Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Transportation
The Superior National Forest and Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail are home to some of the most memorable cabins, lodges, and BWCA access points in the state—but they’re also some of the longest drives from Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Citywide offers private, flat-rate transportation so your group can go straight from the airport to your northwoods destination without managing multiple vehicles or long, unfamiliar drives.
Our Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail transportation is built for hiking trips, canoe routes, fishing groups, and cabin stays. We provide door-to-door rides between MSP, Ely, selected North Shore areas, and Gunflint Trail cabins, lodges, trailheads, and outfitters, with vehicles sized to handle people and gear.
Pricing for Ely & Nearby Superior National Forest (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 Gunflint Trail Cabins, Lodges & Outfitters (Zone 37)
PLAN
Number
minutes
Price
Price for 1 minute
Your text
Basic Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
$725 for 1 - 3 people
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included
$870
Zone 37
Black Car Service
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am to 8pm)
$870 for 1 - 3 people
----$10 For Each Addtional Rider over 3----
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included
$1,045
I,D 49
15 Passenger Private Van
To From MSP Pricing
Daytime Rides (8am - 8pm)
$900 for 1 - 9 people
--------------------------------------------------------------
*(8pm to 8am)
Gratuity Not Included
$1,095
11.00
Citywide’s Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail transportation is designed for guests who want the adventure of remote cabins, lodges, and trailheads without the stress of the long drive north. Many groups land at MSP Airport, gather their luggage and coolers, and then head straight toward the North Shore, Ely, or Gunflint Trail for hiking, fishing, or canoe trips.
Pricing follows our zone system: Zone 41 covers Ely and nearby Superior National Forest lodging, while Zone 37 is used for Gunflint Trail cabins, lodges, and BWCA outfitters. Zone 37 one-way rates currently start around $725 for Basic Car, $870 for Black Car, and $900 for a Large Van for most Gunflint Trail destinations. Use the price tables above or request a quote with your exact pickup and drop-off locations for a precise, all-inclusive rate.
Trips can be scheduled MSP → northwoods, northwoods → MSP, or as coordinated one-way rides in both directions. We plan around your flight times, cabin check-in windows, and outfitter schedules.
- Private, flat-rate rides between MSP and Superior National Forest / Gunflint Trail cabins, lodges, and outfitters.
- Vehicles sized for hiking parties, canoe crews, and fishing groups with packs, rods, paddles, and coolers.
- Schedules built around flight arrival times, lodge check-ins, and boundary-water itineraries.
Looking for more Ely- and BWCA-specific info? Visit our MSP to BWCA – Canoe Trip Transportation or Lodges, Cabins & Outfitters – Ely & BWCA spokes.
For other MSP routes, see our Minneapolis Airport Transportation hub.
Ely / BWCA not your area? To see pricing to or from your specific city or town, click here
MSP ⇆ Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail – Private Ride Car Service
Citywide provides private ride car service between MSP Airport and Superior National Forest / Gunflint Trail destinations. Instead of wrestling with rental cars or long overnight drives, you can step off the plane, meet your driver, and head straight toward your cabin, lodge, or outfitter in northern Minnesota.
Private Transportation to Superior National Forest & the Gunflint Trail
The combination of deep woods, clear lakes, and remote lodging is what makes Superior National Forest and the Gunflint Trail so appealing. It’s also what makes logistics more complicated—especially when everyone is arriving through MSP. With a private ride, you can keep your group together and start relaxing before you even leave the Twin Cities area.
We frequently transport hiking groups, canoe parties, and fishing crews to and from their cabins, outfitters, and trailheads. If your itinerary includes multiple stops, let us know up front and we’ll explain what we can cover in a single trip and how that affects your timing.
Choosing a Vehicle for Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Trips
For one to three travelers with standard luggage and a couple of packs, our Basic Car Service provides a comfortable, budget-conscious option for MSP ⇆ northwoods trips.
If you prefer more room or a quieter interior on long drives, Black Car Service is a popular choice. It’s well suited for couples, trip organizers, or small groups heading to more distant Superior National Forest and Gunflint Trail destinations.
Groups traveling with multiple packs, coolers, and outdoor gear often select our Large Van. Vans offer extra space for people and equipment so everyone can ride together instead of splitting into two or three cars.
Whatever you choose, your ride is private to your group. We do not combine parties or run fixed routes— we plan around your specific pickup location and destination.
Planning Travel Time and Stops for Northwoods Trips
Travel times vary depending on how far into the Superior National Forest or along the Gunflint Trail you’re going, but most guests plan on several hours of driving from MSP. Longer distances mean it’s especially helpful to build in some margin for traffic, weather, and supply stops.
Many groups like to stop for groceries, fuel, or last-minute gear on the way north. If you expect a longer stop, let us know when you request your quote so we can suggest a realistic departure time and trip window.
If you’re coordinating with an outfitter, lodge, or guide service, we can shape your pickup time around their recommended arrival window so you’re not rushed on either end of the drive.
Superior National Forest & Gunflint Trail Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pick us up at MSP and drop us at a specific Gunflint Trail lodge or outfitter?
In many cases, yes. As long as roads are open and safely drivable, we can provide door-to-door service between MSP and your chosen lodge, cabin, or outfitter. Share the exact name and directions when you request your quote so we can confirm access.
Do you offer shared shuttles along the Gunflint Trail?
No. Our service is private to your group. We do not run scheduled shared shuttles or bus routes. That allows us to plan trips around your flight times and specific northwoods destinations instead of fixed stops.
Can we bring lots of gear, like packs, rods, and food tubs?
Yes. Our vehicles and vans are used to handling hiking, canoe, and fishing gear. Tell us how many people and how much gear you expect to bring so we can recommend the right vehicle for your Superior National Forest or Gunflint Trail trip.
What happens if our flight into MSP is delayed?
Your driver monitors your flight in real time and adjusts your pickup as needed within reason. If major delays or cancellations occur, contact us as soon as you can so we can work with you to update your northwoods transportation plan.
Is this service available in winter for Superior National Forest and the Gunflint Trail?
Service is by appointment, year-round, subject to road and weather conditions. Some access roads and driveways can be more challenging in winter; we’ll talk through your destination, timing, and any winter considerations when you request a quote.
- 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
- Pet-Friendly Ely/BWCA Transportation
- Things to Do in Ely
- Lodges, Cabins & Outfitters Transportation – Ely & BWCA
- Ely/BWCA ⇄ MSP Airport Transportation – Frequently Asked Questions
