Last Updated: October 13, 2021

Getting from Iceland to Greenland (And Other Options)

Greenland is an adventurous destination. However, as you might already know, it’s not one of those easiest destinations to reach.

Of course, it will definitely be one of the most unforgettable and unique trips you have ever made, so why not make the effort!

So, if you’re on a trip to Iceland, might as well plan to visit this remote land of ice and snow. The big question is though, how you can get from Iceland to Greenland? Read on to find out…

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How to Get to Greenland

There are only be 2 ways to reach Greenland: by plane or cruise ship.

Flying to Greenland

If you want to fly to Greenland, you can actually get there from either Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland.

And if you fly from Copenhagen or Denmark you are going to arrive in Kangerlussuaq. This is a very small town in the west of Greenland containing Greenland’s major international airport (the only one big enough)

From there, you can transfer to a smaller plane or helicopter to get to the other towns and villages in various parts of Greenland.

Flying to Greenland From Iceland

If you fly from Reykjavik, Iceland you will either go to

  • Nuuk or Ilulissat (direct) on the west coast
  • Narsarsuaq in the south
  • or Kulusuk in the east

Cruise Ships To Greenland

There is a range of cruise ships to Greenland, including many of the more famous cruise companies you know and love. Most offer Greenland as a stop in combination with Iceland or Norway (as they are relatively close).

These cruise lines include:

  • Seabourn
  • Fred Olsen
  • Princess
  • Holland America Line
  • Aida
  • Hapag Lloyd
  • Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten is perhaps the most popular cruise operator in Greenland. Their offers include both Greenland and Arctic Canada.

Nuuk

Flying with Air Iceland

Air Iceland is the obvious choice when you are in Iceland and wish to reach Greenland. They offer the most options when it comes to flying to Iceland. Below are the main ones, including flight times.

Reykjavik to Nuuk

Flight time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

The official flight time, according to Air Iceland is 3 hours and 20 minutes. But it depends on the weather and wind, so anything between 3 to 4 hours is normal. Tickets are not cheap and range between 200€ and 600€ – depending on the time of year you’re planning to travel (summer is a lot more expensive than winter) and when are you actually going to book the ticket.

Reykjavik to Ilulissat

Flight time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

You can also reach Ilulissat from Reykjavik. The city is actually named “iceberg” and is situated at the Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay. This is quite famous and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq

Flight time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Narsarsuaq is another destination in Greenland that can be reached directly from Reykjavik you can also reach Narsarsuaq in Greenland. owing to its easy-to-reach southern location it’s a bit warmer there with -7 degrees Celsius in January and 10 degrees Celsius in July (on average).

Reykjavik to Kulusuk

Flight time: 2 hours

Air Iceland also offers direct flights to the Greenland village of Kulusuk. This is a small settlement in Sermersooq in the southeast of Greenland. Many people enjoy coming here on a day trip from Iceland. Many enjoy visiting here on a day trip option to visit Greenland from Iceland.

Greenland Tours from Iceland

You could also choose to join a tour from Iceland to Greenland. If that is the case, here are some of the many tour operators to choose from:

A transfer between the airport and the actual village is not included in these tours, which means you’ll have to walk the 3 km to the village (and back). Once you reach your destination, you’ll be toured by a local guide around the village, and you may also watch a traditional Greenlandic drum dance (depending on the weather).

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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