes: Helicopter routes include Tasiilaq on the east coast and settlements in South Greenland like Nanortalik.
• Flight Durations: Flight times vary depending on the distance. For instance, a helicopter flight from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq takes about 10 minutes.

Traveling Within Towns in Greenland

While there are no roads connecting towns, most individual towns and settlements in Greenland are relatively easy to navigate. Each town has its own network of small roads and paths, and the preferred modes of transport within towns include:

• Walking: Most towns are small enough to explore on foot. Bring sturdy boots, especially if you're visiting during the winter or planning to hike.
• Taxis: Larger towns, such as Nuuk and Sisimiut, have taxis. These are often the quickest way to get around, but they can be expensive.
• Bicycles: In the summer months, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore larger towns like Nuuk or Ilulissat. Some hotels and guesthouses offer bikes for rent.
• Local Buses: Nuuk has a local bus system, which connects different parts of the town, including the airport and city center. It's an affordable way to get around if you're staying in the capital.

Tips for Traveling in Greenland

1. Timing is Key: The best time to visit Greenland is between May and September, when the weather is milder, and more transportation options are available. The long summer days also allow more time for exploration.
2. Pack Smart: Even during the summer, Greenland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack plenty of layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
3. Prepare for Delays: Greenland’s weather can cause delays, especially for flights and ferries. Build flexibility into your schedule and always plan for extra time in case of disruptions.
4. Book Early: Whether you’re flying with Air Greenland or taking the Arctic Umiaq Line ferry, book your tickets early to ensure availability, particularly in the high season.
5. Stay Connected: Greenland’s internet service can be slow and unreliable, especially in remote areas. To stay connected, consider purchasing a local SIM card from Tele Greenland, which provides coverage in most towns. Alternatively, for more flexibility, use an Airlo eSIM, a digital SIM that allows you to access data without needing a physical card. The Airlo eSIM is easy to set up, and you can download it before your trip, offering you data coverage as soon as you land. Be sure to also download maps and other travel resources ahead of time, as connectivity can be limited in smaller settlements.

Getting around Greenland may be different from your typical island adventure, but that’s part of its charm. Whether you're flying over glaciers, cruising through icy fjords, or navigating the colorful streets of Nuuk, every journey here is an unforgettable experience.