Air Greenland, the airline company of Greenland, handles a great part of the transportation of passengers with its two-engine Dash 8-200. Each plane can carry up to 37 passengers and offer you an amazing view of Greenland from above on a clear day due to its lower flying altitude.
As there are often no landing strips for planes in the smaller settlements and towns, Air Greenland serves these settlements with different helicopters. Helicopters especially serve the settlements in South Greenland, North and East Greenland, as well as some smaller villages. As with the planes, the helicopters also offer you a one of a kind view over the beautiful landscape of Greenland.
Sailing is another popular means of transportation in Greenland.
The passenger ship Sarfaq Ittuk from Arctic Umiaq Line is in service from April to December between Qaqortoq in South Greenland and Ilulissat in North Greenland. In the summer season it is a good idea to book tickets well in advance. You have the possibility to book a bunk bed in a common cabin (1-4 beds) or a private cabin with a bathroom. Additionally, Sarfaq Ittuk offers two types of suites, the Umiaq Junior Suite and the larger Igloo Suite.
For more information about sailing tours contact aul.gl or the local tourist office.
The shipping company, Disko Line, operates on the entire west coast of Greenland including the South Greenland region, with many small ships. Ticket bookings can be made via www.diskoline.gl
In South Greenland, Blue Ice Explorer sails with seven different boats. They sail between Narsarsuaq, Narsaq and Qaqortoq in the summer season. Ticket bookings can be made via www.blueice.gl
Additionally Nuuk Water Taxi and Maniitsoq Tour Boat connect Maniitsoq with the capital Nuuk, both on a seasonal basis
Always be sure to only use passenger-approved boats and ships – both for your own safety and to abide by the law.
Especially in Greenland’s bigger towns like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq cars, buses and taxis are popular means of transportation. Even though greenlandic towns aren’t very big population wise they can spread over a few miles / kilometres from one end to the other.
Nuuk
Taxi: Nuuk Taxi (+299 36 36 36) or Taxagut (+299 321 321)
Public Transport: Nuup Bussii
Sisimiut
Taxi: Sisimiut Taxi (+299 865533) or Jakob Davidsen Taxi (+299 562874)
Bus: See the Bus Schedule here →
Ilulissat
Taxi: Ilulissat Taxi (+299 944944)
Bus: See the Bus Schedule here →
Qaqortoq
Taxi: Qaqortoq Taxi (+299 641111) & (+299 388888)
Bus: See the Bus Schedule here →
Maniitsoq
Taxi: Maniitsoq Taxi (+299 520844)
Bus: See the Bus Schedule here →
Kangerlussuaq
Aasiaat
Taxi: Aasiaat taxi (+299 352171)
Paamiut
Taxi: Paamiut taxi (+299 235687)
Uummannaq
Taxi: Uummannaq Taxi (+299 551717)
Narsaq
Taxi: Jensens Taxa (+299 282824)
Qasigiannguit
Taxa 944 944 (+299 944944)
The smaller settlements where there are less roads and the distances are shorter, can be easily explored by foot or, if you need to transport heavier goods, by ATV.
Travelling in Greenland will be an adventure no matter what means of transportation you choose.
However, if you’re looking for that extra ‘kick’, transportation between close-by settlements and towns can be booked via dog sled or kayak expeditions with smaller operators. If you’re more into hiking you can also consider embarking on an adventure on the Arctic Circle Trail, the famous 165 km hiking trail that connects Kangerlussuaq with Sisimiut.
How can I get around in Greenland?
You can travel by plane between towns, by helicopter between towns and settlements and between places by boats or coastal ferry. Within towns and some settlements you have the option to travel by taxi, car or public transport.
Are there buses in Greenland?
There are buses running in Ilulissat, Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq and Qaqortoq.
Are there roads in Greenland?
There are roads within the towns and settlements. However, there are not roads connecting two towns in Greenland.
Can you drive across Greenland?
You cannot drive across Greenland as there are no roads connecting two towns. The only way to travel between towns is by boat, helicopter and/or plane.
What are the traditional means of transport in Greenland?
Some of the more traditional means of transport in Greenland that are still used today are the Kayak and the Dogsled.