How to travel to Greenland from the US

If you live in the United States and are considering a vacation to Greenland, you have come to the right place.

In this guide, we will provide insights on traveling from the US to Greenland, address common Q&As, share valuable travel tips for your stay in Greenland, and suggest various things to do in Greenland for you to enjoy. Happy exploring!

Flying to Greenland from the US

You can fly to Greenland through two main gateways: Denmark and Iceland. Specifically, if you are traveling from the US, choosing a direct flight to Iceland is a more convenient choice compared to making a detour through Denmark before reaching Greenland.

If you fly in the Summer, you can fly directly from Newark to Nuuk with United Airlines.

Below is a list of locations in the US and Canada where Icelandair has flight connections:

Flights from the US to Greenland: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Seattle, and Washington D.C

Flights from Canada to Greenland: Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver

From Iceland, you can fly to four destinations in Greenland and those are Nuuk (West Greenland), Ilulissat (West Greenland), Kulusuk (East Greenland), and Narsarsuaq (South Greenland). Later in this guide, we will delve into details about these locations.

Q&As

Below, you find some of the common questions and answers related to traveling to Greenland from the US.

How much does it cost to fly to Greenland from the US?

Prices vary, so it is advisable to check Icelandair’s website or United Airlines for insights into the average costs of flights to Greenland. This will help you plan your budget effectively for this extraordinary journey.

How long time does it take to fly to Greenland from the US?

The duration of a flight from the US to Greenland can vary depending on factors such as the departure city (the US is a big country!), the specific destination in Greenland, layovers, and the flight route. 

If you fly from Newark to Nuuk, the flight tour takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Nonetheless, Icelandair provides flights from the US to Greenland with a layover in Iceland. For example, the flight from New York to Iceland takes around six hours. From there, the distance is approximately 745 miles, and the flight time from Iceland to Greenland is around 2-3 hours.

Examples of tours from Iceland to Greenland

How to travel domestically in Greenland?

Traveling around domestically in Greenland typically involves a combination of transportation modes due to the country’s unique geography and scattered settlements. 

Air Greenland operates domestic flights, connecting various towns and cities. Additionally, in certain locations, helicopters become a necessary mode of transportation. Along the coastline, ferries seamlessly link different towns, providing travelers with scenic views of the picturesque shoreline.

How much luggage can I bring in the flight?

You might assume that packing extensively is necessary when traveling to a big frozen island. But how much can you bring with you?

Discover the luggage policies and receive helpful tips to ensure a hassle-free experience when traveling to Greenland. Here, you can read the luggage policies from Icelandair, Air Greenland, and United Airlines.

Are there any special travel and visa requirements?

United States citizens are required to obtain a visa in advance. To apply for the visa, you must go through a Greenland diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside Greenland. The processing of this visa can be done by visiting the Embassy in your country.

What currency does Greenland use?

The official currency in Greenland is the Danish Kroner (DKK), although some souvenir shops may accept foreign currency in notes. It is advisable to carry cash in DKK, especially when visiting small towns and settlements.

Most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard, Diners, and American Express, are accepted at ATMs.

Is it safe to travel to Greenland?

Greenland stands out as a secure destination for tourists. Thanks to its small population and hospitable locals, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome during your visit.

Arriving in Greenland

As mentioned, Icelandair flies to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Narsarsuaq, and Kulusuk. To be more familiar with those places, you can read our Ultimate Travel Guides to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Tasiilaq (Kulusuk), and our article about South Greenland (Narsarsuaq):

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Nuuk
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ilulissat
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tasiilaq (Kulusuk)  
• South Greenland | What to do & where to go (Narsarsuaq)

Travel tips in Greenland

Preparing for a trip to Greenland may involve a bit more complexity than other vacation destinations. Nevertheless, we have gathered a few valuable tips that are worth considering before your journey to Greenland:

• Due to frequent weather-related delays, it is a good idea to add some extra time when planning your flights. Especially if you have scheduled some tour activities, consider adding a few extra days at both ends of your trip. The saying “You have never been in Greenland if you have not had a flight delayed” is popular for a reason!
  
• Securing bookings in advance is advisable, especially during high seasons, as there may be limited availability for tickets, tours, and accommodations.

• Several apps can enhance your vacation experience in terms of weather updates, northern lights visibility, maps, and much more. Explore our guide on useful tools for traveling in Greenland to make the most of your journey.

• Make sure to bring an adapter as Greenland utilizes the Standard European Plug (230 V) with 2 prongs for its electrical outlets. Having one on hand will ensure you can use all your electronic devices.

Unlock the key to dressing comfortably for an Arctic holiday by mastering the art of layering. Read our guide on how to dress optimally, ensuring you fully enjoy your Greenland vacation – regardless of the season!

For additional travel tips, you can explore our comprehensive Ultimate Travel Guide to Greenland which covers a wide range of topics.

Vacation Packages in Greenland

Consider convenient vacation packages to make the most of your Greenlandic experience. Tailor your trip to include the activities and destinations that resonate with your interests.

If you are looking for day tours in Greenland, click here. 

We hope this guide has been helpful, and you now feel prepared to plan your vacation to Greenland from the US.

Qujanaq (thanks in Greenlandic) for reading along and see you in Greenland!

Below is a list of locations in the US and Canada where Icelandair has flight connections:

Flights from the US to Greenland: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Seattle, and Washington D.C

Flights from Canada to Greenland: Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver

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