How to Get Around Greenland?

No roads and no trains in Greenland

Greenland has no roads, so getting around can be a challenge-

81% of the island is covered by ice, so traversing the terrain by car or train from city to city is not an option.

The only way to get around Greenland is by plane, helicopter, and boat.

But don’t let that stop you from exploring this amazing country!

Let’s go into detail about these transport methods so you can decide which is best for your trip.

Planes

Air transportation is the most popular and fastest way to get around Greenland.

The national airline, Air Greenland, offers flights to all the cities and settlements on the island, including the popular Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Kangerlussuaq to the farthest east and north settlements and villages like Ittoqqortoormiit and Upernavik.

Just notice that Air Greenland is the only airline operating in Greenland, so that flights can be expensive because of their monopoly.

Also, the schedule of these flights is subject to change due to weather conditions.

The flight times vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your destination.

This is an excellent option for those who want to cover a lot of ground quickly and easily.

Helicopters

Helicopters are another excellent option for getting around Greenland, especially if you want to explore more remote Greenland areas.

This mode of transport is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems like glaciers and ice sheets.

Helicopter tours throughout Greenland offer a unique way to explore the rugged terrain.

The flight times vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your destination.

Helicopters in Greenland are operated by Air Greenland, too, and it’s like a regular flight here; the only difference is that helicopters are used for short flights or remote places, which makes it more convenient to fly there with a helicopter instead of a plane.

Helicopters are also used sometimes for flights that don’t have many people who booked them, so they’re an excellent option for those looking to explore quieter areas.

You can also find helicopter operators around Greenland that offer tourist sightseeing flights.

These flights usually include aerial views of glaciers, mountains, fjords, and other natural wonders – Air Zafari in Ilulissat is one of the most popular companies, with prices starting at 3500 DKK for a flight of around 15 minutes.

Boats and Ships

The other way to travel around Greenland is by boat.

This option is ideal for those who want to get off the beaten path and explore some of the island’s more remote areas.

And if you ask me, it’s a more authentic way of traveling and exploring the country.

Boats are a great way to explore Greenland, offering the chance to admire its stunning landscapes from the comfort of a boat while being accompanied by various activities like whale watching or kayaking.

You can find boat tours ranging from 1-day trips to longer excursions that last up to 8 days – the choice is yours!

Also, remember that boats may not be able to reach specific destinations due to weather conditions or the sea ice.

If you choose this option, plan and research to ensure your trip is as safe as possible.

From Qaqortoq in the south to Ilulissat in the north, along the west coast, the Arctic Umiaq Line is your go-to in Greenland. Nine months of the year, you can enjoy the breathtaking views around this region while making your way north – all on a comfortable passenger ship.

The Ferry, owned by Royal Arctic Line, stops in a few major towns and settlements, but you need to remember it’s not a cruise – you have 30 minutes in every place, so you don’t have time to explore.

You have enough time to get off the boat and explore only a few cities, like Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Ilulissat, and Sisimiut.

For shorter trips, you can take local boats available in most of the small towns around Greenland – these boats will often go from one village to another.

The popular shipping companies for these boats are Disko Line (for boats in South Greenland and Disko Bay) and Blue Ice Explorer (for boats only in South Greenland).

This is a fantastic way to explore the fjords in Greenland that are otherwise inaccessible by other means of transportation.

You can enjoy breathtaking glaciers, mountains, and wildlife views while navigating Greenland waters.

These smaller boats offer a unique way to cover a large amount of ground quickly and easily.

Renting your boat and the motor is also possible if you want more freedom to explore. However, this option is expensive and requires a bit more planning.

Want to make the trip between Nuuk and Maniitsoq? The Nuuk Water Taxi and Maniitsoq Tour Boat make that possible! Experience incredible views along the way without worrying about transport – book one of these seasonal services and enjoy a smooth ride between the two cities.

Alternate Means of Transportation in Greenland – dog sledding tours, snowmobile tours, hiking trails

Greenland, the largest island in the world, is known for its stunning natural beauty and arctic landscape.

However, traditional transportation does not navigate the island easily due to its rugged terrain.

This is where alternate means of transportation come into play.

Dog sledding tours are a popular option, allowing visitors to experience the traditional mode of transportation used by the Inuit people.

Snowmobile tours provide a more modern way to explore the island, allowing incredible speed and range.

For those who prefer a more active approach, hiking trails offer a chance to see Greenland up close and personal.

No matter which option you choose, an alternate means of transportation is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Greenland.