Rome2Rio

How to get fromChicago to Brainerdby plane, train, taxi, bus (Flixbus), car, bus, or bus (Greyhound)

Find Transport to Brainerd

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from Chicago to Brainerd by plane, train, taxi, bus (Flixbus), car, bus, or bus (Greyhound)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)plane plane ORD - BRD
    5h 43m
    $70–346
  2. Train, taxi (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Staples Stationtrain train Empire Builder
    2. Take the taxi from Staples Station to Brainerdtaxi taxi
    11h 44m
    $227–420
  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Saint Cloudbus bus FlixBus 2548
    2. Take the bus from St. Cloud to Brainerdbus bus Jefferson 927
    12h 55m
    $91–150
  4. Drive 531.9 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Brainerdcar car 531.9 mi
    8h 57m
    $98–141
  5. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD)plane plane MDW - BRD
    5h 54m
    $94–476
  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)plane plane ORD - MSP
    2. Take the bus from Minneapolis / St Paul Airport to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerdbus bus
    7h 44m
    $282–455
  7. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)plane plane MDW - MSP
    2. Take the bus from Minneapolis / St Paul Airport to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerdbus bus
    7h 32m
    $142–615
  8. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to St. Paul-Minneapolistrain train Borealis / ...
    2. Take the bus from St. Paul to Brainerdbus bus Jefferson 927
    11h 46m
    $161–314
  9. Bus via Richfield

    1. Take the bus from Chicago to Minneapolis Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0150S
    2. Take the bus from Minneapolis / St Paul Airport to Perkins Restaurant & Bakery - Brainerdbus bus Groome Transportation - Brainerd
    17h 59m
    $140–218

Chicago to Brainerd by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration12h 55mAverage Duration
Ticket$91Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Brainerd, MN, USA?

Delta and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) twice daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Brainerd via St. Cloud in around 12h 55m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Other operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers