Pet-Friendly 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
Quick summary: Citywide provides private, pet-friendly, flat-rate transportation between MSP Airport (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2) and Ely / BWCA & Northern Tier cabin, lodge, and road-accessible lake property areas — pre-scheduled, never shared, and set up for crates, beds, leashes, and luggage.
Bringing a dog (or small pet) north shouldn’t mean renting a car, splitting into multiple vehicles, or driving tired after a flight. Citywide’s pet-friendly Ely & BWCA transportation keeps your party together in one private vehicle between MSP and your cabin, lodge, resort, or outfitter area near Ely—with door-to-door routing where roads allow safe access.
Flat-rate pricing (quoted per vehicle, not per person):
Ely Pricing (Zone 29): Basic Car $595 · Black Car $715 · Large Van $745
BWCA / Northern Tier Pricing (Zone 33): Basic Car $660 · Black Car $790 · Large Van $820
Any pet-related fees (if applicable) are disclosed up front so you know the total cost before you book.
Pricing follows our zone system: Zone 29 for Ely city and nearby lodging, and Zone 33 for deeper BWCA cabins, lake properties, and access roads that require additional miles and drive time. When requesting a quote, share how many pets you’re bringing, their size, and whether they’ll ride crated or harnessed so we can assign the right vehicle and plan sensible rest stops.
- Private, pet-friendly transportation between MSP, Ely, and BWCA cabins—no shared shuttle or transfers.
- Vehicle options for pets + people: Basic Car, Black Car, or Large Van with space for crates, beds, leashes, and luggage.
- Pre-scheduled timing with optional brief rest stops and door-to-door service where roads allow safe access.
Need more Ely trip planning ideas? See our Things to Do in the BWCA in the Winter Months article, or browse additional spokes from the Ely & BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation hub.
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
What kinds of pets can travel with Citywide between MSP and Ely/BWCA?
Most riders bring dogs, but we also see small pets that can travel safely in carriers. When you request a quote, let us know the type, size, and number of pets so we can match the right vehicle and share any guidelines. For safety, pets should be crated, harnessed, or otherwise secured while the vehicle is moving.
Is there an extra fee for bringing pets?
There may be a small cleaning or pet fee depending on the number and size of pets, length of the trip, and whether they travel crated. Any additional charges will be explained up front so you know exactly what your MSP ⇆ Ely/BWCA pet-friendly trip will cost before you book.
Can my dog ride uncrated in the vehicle?
For everyone’s safety, we strongly prefer pets to be in a crate, travel kennel, or secured with a harness-style seatbelt. If your dog must ride uncrated, they should remain under control at all times and off the driver’s lap and footwell so the vehicle can be operated safely. Let us know your situation when you request a quote.
Will you stop for pet breaks on the way between MSP and Ely?
Yes. Pet-friendly trips can include planned bathroom and stretch breaks. Because the MSP ⇆ Ely/BWCA route is several hours each way, we encourage riders to build in at least one or two brief stops for pets and people, especially in warmer weather.
Do you allow pets in all seasons, including winter?
Yes. We offer pet-friendly transportation year-round, including winter. In colder months, we recommend bringing extra blankets, a warm coat for your dog if they use one, and planning for quick but efficient rest stops so pets are not exposed to extreme cold for long periods.
