Getting around Greenland is part of the adventure, and it helps to know upfront that it works very differently from most places. There are no roads linking towns or regions. The ice sheet, mountains, and long fjord-cut coastline make that impossible, so travel happens by air and sea — and once you accept that, planning becomes much simpler.

Most people move between towns by plane. Air Greenland runs regular domestic flights linking places like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq and a network of smaller towns. Flying is the fastest and most reliable way to cover long distances, but it’s not cheap and schedules are closely tied to weather. Flexibility is essential. Helicopters are also used, especially for reaching small settlements without runways, and while they cost more, they’re often the only way to reach truly remote places.

If you’re not in a hurry, travelling by sea is a memorable way to explore the coast. The Arctic Umiaq Line ferry runs seasonally along the west coast, connecting towns from the south up toward Disko Bay. It’s slow — journeys can take days rather than hours — but you see Greenland as locals do, stopping in small communities and watching the coastline unfold. In summer, regional ferries also operate between nearby towns and islands, particularly around Disko Bay and Nuuk, and these shorter sea journeys are often both scenic and practical.

Once you arrive in a town, getting around is refreshingly simple. Most towns are small, colourful, and easy to explore on foot. Walking is often the best way to experience daily life, harbours, and nearby viewpoints. Larger towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat have local buses, and taxis are available when the weather turns or you’re carrying gear. Car rentals exist in a few places, but since roads don’t go anywhere beyond town limits, they’re only useful for short local trips.

Different regions feel very distinct, and how you reach them shapes the experience. Nuuk, the capital, is the easiest place to navigate, with flights, buses, museums, cafes, and access to nearby fjords. Ilulissat is compact and focused around the famous Icefjord — you can walk almost everywhere, and boats take you straight into iceberg country. Disko Bay is ideal for combining flights and ferries, hopping between towns and islands at a relaxed pace.

East Greenland feels more remote and dramatic. Many travellers reach it via Iceland, flying to Kulusuk and then continuing by helicopter or boat to places like Tasiilaq. The landscapes are steep, wild, and less visited, and transport there can feel like an expedition in itself. Inland routes are rare, but for hikers, the Arctic Circle Trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut offers a rare chance to travel on foot through open wilderness.

The biggest practical advice is to allow extra time. Weather delays are normal, not exceptional, and plans often change. Booking transport early is important, especially in summer, and building in buffer days will make your trip far more relaxed. Seasonal differences matter too — summer opens up sea travel and hiking, while winter relies more heavily on flights and, in some areas, dog sleds or snowmobiles.

In Greenland, movement isn’t just about getting from A to B. Whether you’re flying over endless ice, sailing past calving glaciers, or walking through a quiet coastal town, the journey itself becomes part of the story.