How to get around in Greenland
Greenland is a rugged land and except for a few settlements and sheep farms in South Greenland there are no roads between any towns or communities. This means that passenger-approved boats, helicopters and planes tie the country together in a web of sea and air connections operated by both large and small scale operators.
Read on below to see a list of the most popular means of transportation in Greenland.
From town to town – Via plane
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.
Fun fact:
There are no roads connecting two towns in Greenland
From town to settlement – Via helicopter
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.
From place to place – Via coastal ferry
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
For more information contact aul.gl
Disko Line, operates on the entire west coast of Greenland including the South Greenland region. Ticket bookings can be made via www.diskoline.gl
In South Greenland, Blue Ice Explorer sails, they sail between Narsarsuaq and Qaqortoq in the summer season. Ticket bookings via www.blueice.gl. Additionally Nuuk Water Taxi and Maniitsoq Tour Boat connect Maniitsoq with the capital Nuuk,
By car, bus or taxi within the towns
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.
List of taxi and public transport providers in Greenland
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.
Feeling adventurous?
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.
