Renting a car in Nuuk

Author

Visit Nuuk

You don’t need a car for a strictly city-centre stay, but it’s convenient if you’re staying outside the centre, travelling with kids or camera gear, or visiting in winter.

Check our guides

Tip

Book early for July – September and Christmas/New Year periods – fleets are small and sell out.

Nuuk is compact but also spread across a few districts (City Centre, Nuussuaq, Qinngorput). Renting a car can be a great idea if you want the freedom to chase a sunset, nip to the supermarket on your own schedule, or reach trailheads and viewpoints between bus times.

Who rents cars in Nuuk?

Local agencies handle most rentals in Nuuk. You’ll find city pick-up as well as airport pick-up/drop-off options. Fleets typically include small city cars, crossovers/SUVs, and a limited number of automatics and EVs.

Deres Auto (Bilcenter) – City location with airport pick-up/drop-off available. A broad choice from small cars to SUVs and vans. Book online or by phone/email.
Nuuk Rental Worry-free, visitor-focused rental. English booking, 24/7 airport key box, on-call support, and all-inclusive cars (studded winter tyres, scraper, basic insurance — no extras). Fleet: compact, 4×4 SUV, premium EV (Tesla, Mercedes).
Nuuk Biludlejning is a local operator with simple online booking and clear rental terms; city and airport pick-up options are shown during booking.
Biludlejning.gl – Local operator with city pick-up at Industrivej 18. Online booking shows categories from compact cars to SUVs (you’ll spot models like Suzuki Swift, Urban Cruiser, Hyundai ix35 incl. automatics).

Quick Facts

Where you can drive

Only in and around Nuuk. There are no roads connecting Nuuk with other towns in Greenland.

Road rules

Right-hand traffic; 40 km/h is the default speed in town unless a sign says otherwise.

Tolls

None.

Transmission

Mix of manual and automatic - always check the gearbox when booking.

Winter

Roads are cleared, but snow and ice are common. Book a car with proper winter tyres in season.

Alternatives

Buses and taxis cover the city well; an airport shuttle runs between Nuuk International Airport and the city.

H.J. Rinkip Aqqutaa 2024. Photo by Oscar Scott Carl.

Do you actually need a car?

Choose a rental car if you…

Are staying in Nuussuaq or Qinngorput,
Want to photograph sunrise/sunset or explore viewpoints at odd hours,
Travel with kids, elderly family, or bulky gear,
Visit in winter and prefer your own warm “base” between stops.

Skip the car (or rent for just a day) if you…

Stay mostly around City Centre,
Prefer guided tours or boat trips,
Don’t want to drive in winter conditions.

Start with Transport Options in Nuuk for bus routes, tickets, and taxi info, and use Maps of Nuuk to get your bearings.

Licenses, age & deposits

License: A valid driver’s license from your home country is fine for short visits. If your license isn’t in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit.
Age: Local age rules vary by company and car class. Some allow 19+ for older models, while others require 25+ for the whole fleet or for newer vehicles.
Deposit & payment: A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required at pick-up
Insurance: Standard coverage usually includes a deductible; most agencies offer add-ons to lower it. Read the rental terms carefully and photograph the car at pick-up and return.

Booking & pick-up

Airport pick-up: Several agencies can hand over the keys at Nuuk International Airport – ask for airport pick-up/drop-off when booking.
City pick-up is easy if you’re already in town; some agencies can also deliver to your accommodation for a fee.
Transmission & winter kit: If you need an automatic, book it specifically; for the winter months, confirm that winter tyres and a scraper/brush are included.

Are you flying in soon? If you decide not to rent immediately, check Nuuk’s New Airport for the airport shuttle details.

There are no inter-town roads in Greenland – driving is strictly within Nuuk.

In winter, give yourself more time between appointments – and enjoy the views while you wait for the snowplough to pass.

The Nuuk suburb Qinngorput in Greenland at night in winter

Driving in Nuuk: simple, but Arctic

Conditions change fast. Even on clear days, wind and snow can roll in. Keep lights on, drive gently, and leave extra space.
Parking is straightforward near most accommodations and supermarkets. During storms, follow your host’s advice about where to leave the car.
No off-road. Stay on marked roads – off-road driving damages fragile terrain and isn’t permitted.

Not renting? You’re still covered

Nuup Bussii (city buses): Reliable, frequent, and easy to use, with real-time tracking.
Taxis: Two companies operate in Nuuk; waiting times can be longer on weekend nights.
Shuttles & charters: You can book private shuttles and minibuses for groups or custom transfers.

All the practical details live here: Transport Options in Nuuk.

Still split between renting or relying on buses and taxis? Start by mapping your accommodation and plans on Maps of Nuuk. If most of your points are in the City Centre, you’ll be fine without a car. If they’re scattered across Nuussuaq and Qinngorput – or you love spontaneous detours – go with a rental for a few days.