How to get to Greenland
Looking to visit the world’s largest island?
Here’s your ultimate guide on how to get to Greenland.
To Greenland via plane
Commercial airlines are the only way for travellers to get to Greenland, served by airports in Denmark, Canada, Iceland and the USA unless you arrive with a cruise ship or chartered boat.
There are currently six international airports in Greenland – Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Kulusuk and Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Point).
New flight schedule makes Greenland more accessible
Big changes for Greenland tourism: Nuuk’s new international airport opened Nov 28, 2024 and Qaqortoq’s on April 16, 2026 with one more opening in Ilulissat, 2026.
To Greenland from Europe
If your point of departure is in mainland Europe, the quickest way to get to Greenland is via Copenhagen, Denmark. Air Greenland operates frequent flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk all-year round. The direct flight between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen, twice a week, will in 2026 operate from February 10 to November 17.
You can also fly with Air Greenland from Billund in the summer, and Air Greenland offers flights from Aalborg from June to September.
From Nuuk Air Greenland offers connecting flights to Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Maniitsoq, and Qaqortoq.
To Greenland from the US & Canada – Via Iceland
In the summer, from June to September, United Airlines operates direct flights from Newark to Nuuk.
If you’re planning on flying to Greenland via the US (outside summer), Canada and the UK, the quickest way to get to Greenland is through Iceland. Air Greenland operates direct flights from Keflavik International Airport just outside Reykjavik to the capital Nuuk all year-round. With Icelandair you can also fly directly from Keflavik Airport to Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Qaqortoq and Nuuk.
Norland Air has one route between Akureyri to Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Point) in North-East Greenland that has a few departures per week all year round. There is a seasonal route between Nuuk and Iqaluit from June to October. This creates a smooth connection to other destinations in Canada. Learn more about the flight between Nuuk and Iqaluit here.
Airlines in Greenland
Air Greenland is the national airline that provides international and domestic connection to and in Greenland. It operates regular flights from Copenhagen, Billund (seasonal) and Aalborg (seasonal) to the international airport in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq (February to November). Air Greenland also offers seasonal flights between Keflavik near Reykjavik in Iceland and Ilulissat.
Icelandair also operates flights from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) just outside of Reykjavik to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Qaqortoq and Kulusuk. Norlandair from Akureyri in Iceland, also operates to Constable Point in North East Greenland.
United Airlines offers direct flights between Newark (EWR) and Nuuk (GOH). Operating twice weekly, this route provides convenient access from the U.S. to Greenland’s capital.
By sea to Greenland
Cruises to Greenland
There are no ferry connections between Greenland and Iceland, Denmark or Canada. However, more and more cruise shipping companies are choosing to include Greenland on their itineraries, whereby it is possible to begin the voyage from Iceland or go onboard at, for example, Kangerlussuaq. Some shipping companies also sail from the USA and Canada or a country in Europe.
Chartered boat expeditions to Greenland
It’s also possible to charter your own boat to Greenland. It’s important to note though that a permit is required for travelling in various parts of Greenland with no public access like the National Park and parts of East Greenland for example. Special rules also apply to the Ilulissat Icefjord due to its UNESCO world heritage site status.