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How to Get to North Dakota

How to Get to North Dakota

North Dakota Great Plains, USA Travel Guide

Airport Overview

Major Airports

airports providing access to North Dakota cities.

Airport Locations

  • Hector International Airport (FAR) - Fargo
  • Bismarck Airport (BIS) - Bismarck
  • Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) - Grand Forks

Airlines and Routes

Connecting North Dakota to major hubs.

Carriers & Connections

  • Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Frontier Airlines operate flights.
  • Routes: Flights mainly connect to major U.S. Hubs like Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP), Denver (DEN), and Chicago (ORD).
  • Additional Hubs: Also Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix/Mesa (AZA), and Orlando (SFB).

Summer Prices

High season (June-August) brings higher demand and generally higher prices. More flight options are available.

Shoulder Season Deals

May, September, and October often present good deals on flights due to reduced demand compared to summer.

Winter Travel

Demand is lower during winter (December-March), potentially leading to lower prices. Flights experience disruptions due to severe weather.

Airport Services and Transfers

Airport Facilities

  • All major North Dakota airports offer basic amenities like rental car counters, ground transportation, food, and free Wi-Fi.
  • Hector International Airport in Fargo and Bismarck Airport have the most extensive services among the state’s airports.

Transfer Options

  • Rental cars are the most common and often needed transport from airports, given the spread-out nature of North Dakota.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at the airports in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks.
  • Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Check with your accommodation.
  • Public transit is limited; some city bus routes may serve airports, but they are not comprehensive for broader travel.

International Connections

No Direct International Flights

No direct international flights enter North Dakota airports from major global hubs.

Connecting Through Hubs

International travelers typically connect through larger U.S. Gateway airports.

Common Gateway Airports

These include Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, or New York.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing Canada

North Dakota shares a long border with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Requirements and Crossings

  • U.S. And Canadian citizens need a valid passport, a NEXUS card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) to cross.
  • Other nationalities require a passport and potentially a Canadian visitor visa to enter Canada, or an U.S. Visa to enter the United States.
  • Major Crossings: Pembina/Emerson (connecting I-29 in North Dakota with MB-75) and Portal/North Portal (connecting US-52 with SK-39).

Train and Bus Services

Explore options for public land travel.

Rail and Coach Travel

  • Amtrak: The "Empire Builder" route serves North Dakota daily, connecting Chicago to Seattle or Portland, Oregon. Stations include Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston.
  • Greyhound: Greyhound offers limited service connecting major cities in North Dakota and to surrounding states. Check schedules carefully, as options may be infrequent.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving is highly recommended and often necessary for exploring North Dakota.

Vehicle and Documentation

  • Requirements: A valid driver's license (U.S. Or an international driving permit with a valid foreign license) and a major credit card in the renter’s name are needed.
  • Minimum Age: The minimum driving age for a full license is 16. For rental cars, the minimum age is typically 21.
  • Vehicle Type: A four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for winter conditions or unpaved roads.

Road Conditions and Safety

Awareness of road conditions and safety concerns is important.

Factors for Drivers

  • Major Highways: Interstate 94 (east-west) and Interstate 29 (north-south) are well-maintained. Many rural roads are two-lane highways or gravel roads.
  • Wildlife: Stay vigilant for deer and other wildlife, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Collisions with animals occur, notably on rural roads.
  • Weather: In winter, roads may be icy, snowy, or closed due to blizzards. Heavy rain in summer leads to localized flooding.

Critical Road Safety Advice

  • Fuel: Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas. Plan your fuel stops carefully, especially on longer journeys through less populated regions.
  • Winter Driving: Always check the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) travel information website for current road conditions before you drive in winter.
  • Cell Service: Cellular service can be spotty in remote locations; a fully charged phone and portable power bank are advisable.
  • Procedures: Expect standard customs and immigration checks at border crossings.
  • Restrictions: Be aware of restrictions on bringing certain goods across the border, including agricultural products, firearms, and certain medications. Declare all items.
  • Speed Limits: Speed limits vary: 25-35 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on undivided highways, and 75 mph on interstates.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Access Points

North Dakota is a landlocked state. Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for commercial passenger transport.

Commercial Water Travel

  • Ferry Services and Cruise Ports: Not available for commercial transport in North Dakota.
  • River Transportation Options: No commercial passenger river transportation exists.
  • Immigration Procedures at Seaports: Not applicable to North Dakota.

Recreational Boating

While commercial water transport is absent, recreational opportunities are available.

Leisure on the Water

  • Some recreational boating occurs on the Missouri River or Lake Sakakawea.
  • These activities are for leisure, not transit.
  • Boat rentals are available on major lakes like Lake Sakakawea for leisure activities.

Arrival Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing the U.S. From North Dakota. Airfare prices typically include all relevant taxes and fees.

Timing Recommendations

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early. For Amtrak, arrive at least 30 minutes before.

Airport Facilities

North Dakota’s airports and Amtrak stations offer basic amenities: restrooms, seating, limited food/beverage. Wi-Fi access is generally available.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing the U.S. From North Dakota.

What to Expect

  • Airfare prices typically include all relevant taxes and fees.
  • For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled departure.
  • For international flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours early.

Departure Procedures

Streamline your departure from North Dakota.

Steps

  • Amtrak: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure.
  • Security: Standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security procedures apply at all airports.
  • Be ready to remove electronics from bags and liquids from carry-ons for screening.

Airport & Station Facilities

Basic Amenities

North Dakota’s airports and Amtrak stations offer basic amenities for departing travelers.

Available Services

These typically include restrooms, seating areas, and limited food and beverage options.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi access is generally available for passenger convenience.

Departure Reminder

If connecting through an U.S. Hub, allow extra time for potential customs and security re-screening before your international departure.

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