Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) sits about three miles northeast of downtown Brainerd, Minnesota, serving the popular lakes region with a single-runway facility that handles both scheduled commercial flights and general aviation traffic. The airport is small but functional, catering primarily to passengers connecting through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport via Delta Connection flights operated by SkyWest. For a regional airport, it offers a surprising degree of convenience, from free parking to wheelchair-accessible facilities. But its real value lies in its role as the most practical entry point for anyone visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area—a destination known for its hundreds of lakes, outdoor recreation, and seasonal festivals.

Getting There

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is located at 16384 Airport Road, about 10 minutes by car from downtown Brainerd. The easiest route is via Highway 371 northbound, turning east on Airport Road. From the north, take Highway 210 west to Airport Road. There is no public transit serving the airport, but taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Several hotels also offer complimentary shuttles for guests. The airport's parking lot is free and conveniently located just steps from the terminal entrance. For those renting a car, all major rental agencies have counters in the terminal. The drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul takes roughly two and a half hours via I-94 and Highway 371.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport is compact and straightforward. Upon entering, passengers find a small ticketing lobby with check-in counters for Delta and a kiosk. Security screening occupies a single lane; during busy times—typically Monday at 10 am, Tuesday at 5 pm, Wednesday at 9 am, or Thursday at 10 am—the wait may stretch to 15 minutes. The gate area offers seating for about 50 people, with a view of the runway. Free Wi-Fi is available, though speeds can be inconsistent during peak hours. Restrooms are located near the gate, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a changing table. There are no restaurants or shops inside the secure area, but vending machines are present. The airport is wheelchair-accessible throughout, with automatic doors and a designated parking area. Note that the terminal is not open around the clock; it opens about 90 minutes before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Passengers arriving too early may wait outside.

Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport and Brainerd

Brainerd itself is a city of about 14,000 people, but it serves as the commercial hub for the broader Brainerd Lakes Area, a region of more than 400 lakes that draws visitors year-round. The airport is the most common arrival point for those coming to fish, boat, golf, or attend events like the Brainerd International Raceway or the Paul Bunyan Blueberry Festival. In winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling dominate; in summer, the lakes are packed with watercraft. The area also has a strong cultural identity rooted in its Ojibwe heritage and railroad history—the city was named in 1870 for Lawrence Brainerd, a railroad executive. Today, the local economy leans heavily on tourism and healthcare. The airport supports both leisure travelers and seasonal residents who fly in from the Twin Cities or beyond. For many, the short drive from the terminal to a lake cabin or resort is part of the appeal: no long lines, no traffic jams, just a straightforward transition from plane to destination. The airport also serves as a base for general aviation, with private planes and charters using the runway. For travelers connecting through Minneapolis-St. Paul, the 45-minute flight is faster than driving and avoids the congestion of a major hub.

Practical Information

The airport is open only when flights are scheduled, typically from about 5:30 am to 10:00 pm. Confirm your flight's timing, as the terminal may be locked outside those hours. Contact the airport at +1 218-825-2166 or visit brainerdairport.com for current information. The facility includes free Wi-Fi, wheelchair-accessible entrances and toilets, and a changing table in the restroom. There is no on-site restaurant, so eat before you arrive or bring snacks. Parking is free and ample. For TSA, remember that liquids over 3.4 ounces must go in checked bags. One final piece of advice: if you are taking an early morning flight, arrive 30 minutes before departure—the small terminal moves quickly, but the security staff may not be in place until shortly before the first flight.