All the ways you can reach Ilulissat in 2025
Ilulissat sits on Greenland’s west coast about 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. It’s isolated – no highways link it to other towns, meaning you either fly or sail in. This isolation makes the journey itself unforgettable. Imagine peering out your plane window at endless icefields, or standing on a ship’s deck as humpback whales breach near gigantic icebergs. Getting to Ilulissat is an adventure in its own right.
In summer, more travel routes open up. Seasonal flights connect Ilulissat directly with Iceland, and cruise ships and ferries dot the coast. In winter, when the sea ice grows and tourism quiets down, you’ll likely fly via Greenland’s hub airports to reach Ilulissat. Don’t worry – even in the coldest months, planes still connect this community to the outside world (and you might even catch the northern lights en route!). The key is understanding your options and planning ahead.
Below, we’ll explore how to get to Ilulissat Greenland by air and by sea, including routes from major gateways like Nuuk to Ilulissat and international hubs. Whether you’re island-hopping on local propeller planes or booking an expedition cruise, you’ll find useful tips for each mode of travel. And once you’ve arrived, you’ll want to check out all the things to do in Ilulissat - from iceberg cruises to dogsledding adventures. Grab your map (and maybe a warm drink), and let’s chart the course to Ilulissat.
Flights to Ilulissat
Flying is the fastest and most popular way to reach Ilulissat. Given Greenland’s vast distances and lack of roads, Air Greenland and other airlines have developed a reliable network of flights to connect towns. Ilulissat Airport (JAV) may be small – a single-runway airport perched just outside town – but it’s a vital lifeline welcoming daily passengers from around Greenland and beyond. In fact, flights to Ilulissat, Greenland now arrive from multiple directions, especially during the busy summer months. Below we break down your main flight options:
Flying from Iceland to Ilulissat
One of the most convenient ways to get to Ilulissat is via Iceland. During summer, direct flights from Reykjavík (Iceland) to Ilulissat make the journey surprisingly easy. Icelandair operates seasonal routes from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) straight to Ilulissat Airport (JAV). In just about 3 hours and 20 minutes, a comfortable Dash 8 or similar aircraft will carry you over the Denmark Strait and Greenland’s western coast. No layovers in Greenland necessary – you’ll land right in Ilulissat, often greeted by views of icebergs floating below as the plane descends.
These Iceland–Ilulissat flights typically run from early summer through early fall (for example, June through September) They cater to the peak tourist season when demand is highest. For travelers coming from North America or Europe, routing via Iceland can be very efficient. You could, for instance, fly from New York or London to Reykjavík, spend a day or two exploring Iceland, then hop on the Icelandair flight to Ilulissat. There’s no need to change airports in Iceland – all flights use Keflavík (the international airport) now simplifying your connection.
Keep in mind that these direct flights are seasonal. Outside of the summer window, you won’t find a non-stop Iceland–Ilulissat route. Also, weather can sometimes affect schedules – this is the Arctic, after all. But generally, summer flights are frequent and smooth. Many Arctic travelers love this option because it’s both fast and scenic. As you approach Ilulissat on a clear day, look out your window: you might see the Ilulissat Icefjord below, dotted with massive icebergs like white jewels in the sea. It’s a jaw-dropping welcome to Disko Bay.
Want to learn more about when to visit? Check out this seasonal guide on the best time to visit Greenland for insider tips and monthly highlights.
Flying from Denmark to Ilulissat
Another primary route to Ilulissat is through Denmark. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, so historically most international air traffic to Greenland comes via Copenhagen. You can fly from Copenhagen (CPH) to Ilulissat by connecting through one of Greenland’s hub airports. There are two main connection points: Nuuk (Greenland’s capital) or Kangerlussuaq (Greenland’s former main hub).
For much of the year, Air Greenland operates direct flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) on the Greenlandic ice cap. In 2024, a new international airport in Nuuk also opened, and direct Copenhagen–Nuuk flights began as well So, depending on the season and schedules, your Denmark route may involve one of these gateways:
- Copenhagen → Kangerlussuaq → Ilulissat: Traditionally, travelers would fly 4–5 hours from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, then switch to a smaller plane for the 45-minute hop north to Ilulissat. This route operates roughly 7 months of the year (mainly spring through autumn) when weather and demand allow. Kangerlussuaq has a long runway and stable weather, making it a reliable transit point. If you take this route, you might even opt to spend a night in Kangerlussuaq to break up the trip – it’s a former U.S. Air Force base turned quiet settlement, famous for its inland ice cap tours.
- Copenhagen → Nuuk → Ilulissat: Now that Nuuk’s airport can handle direct flights from Denmark, this is becoming a popular year-round option. The Copenhagen–Nuuk leg is about 4.5 hours on an Air Greenland jet. You’ll land in Greenland’s capital, then connect to a domestic flight onward to Ilulissat (around 2½ hours by turboprop). Sometimes this connection is same-day; other times an overnight in Nuuk might be required, depending on schedules. Air Greenland even offers a “Fly ’n Sleep” ticket that combines the flight with an overnight stop in Nuuk if needed. Nuuk is a small city but it gives you a taste of Greenlandic urban life before you head on to the icy wilds of Ilulissat.
No matter which path from Denmark you take, expect at least one stop. Even if you start your journey in another Danish city like Billund or Aalborg, you’ll first fly to Copenhagen, then onward with one stop in Greenland. The reward is worth it: as your plane descends into Ilulissat, you’ll swap cityscapes for an awe-inspiring panorama of glaciers and icebergs. One traveler described stepping off the plane in Ilulissat and being “greeted by the crisp Arctic air and the grandeur of icebergs floating in Disko Bay” – a travel moment you won’t forget.
Nuuk to Ilulissat Flights (and other domestic routes)
Once you’re in Greenland, getting to Ilulissat becomes a domestic trip. Nuuk to Ilulissat is the most common internal route, effectively the country’s “main line” of air travel. Air Greenland operates direct flights between Nuuk (GOH) and Ilulissat (JAV) daily in most seasons – in fact, there are often multiple flights per day, weather permitting. The journey is about 1.5 hours nonstop on a Dash-8 aircraft, covering ~600 km of spectacular scenery. You’ll fly over remote islands, endless ice-sheet horizons, and finally the ice-choked waters of Disko Bay as you approach Ilulissat.
Historically, many Nuuk–Ilulissat flights made a pit stop at Kangerlussuaq, especially if using older planes with shorter range. Even today, some Nuuk flights may connect via Kangerlussuaq, so don’t be surprised if your itinerary shows two legs (Nuuk→SFJ→Ilulissat). However, with modern aircraft and the new hub system, direct Nuuk–Ilulissat flights are now common and preferred. The most common way to reach Ilulissat from Nuuk is by air, and it’s often a scenic adventure in itself. Passengers are treated to aerial views of Greenland’s mountains and icefields – try to grab a window seat for the best view!
Aside from Nuuk, Ilulissat has direct flight connections to several smaller towns in northern and western Greenland. For example, Air Greenland operates flights (on certain days) linking Ilulissat with towns like Aasiaat, Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island), Qaarsut, and even as far as Upernavik up the coast. These are usually on small propeller planes and meant for local travel, but adventurous explorers could use them to bounce between communities. For instance, you might fly into Aasiaat and then travel by boat to Ilulissat (more on boats later). However, for most visitors, Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq will be the key transfer point to reach Ilulissat by air.
Ilulissat Airport (JAV) itself is a modest regional airport with basic facilities. Don’t expect duty-free shops or fancy lounges here – think small terminal, a short runway, and maybe a single baggage carousel. Planes servicing Ilulissat are typically Dash-8 propeller planes or similar, since the runway currently isn’t long enough for big jets. (An airport expansion is underway, with a longer runway due by 2026 to potentially allow direct flights from further abroad.) For now, nearly all flights to Ilulissat involve these smaller aircraft. This means weight limits on luggage can be stricter – check your airline’s baggage rules so you’re not caught by surprise on the domestic leg.
Pro tip: When flying within Greenland, be flexible. Weather delays can happen, especially in winter when snowstorms or fog roll in. It’s wise to build a buffer day into your schedule on either side of your Greenland flights. For example, if you absolutely must be back home by a certain date, try to leave Ilulissat a day early to cushion any unexpected delays. Likewise, if you have a cruise or tour starting, arrive in Ilulissat or Greenland a day or two beforehand. This extra time helps ensure that even if Arctic weather plays tricks, you won’t miss your connections. Plus, you get a bit more time to explore (or relax in) this beautiful country.
To summarize the flight options, here’s an overview of common routes to Ilulissat by air:
As you can see, flying to Ilulissat offers multiple routes depending on where you're coming from and what time of year you're traveling. Most visitors from North America or Europe will pass through Iceland or Denmark, then connect onward to Greenland. Booking with Air Greenland or through a travel agency can make things smoother, especially when it comes to aligning flight schedules.
It’s also smart to plan for potential layovers – especially if your connection involves Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq. Weather conditions, flight frequency, or even aircraft type can mean spending a night between legs. Think of it less as an inconvenience and more as a bonus chance to explore Greenland’s towns or unwind between travel days. If you’re wondering where to stay in Greenland during your stopovers, we’ve put together a guide to help you find the best options across the country.
Need help planning a multi-stop trip across Nuuk and Ilulissat? At Raw Arctic, we offer tailor-made Greenland tour packages that bundle flights, activities, and accommodations - so you can explore more without the planning headache.
Whether you book flights independently or opt for a package, flying into Ilulissat is comfortable, surprisingly scenic, and full of anticipation. Now, let’s look at a more adventurous approach: arriving by sea.
Traveling to Ilulissat by Sea
For the truly adventurous (or those who simply love the romance of the ocean), getting to Ilulissat by sea is an incredible option. In Greenland, boats aren’t just for pleasure – they’re a way of life. There’s a saying that Greenland’s highways are its fjords, and locals are more likely to own a boat than a carvisitgreenland.com. If you have the time, sailing to Ilulissat can be a journey filled with charm: you’ll trace the rugged coastline, stop in remote villages, and watch icebergs drift by at eye level. There are a few ways to reach Ilulissat over water:
The Sarfaq Ittuk Ferry
Greenland’s only long-distance passenger ferry is the Sarfaq Ittuk, run by Arctic Umiaq Line. This famous red-and-white vessel makes a weekly loop up and down the west coast, connecting southern towns to those in the north. Ilulissat is the northernmost port of call on its route. If you board Sarfaq Ittuk in, say, Nuuk or anywhere south, you can ride it all the way to Ilulissat. It’s not a quick trip – from Nuuk to Ilulissat by ferry takes a couple of days, with stops at coastal towns like Sisimiut and Aasiaat along the way. But what a journey it is!
On board Sarfaq Ittuk, you’ll find a mix of locals and intrepid travelers. It carries up to ~238 passengers, many of them Greenlanders traveling between communities Expect simple cabins or couchettes, a cafeteria for meals, and a few common areas to relax. The vibe is friendly and communal – people mingle, play cards, and swap stories. As an international tourist, this ferry offers a rare chance to slow down and travel like the locals do. It’s also quite affordable compared to flying, and you get to see segments of Greenland unreachable by air. Imagine gliding past pods of whales or watching a sunset that lasts for hours over the ocean. In summer, you might even spot seals or breaching humpbacks following alongside.
The ferry typically operates from spring through autumn (roughly late May to early October, when seas are navigable and not ice-choked). During those months, Ilulissat Harbour bustles once a week with the arrival of Sarfaq Ittuk. Many backpackers and adventure tourists will take the southbound ferry from Ilulissat after finishing their visit, using it as a scenic return trip toward Nuuk or South Greenland. Whether you go northbound or southbound, plan to book your ferry berth in advance, as spots can fill up in summer.
Arriving in Ilulissat by ferry is memorable. As Sarfaq Ittuk approaches Ilulissat’s port, you’ll see the town’s colorful houses dotting the rocky shore and enormous icebergs looming in the bay beyond. The ship carefully navigates around ice floes to dock. You’ll disembark right in town, likely feeling both exhilarated and a bit nostalgic for the cozy ship life you’ve left behind. If time allows in your itinerary, this ferry ride is highly recommended as a part of the Greenland experience-
Below you’ll find the peak‑summer timetable for the Sarfaq Ittuk. It condenses Arctic Umiaq Line’s full list into a single, easy‑scan grid that shows when the ferry is due in every port on its weekly loop between Nuuk, South Greenland and Ilulissat.
Use it to decide where to hop on or off, or simply to appreciate how this humble red‑and‑white ship knits Greenland’s coastal towns together - no runways required. Times are shown in local Greenlandic time and repeat on exactly the same weekday each week.
Expedition Cruises to Ilulissat
Ilulissat’s spectacular scenery has made it a highlight for many Arctic cruises. If you prefer traveling by cruise ship, you may literally “get to Ilulissat” as part of a longer voyage. Many expedition cruise companies – such as Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Secret Atlas, and others – include Ilulissat on their Greenland itineraries. These trips usually aren’t point-to-point transport (you’re not using the cruise just to reach Ilulissat; rather, Ilulissat is one stop among many), but it’s worth mentioning for those who love cruising.
On an Arctic expedition cruise, you’d typically depart from someplace like Iceland or Canada, sail across to Greenland, and spend several days visiting various locations along the coast. Ilulissat is often a star attraction on these routes due to the UNESCO-listed Icefjord. For example, Quark Expeditions’ “Essential Greenland” cruise spends days in Disko Bay with time to explore Ilulissat. Expedition ships are usually smaller (50–200 passengers) and built for ice navigation – perfect for slipping into Ilulissat’s iceberg-laden waters. They often anchor just outside the harbor and use Zodiac boats to shuttle passengers closer to the Icefjord or into town.
The advantage of arriving by cruise is ease – your transport, accommodation, and meals are all handled, and you get expert guides to enrich the experience. You’ll likely have opportunities for Zodiac tours among the icebergs or hikes to the Icefjord viewpoint while the ship is in port. Some cruises even offer helicopter sightseeing or kayaking near Ilulissat. And when you depart, you sail off to the next adventure rather than backtracking.
If you are considering a cruise as your way to reach Ilulissat, research different operators to find one that matches your style. Experienced polar operators can make a big difference in these remote regions. Itineraries range from luxury voyages to rugged exploration. The timing is mostly summer (June–August) when sea ice allows ships to access Disko Bay freely. A few late-season cruises in September might catch the early northern lights as a bonus. Keep in mind, a cruise is usually a longer commitment (8-14 days) and can be pricey, but you’ll see much more of Greenland beyond just Ilulissat.
In short, a cruise is less about “getting there” and more about enjoying the journey. It’s the slow road – or rather, waterway – to Ilulissat, and it rewards you with an immersive Arctic travel experience. As one expedition company notes, “The best way to get to Ilulissat…is by ship” if you want to truly appreciate the fjords and navigate the icy channels. While you can certainly fly in for a quicker trip, there’s something magical about sailing into Ilulissat, the same way Arctic explorers and Inuit hunters have for centuries.
Local Boat Transfers in Disko Bay
Finally, it’s worth mentioning the local boat options around Ilulissat. These aren’t typically how you’d travel from a far-off country, but if you’re already in Greenland (or combining transport modes) they can be useful. In the Disko Bay region, small passenger boats operated by companies like Disko Line serve as connective tissue between communities. For example, from Ilulissat you can catch a boat transfer to Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island), to the tiny settlement of Oqaatsut (Rodebay), or to other nearby villages and research outposts. Visitors sometimes fly into a nearby town and then take a boat to Ilulissat as part of an adventure itinerary.
One scenario: You might fly from Nuuk to Aasiaat (another town in Disko Bay) and then take a boat from Aasiaat to Ilulissat. This could be an alternative if flights are full or if you want a mini-cruise on a smaller vessel. The boats are usually open or semi-covered motor boats, seating perhaps 6–12 people, and are run by skilled local captains who know the waters. Schedules depend on weather and demand; they run more frequently in summer. These rides can be chilly (dress warmly!), but you’ll get a personal encounter with the bay’s environment – sometimes even detouring around clusters of floating ice.
Additionally, some travelers arrive in Ilulissat by sailboat or private yacht. Ilulissat’s harbor can accommodate private vessels in summer, and a handful of adventurous yachters include it on Arctic sailing expeditions. If you happen to be sailing Greenland’s coast, Ilulissat will be a must-stop for fuel and supplies – not to mention the natural marvel of the Icefjord.
For most visitors, local boats are supplementary rather than your main transport mode. However, it’s good to know that once you’re in the Disko Bay area, boats can connect the dots. Ilulissat is a regional hub, so boat transfers from surrounding settlements often end up here. They are part of why “Ilulissat is also serviced by local boat transfers to other destinations around Disko Bay”. Embracing these small boat journeys can add flexibility and adventure to your trip. Just be sure to check schedules in advance and have a backup plan in case of weather cancellations – safety comes first on these icy waters.
Tips for Planning Your Ilulissat Trip
By now you know the main ways to get to Ilulissat – by plane or by sea. To wrap up, let’s go over some practical tips and considerations that will help you plan a smooth journey. Traveling in the Arctic can be different from trips to more typical destinations, so a bit of extra preparation goes a long way. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Best Time to Travel
When should you go to Ilulissat? The answer can affect how you get there. The summer months (June through August) are by far the most popular. During this time, all travel options are on the table: direct flights from Iceland are running, the ferry is operating, and cruise ships abound. The weather is milder (still chilly, but generally above freezing), and the midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight – great for flying or sailing with minimal weather delays. If you want maximum flexibility in travel mode, aim for summer. Plus, you’ll enjoy peak season activities once there, like midnight sun hikes and whale watching.
Shoulder seasons (spring May, or autumn September–October) can also be rewarding. You might catch slightly lower airfares or less-crowded boats. In early fall, the Iceland–Ilulissat flight usually continues until around late Septembericelandair.com, and cruise season winds down. By mid-October, the direct flights stop and the ferry likely hibernates for winter, so travel reverts to Greenland’s internal flights via Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq.
Winter (November through March) is the quietest time to visit Ilulissat, but it has its own magic – dancing auroras and dog sledding adventures. Reaching Ilulissat in winter means flying via Denmark (CPH to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq) since the Iceland route is closed for the seasonvisitgreenland.com. Flights still operate regularly, but schedules might be lighter and weather delays slightly more common. The ferry does not go all the way to Ilulissat in deep winter (the bay can freeze), so boat options are very limited or for short local hops only. If you dream of seeing the northern lights over the icefjord, don’t let winter deter you – just plan for a bit more time. Some hardy travelers purposely come in late winter to catch the aurora; if you do, consider reading up on the Northern Lights in Greenland for tips on when and where to see them best.
In short, summer is easiest for logistics, but every season offers something special. Plan your travel mode around your dates: e.g., if you go in July, maybe fly in via Iceland and (if adventurous) take the ferry out; if you go in March, plan to fly via Copenhagen and Nuuk, and enjoy the snowy scenery from above. Whenever you go, Ilulissat will amaze you – just the sunlight and ice conditions will change with the seasons.
Booking and Connections
Plan and book your transportation well in advance, especially for peak season. Flights to Ilulissat can be limited in capacity (small planes) and fill up quickly with summer tourists. Likewise, the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry has a finite number of cabins. Aim to reserve your flights or ferry tickets a few months before your trip if possible. This not only secures your spot but also often gets you better prices.
When booking flights, pay close attention to layover times. If you’re connecting through Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, verify how much time you have between flights. Sometimes an itinerary might even require an overnight stay – for example, arriving Nuuk in the afternoon and catching the onward flight to Ilulissat the next morning. That’s perfectly normal given Greenland’s flight schedules. Embrace it as a chance to see an extra town! If you’re unsure, Air Greenland’s site and customer service can clarify the recommended connection plan. They often bundle connecting flights on one ticket, which protects you if there’s a delay (they’ll rebook you if a delay causes a missed connection, as long as it’s on one ticket).
As mentioned earlier, buffer days are your friend. This is such an important tip that even Icelandair, which flies to Greenland, explicitly recommends adding at least a day buffer on either side of your trip. For example, if you have a tour starting in Ilulissat on a Monday, try to arrive Sunday or even Saturday. If everything’s on time, great – you get an extra day to explore (perhaps check out the town or acclimate). If there’s a delay due to weather, you have a cushion. Similarly, after your Ilulissat visit, don’t book a tight onward connection home. Give yourself a day in Iceland or Copenhagen on the return just in case. It removes so much stress and accounts for Greenland’s unpredictable elements.
Pack and prepare for the journey as well. On flights, especially the smaller Dash-8 ones, carry-on space is limited; you might have to plane-side check a larger bag. Keep essentials (like medication, a warm jacket, camera) in a small backpack that can fit underseat. For ferry travel, pack motion sickness medicine if you’re prone – the seas can be rough around certain capes, though mostly summer voyages are smooth. And for any travel in winter, have very warm clothing easily accessible. You’ll appreciate being able to bundle up during an unexpected cold snap or if a plane’s waiting on the tarmac.
Lastly, consider getting travel insurance that covers trip interruptions. Because of the weather dependency, having insurance for missed connections or extra hotel nights can provide peace of mind. While major disruptions are not the norm, in the Arctic it’s wise to be prepared for the unexpected.
Arriving in Ilulissat and Getting Around
After all your planning and a successful journey, you’ll finally arrive in Ilulissat – congratulations! Here are a few notes on what to expect when you get there:
At Ilulissat Airport: As mentioned, it’s a small airport. There is no jet bridge – you’ll deplane via stairs directly onto the tarmac, often with the brisk Arctic breeze welcoming you. The baggage claim is straightforward and usually quick, since only one flight arrives at a time. Outside the terminal, you won’t find a big taxi queue or public bus stop like in a city. However, transport into town is easy to arrange. Many hotels and guesthouses offer shuttle pickups for incoming flights (sometimes included with your stay). For example, Hotel Arctic and Hotel Icefiord often have a van waiting for their arriving guests (be sure to coordinate with your accommodation in advance). Otherwise, there are a few taxis in Ilulissat – you can usually find one at the airport around flight arrival times, or the airport staff can call one for you. The ride into the main part of town is only about 4 kilometers (10-15 minutes). There is also a local bus system in Ilulissat that stops at the airport, but with luggage it’s generally easier to take a shuttle or taxi.
Getting around town: Ilulissat is fairly spread out along the coastline, but many places are walkable if you’re staying in the center. The museum, supermarkets, and tour offices are within walking distance of each other. If you’re staying a bit outside the center (some lodgings sit on hills with great views), you might use the bus or taxis to save a cold walk. As mentioned in the Visit Greenland tips: larger hotels run shuttles not just to the airport but also into town at times. Once settled, you’ll find that to reach trailheads or the harbor for boat tours, walking is fine for most – just mind the weather and wear good boots if it’s winter.
By arriving via air or sea, you’ve accomplished a travel feat – you made it to one of the world’s most remote towns! Now you can fully enjoy Ilulissat’s wonders, from calving glaciers to cultural experiences. Check out our Things to do in Ilulissat guide for inspiration on making the most of your stay. And if all this planning feels overwhelming, remember you can always lean on experts: companies that offer Greenland travel packages can handle the logistics, bundling your flights, transfers, and tours into one convenient itinerary. Whether you go solo or with assistance, you’ve unlocked the door to an Arctic adventure of a lifetime.
In summary, getting to Ilulissat, Greenland, might involve a few extra steps compared to flying into a big city – but that’s part of its charm. You’ll traverse stunning landscapes before you even arrive. By plane, you’ll hop between Greenland’s rugged airports and witness the ice from above By sea, you’ll trace the unforgettable coastline and arrive as explorers do. There’s no wrong way to reach Ilulissat, as long as you come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Now that you know how to get there, all that’s left is to go and experience this Arctic gem for yourself. Safe travels (or, as they say in Greenlandic, Angalalluatajannguarit – “have a good trip”)!
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