Mackinac Island Ferry FAQ
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.
