Traveling to Mackinac Island in 2025 is a bucket-list experience, but reaching this car-free gem in northern Michigan requires multiple steps. Whether you’re flying in from within the U.S. or internationally, the journey to Mackinac Island always ends with a ferry ride from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. This travel guide explains how to get to Mackinac Island from the nearest airports, including flight routes, ground transportation, and ferry details.
✈️ Best Airports for Mackinac Island Travel
There are no airports directly on Mackinac Island, so you’ll need to fly into one of the nearby mainland airports:
- Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) – Closest (16 miles to ferry dock)
- Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – Near St. Ignace (40 miles)
- Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – ~125 miles from Mackinac
- Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) – Best for major domestic/international flights (300+ miles away)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) – Good for multi-stop routes
🚖 How to Get from Pellston Airport (PLN) to Mackinac Island
- Step 1: Fly into Pellston (usually via Detroit Metro)
- Step 2: Take a taxi or shuttle to Mackinaw City Ferry Dock (~20 mins)
- Step 3: Ride the ferry to Mackinac Island (20–30 mins)
- Why choose Pellston: It’s the closest airport and most convenient for fast island access
🚗 How to Get from Traverse City Airport (TVC) to Mackinac Island
- Step 1: Fly into Traverse City
- Step 2: Rent a car and drive ~2.5 hours to Mackinaw City
- Step 3: Park at the ferry terminal and take the ferry
- Why choose TVC: More flight options than PLN and good for road trip lovers
🚐 How to Get from Chippewa County Airport (CIU) to Mackinac Island
- Step 1: Fly into CIU near Sault Ste. Marie
- Step 2: Drive or taxi to St. Ignace Ferry Dock (~40 mins)
- Step 3: Take a ferry to the island from St. Ignace
- Bonus: Some ferry routes from St. Ignace offer direct hotel luggage delivery on the island
🛬 How to Get from Detroit or Chicago Airports to Mackinac Island
If you’re flying into a major hub like Detroit Metro (DTW) or Chicago O’Hare (ORD):
- Option 1 (Fastest): Connect to a regional flight to PLN or TVC
- Option 2 (Scenic): Rent a car and drive (~5 to 7 hours), then take the ferry
- Option 3 (Budget): Take Amtrak or Greyhound to Mackinaw City, then ferry
⛴️ Final Step – Ferry to Mackinac Island
- Departure Ports: Mackinaw City or St. Ignace
- Operators: Shepler’s Ferry, Star Line Ferry
- Schedule: Every 30–60 mins (May to Oct); fewer in off-season
- Travel Time: ~16–30 minutes
- Luggage: Handled by ferry staff and delivered to your island hotel if arranged
✅ FAQs
Q: What is the closest airport to Mackinac Island in 2025?
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is the closest airport to Mackinac Island, located about 16 miles from the ferry docks in Mackinaw City.
Q: Can you fly directly to Mackinac Island?
No, there are no commercial flights to Mackinac Island. The nearest airports are on the mainland, followed by a ferry ride to the island.
Q: How do I get from Pellston Airport to Mackinac Island?
Take a taxi or shuttle from Pellston Airport to Mackinaw City ferry dock, then board a ferry to Mackinac Island. Total travel time is about 1 hour.
Q: What is the best airport for Mackinac Island from out of state?
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) offers the best domestic and international flight options, with connections to Pellston, Traverse City, or driving routes.
Q: How long is the ferry ride to Mackinac Island?
Ferries from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach Mackinac Island.
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