Renting a car in Nuuk, Greenland, is a little different from anywhere else, and it helps to understand what a rental car here can and cannot do before you book. Nuuk is Greenland's capital, but the country has only about 150 kilometres of road in total, and crucially, no roads connect Nuuk with any other town. A rental car is for getting around Nuuk and its immediate surroundings, not for touring the country, which is done by plane, boat, or helicopter.
What you need to rent and drive
The minimum driving age in Greenland is 18 with a valid licence, but rental companies usually set their own minimum at 23 or 25, and often require that you have held your licence for at least a year. If your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet, you will need an International Driving Permit alongside it. A credit card in the main driver's name is normally required for the deposit. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars can help you check availability and prices in Nuuk before you arrive, which is worth doing given the small local fleet.
Roads, speeds, and winter
Within Nuuk, speed limits are typically 40 kilometres per hour, rising to 60 on some roads. In winter, snow and ice are the main consideration, but rental cars are fitted with winter tyres, roads are generally well cleared, and grit is laid regularly. A standard car is fine for getting around town, while a four-wheel-drive gives more confidence on gravel or in winter conditions. Because there are no intercity roads, plan any travel beyond Nuuk by air or sea.
Booking tips
The local rental fleet is small, so book ahead, especially in the summer season, and confirm the pick-up point, as some vehicles are collected near the airport. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, and any limits on where you can drive, and check that insurance and any excess are clearly set out. Comparing options in advance, rather than arriving and hoping a car is free, is the sensible approach for a destination this small and remote.