How do you get to Mackinac Island? We're glad you asked!
But first, this is where you can find Mackinac Island. And this is when is the best time to visit Mackinac Island.
Now, how can you get to Mackinac Island without any hiccups? Follow this guide for smooth travel to America's Coolcation Destination - Mackinac Island, that will give you peace of mind – and put you in the right frame of mind – to enjoy every timeless moment of your stay.
Your Trip to Mackinac Island Starts at the Ferry Dock
Mackinac Island has been car-free since 1898. Even today, you're vehicle stays on the mainland and you take a passenger ferry or short taxi ride to Mackinac Island.
One option for getting to Mackinac Island is by plane on a brief 7-minute taxi flight from the mainland.
Another option for getting to Mackinac Island is by private boat. There are 76 boat slips in the Mackinac Island harbor.
But most visitors catch a ride to Mackinac Island on ferry boats that depart from Mackinaw City (at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, at the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge) and from St. Ignace (at the bottom of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, at the northern end of the bridge).
You can drive to the Mackinac Island ferry docks and park your vehicle or fly into one of northern Michigan’s airports – Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) or Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – and catch a shuttle to the docks. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry and Arnold Transit Company service Mackinac Island with rides that take about 18 minutes and bring you right into the heart of town.
Keep reading for answers to the most common ferry related questions.
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Mackinac Island Ferry FAQs
Q: How do I get Mackinac Island ferry tickets?
A: You can buy ferry tickets when you get to the dock or buy Mackinac Island ferry tickets online (usually at a reduced rate) and then bypass ticket lines at the dock.
TIP: When buying ferry tickets, take a look at the special deals that package a ferry ride with Mackinac Island attractions such as horse-drawn carriage tours or Fort Mackinac admission.
Q: Do I need reservations for the ferry?
A: Tickets are good for any day and time, so you can choose the ferry that works for you. Both companies run several boats a day to Mackinac Island in season, with rides departing as often as every 15 minutes in the peak summer season. If there’s a particular boat you want to catch, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to make sure you can get on it.
Q: Which ferry company should I ride with?
A: Both Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry offer safe, fast, and reliable ferry service to and from Mackinac Island. They have similar schedules and ticket prices so either one will be a great choice!
Q: Where do the ferries leave from? Where do they arrive on Mackinac Island?
A: Both ferry companies provide service from the Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula (south of the Mackinac Bridge) and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula (north of the Mackinac Bridge). They both arrive right in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island at their respective docks. Downtown Mackinac Island is about 3 blocks and where the action begins!
Q: Where do I park my vehicle?
A: Day-trippers can park their vehicles in designated ferry parking lots in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. For overnight guests, Mackinac Island ferry companies offer a range of parking options. There is a fee for parking and more information can be found at the respective websites for Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Ferry Company to see up to date rates.
Q: How much is a ferry ticket?
A: There are a variety of ferry ticket options including roundtrip tickets, child pricing, and more. Visit the respective websites for Arnold Transit Company and Shepler's Ferry Company to see up to date rates.
Q: What is the earliest ferry to the island? What is the latest ferry off the island?
A: Ferry schedules vary throughout the season but in general, the ferries run every 1/2 hour - sometimes every 15 minutes during peak season or on the hour during the slower season. The first ferry to the island is generally at 7:30 am and the last ferry off is 8:00 pm in the slower season and as late as 10:00 pm during peak season. *Be sure to double check the ferry schedule, port city, and times when you travel to and from Mackinac Island.
Q: What do I do with my luggage when I arrive on Mackinac Island?
A: If you’re staying overnight on Mackinac Island, the ferry company will take your luggage and transport it to Mackinac Island free of charge. You can claim your bags when you arrive, although some places to stay on Mackinac Island have dockporters deliver your luggage right to your room.
Q: Can I bring dogs on the ferry to Mackinac Island? How about strollers or bicycles?
A: Yes! You can bring dogs to Mackinac Island on ferry boats free of charge. Dogs must be leashed or crated for the ride.
Strollers are welcome on ferry boats free of charge and are stored on the boat during the ride as children sit in their own seat or on a parent’s lap. Bicycles.
Since bicycling is one of the primary ways of getting around on Mackinac Island, it can be handy to have a bike available whenever you need it. There also are several vendors on Mackinac Island that rent a variety of bikes by the hour or by the day. Here's how much it costs to rent bikes on Mackinac Island.
Make a Plan for Getting Around Mackinac Island
Whether you take a ferry to Mackinac Island, a private boat or charter a flight, almost every visitor has the same basic means of moving around – by foot, by bicycle, by horse-drawn taxi, or by wheelchair and mobility scooters. Horse-drawn taxis can be ordered 24 hours a day in season and are dispatched, not hailed. Many places accept cash, however, having cash on hand is recommended for tips for dockporters, taxi drivers, and attractions. Here's everything else to know about taxis on Mackinac Island.
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation around town and a great way to experience the miles of trails through Mackinac Island State Park that makes up more than 80% of the island. Here are the rules of the road for riding bikes on Mackinac Island.
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Because it measures less than four square miles, Mackinac Island is very walkable. You can even walk all the way around Mackinac Island in just a couple hours if you want.
Many Mackinac Island attractions are close to town and can be reached on foot from most places to stay. Electric wheelchairs are available to rent from most Mackinac Island bike shops.
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Have More Questions About Mackinac Island? Don’t Hesitate to Ask!
While planning your trip, you can contact the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau for answers to any questions that pop up and follow Mackinac Island on Facebook and Instagram. Once you’re on Mackinac Island, if you have questions about getting around, places to eat or things to do, stop by the Mackinac Island Visitor Center at 7274 Main St. for printed maps and guides and local advice.