Dreaming of horse-drawn carriages, Victorian charm, and Lake Huron breezes? Welcome to Mackinac Island, a timeless, car-free island nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Reaching this historic gem requires some planning since cars are not allowed on the island. In this 2025 travel guide, we’ll break down how to get to Mackinac Island by car, plane, and ferry, ensuring your trip is smooth, scenic, and unforgettable.
🚗 Getting to Mackinac Island by Car
If you’re road-tripping through Michigan or coming from cities like Detroit, Chicago, or Cleveland, driving offers flexibility and a scenic approach.
- From Detroit: Take I-75 North for ~4.5 hours (296 miles) to Mackinaw City
- From Chicago: Drive via I-94 E and I-75 N for ~6.5 hours (400+ miles)
- From Cleveland: Follow I-75 N for ~7.5 hours (480 miles)
💡 Park your car at one of the long-term parking lots near Mackinaw City Ferry Docks or St. Ignace Ferry Docks. Both cities offer ferry service to the island.
✈️ Flying to Mackinac Island (Nearest Airports in 2025)
There are no commercial flights directly to Mackinac Island. Your best option is to fly into a nearby regional airport and then connect by car or shuttle to the ferry docks.
- Pellston Regional Airport (PLN): Closest (16 miles to Mackinaw City)
- Chippewa County International Airport (CIU): Near St. Ignace (~45 mins)
- Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC): ~2.5 hours south
- Detroit Metro (DTW): Major hub; drive or take a connecting flight
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Long drive (~7 hours), but many flight options
➡️ From Pellston (PLN):
- Take a taxi or hotel shuttle to Mackinaw City (~20 mins)
- Board the ferry to Mackinac Island
✈️ Private Charter Flights: The island does have a small Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) for private aircraft. No commercial airlines fly here.
⛴️ Ferry to Mackinac Island – The Final Leg
Regardless of how you arrive, the final step is always a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, typically from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.
- Ferry Operators: Shepler’s Ferry, Star Line Ferry
- Departure Ports: Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula)
- Travel Time: 16 to 30 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30–60 mins during peak season (May–October)
- Extras: Premium services like hydro-jet express, luggage delivery to your island hotel, and free bike transport
💡 Ferry Tips:
- Book tickets in advance during summer weekends
- Check weather conditions (rough days may delay service)
- Sit on the upper deck for best views of the Mackinac Bridge
🧳 What to Expect Upon Arrival
- No cars – all transport is by foot, bike, or horse carriage
- Luggage assistance is available at the dock (often delivered to hotels)
- Bike rentals are available on the island, or bring your own on the ferry
✅ FAQs
Q: How do you get to Mackinac Island by car, ferry, and plane in 2025?
Drive to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, park your car, take a ferry to Mackinac Island. If flying, land at Pellston Airport, then taxi to ferry dock and board the ferry.
Q: Can you drive directly to Mackinac Island in 2025?
No, cars are not allowed on Mackinac Island. You must park in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take a ferry.
Q: What is the closest airport to Mackinac Island?
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is the closest commercial airport, located 16 miles from the ferry dock in Mackinaw City.
Q: Is there a ferry to Mackinac Island year-round?
Ferries operate primarily from May to October. Limited winter service is available via air taxi or local flights to Mackinac Island Airport (MCD).
Q: How long is the ferry ride to Mackinac Island?
Ferries take 16–30 minutes depending on weather and departure location.
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