If you’ve got a layover in Bemidji, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BJI. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of BJI:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi/Rideshare, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Spend Your Time in Bemidji
If you head into Bemidji, here are two things worth checking out:
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Lake Bemidji State Park is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BJI, you can spend time at Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations or try Observe Airfield Operations. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near BJI
In Bemidji
If you make it into town, Dave’s Pizza is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Bemidji Brewing.
Inside BJI
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Vending Machines is your main option. Airport Coffee & Hot Beverages works too if you want something quick.
Transport from Bemidji Regional Airport to Downtown
From BJI, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to Bemidji in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Bemidji layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Bemidji Regional Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at BJI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Bemidji’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BJI for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Bemidji or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Sleep & Lounge Options at BJI
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BJI, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Bemidji count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BJI. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.