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 and Iceland unless you arrive with a cruise ship or chartered boat.

There are currently six international airports in Greenland – Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Narsarsuaq, Kulusuk and Constable Point.

TO GREENLAND FROM EUROPE – VIA DENMARK

Kayak bar on a warm summer day in the Copenhagen canals. Photo by Daniel Rasmussen

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 Kangerlussuaq all-year round and to Narsarsuaq two times a week in the summer season (June to August).

From Kangerlussuaq Air Greenland offers connecting flights to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Aasiaat, Sisimiut, Maniitsoq, and Narsarsuaq.

From Narsarusaq you’re connected domestically to Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Paamiut and the settlement Narsaq.

TO GREENLAND FROM THE US & CANADA – VIA ICELAND

An Icelandic Mountain Guides ski guide checking in at Reykjavik Airport and going to East Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl

If you’re planning on flying to Greenland via the US, 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 fly directly from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Narsarsuaq and Nuuk all-year round.

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.

AIRLINES IN GREENLAND

AIR GREENLAND →

Air Greenland operates regular flights from Copenhagen to the international airport in Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq (seasonal). Air Greenland also offers seasonal flights between Keflavik near Reykjavik in Iceland and Greenland’s capital Nuuk and Ilulissat.

ICELANDAIR →

Icelandair flies year round from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) to Kulusuk in East Greenland and Narsarsuaq. Icelandair also operates flights from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) just outside of Reykjavik to Nuuk and Ilulissat. Norlandair from Akureyri in Iceland, also operates to Constable Point in North East Greenland.

BY SEA TO GREENLAND

CRUISES TO GREENLAND

The cruise ship Sevens Seas Voyager passes underneath the mountain Qilertiki in South Greenland near Aappilattoq and Prince Christian Sound. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit 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

Ship drifting among icebergs near Ilulissat. Photo - Erick Lee, Visit 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.

HOW TO GET TO GREENLAND – FAQ

How far is Iceland from Greenland?

It takes around 2 hours to fly from Iceland to Kulusuk in East Greenland, around 3.5 hours to Ilulissat and Nuuk and 2.5 hours to fly to Narsarsuaq in the South.

How far is Denmark from Greenland?

Copenhagen, Denmark is a 4-hour flight away from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Can you fly to the northeast Greenland National Park?

The stations in the northeast National Park in Greenland are accessed by short gravel runways for small airplanes, however they’re not available for civilians. The nearest airport, open for civilians, is Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Point) which is close to ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), ca. 80 km from the southern border of the National Park.

Can you fly from Newfoundland to Greenland?

There are no scheduled direct flights between Newfoundland and Greenland. You can either charter a plane to go directly to Greenland or fly via Iceland.