$26 Cheap Flights to Brainerd, MN

Flights to Brainerd at a glance

Traveling to Brainerd is easy, as various full-service airlines provide a range of flight options. Check flight schedules and journey times to select the best flight that aligns with your plans to discover the city's well-known attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports in and around Brainerd: Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI), Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)
• Closest airport to Brainerd: Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, BRD (within Brainerd)
• Flights per week: 28 flights arriving across Brainerd airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Brainerd: around 2 carriers

Popular airports in and around Brainerd

Brainerd is a charming city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic beauty, romance, wellness, and relaxation. With access to the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD), travelers can easily find convenient flights to this delightful destination, perfect for a refreshing getaway.

• Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI): Situated in Beltrami County, Minnesota, approximately 87 miles from Brainerd, this airport offers domestic flights connecting to about three cities nationwide. Travelers can opt for premium economy service for enhanced comfort, depending on the selected routes and airlines, primarily Delta and United.
• Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD): Found in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, this airport operates domestic routes. Delta is the main airline servicing this location, providing reliable options for travelers in the region.

Top routes to Brainerd

• Minneapolis (MSP) to Brainerd (BJI/BRD), with one-way airfare from around $75
• Chicago (ORD) to Brainerd (BJI), with one-way fares starting at around $170
• Denver (DEN) to Brainerd (BJI), with one-way fares starting at around $180

Cheapest routes to Brainerd

• Minneapolis (MSP) to Brainerd (BJI/BRD), with budget one-way fares from around $75
• Chicago (ORD) to Brainerd (BJI), with cheap one-way fares from around $170
• Denver (DEN) to Brainerd (BJI), with affordable one-way prices from around $180

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

Top airlines with flights to Brainerd

• Delta: Operates flights to Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) and Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD), representing about 96% of all arrivals in Brainerd. The typical one-way fare is around $160, with premium options that may feature premium economy class based on the route.
• United: Provides service to Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) and accounts for roughly 4% of arrivals in Brainerd. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $540.

Best time to fly to Brainerd

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Brainerd are May, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Brainerd can reach up to 70.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 31.3°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $148, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average.

*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 Brainerd

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Brainerd 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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Brainerd

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Brainerd, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Brainerd is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Brainerd 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 around Brainerd

• Nisswa: Nisswa is located 12 miles drive away from Brainerd and offers a charming blend of outdoor experiences and scenic beauty. Travelers flock to Nisswa for romantic getaways and family-friendly adventures. Popular activities include golfing and exploring local parks. Key points of interest include the picturesque Gull Lake, ideal for beach outings and serene escapes, and the Pequot Lakes Dog Park, perfect for families and pet lovers. Don’t miss Merrifield Lions Park, an eco-friendly space designed for outdoor enjoyment. Nisswa is a delightful destination for both relaxation and recreation.
• Baxter: Situated only 4 miles drive away from Brainerd, Baxter is a vibrant city known for its outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. The area is popular for its recreational offerings, including motor racing and shopping. Visitors can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Gull Lake, as well as the tranquil Northland Arboretum, which is great for families seeking outdoor adventures. For a taste of adventure, head to Crow Wing State Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Baxter is a perfect spot for those looking to explore the great outdoors.
• Pillager: Pillager is located 13 miles drive away from Brainerd and is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This charming city offers ample opportunities for recreation, including golfing and exploring nearby parks. Gull Lake is a must-visit for romantic outings and scenic views. Adventure seekers will appreciate Crow Wing State Park, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Families can also enjoy the Northland Arboretum, which provides an educational and enjoyable experience. Pillager is a wonderful destination for those looking to connect with nature.

Tips for short-haul flights to Brainerd

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This strategy also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book for additional enjoyment. Be sure to charge your devices fully 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 before your departure time, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Brainerd

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat ahead of time is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours prior to 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 accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, enjoy a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Brainerd

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Brainerd 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 Brainerd. 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 Brainerd. 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 Brainerd, 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 Brainerd

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Brainerd in 2026 starts from $40, while one-way tickets start from from $26. 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 Brainerd. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Brainerd

Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Brainerd. 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 Brainerd and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Brainerd, 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 Brainerd. 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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd

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 Brainerd.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Brainerd are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Brainerd. 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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Brainerd 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 Brainerd. 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.