Kangerlussuaq Layover Guide (SFJ)

What are you looking for in SFJ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is an international airport located in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. It’s located about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the town centre. The airport first opened officially in 1941 as Bluie West-8 during World War II. Kangerlussuaq is a small settlement on the edge of Greenland’s massive ice sheet and serves as a key gateway for arctic exploration. It is known for its polar landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Can you leave Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ), you may exit the terminal and explore, but you will clear passport control. Citizens of Nordic countries and those visa-exempt for Schengen short stays can enter Greenland visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must obtain a valid Greenland entry visa. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Greenland Ice Sheet Excursion Embark on a scenic bus tour from Kangerlussuaq to the edge of the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, marvel at endless ice horizons and learn about glaciology from expert guides (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: Tour pickup at airport terminal. official info)
• Russell Glacier Hike Guided glacier hike on the Russell Glacier offers thrilling ice trekking, crevasse viewing, and panoramic fjord vistas under expert guidance in pristine Arctic surroundings (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: Minibus pickup at airport. official info)
• Sled Dog Experience & Museum Meet energetic Greenlandic huskies, enjoy a short sled demonstration, and explore a museum showcasing local sledding traditions, history, and Arctic mushing culture (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi ride.)
• Wildlife Safari Guided safari through tundra landscapes to spot musk oxen, Arctic hares, and migratory birds, while learning about local ecology and conservation from knowledgeable naturalists (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Tour pickup at airport.)
• Lake Ferguson Boat Tour Cruise across serene Lake Ferguson, admire surrounding mountains and icebergs, and experience tranquil Arctic waters on a comfortable guided boat expedition (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 5-minute taxi or walk.)
• Northern Lights Planetarium Interactive planetarium show illustrating Aurora Borealis science, immersing visitors in simulated Northern Lights displays and cosmic phenomena with expert narration (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 5-minute walk.)
• Inuit Cultural Museum Discover Greenlandic indigenous heritage through exhibits of traditional clothing, tools, and artworks, gaining insight into Inuit culture, subsistence practices, and Arctic adaptations (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 5-minute taxi.)
• Esker Trail Hike Enjoy a moderate hike along ancient glacial eskers, offering panoramic views of Kangerlussuaq valley, lakes, and tundra flora guided by experienced local hikers (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 10-minute taxi to trailhead.)

Things to Do in Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Kangerlussuaq Airport has no dedicated business or first-class lounges. Passengers can unwind in the small terminal’s seating areas or visit the in-terminal hotel’s restaurant, café and cafeteria landside or airside. There are no quiet zones, but power outlets are scattered throughout for device charging. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The airport terminal houses Hotel Kangerlussuaq with 70 rooms, a restaurant, bar and tourist office, offering direct landside accommodation. Nearby Polar Lodge and Old Camp are within 2 km, providing free shuttle service, breakfast, WiFi and tour booking assistance for uninterrupted rest before early departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The terminal closes at night, so overnight stays inside are not possible. There are no dedicated rest zones, quiet areas or provided cots. Seating is limited to standard benches and chairs in landside and airside areas, making nearby hotel booking essential for overnight layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal. Simply connect to “Tele Greenland’s Tele Point” network for basic internet access. Speeds are sufficient for email and light browsing, but heavier downloads may be slow. No purchase or signup is required to connect and stay online during your layover.

SIM/eSIM Card: There is no official SIM or eSIM kiosk at the airport. Travellers can purchase local Tele Green­land or international SIM cards in Kangerlussuaq town at mobile shops. The in-terminal tourist office can advise on the nearest vendor for prepaid data and voice plans to stay connected in Greenland. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis operate from the ground transportation area directly outside arrivals. Taxis run 24/7, with fares calculated by meter. Cash (DKK) is preferred, and credit cards may not be accepted. Trips to town center (1.9 km) take about 5 minutes; rates should be confirmed with the driver before departure.

Train: There is no train service at or near Kangerlussuaq Airport, as Greenland has no railway infrastructure (more info). Travellers must rely on road-based transport such as taxis, shuttles or car rentals for onward journeys.

Bus: Public bus services do not operate to or from the airport. Visitors can arrange private coach transfers or rely on hotel shuttle services. For community transport options and seasonal tour buses, see the airport’s ground transport section (more info).

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels, including Old Camp and Polar Lodge, offer free 24-hour airport shuttles. Shuttles depart on demand from the terminal forecourt; schedules vary by property. Contact your hotel in advance to confirm pickup instructions, wait locations and any applicable booking requirements for seamless transfers.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Europcar, Avis and local providers are located within the terminal building. Vehicles can be reserved online or upon arrival, subject to availability. A valid driver’s license and credit card are required. Roads outside are gravel, so choose a suitable vehicle type for summer or winter conditions. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Outdoor parking adjacent to the terminal is free of charge, with plenty of short-term and long-term spaces. No advance reservation is required. Lots are unsecured and unmonitored, so leave valuables out of sight. Snow clearance occurs in winter, but check local conditions before parking for extended periods.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Landside lockers are available near the check-in area. Rates are approximately 40 DKK per hour plus a 200 DKK refundable deposit. For longer storage, Hotel Kangerlussuaq offers luggage holding services at no extra charge for guests. Pack valuables in carry-on for peace of mind. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks