Taxi in Greenland: how local transport works on the "non-green island"
- Damian Brzeski
- Jan 17
- 12 min read
Greenland doesn't have a single kilometer of road between cities, but taxis are still essential. How is that possible? If you imagine classic city commutes from point A to point B, this Arctic country will quickly surprise you.
Transport in Nuuk, Ilulissat or Sisimiut is a separate logistics, full of SUVs on spikes and shuttles, without which it is impossible to get from the airport to the hotel – or vice versa.
Wondering how much a taxi ride costs? Can you order a taxi through an app? And why sometimes it's better to know the driver's number than the address? This guide has all the practical answers.
Taxi system in Greenlandic cities
To understand the logistics of the world's largest island, you need to step back from European standards for a moment. Transportation in Greenland's cities is a unique adaptation to extreme conditions, where each settlement functions like an isolated island.
You can't travel from here to the neighboring town by car—it's physically impossible. That's why taxis play a crucial role here, connecting ports and airports with the city's centers of life.
Without them, functioning in cities with more than 1,000 inhabitants would be a logistical nightmare.
What do Greenlandic taxis look like?
Forget the low-floor sedans of Copenhagen and Warsaw. Here, SUVs and crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer, and VW Transporter rule the streets.
This fleet specification, which could be described as "Arctic Spec," stems from a simple fact: the vehicles must cope with potholed roads, gravel, and deep snow. Low suspension in Nuuk or Sisimiut would mean constant trips to the mechanic.
Interestingly, tire regulations here are much stricter than in Denmark.
Studded tires are standard (and often required), allowing you to safely negotiate icy, steep climbs, which are plentiful in Greenland's mountainous towns.
Are there many taxis in Greenland?
The supply of taxis is tight and limited. A car imported to Nuuk spends its entire life there – it cannot be "shuttled" to another city for the season without expensive sea transport.
Therefore, during rush hours (morning commutes, weekend events) the availability of cars drops drastically.
Unlike the model of well-known gig economy apps, where a higher price attracts occasional drivers, here the number of licenses and physical vehicles is fixed.
The role of taxis in urban transport
In an ecosystem where public transport in Greenland can be sparse (buses run hourly, for example), taxis fill the gap in the so-called "last mile." They connect seaports and airports with city centers and residential areas.
In smaller towns like Qaqortoq or Sisimiut, taxis are becoming a neighborhood logistics service, transporting residents from the port to their homes high on the mountain slopes.
Why Taxis Are Crucial in Greenland
Two key factors are key here: topography and weather. Greenlandic settlements, despite their small population, often sprawl across challenging terrain.
Walking uphill with luggage in strong winds and sub-zero temperatures is a challenge even for a seasoned traveler. A taxi provides not only transportation but, above all, thermal safety .
Taxi fares in Greenland
There is no denying that taxi prices in Greenland are high, even by Danish standards.
These costs reflect the standard of living in the Arctic and the enormous tax burden imposed on imported cars (customs duties can be up to 100% of the car's value!).
What are the prices like in Greenlandic taxis?
Expect rates higher or comparable to those in Scandinavia's most expensive capitals.
The price is a result of the lack of competition from low-cost carriers and the high costs of maintaining the fleet – spare parts often have to travel long distances by sea or air to reach the workshop.
Typical rates and billing methods
When analyzing the market in the capital, you can assume the following standard pricing. Note that the currency is the Danish krone (DKK), but for your convenience, I've converted it to euros and złoty:
Entry fee (so-called door slam): approximately 35 DKK (approx. 4.70 EUR / 20 PLN ).
Rate per kilometer: around 25 DKK (approx. 3.35 EUR / 14.50 PLN ).
It is worth noting that card payment (Visa, Mastercard) is standard in almost all taxis, and payment terminals work efficiently even in smaller towns.
Price differences between cities
Prices are most standardized in Nuuk. In smaller tourist destinations like Ilulissat, you'll often find flat rates for specific routes, such as from the airport to the city center.
This predictability is convenient for tourists, although it may be more expensive per kilometer than driving by the meter.
Major taxi companies in Nuuk
The capital, home to nearly 20,000 people, is the only market in the country with a duopoly structure, where competition truly exists. It's here that the biggest players operate: Nuuk Taxi and the innovative Taxagut .
Nuuk Taxi – Services and Availability
This is an operator steeped in tradition, a classic on the market (phone: 36 36 36 ). Nuuk Taxi has a diverse fleet and is deeply rooted in the minds of local residents.
Their dispatch system serves the entire city, including dynamically developing outlying districts like Qinngorput and Nuussuaq. If you're looking for reliable and traditional service, this is a proven choice.
Taxagut – taxi with a mobile app
The main competitor (phone: 321 321 ), which has embraced the digital revolution. The name Taxagut , loosely translated as "Our Taxi," goes hand in hand with modernity.
This company is the most common choice among younger residents and tourists, mainly due to its excellent mobile app that eliminates language barriers and makes it easier to order a ride without having to talk to a dispatcher.
Private transfers as an alternative
There's also a premium segment, private transfers in Nuuk (pre-booked). These are " Meet & Greet " services, where the driver waits with a sign in the arrivals hall.
However, the cost of such a pleasure is significantly higher – around 650–830 DKK (approx. 87–111 EUR / 375–480 PLN ) for a short ride from the airport. This is an option for those who value luxury and guaranteed accessibility above all else.
Transportation from Nuuk Airport
Nuuk Airport (GOH) is located approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. For arriving tourists, choosing a means of transportation is the first logistical decision after landing. Transportation from Nuuk Airport must be carefully considered, especially in winter.
Options for getting from the airport to the city center
You have three main paths to choose from:
Taxi: The golden mean between convenience and price.
City bus: Cheap, but infrequent and requiring a walk to the stop.
Hotel Transfer: Often the most expensive, but stress-free.
Taxis vs. Buses and Car Rentals
Take a look at the table below to help you make your decision (indicative prices):
Means of Transport | Estimated Cost (DKK) | Estimated Cost (PLN / EUR) | Travel Time | Comment |
Taxi (from the stand) | 100 - 200 DKK | 60-120 PLN / 13-27 EUR | 15-20 min | Price depends on traffic; the fastest option is "on the spot". |
Bus (Line 3) | ~20 DKK | ~12 PLN / 2.70 EUR | 25-40 min | Runs every hour; cumbersome with heavy luggage. |
Private Transfer | 650+ DKK | 375+ PLN / 87+ EUR | 15-20 min | Driver warranty and luxury feel. |
Most tourists choose a taxi because the cost of PLN 60-120 is fully acceptable to avoid walking in the freezing cold.
Cities with access to taxi services
Outside the capital, the market is changing dramatically. In smaller settlements, taxis are no longer anonymous and are becoming a key part of local life.
Cities with taxi services in Greenland are primarily those with ports and airports.
Main locations with taxi companies
You'll find taxi services in every major city (by Greenlandic standards). These include Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Qaqortoq, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, and Paamiut .
These are the main population centers where Greenland – cities with more than 1,000 inhabitants – create enough demand to sustain local transport companies.
The importance of the number of inhabitants for the availability of taxis
The table below shows how population size affects the taxi market. It's worth keeping this in mind, because in smaller towns, finding a ride is next to impossible – you have to call a specific driver.
Size of cities and availability of taxi services in Greenland
City | Population (estimated) | The nature of the Taxi Market | Availability |
Nuuk | ~19,800 | Duopoly (competition), Applications | High (24/7) |
Sisimiut | ~5,600 | Several local businesses | Medium (mainly for phone) |
Ilulissat | ~4,700 | Focus on tourism | Good, but seasonal |
Qaqortoq | ~3,000 | Vertical transport (mountainous terrain) | Mean |
Aasiaat | ~2,900 | Small local businesses | Limited (on call) |
Maniitsoq | ~2,500 | Single operators | Low (on call) |
Tasiilaq | ~1,900 | The specificity of the east coast | Very limited |
In towns with populations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000, the market square is small. Often, there's only one car on duty at night.
Examples of local taxi companies in Greenland
Here's a quick cheat sheet of the most important numbers and names that could save your skin when traveling around the different regions of the island.
Ilulissat Taxi
Greenland's tourist gem is dominated by Ilulissat Taxi (944 944) . Drivers here are well-accustomed to transporting backpackers with expedition gear heading for icefjord trekking.
A ride from the airport is usually a fixed cost of around 140 DKK (approx. 80 PLN / 19 EUR) . Note: the local app often requires verification via a Greenlandic phone number, so it's better to ask reception to order a car.
Sisimiut Taxi
In the second-largest city, which is industrial in nature, the market is shared by Sisimiut Taxi (+299 86 55 33) and Jakob Davidsen Taxi. Importantly, the local bus doesn't go to the airport, giving taxi drivers a natural monopoly on air transfers in the area.
Qaqortoq Taxi
The southern amphitheater city is characterized by dramatic elevation changes. Qaqortoq's taxis (+299 64 11 11) , known as Qaqortoq Taxi , act as a "city elevator," transporting residents from the port to the higher-lying neighborhoods.
With the construction of the new airport and access road, the role of taxis in this city will increase dramatically.
Maniitsoq, Aasiaat, Paamiut, Uummannaq, Narsaq
In these towns, also belonging to the category of cities with over 1,000 inhabitants , there are smaller entities operating, often with only a few cars.
The rule is simple: ask at a local shop or hotel for the number of a "local driver".
In such small communities, news travels fast, and a taxi driver's phone number is a public good.
Public transport and taxi
Taxis don't operate in a vacuum, but their relationship with public transport is different than in Europe. They are a natural complement to buses.
Nuup Bussii and other forms of public transport
The capital city has a bus system operated by Nuup Bussii . The yellow buses are a distinctive feature of the cityscape and operate surprisingly efficiently, but they have limitations in frequency and coverage.
They're great for locals commuting, but can be a hassle for tourists with suitcases. A ticket costs around 20 DKK (12 PLN / 2.70 EUR) .
How Taxis Complement Public Transport
Taxis come into play where Nuup Bussii does not reach or when it stops running (evenings, weekends).
In Nuuk, they are a vital addition to the system, providing flexibility that a fixed timetable simply cannot offer. In smaller towns, where public transport is nonexistent, taxis handle 100% of passenger traffic.
The influence of geographical conditions on transport
Geography dictates the conditions here, not road builders or city planners. Greenland – the terrain is ruthless and determines what and how we drive.
The lack of intercity roads and its consequences
You should know that Greenland's lack of intercity roads is a fact, not a metaphor. Greenlandic taxis operate in a closed-loop system.
The maximum distance you can cover in Nuuk is a dozen or so kilometers to the final loop. There's no "ride to another town" option.
This makes each market a separate pricing and organizational microcosm.
Difficult terrain conditions and the development of taxi services
Mountains, fjords, and ice require powerful engines and 4x4 drive. It's precisely this challenging terrain that makes a taxi a safe haven.
For older residents, navigating the icy steps and sidewalks in Qaqortoq or Sisimiut is impossible without the help of a driver, making taxis a social service.
Alternatives to four wheels: How to travel between cities?
Now that you know that Taxi dominates within cities, you have to ask yourself: what about longer distance trips?
Here, Greenland reveals its most rugged side. The lack of national roads means your "highway" is either the sky or the ocean.
It was Greenland and its unique geography that forced the creation of a system in which a taxi only takes you to the port or landing strip, and from there, specialized carriers take over.
Airlift
The undisputed leader here is Air Greenland . Its red planes and helicopters are often the only thread connecting civilization. Most travelers from Europe first land at the main hub in Kangerlussuaq .
From there, smaller machines take passengers to the capital Nuuk , the tourist center Ilulissat or the industrial Sisimiut .
It is worth remembering that in many smaller settlements, such as Uummannaq or the distant Upernavik , the landing sites are only serviced by helicopters, which makes the arrival itself a spectacular adventure.
Life at Sea: Ferries and Ships
For those who prefer a slower journey, Arctic Umiaq Line is a key player. Their flagship passenger ship, the Sarfaq Ittuk , is a West Coast legend.
A cruise on this vessel is a kind of "sea bus" that connects southern towns like Qaqortoq and Narsaq with the north of the island. It's a great alternative to expensive flights, allowing you to see local life from the water.
In the north, Disko Line plays a key role in the Disko Bay area. This operator specializes in fast sea transfers, connecting smaller settlements with major ports.
In the south, in the fjord region, the Blue Ice Explorer is popular, offering transport combined with sightseeing on glaciers.
Water Taxis and Local Transport
I mentioned earlier that land taxis in Nuuk have their limitations. This is where the Nuuk Water Taxi comes into play.
These distinctive yellow motorboats act as private, on-demand transport, taking anglers and tourists deep into the fjords where no other transport reaches.
Similar, smaller initiatives, like the Maniitsoq Tour Boat , operate in other regions, providing flexibility where scheduled ferries cannot reach.
However, remember one rule of thumb: regardless of whether you choose a plane, the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry or a speedboat, at the end of your journey – at the port in Nuuk or at the airport in Ilulissat – you will still need a classic taxi to get your luggage to a warm hotel.
Modern technologies in taxi services
Despite its isolation, Greenland is not a technological desert. Digitalization of services is progressing rapidly here, especially in the capital.
Taxagut app – how it works and where it is available
The aforementioned Taxagut app is a real game changer in Nuuk. It offers features familiar from Uber and Bolt:
GPS geolocation: Ideal when you don't know what street you're on (or when the address system is complicated).
Wordless ordering: You avoid the language barrier and the hotline queue.
Vehicle Tracking: You can see when your car is arriving, so you can stay warm until the last minute.
When to choose a taxi in Greenland
In my experience, a taxi is the best choice when:
You land with a lot of luggage.
The weather is bad (blizzard, strong wind).
You travel in a group (the cost per person drops to the level of a bus ticket).
Want to move quickly at night (safety and comfort).
How to order a taxi and what to expect
Some takeaways: In Nuuk, install the Taxagut app . Outside the capital, rely on your hotel reception or have the number of a local taxi company written down, such as Ilulissat Taxi or Sisimiut Taxi .
Remember that tips are not mandatory (they are included in the price) and drivers are licensed professionals, so the risk of fraud is minimal.
Enjoy the views out your window, because even a short taxi ride in Greenland can be a visual feast!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about taxis in Greenland
Below you will find specific answers to questions about the costs, availability and specifics of traveling by taxi in Greenlandic cities.
Does Uber or Bolt operate in Greenland? No, international gig economy ride-hailing apps don't operate in Greenland; you must use licensed local companies.
How much does a taxi cost from Nuuk Airport to the city center? A standard fare costs between 100 and 200 DKK (approximately 60–120 PLN), depending on traffic.
Can I order a taxi from one city to another? No, there are no roads between cities in Greenland, so taxis only operate within the same town.
Which taxi app should I download in Nuuk? The best choice is Taxagut, which works smoothly and has an English-language interface.
Can you pay by card in taxis? Yes, Visa and Mastercard are standard in almost all taxis, even in smaller towns.
Do I have to tip drivers? No, tipping is not required as the service fee is included in the price, although rounding up the amount is appreciated.
How much is the entry fee in Nuuk? The "door slam" fee is usually around 35 DKK (approx. 20 PLN).
Why are taxis expensive in Greenland? The high prices are due to hefty import taxes on cars, difficult spare parts logistics, and extreme operating conditions.
Are taxis available 24 hours a day? In the capital (Nuuk), yes, but in smaller towns there's often only one car on duty at night and availability is limited.
Can I pay in euros or dollars? Usually no, the currency is the Danish krone (DKK); it's best to pay by card or local cash.
How to order a taxi in Ilulissat without a Greenlandic number? The local app may not work with a foreign number, so you'll probably need to ask your hotel reception to order a taxi.
Are taxis in Greenland safe? Yes, they are a very safe mode of transportation, operated by licensed drivers, and scams are extremely rare.
How do Greenlandic taxis differ from Danish ones? Most of the fleet consists of 4x4 SUVs and crossovers with studded tires, designed for rough terrain, unlike the city sedans in Denmark.
Can I take a bus from Sisimiut Airport? No, there is no public transportation to Sisimiut Airport, so a taxi is the only option for driving.
Do I need to book a taxi to the airport in advance? In smaller towns and during peak hours in Nuuk, this is highly recommended to avoid long waits.
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