Fly & Drive guide
Fly into HIB, drive to Boundary Waters
Your route
HIB
Range Regional Airport
Boundary Waters
About 2 h 25 min · 88 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to HIB
Compare fares into Range Regional Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at HIB
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Boundary Waters. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Boundary Waters
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Boundary Waters
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Boundary Waters
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Bobbyvaughnevergreen · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Wilderness Entry Permit Mandatory
A permit is required year-round. From May 1 through September 30, overnight trips and motorized day trips require quota permits; non-motorized day visits use self-issued permits. Outside that season, overnight visits also use self-issued permits. Confirm requirements for your entry point and travel mode.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Boundary Waters?
Range Regional Airport (HIB) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from HIB to Boundary Waters?
Roughly 2 h 25 min (about 88 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Boundary Waters?
A permit is required year-round. From May 1 through September 30, overnight trips and motorized day trips require quota permits; non-motorized day visits use self-issued permits. Outside that season, overnight visits also use self-issued permits. Confirm requirements for your entry point and travel mode.