Pet-Friendly Ely & BWCA Transportation
Bringing a dog or small pet along to your Ely or BWCA cabin can turn a good trip into a great one—but the long drive between MSP Airport and northern Minnesota can be stressful when you’re managing luggage, kennels, and rest stops on your own. Citywide offers pet-friendly, private transportation so your whole group—pets included—can travel north or south more comfortably.
Our pet-friendly Ely & BWCA transportation is available between MSP, Ely, and BWCA-area cabins, lodges, and resorts. Your vehicle is private to your group, with room for crates, beds, and gear, plus planned breaks so pets and people can stretch their legs along the way.
Pricing for Ely & Nearby Lodging (Zone 29)
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$595
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity not included
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
Driver Gratuity Not Included
$715
Zone 29
Black Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
$715
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity not included
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
Driver Gratuity Not Included
$855
ID 41
15 Passenger Private Van
To From MSP Pricing
$745
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
for 1 - 8 people
Gratuity not included
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*(8pm to 8am)
After Hours
Driver Gratuity Not Included
$915
9.00
Pricing for BWCA Cabins / Lake Properties (Zone 33)
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
$660 for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity Not Included
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included.
$790
Zone 33
Black Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
$790 for 1 - 3 people
Gratuity Not Included
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included.
$950
ID 45
15 Passenger Private Van
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am - 8pm)
$820 for 1 - 9 people
Gratuity Not Included
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included.
$995
10.00
Citywide’s pet-friendly Ely & BWCA transportation is designed for travelers who want to bring their dogs or small pets along for cabin weeks, resort stays, and northwoods getaways. Instead of renting a car or juggling multiple vehicles, you can schedule a private, pet-friendly ride between MSP and your lodge, lake home, or outfitter near Ely and the Boundary Waters.
Pricing follows our zone system: Zone 29 covers Ely city and nearby lodging, while Zone 33 covers deeper BWCA cabins, lake properties, and access roads. Any pet-related fees or cleaning charges will be discussed up front so you know the complete price of your trip before you book.
When requesting a quote, let us know how many pets you’re bringing, their size, and whether they’ll ride in crates or harnesses. That helps us assign the right vehicle and plan rest stops along the MSP \u21c6 Ely/BWCA route.
- Private, pet-friendly transportation between MSP, Ely, and BWCA cabins.
- Room for crates, beds, leashes, and luggage in Basic Car, Black Car, or Large Van options.
- Scheduled rest stops and door-to-door service to cabins, lodges, and resorts where roads allow.
Need trip planning ideas for your time up north? See our Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months article, or browse other Ely & BWCA spokes from the main hub page.
Looking for other MSP routes? Visit our Minneapolis Airport Transportation hub.
Ely / BWCA not your area? To see pricing to or from your specific city or town, click here
MSP ⇆ Ely & BWCA – Pet-Friendly Private Ride Car Service
Citywide makes it easier to bring pets along when you travel between MSP, Ely, and the BWCA. Instead of worrying about rental car policies or long solo drives, you can schedule a private, pet-friendly ride that’s built around your arrival, departure, and cabin check-in times.
Traveling with Dogs Between MSP and Ely
For many guests, leaving the dog at home isn’t an option. Ely, the BWCA region, and nearby lake communities are popular with dog owners who want their pets at the cabin or along on day hikes. Our pet-friendly service makes the long MSP ⇆ Ely drive easier by building in rest stops and giving your dog space to settle in.
Most dogs ride comfortably when they have a familiar bed, blanket, or crate with them. If your dog is energy-heavy at the start of the trip, consider a walk before pickup so they’re more relaxed once you’re on the road. We’ll work with you on timing and stops based on your pet’s needs.
Choosing a Vehicle for Pet-Friendly Ely & BWCA Trips
Our Basic Car Service works well for one to three passengers with a single dog or small pet. There’s enough room for luggage and a crate or bed, especially if you travel light and pack efficiently.
If you want more space or a quieter ride, Black Car Service offers a premium interior and smoother ride, ideal for longer MSP ⇆ Ely/BWCA trips or older pets who need a calmer environment.
Families and groups often choose our Large Van, especially when they’re bringing multiple dogs, crates, and cabin supplies. Vans provide extra floor and cargo space so everyone can spread out and travel comfortably.
Whatever you choose, your ride is private to your group. We do not combine unrelated parties or bounce between multiple stops. The trip is built around your route and your pets’ needs.
Planning Rest Stops and Seasons for Pet Travel
The MSP ⇆ Ely route typically runs around 3.5–4 hours in normal conditions, and BWCA cabins can add additional time depending on road access. When pets are along, we encourage at least one or two brief bathroom and water breaks, especially in summer.
In winter, you’ll want to balance breaks with cold temperatures and wind. Short, efficient stops help pets stay comfortable while still getting a chance to stretch. Extra blankets, jackets for smaller dogs, and booties can make a big difference on very cold days.
If you have questions about how to plan a pet-friendly MSP ⇆ Ely/BWCA trip, use the form below to share your group size, pets, and cabin details. We can help you estimate travel time and build a plan that works for everyone.
Pet-Friendly Ely & BWCA Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can we bring on one trip?
It depends on the size of your pets and the vehicle you choose. One dog in a Basic Car is common, while families sometimes bring two or more dogs in a Large Van. Let us know the number and size of your pets, and we’ll recommend the best vehicle and provide a quote.
Do you allow cats or other small pets?
Yes, as long as they can travel safely in a carrier. Most trips involve dogs, but we can often accommodate cats and other small pets in secure crates. Please mention all pets when you request your MSP ⇆ Ely/BWCA quote so we can prepare accordingly.
What should we bring to make our pet more comfortable?
We recommend bringing a familiar bed or blanket, a leash, water bowl, and any medications or treats your pet uses regularly. If they’re crate trained, traveling in their regular crate can help them settle more quickly.
What if my pet gets carsick or anxious?
Many pets adjust well to longer rides with a little planning. Talk with your veterinarian if your dog or cat has a history of motion sickness or anxiety; they may suggest specific steps or medications. From our side, we can build in extra short breaks and keep the vehicle as calm and quiet as possible.
Are there restrictions on where pets can sit in the vehicle?
Yes. For safety reasons, pets should not ride in the driver’s lap or at the driver’s feet. We ask that pets remain in the back seat area, cargo space, or in a secured crate so that the driver can focus fully on the road between MSP and Ely/BWCA destinations.
- Ely & BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation (Hub)
- Northern Tier BWCA ⇄ MSP Transportation
- Ely to MSP Airport Transportation
- Early Morning & Late-Night Ely → MSP Airport Rides
- Group & Gear Transportation – Ely/BWCA to MSP
- Boy Scout Troop Transportation – Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service (Primary Inbound)
- MSP to Ely Private Car Service
- MSP to BWCA – Canoe Trip Transportation
- MSP to Lake Vermilion Resorts Transportation
- MSP to Ely Lodges & Outfitters Transportation
- MSP to Boundary Waters Entry Point Transportation
- Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months
- Ely → MSP Medical Transportation
- Things to Do in Ely
- Lodges, Cabins & Outfitters Transportation – Ely & BWCA
- Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Transportation
- Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
