Can an American Drive in Greenland? — Yes, But No Roads Between Towns

Greenland is one of those places where the licence question is the easy bit and geography is the surprise. If you are picturing a road trip along the coast, that trip does not exist, and understanding why is the most useful thing to know before you go.

Documents for an American driver

Canada’s official travel advice for Greenland tells visitors to carry an International Driving Permit and sets the minimum age to drive a car at 18. For a US driver that means the permit AAA issues, obtained before departure, kept with your US licence and passport. Hire firms are few and set their own terms, so read the conditions when you book.

The towns are not connected

There are no roads or railways between towns in Greenland. Travel between settlements is by air or sea, and in winter by ski, snowmobile or dogsled. Driving therefore means driving within one town and its short surrounding roads, for errands and sightseeing close to base. A hire car is a local tool, not a touring one.

What driving there is like

You drive on the right, as at home. Roads are short, and conditions are governed by snow, ice, fog and very limited winter daylight; Arctic weather also delays flights and boats, so leave slack in any plan that depends on them. Penalties for drink-driving and speeding are severe, so drive to the conditions and to the posted signs. The emergency number is 112.

Check your documents with the Driving Permit Checker, and see our full driving directory for the wider Nordic context.

Sources

• Global Affairs Canada, Greenland travel advice (no roads between towns; carry an IDP; minimum age 18; severe penalties for drink-driving and speeding; dial 112): travel.gc.ca
• UN Treaty Collection, Convention on Road Traffic 1949 (United States and Denmark parties): treaties.un.org