Part of our Minnesota guide.
Drive, fly, or take the bus: Minnesota’s transport options connect its vast landscapes, from the North Shore to the Twin Cities. This page covers the key routes and practical tips for getting around the state.
Breathtaking Lake Superior Views On North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior stretches from Duluth to Grand Portage, showcasing rugged cliffs, dense forests, and sparkling waters. Along the way, you can stop at charming towns, hike scenic trails, and visit historic lighthouses. For deeper exploration, consider the hiking and the outdoors in Minnesota guides that detail trails branching off this drive.
Driving the North Shore: Duluth to Grand Portage
Highway 61 runs the full 150-mile stretch from Duluth to the Canadian border at Grand Portage. Plan for at least three to four hours without stops, but most travelers spend a full day exploring state parks, waterfalls, and the harbor towns of Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais. The drive is paved and well-maintained year-round, though winter conditions can slow travel. Gas stations and restaurants are plentiful in towns, but sparse along the remote northern sections. If you are looking for towns and souvenirs in Minnesota, Grand Marais has several shops selling local crafts and maps.
Public Transit in the Twin Cities
Metro Transit runs buses and the Blue and Green light-rail lines connecting downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP). A single ride costs $2.50 (as of 2024), and a day pass is $5.00. The light-rail operates from about 4 a.m. to 1 a.m., with trains every 10–15 minutes during peak hours. Buses cover suburban routes, but service frequency drops after 7 p.m. and on Sundays. For trips beyond the metro, Jefferson Lines and Greyhound offer intercity buses to Duluth, Rochester, and Fargo. The places in St. Cloud guide includes details on bus stops and local connections in central Minnesota.
Getting to and from MSP Airport
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport is the state’s main hub, located 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis and 8 miles from downtown St. Paul. The light-rail Blue Line runs directly from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to both downtowns, with a travel time of about 25 minutes to downtown Minneapolis. Taxis and ride-shares cost roughly $30–$40 to downtown Minneapolis. Rental cars are available at both terminals, with major agencies on-site. If you have a layover shorter than six hours, do not attempt to leave the airport to visit Minnesota attractions—the state is too large for a quick round trip from MSP. For longer waits, the Mall of America is a 5-minute light-rail ride from Terminal 1.
Regional Air Travel
For distances over 200 miles, consider flying. Delta Air Lines and Sun Country operate frequent flights from MSP to Duluth, Rochester, and Bemidji. A one-way ticket from Minneapolis to Duluth costs around $150–$250 (2024 prices) and takes about 45 minutes in the air, compared to a 2.5-hour drive. Smaller airports in St. Cloud, Brainerd, and International Falls serve regional carriers, but schedules are limited—often just two or three flights per day. If you are interested in lakes and rivers in Minnesota, flying into Bemidji or Brainerd gives quick access to the lake country without the long drive from the metro.
Boat and Ferry Services
Lake Superior’s North Shore has no regular ferry service for passengers or vehicles. The only operational ferry in Minnesota is the Pearl of the Lake: a paddlewheel legacy on the Mississippi River, offering sightseeing cruises from Stillwater (May–October, tickets $20–$35). For island access, the Grand Portage–Isle Royale ferry runs from Grand Portage to Isle Royale National Park from May to September, costing $70 round trip per person. No other scheduled boat services connect Minnesota’s inland lakes; most lake travel requires a private boat or a rental from a marina. For hidden spots, check the secrets hidden in Minnesota page for lesser-known lake access points.
