How to Get to Mackinac Island From Minneapolis [2026 Guide]
Traveling approximately 500 miles east from Minneapolis to Mackinac Island takes 9.5 to 11 hours overland or 4 to 6 hours by air and ferry. Driving across northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula via US-2 East to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace takes about 9.5 hours ($65–$95 fuel), followed by a 16-to-20-minute passenger ferry ($34–$38 round-trip).
Alternatively, fly from MSP to Chippewa County (CIU) or Pellston (PLN) with layovers ($240–$480) plus ground shuttle and ferry. Long-distance rail and bus combinations require 18 to 22 hours ($140–$210). Personal motor vehicles are prohibited on the island.
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| Travel Mode & Routing Leg | Transfer Time & Grounded Rates |
|---|---|
| Road Trip (US-2 E via Upper Peninsula) + Ferry | 9 hr 30 min – 10 hr 30 min | $65 – $95 fuel + $34–$38 ferry |
| Flight (MSP to PLN/CIU via DTW) + Shuttle + Ferry | 4 hr 30 min – 6 hr 30 min | $275 – $520 total per person |
| Flight to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) + Rental Car + Ferry | 5 hr 00 min – 7 hr 00 min | $220 – $390 per person |
| Amtrak Empire Builder + Indian Trails Bus + Ferry | 18 hr 00 min – 22 hr 00 min | $140 – $210 total one-way |
| Mackinaw City Mainland Overnight Vehicle Parking | Per calendar day | $0 (standard outdoor) to $35–$45 (valet/indoor) |
| Hydro-Jet Passenger Ferry (Shepler’s / Mackinac Ferry Co.) | 16 min – 20 min crossing | $34 – $38 adult round-trip |
🚗 Option 1: Drive from Minneapolis to Mackinac Island (via Mackinaw City)
Driving is the most popular, cost-efficient way to travel between Minneapolis and the Straits of Mackinac. The fastest overland route departs the Twin Cities eastward on Interstate 94 to US-53 North toward Duluth/Superior, connecting onto US-2 East across northern Wisconsin and the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After driving roughly 460 miles to St. Ignace, motorists can either catch a ferry directly or cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge ($4 toll) into Mackinaw City to depart from the southern docks.
The drive takes 9 to 10 hours in normal conditions. Because personal cars have been prohibited on Mackinac Island since 1898, you must leave your vehicle at secure day or overnight mainland ferry parking lots.
✈️ Option 2: Fly from Minneapolis to Airports Near Mackinac Island
While Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) features a 3,500-foot runway accommodating charter planes and air taxis, commercial airline travelers fly into surrounding regional airports. Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is located just 16 miles south of Mackinaw City and offers connecting flights on Delta from Minneapolis via Detroit (DTW). Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) sits 35 miles north of St. Ignace in Sault Ste. Marie.
From either airport, pre-booked airport shuttles (such as Mackinaw Shuttle) or taxis convey passengers to the ferry docks in 20 to 35 minutes ($30 to $55). Another option is flying into Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) and renting a car for the 2-hour drive north to the ferry terminals.
🚆 Option 3: Train + Bus Combo to Mackinaw City
Travelers who prefer to avoid driving or flying can assemble a multi-leg rail and regional coach journey. Passengers board the daily Amtrak Empire Builder or Borealis service departing St. Paul Union Depot to Milwaukee or Chicago Union Station. From Milwaukee or Chicago, travelers connect onto long-distance motorcoach carriers, including Greyhound and Indian Trails, which route northward through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula directly to the Mackinaw City transit stops.
The combined overland journey spans 18 to 22 hours including transfer layovers, with total fares averaging between $140 and $210 one-way.
🛳️ Final Step: Ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island
Regardless of how you journey to the Straits of Mackinac, everyone arrives on the island by boat or charter flight. Two primary ferry companies—Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and Mackinac Island Ferry Company—run continuous high-speed catamarans and hydro-jet vessels from docks in both Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) and St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula).
Crossings run every 15 to 30 minutes during peak summer months, taking 16 to 20 minutes to cross the Straits into Haldimand Bay. Adult round-trip tickets range from $34 to $38. Upon arrival, luggage is transferred directly to your hotel by porters, while travelers proceed on foot, by rental bicycle, or aboard horse-drawn carriage taxis.
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FAQs About How to Get to Mackinac Island From Minneapolis [2026 Guide]
What is the fastest way to get to Mackinac Island from Minneapolis?
The fastest route is flying from Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) with a connection in Detroit, taking a 20-minute shuttle to Mackinaw City, and boarding a 16-minute ferry to the island, taking roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours total.
Can you drive your car onto Mackinac Island?
No, motor vehicles have been banned on Mackinac Island since 1898 to preserve its historic environment. Visitors must park their vehicles at designated mainland ferry docks in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and explore the island by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage.
Which ferry dock is closer when driving from Minneapolis: St. Ignace or Mackinaw City?
St. Ignace is closer when driving the northern route via US-2 across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, saving you the 5-mile crossing and the $4 toll over the Mackinac Bridge into Mackinaw City.
How much does it cost to park your car at the ferry docks?
Ferry companies provide standard outdoor day and overnight parking lots free of charge with round-trip ferry ticket purchases. Premium secured outdoor parking costs roughly $15 to $20 per night, while covered or indoor valet garages range from $35 to $45 per night.
How do you get your luggage to your hotel on Mackinac Island?
When you check your baggage at the ferry dock in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, it is tagged for your specific island hotel. Ferry deckhands load it onto luggage carts, transport it across the water, and hotel dock porters deliver it straight to your room via horse-drawn dray.