$39 Cheap Flights to Elk River, MN

Flights to Elk River at a glance

Traveling to Elk River is easy; you can choose from full-service or low-cost airlines and compare journey times. Find the best flights to Elk River that fit your budget and schedule, allowing you to explore the city's notable sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Elk River: Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Flights per week: 4,550+ flights arriving at Elk River airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Elk River: around 50+ carriers

Popular airport near Elk River

Elk River is a vibrant city perfect for family getaways, urban adventures, and entertainment. Visitors are drawn to its outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, romantic spots, and business opportunities. The nearest airport to Elk River is MSP Airport, which serves as a major hub for air travel in the region.

• Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP): Situated in Hennepin County, Minnesota, approximately 34 miles from Elk River, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It links travelers to around 250 cities nationwide and over 170 international locations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience with first class, premium economy, and business class service based on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include Delta, Sun Country Airlines, and American Airlines.

Top routes to Elk River

• Phoenix (PHX) to Elk River (MSP), with one-way fares starting at around $70
• Denver (DEN) to Elk River (MSP), with one-way airfare from around $45
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Elk River (MSP), with one-way airfare from around $40
• Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Elk River (MSP), with one-way flight options from around $65
• Orlando (MCO) to Elk River (MSP), with one-way airfare from around $80

Cheapest routes to Elk River

• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Elk River (MSP), with cheap one-way fares from around $40
• Denver (DEN) to Elk River (MSP), with affordable one-way prices from around $45
• Atlanta (ATL) to Elk River (MSP), with low one-way fares from around $55
• Thief River Falls (TVF) to Elk River (MSP), with cheap one-way fares from around $60
• Dallas (DFW/DAL) to Elk River (MSP), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $65

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Elk River

• Delta: Providing service to Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Delta represents approximately 41% of the arrivals in Elk River. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $420, with premium options including premium economy, business, and first class based on the route.
• American Airlines: With flights to Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), American Airlines accounts for roughly 15% of the arrivals to Elk River. The typical one-way fare is around $360, featuring first class as a premium seating option depending on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: Operating flights into Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Southwest Airlines makes up about 12% of all arrivals in Elk River. One-way fares are generally around $240, offering travelers an economical choice.
• United: Serving Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), United Airlines also contributes approximately 12% of arrivals in Elk River. Average one-way fares hover around $380, with first class available as a premium cabin option depending on the route.
• Sun Country Airlines: Flying to Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Sun Country Airlines accounts for nearly 9% of the arrivals in Elk River. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $150, making it a budget-friendly option.

Best time to fly to Elk River

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Elk River are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Elk River can reach up to 43.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.8°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $215, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? July, September, and November offer average one-way fares of around $218, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Elk River

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Elk River is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Elk River hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Elk River flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Elk River

Elk River welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Elk River efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport, both Terminal 1 - Lindbergh Station, a metro station, and Minneapolis St Paul Seaport, a seaport, are conveniently located about 0.4 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot. For those traveling by car, St. Paul - Minneapolis Station, a train station, is situated approximately 8.1 miles away.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Elk River, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Elk River is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Elk River on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Elk River

• Otsego: Otsego is a village located in the area of Elk River, offering a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and urban experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a vibrant shopping mall, a thrilling water park, and the scenic Otsego County Park, perfect for outdoor relaxation. For those looking for romance or picturesque scenery, North Twin Lake provides a charming lakeside retreat. The area is also home to Nowthen City Hall, showcasing local governance and community spirit.
• Big Lake: Located 9 miles away from Elk River, Big Lake is a city that invites travelers to explore its outdoor beauty and serene landscapes. This destination features lovely parks and recreational areas, making it ideal for family outings and romantic getaways. Key highlights include Harris Island Park, an urban park perfect for leisurely strolls, and Paradise Lake, which offers stunning views and opportunities for beach relaxation. The natural scenery here is especially enchanting in the warmer months.
• Maple Grove: Situated 17 miles drive away from Elk River, Maple Grove is a city that caters to families and business travelers alike. The area boasts a bustling shopping mall and water park, providing ample entertainment options. Notable attractions include the Target Center, an arena that hosts a variety of events, and the Minneapolis Convention Center, ideal for business engagements. Egan Park offers a welcoming space for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, making Maple Grove a versatile destination for all types of visitors.

Tips for short-haul flights to Elk River

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits strategically. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks along with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Elk River

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for long flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to ensure ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Elk River

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Elk River on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Elk River. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Elk River. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Elk River, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Elk River

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Elk River in 2026 starts from $83, while one-way tickets start from from $39. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Elk River. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Elk River

Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Elk River. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Elk River and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Elk River, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Elk River. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Elk River plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Elk River

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Elk River.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Elk River are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Elk River. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Elk River for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Elk River. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Elk River flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Elk River. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.