Greenland: how you actually get there, and how you move once you arrive

Greenland is vast, quiet, and shaped by ice and sea. Getting around isn’t difficult, but it is different. There are no roads linking towns, and transport follows the geography: flights, boats, and a small number of airport shuttles and transfers.

If you’re planning to reach places like Ilulissat Icefjord, the Kangerlussuaq ice sheet, Disko Island, or Prince Christian Sound, understanding how transport works is essential.

This is how it all fits together.

How to reach Greenland

Almost everyone reaches Greenland by air, usually via Denmark or Iceland.

Main international routes

• Copenhagen → Greenland (year-round)

• Reykjavík → Greenland (mostly seasonal, more frequent in summer)

Your arrival airport shapes everything that follows.

Key arrival airports

• Kangerlussuaq – historic main hub, close to the ice sheet

• Nuuk – capital city and growing international gateway

• Ilulissat – direct seasonal flights, gateway to the icefjord

From these airports, onward travel is by domestic flight, boat, or a mix of both.

Airport shuttles and transfers in Greenland

Airport shuttles and transfers in Greenland are simple, local, and practical rather than flashy.

You’ll mainly find:

• Hotel shuttles in Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Kangerlussuaq

• Pre-arranged airport transfers for tours and excursions

• Local taxis in larger towns (limited availability, no ride-hailing apps)

Because flights are often timed around weather, pre-booking airport transfers is common — especially in winter or late at night.

Flights within Greenland

Domestic flights are the backbone of travel in Greenland.

Why flights matter

• No roads connect towns

• Distances are long

• Weather can change plans quickly

Air Greenland operates most domestic routes, linking:

• Nuuk

• Ilulissat

• Kangerlussuaq

• Sisimiut

• Aasiaat

• Smaller regional airports

Flights are often short but scenic, passing over fjords, glaciers, and ice caps. Seats can be limited, so booking ahead is important, especially in summer.

Boat trips: the other way to move around

Boat trips in Greenland aren’t just excursions — they’re transport.

Depending on the season, boats connect:

• Coastal towns

• Small settlements

• Glaciers and fjords unreachable by road or air

Common uses for boat travel

• Reaching Eqip Sermia glacier

• Visiting Disko Island

• Coastal travel in summer months

• Scenic transport combined with sightseeing

In winter, sea ice limits boat travel. In summer, boats become one of the most flexible and memorable ways to move.

Reaching Greenland’s most searched destinations

Ilulissat Icefjord

• Fly to Ilulissat Airport

• Airport transfer or short taxi ride into town

• Boat trips and walking trails lead to the icefjord itself

Kangerlussuaq ice sheet

• Fly directly to Kangerlussuaq

• The ice sheet is reachable by:

  • Guided 4WD excursions

  • Shuttle-style transfers

  • Hiking routes in summer

This is one of the easiest places in Greenland to stand on the ice cap.

Eqip Sermia glacier

• Reach Ilulissat

• Continue by boat trip (day trip or overnight)

• No road access; boats are essential

Disko Island

• Fly or boat to Ilulissat

• Continue by boat to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island

• Flights are limited; boats are more common in summer

Prince Christian Sound

• Typically accessed as part of:

  • Coastal ferry routes

  • Expedition cruises

• Travel is weather-dependent and seasonal

Northern lights

• Best reached by flying into:

  • Kangerlussuaq

  • Ilulissat

  • Nuuk

• Local transfers and short drives take you away from town lights

• Winter flights are reliable, but weather buffers are wise

Nuuk

• Fly directly from Copenhagen or Iceland

• Domestic flights connect Nuuk to most regions

• Taxis and hotel shuttles cover local transport

Choosing between flights, boats, and transfers

There’s no single “best” way to get around Greenland — it depends on timing and priorities.

Flights

• Fast and reliable year-round

• Limited seats

• Weather delays possible

Boat trips

• Seasonal

• Slower but scenic

• Essential for glaciers and islands

Airport shuttles and transfers

• Simple, local, and practical

• Often bundled with accommodation or tours

• Best pre-arranged

Most visits combine all three.

A practical note on planning

In Greenland, transport isn’t something you leave to the last minute. Flights sell out, boats follow seasons, and airport transfers are often organised locally rather than through global platforms.

Build a little flexibility into your plans, especially if you’re connecting to glaciers, islands, or northern lights excursions. The pace is slower — and that’s part of the experience.

Greenland rewards patience, preparation, and a willingness to travel the way the land allows.