Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town with a population of around 5,600, sits 320 km north of the Arctic Circle on the west coast. Despite its remote location, reaching Sisimiut in 2026 is straightforward if you understand the two main gateways: Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) and Nuuk Airport (GOH). This guide covers scheduled flights, seasonal ferries, and overland routes, with specific airlines, approximate prices, and timings. For a broader overview of the town, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Air Travel to Sisimiut

Sisimiut’s Mittarfik Sisimiut Airport (JHS) is a regional airport served by Air Greenland and, from summer 2026, possibly by new entrant Tusass Air (formerly Air Greenland’s domestic arm). The airport has a 799-metre runway, limiting operations to turboprop aircraft like the Dash 8-200 and Twin Otter. There are no direct international flights; all passengers must transit via Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk.

Via Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) – The Classic Route

Kangerlussuaq Airport is Greenland’s main international hub, with year-round flights from Copenhagen (CPH) operated by Air Greenland. In summer 2026, Air Greenland plans daily flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, with a flight time of 4.5 hours. From Kangerlussuaq, Air Greenland operates connecting flights to Sisimiut (JHS) multiple times daily, flight time 45–50 minutes. The combined ticket (Copenhagen–Kangerlussuaq–Sisimiut) is sold as a single booking. Return fares from Copenhagen to Sisimiut in summer 2026 start around 6,500 DKK (€870) when booked early, rising to 12,000 DKK (€1,600) in peak season. From North America, the only option is to fly to Kangerlussuaq via Copenhagen, as there are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Greenland in 2026 (except seasonal charters). From the US East Coast, a typical routing is New York (JFK) to Copenhagen (SAS or Norwegian), then Air Greenland to Kangerlussuaq and onward to Sisimiut. Total journey time from New York is around 15–18 hours excluding layovers.

Via Nuuk (GOH) – The Southern Alternative

Nuuk Airport (GOH) has been expanded with a 2,200-metre runway, allowing direct flights from Copenhagen and, from summer 2026, seasonal flights from Reykjavik (KEF) on Icelandair. Air Greenland flies Copenhagen–Nuuk daily; flight time 4 hours 40 minutes. From Nuuk, Air Greenland operates Dash 8 flights to Sisimiut (JHS) up to three times daily, flight time 1 hour 10 minutes. Fares from Copenhagen to Sisimiut via Nuuk are similar to the Kangerlussuaq route, typically 6,000–11,000 DKK return. For North American travellers, a new option in 2026 is Icelandair’s Reykjavik–Nuuk route (3 hours), then connecting to Sisimiut. This reduces total travel time from, say, Boston (BOS) or New York (JFK) to Sisimiut to around 10–12 hours, with a stop in Reykjavik and Nuuk. However, the Reykjavik–Nuuk flight is seasonal (June–August) and may not operate daily. Check Icelandair’s schedule for 2026.

Direct Flights from Europe? No, But…

There are no direct flights from any European city to Sisimiut. All passengers must change planes at either Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. However, from summer 2026, Air Greenland may introduce a direct Copenhagen–Sisimiut flight using the Airbus A330-800 on certain days, but this has not been confirmed. As of early 2025, the airline’s published schedule shows only Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk as international gateways. For the latest, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Ferry Travel to Sisimiut

Arctic Umiaq Line (AUL) operates the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk along Greenland’s west coast, connecting Sisimiut to towns and settlements from Ilulissat in the north to Qaqortoq in the south. The ferry runs from mid-April to late December, with reduced frequency in shoulder seasons. In summer 2026, the schedule typically includes two northbound and two southbound departures per week from Sisimiut.

Key Ferry Routes and Timings

  • Sisimiut to Ilulissat (northbound): Departs Sisimiut Tuesday and Friday at 18:00, arrives Ilulissat Wednesday and Saturday at 08:00. Journey time 14 hours. One-way fare: 1,200 DKK (€160) for a deck passenger, 2,400 DKK (€320) for a cabin.
  • Sisimiut to Nuuk (southbound): Departs Sisimiut Wednesday and Saturday at 06:00, arrives Nuuk Thursday and Sunday at 18:00. Journey time 36 hours. One-way deck fare: 1,800 DKK (€240), cabin: 3,600 DKK (€480).
  • Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq: The ferry does not directly serve Kangerlussuaq (which is inland). Instead, take the ferry from Sisimiut to Kangaamiut (1 hour) and then a taxi or bus to Kangerlussuaq (120 km gravel road, 2 hours). This combined route is not regularly scheduled; most travellers use the air connection.

All fares are approximate and subject to change. Bookings open in January 2026 on Arctic Umiaq’s website. Cabins are limited and sell out quickly for summer dates. For a detailed breakdown of ferry travel, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Ferry vs. Flight: Which is Better?

The choice depends on your budget and time. Flights are faster (45 min from Kangerlussuaq, 1h10 from Nuuk) and cost around 2,000–3,000 DKK one-way for the domestic leg. Ferries are cheaper for deck passengers but take much longer. For example, the 36-hour Nuuk–Sisimiut ferry costs 1,800 DKK, while a one-way flight from Nuuk to Sisimiut is about 2,500 DKK. If you have a flexible schedule and want to see the coastline, the ferry is a unique experience. If time is limited, fly.

Overland Routes to Sisimiut

There are no roads connecting Sisimiut to other towns. The only overland route is the 160-km gravel road from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, opened in 2020. This road is used by local buses and taxis, but it is not a public transport service; you must arrange a private transfer or join a tour. In summer 2026, a few tour operators offer shuttle services, typically costing 1,500–2,500 DKK per person one-way, with a travel time of 3–4 hours. The road is unpaved and bumpy, with river crossings. It is only passable from June to October. In winter, the road is closed. For the adventurous, this is a scenic drive through the tundra, but it is not a reliable option for most travellers.

Practical Tips for Booking in 2026

  • Book early: Air Greenland flights and ferry cabins sell out months in advance for summer (June–August). Book by February 2026 for best availability and prices.
  • Check baggage allowances: Domestic flights on Dash 8 aircraft have strict weight limits: 20 kg checked baggage on Air Greenland, plus one carry-on up to 8 kg. Excess baggage costs 50 DKK per kg. Ferries allow more luggage, but cabins have limited space.
  • Visa requirements: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but not the EU. Most nationalities need a Schengen visa to enter Denmark/Greenland. Check with the Danish embassy. US, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
  • Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
  • Weather delays: Flights and ferries are frequently delayed by weather. Build in buffer days, especially if you have a connecting international flight. For more tips, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Sample Itineraries from Europe and North America

From Europe (Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt)

  1. Option A (Fastest): Fly Copenhagen–Kangerlussuaq (Air Greenland, 4h30), then Kangerlussuaq–Sisimiut (45 min). Total travel time from Copenhagen: ~8 hours excluding layover. One stop.
  2. Option B (Scenic): Fly Copenhagen–Nuuk (Air Greenland, 4h40), then Nuuk–Sisimiut (1h10). Total ~9 hours. Option to break journey in Nuuk.
  3. Option C (Budget): Fly Copenhagen–Kangerlussuaq, then take the ferry from Kangerlussuaq? Not possible directly. Instead, fly to Sisimiut. The ferry from Kangerlussuaq is not an option; you’d have to go to Kangaamiut first.

From North America (New York, Boston, Toronto)

  1. Via Reykjavik (summer only): Fly New York (JFK) to Reykjavik (Icelandair, 5h), then Reykjavik–Nuuk (Icelandair, 3h), then Nuuk–Sisimiut (Air Greenland, 1h10). Total ~12 hours plus layovers. This route avoids Copenhagen.
  2. Via Copenhagen (year-round): Fly New York–Copenhagen (SAS, 7h30), then Copenhagen–Kangerlussuaq (Air Greenland, 4h30), then Kangerlussuaq–Sisimiut (45 min). Total ~15 hours plus layovers.
  3. From West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco): The fastest route is via Copenhagen: LAX–CPH (Norwegian, 10h30), then CPH–SFJ–JHS. Total travel time over 20 hours. Consider a stopover in Copenhagen.

For North Americans, the Reykjavik–Nuuk route is the most convenient in summer. In winter, you must go via Copenhagen. Check The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026 for real-time updates on seasonal routes.

Local Transport in Sisimiut

Once in Sisimiut, getting around is easy. The town is compact, and most accommodations, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance. There is a local bus service (Route 1 and 2) that runs from the airport to the town centre and the harbor, fare 20 DKK. Taxis are available at the airport and central stand; a ride from the airport to the town centre costs about 100 DKK. Car rental is available from Sisimiut Biludlejning (from 800 DKK per day) but is rarely necessary. For day trips to nearby settlements like Kangerlussuaq or Kangaamiut, join a guided tour. For more details on exploring the area, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

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