While there are no cars on Mackinac Island, arriving at The Mackinac House for your vacation is quite streamlined.
Ferries
Mackinac Island ferries can be accessed on Michigan’s lower peninsula in Mackinaw City or on Michigan's upper peninsula in St. Ignace. Get driving directions to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.
Passage to Mackinac Island is provided by a few different ferry lines including Shepler’s Ferry and Star Line Ferry. All Mackinac Island ferry boat lines provide service from May–November. The ferry boats operate from early morning until early evening, with several departure times throughout the day. All ferry boat lines operate from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. Ample parking is available at all mainland ferry docks, but options for parking may vary by service and location.
Mackinac Island Airport (MCD)
The 3,500 foot lighted and paved runway at Mackinac Island Airport is capable of accommodating both private and charter aircraft. Depart from your airport and fly directly to Mackinac Island on one of North Country Aviation’s charter aircraft, including the Cessna 421C, Air Carrier Certificate N4CA490Y. For more information, including servicing airports and rates, please contact North Country Aviation directly at 800-959-1829.
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
Located just 12 miles south of Mackinaw City, Pellston Regional Airport offers air taxi service between it and Mackinac Island airport. Service is available 24 hours a day. Contact Great Lakes Air at 906-643-7327 for more information on air taxi service to Mackinac Island. Commercial air service to Pellston is also available daily through Delta Airlink in Detroit.
Shuttle Service
Mackinaw Shuttle is available at the Pellston Regional Airport for transportation service between the Pellston Airport and the Mackinaw City ferry docks. Transportation from other Michigan cities is based on availability, with reservations made in advance. Reservations are recommended for ALL modes of transportation—call 231-539-7005.
How far away is Mackinac Island?
From Detroit:
The best way to get from Detroit when you visit Mackinac Island is to drive. Mackinaw City is a 4 hour car ride from Detroit. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry to the Island.
From Chicago:
When traveling from Chicago to Mackinac Island, there are a few options. You can fly to Traverse City or Pellston and rent a car and drive to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry over to the Island. You can also drive from Chicago to Mackinaw City in one day. It is a 6 hour car ride.
From Cleveland:
When traveling from Cleveland to Mackinac Island, there are a few options. You can fly to Traverse City or Pellston and rent a car and drive to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, you will take the ferry over to the Island. You can also drive from Cleveland to Mackinaw City in one day. It is a 6 hour car ride.
How to get to The Mackinac House from the ferry dock:
Once you arrive on the ferry, you're just a short ways away from your hotel on Mackinac Island! We can help you arrange for a porter to bring your luggage up to the hotel. From the Shepler's Ferry dock, you are 0.2 miles from the hotel. From the Starline dock, you are 0.1 miles. While many like to take a stroll up to the hotel from the ferry dock, there are also taxis that can drive you right up!