How to Get to Greenland?

Are you dreaming of a trip to Greenland with icebergs, hiking, and fascinating history? At Topas, we help make your Greenland journey simple and inspiring—from flights and ferries to unique experiences.

How to Travel to Greenland?

Commercial airlines are the main way to reach Greenland, with flights from Denmark, Canada, Iceland, and the USA. You can also arrive by cruise ship or chartered boat. The main international airports are Nuuk, Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Narsarsuaq, and Kangerlussuaq. New airports opening from 2026 will make Greenland even more accessible.

How to get to Nuuk?

You can reach Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, by direct flight from several international gateways.

Air Greenland offers year-round direct flights from Copenhagen, Denmark, and seasonal flights from Billund and Aalborg.

United Airlines provides non-stop flights from New York (Newark) to Nuuk during the summer. 

There are also direct flights from Reykjavik (Icelandair and Air Greenland) and Iqaluit, Canada (seasonal).

Most travelers connect through Copenhagen or Reykjavik if coming from elsewhere in Europe or North America.

How to get to Ilulissat?

lulissat is accessible by direct flights from Nuuk (year-round), from where you can take a short domestic flight to Ilulissat (Air Greenland).

During the summer, there are also direct flights from Keflavik, Iceland (Iceland Air) making it convenient for travelers from both Europe and North America.

Ilulissat is the gateway to the beautiful Disko Bay, where remote lodges like Aurora Lodge, Glacier Lodge Eqi and Igloo Lodge offer a stunning glimpse into the Greenlandic wilderness. 

How to get to Greenland from Europe, the US and Canada

The easiest way to get to Greenland from Europe is to fly via Copenhagen, Denmark. Air Greenland operates year-round direct flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk, with seasonal routes to Narsarsuaq and Kangerlussuaq. Nuuk is also accessible by direct flights from Billund or Aalborg (seasonal).

From the US, United Airlines offers direct summer flights from New York (Newark) to Nuuk.

From Canada, Air Greenland operates a seasonal direct route between Iqaluit and Nuuk.

Alternatively, you can fly to Copenhagen or Reykjavik, and connect to Greenland with Icelandair or Air Greenland.


Direct Flights to Greenland

Traveling to Greenland is possible with direct flights from North America and Europe. Several airlines offer scheduled routes, making Greenland accessible from around the world. Below is an overview of airlines with direct flights to Greenland and answers to common questions about flight times and routes.

New Airport Openings in Greenland

Tourism in Greenland is entering a new era with the opening of Nuuk's international airport on November 28, 2024—the first of three new airports set to open by 2026.

Ilulissat and Qaqortoq will also be home for two new airports. These upgrades will make Greenland more accessible, with most destinations reachable within 1.5 hours and the potential for more airlines and frequent, affordable flights.

Please note: Flight schedules and routes for 2026 and beyond may change as Greenland’s new airports open and more carriers enter the market.

Air Greenland

Air Greenland is the national carrier and the primary airline connecting Greenland with the outside world.

In 2020, Air Greenland celebrated 60 years of connecting people to and within Greenland. Known for its iconic red planes, the airline has played a vital role for both locals and visitors, offering breathtaking views of the world’s largest island.

Air Greenland’s versatile fleet is built for the Arctic, operating transatlantic flights as well as domestic planes and helicopters to reach towns across the country—essential in a land without connecting roads.

Renowned for excellent service and safety, Air Greenland’s experienced pilots are highly skilled in navigating extreme weather, making it a trusted choice for travel in and out of Greenland.

Flight from Denmark to Greenland

Air Greenland offers several direct routes between Denmark and Greenland:

  • Nuuk–Copenhagen: Year-round departures on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays (2025).
  • Kangerlussuaq-Copenhagen: Direct flights (twice weekly) from February to November (2026)
  • Nuuk–Billund: Direct flights every Wednesday from March to October  (2025).
  • Nuuk–Aalborg: Direct flights on Mondays and Thursdays from June to September (2025).
  • Narsarsuaq–Copenhagen: Direct flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June to October (2025).
The flight time from Denmark to Greenland is typically about 4.5-5 hours, depending on the route and destination.

Flight from Canada to Greenland

Air Greenland operates a direct route between Nuuk and Iqaluit, Canada. This service runs from April to October. The flight time is approximately 2 hours, making it the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Canada and Greenland.

Flight from Iceland to Greenland

Travelers can fly directly between Nuuk and Keflavik (near Reykjavik, Iceland) with Air Greenland. Flights operate year-round. The flight time is around 2-3,5 hours, providing a quick connection between Iceland and Greenland.

UNITED Airlines

Fly non-stop from the USA to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, in just 4 hours. Departures twice a week.

Starting in 2025, United Airlines will offer direct flights from New York City (Newark Liberty International Airport, EWR) to Nuuk (GOH) twice weekly during the summer season.

This new route provides a fast, convenient connection for U.S. travelers to experience Greenland’s stunning fjords, vibrant Inuit culture, and dramatic Arctic landscapes.

With flexible summer departures, travelers can easily explore Nuuk’s lively harbor, museums, markets, and nearby fjords.

United Airlines’ service opens up new opportunities for adventure and eco-tourism, making Greenland more accessible than ever.

Flight from New York (US) to Greenland

The direct flight from New York to Nuuk takes about 4 hours, making it the quickest and most convenient way to reach Greenland from the U.S. East Coast.

Iceland Air

Icelandair is a proud Icelandic airline that has existed for over 80 years (as of 2020).

Iceland’s strategic location makes it a key stopover for travelers between Europe and North America. Icelandair offers year-round direct flights from Reykjavik to Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Narsarsuaq, and Nuuk in Greenland, as well as flights to the Faroe Islands.

Flight times from Reykjavik to Greenland range from 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the destinaiton.

Connect to domestic flights with AirGreenland

Iceland Air has an extensive network throughout Europe and the USA. If you fly with Iceland Air to Greenland and continue with Air Greenland for domestic flights within Greenland, your journey will be issued on a single ticket, giving you better protection in case of any delays.

How long is a flight to Greenland?

The flight time to Greenland depends on your departure city and destination within Greenland:

  • From New York (USA) to Nuuk: About 4 hours (non-stop)
  • From Copenhagen (Denmark) to Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk: About 4.5 hours (non-stop)
  • From Reykjavik (Iceland) to Nuuk, Ilulissat, or other destinations: 2 to 3.5 hours (non-stop)
  • From Iqaluit (Canada) to Nuuk: About 2 to 3 hours (non-stop, seasonal)
These direct flights make Greenland more accessible than ever, whether you’re traveling from North America or Europe.


How to get around Greenland?

There are no roads connecting Greenland’s towns and settlements. To get around, you’ll use a combination of domestic flights (Air Greenland), helicopters, and ferries. Disko Line operates passenger ferries along the west coast, while the M/S Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry connects communities from Qaqortoq in the south to Uummannaq in the north. These options make it possible to explore Greenland’s remote regions and experience its spectacular coastal scenery.

Disko Line

Disko Line is a passenger ferry company based in Ilulissat on Greenland’s west coast.

Operating since 2004, Disko Line runs boats for 12 to 60 passengers, all certified for Arctic waters. The company offers reliable ferry services for locals and visitors throughout Disko Bay, the west coast, and South Greenland. Disko Line is part of the Topas Explorer Group.

Fleet Highlights: Aleqa Ittuk, Aviaq Ittuk, Najaaraq, Sulisoq and Inuk IV.

Learn more and see the full fleet at www.diskoline.com.


M/S Sarfaq Ittuk – Arctic Umiaq Line

Sail Greenland’s west coast and experience local life aboard the M/S Sarfaq Ittuk.

This coastal ferry connects villages from Qaqortoq in the south to Uummannaq in the north. Each stop is a lively event, with locals greeting friends and family. Even in summer, there’s space to relax and enjoy Arctic scenery. The ship and crew ensure a safe, comfortable journey in icy waters.

Built in 1992 and modernized in 1999/200, Sarfaq Ittuk is 73 meters long, certified for ice-filled waters, and accommodates 237 passengers.

Café Sarfaq: Open daily, serving fresh local meals, drinks, and snacks.

Accommodation Options

  • Junior Suites: Premium beds, large TVs, private bathrooms.
  • Iglo Suite: Spacious, with extra amenities.
  • Premium Couchettes: Private section, bathrooms, kitchenette, scenic windows.
  • Standard Cabins: Outside-facing, private bathrooms, for 1–4 people.
  • Standard Couchettes: Shared bunk areas, bring your own sleeping bag or buy a blanket online. Some may not have windows.

See Our Suggested Travel Packages to Greenland here