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How to get fromBrainerd to Thunder Bayby bus, shuttle, car, or plane

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There are 3 ways to get from Brainerd to Thunder Bay by bus, shuttle, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Bus, shuttle, drive

    best
    1. Take the bus from Brainerd to Duluthbus bus
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Duluth International Airport to Grand Maraisshuttle bus
    3. Drive from Grand Marais to Kakabeka Fallscar car
    10h 23m

  2. Drive 487.7 km

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Brainerd to Thunder Baycar car 487.7 km
    6h 29m
    $97–140

  3. Bus, fly

    1. Take the bus from Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerd to Minneapolis / St Paul Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)plane plane MSP - YQT
    9h 42m
    $564–1,684

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) flights

Calendar40Weekly Planes
Duration6h 38mAverage Duration
Ticket$124Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Brainerd to Thunder Bay.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 553.3 km
  • Duration: 10h 23m

What companies run services between Brainerd, MN, USA and Thunder Bay, ON, Canada?

There is no direct connection from Brainerd to Thunder Bay. However, you can take the bus to Duluth, walk to Duluth Transportation Center West, take the line 108 bus to Airport Terminal, walk to Duluth International Airport, take the shuttle to Grand Marais, drive to Kakabeka Falls, then take the bus to Thunder Bay. Alternatively, you can drive from Brainerd to Thunder Bay in around 6h 29m.

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