Are you looking to explore a captivating and remote destination? Look no further than Greenland, the world’s largest island!
With its abundance of scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Greenland offers travelers an unforgettable experience.
But how do you get there from wherever you are in the world?
In this blog post, we will give you all the information needed so that your travels don’t end up being anything less than extraordinary!
Two main ways to get to Greenland – by plane or via sea
Greenland, located in the North Atlantic, can be reached in two main ways – by plane or via sea.
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Greenland.
The island has several airports, the most significant being Kangerlussuaq Airport (IATA: SFJ), which connects to the rest of Greenland, and the international airport in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen.
Another main airport in Greenland is Narsarsuaq (IATA: UAK), located in the south of Greenland, which offers a direct flight from Copenhagen and Reykjavik, which give the city the name “The Gate to South Greenland.”
However, taking a cruise or ferry is an excellent option if you want a unique and adventurous way to get there.
You can experience the stunning scenery of the surrounding lands, spot whales and other marine animals, and even visit remote coastal towns.
No matter your route, reaching Greenland is an exciting and rewarding experience.
How to get to Greenland by Air
If you plan to fly to Greenland, several airlines provide service between cities in Europe to various airports across the island.
Right now, you can reach Greenland only through two countries: Iceland and Denmark.
Although Denmark owns Greenland, the prices of the flights from Denmark are not like an internal flight inside Denmark, but they are still cheaper than Iceland’s.
From Denmark
You can reach Greenland from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) with Air Greenland.
The flight is around three and a half hours, depending on your destination.
From Copenhagen, you can reach only two airports in Greenland:
Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), and Narsarsuaq (IATA: UAK).
From Iceland
You can reach Greenland from Reykjavik Airport (KEF), Iceland, with Icelandair.
The flight duration ranges between one and a half hours to four hours, depending on your destination in Greenland.
From Reykjavik and Keflavik, you can reach four airports in Greenland:
Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK), Ilulissat Airport (JAV), Nuuk Airport (GOH), and Kulusuk Airport (KUS).
From Akureyri
Another way to get to Greenland from Iceland, and the rarest, is from the northern city of Akureyri in Iceland, which offers a direct flight to Nerlerit Inaat Airport, located on Jameson Land.
This tiny airport serves the little town of Ittoqqortoormiit in Eastern Greenland.
Airlines that fly to Greenland
Air Greenland and Icelandair are airlines that offer flight services to Greenland:
Air Greenland
Air Greenland offers flight connections from Denmark and Iceland to various airports in Greenland.
From Keflavik in Iceland, you can fly with Air Greenland to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and Ilulissat, in Disco Bay.
From Copenhagen in Denmark, Air Greenland offers flight connections to Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) and Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK).
Icelandair
Icelandair operates direct flights from Reykjavik to Kulusuk in Eastern Greenland and Nuuk, the capital.
The airline also offers seasonal flights to Narsarsuaq and Ilulissat.
Sometimes, Icelandair offers package tours to Kulusuk, including flights and hotels. Because this is the closest Greenland’s destination to Iceland, many tourists want to taste Greenland but don’t want to spend much time, so choose this package.
Nordlandair
Another airline that connects Akureyri and Reykjavik from Iceland is Nerlerit Inaat Airport, which serves Ittoqqortoormiit in Eastern Greenland.
Please note that you must book another boat or a flight with Air Greenland if you want to get from Nerlerit Inaat Airport to Ittoqqortoormiit.
Most people prefer using Air Greenland and Icelandair because these airlines are tiny and offer few flights, but I think it’s good to know you have another option.
PAL Airlines & Air Nunavut
Like Nordlandair, these airlines are not as popular and offer fewer flights to Greenland throughout the year, but the remarkable fact about them is that they connect Greenland to Canada!
These airlines offer a flight from Iqaluit Airport, which serves the city of Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
Nunavut is the northernmost territory of Canada, and Iqaluit is its capital.
On April 1, 1999, a historic day was born – Nunavut!
The Inuit peoples finally achieved their dream of a self-governed territory, and the Northwest Territories were officially separated.
So, from one group of Inuit to another – they use PAL Airlines & Air Nunavut to connect Canada and Greenland.
How to get to Greenland by Sea
Other than flying, you also have the option of reaching Greenland by sea.
Cruise ships are the most common way for visitors to reach the island and explore its stunning landscape and culture.
Although you have no ferry connection from other countries, Greenland is saying goodbye to its days of isolation, with more and more cruise ships coming by to allow visitors to explore this stunning land.
Many cruise shipping companies offer a cruise that stops in several locations in Greenland or only includes Greenland on their itineraries.
The most popular cruises to Greenland are from Iceland, but there are more places to cruise to Greenland – like Canada, Norway, the Svalbard Islands, and even the US.
So, if you want to explore this beautiful island by sea, a cruise is the most popular option for many travelers.
Famous Cruise Ships that Sail to Greenland
Several cruise ships offer excellent trips to Greenland and its stunning landscapes.
These include Oceanwide Expeditions and Aurora Expeditions, which offers cruises to the arctic region like Svalbard and Franz Josef Land, and even to Antarctica, Hurtigruten, and Silversea from Iceland, Secret Atlas, Holland America Line, and Oceania Cruises.
Consider your budget and the length of your trip when deciding which route to take.
When planning a trip, it’s essential to consider your budget and your adventure’s length.
These factors can significantly impact which route you should take.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider taking a more direct route or opting for more affordable transportation options.
However, if you have more flexibility in your budget and time frame, taking the scenic route or experiencing unique modes of transportation may be worth the additional cost.
Ultimately, weighing your options and prioritizing what’s important to you for an unforgettable and wallet-friendly trip is essential.
Research flights from your closest airport to Greenland
If you dream of an Arctic adventure, look no further than Greenland!
Luckily, flights are available from Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, and Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, that can take you there.
You can find the perfect route for your schedule and budget with proper planning and research.
Whether you’re looking to explore the rugged wilderness or experience the local culture, Greenland will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Look into booking a cruise that takes passengers from Europe to Greenland
If you’re looking for a unique adventure that combines Europe’s beauty with Greenland’s majesty, booking a cruise may be the perfect option.
Imagine cruising along the icy waters, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including towering glaciers, spectacular fjords, and fascinating wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Europe’s charming cities and quaint towns, sampling delicious cuisine and immersing yourself in local culture.
With a range of expertly planned itineraries, you can choose the perfect cruise to suit your interests and needs.
From the picturesque ports of Norway to the rugged wilderness of Iceland, a cruise to Greenland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for traveling to Greenland
If you’re planning a trip to Greenland, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements before you go.
Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to obtain a visa before arrival.
For example, United States, Canada, and European Union citizens can typically enter Greenland for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, citizens from other countries may need a visa from a Danish embassy or consulate.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the visa requirements for your specific situation to avoid any complications during your travels.
You can check if you need a visa by visiting the guide I wrote you here.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly to Greenland from North America?
Yes, you can fly to Greenland from select cities in North America.
However, the most direct routes usually depart from Reykjavik or Copenhagen and require at least one layover.
The only city in North America that offers direct flights to Greenland is Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, but checking availability before booking is essential.
Can you fly directly to Greenland?
Yes, it is possible to fly directly to Greenland.
However, travelers typically must take a flight from Reykjavik or Copenhagen.
How do I get from the UK to Greenland?
The best way to get from the UK to Greenland is by flying.
Most flights require at least one layover, usually in Reykjavik or Copenhagen.
You can also board a cruise that takes passengers from Europe to Greenland for an unforgettable adventure.
Is it expensive to get to Greenland?
The cost of getting to Greenland depends on your departure location, travel dates, and preferred mode of transportation.
Flights from the UK and other European cities are typically more affordable than those departing from North America.
If you’re on a tight budget, taking the scenic route or experiencing unique modes of transportation may be worth the additional cost.
Cruises are also a popular option, offering the chance to explore multiple ports and stunning landscapes at an affordable price.
Greenland will surely be an unforgettable experience regardless of how you get there!
Is it difficult to get to Greenland?
No, getting to Greenland is relatively easy.
Depending on your departure location and mode of transportation, you may be able to get there in a matter of hours.
If you live in Europe, you can find a cheap flight to Iceland or Denmark and then catch a direct flight to Greenland.
If you’re coming from North America, you may need to book a connecting flight or take a cruise with multiple stops.
Regardless of how you get there, rest assured that it won’t be too difficult.
Is there a ferry from Canada to Greenland?
Currently, there is no ferry service between Canada and Greenland.
The only way to get from Canada to Greenland is by plane.
However, some cruise lines can take you from Europe to Greenland via a series of ports, with the last stop being in Canada before returning to Europe.
What countries can you fly to Greenland from?
It is possible to fly to Greenland from Denmark and Iceland.
In addition, there are direct flights from Iqaluit, Canada, to Greenland, but they are usually seasonal.
Other countries may require a connecting flight through either Denmark or Iceland before arriving in Greenland.
How do I get from NYC to Greenland?
The best option is to fly to Iceland, the nearest European country to the USA, and it offers a direct flight to Greenland.
So it would be best to take a connecting flight from New York City (JFK) to Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF).
From there, you can catch a direct flight to Greenland.
The total travel time for this route is usually around 11 hours.
In conclusion
Planning a trip to Greenland requires some preparation.
Although Greenland looks remote on the map and you can’t reach it by many places, there are still plenty of ways to get there – from flights and cruises.
From researching flights from your closest airport to booking a cruise and understanding the visa requirements, there are many steps you need to take before embarking on your Arctic adventure.
But with proper research and the right resources, you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience in this stunning land of ice and snow.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Greenland today!
My website is here to help you with tips and advice on planning your trip.
So visit the blog for more information.
Good luck, and have a safe journey!
