How to Get to Mackinac Island From NYC [2026 Guide]
Travel Quick Summary
To reach car-free Mackinac Island from NYC, fly from JFK or LGA connecting via Detroit to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), take an airport shuttle to the Mackinaw City docks, and board a 16-to-20-minute passenger ferry. Total transfer time runs 5 to 7 hours using the air route, or 14 to 28 hours via scenic driving or public transit.
Estimated one-way transfer costs range from $180 to $650 per person depending on your chosen travel mode. Alternate routes combine budget flights into Grand Rapids (GRR) or Detroit (DTW) with a highway drive up I-75 North to the ferry terminals.
| Leg & Travel Mode | Duration & Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight: NYC (LGA/JFK) to Pellston (PLN) via DTW | 4.5–6 hours | $250–$550 |
| Shuttle: Pellston Airport to Mackinaw City Docks | 30 minutes | $35–$45 |
| Ferry: Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island Dock | 16–20 minutes | $34–$38 round-trip |
| Flight: NYC to Grand Rapids (GRR) + Rental Car Drive | 6–7 hours total | $180–$350 |
| Train & Bus: NYC Moynihan to Mackinaw City via Detroit | 24–27 hours | $150–$280 |
By Air + Ferry (Fastest Option)
The fastest route pairs a commercial flight with a short shuttle and ferry crossing. Book a ticket from New York (LGA or JFK) to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) connecting through Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) on Delta. Pellston sits roughly 15 miles south of the ferry terminals.
Upon landing at Pellston, board the pre-arranged Mackinaw Shuttle or Northern Transport directly to the Mackinaw City ferry docks (around a 30-minute ride). From there, you immediately transfer onto the high-speed ferry to the island. Total travel time from terminal to dock typically wraps up within 5 to 7 hours.
To lock in the best airfare and island hotel packages, compare rates early:
Search NYC to Mackinac Island Flights & Hotels on Expedia
By Air to Grand Rapids + Drive + Ferry
If flights directly into Pellston are sold out or pricey during peak summer months, flying into Grand Rapids (GRR) offers an economical middle ground. Major carriers run affordable direct or single-connection services daily from NYC airports to GRR.
At Grand Rapids, pick up a rental car and drive north along US-131 and I-75 directly to Mackinaw City. The road trip spans roughly 235 miles and takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. You can leave your vehicle in overnight mainland parking lots managed by the ferry providers for $15 to $30 per day before boarding the boat.
By Bus or Train + Ferry (Budget / No-Car Option)
Travelers looking to avoid driving or booking flights can travel overland, though it requires patience. From Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, take Amtrak to Toledo or Detroit, or take a long-distance bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. From Detroit, Indian Trails regional motorcoaches link north through Bay City and St. Ignace directly to the ferry connection at Mackinaw City.
The entire ground transit journey takes between 24 and 28 hours. While this is the slowest approach, it eliminates vehicle rental logistics and offers continuous overland transit directly to the water’s edge.
The Final Leg: Taking the Ferry
No personal motorized vehicles are permitted on Mackinac Island, meaning virtually all visitors complete the journey across the Straits of Mackinac by ferry boat. Two primary ferry operators—Shepler’s Ferry and the Mackinac Island Ferry Company—depart regularly from Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) and St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula).
Crossings take 16 to 20 minutes on high-speed catamarans. Ferry tickets cost around $34 to $38 for an adult round-trip ticket. Dockside porters transfer your checked baggage from the mainland dock directly to your island hotel, leaving you free to walk, bike, or hail a horse-drawn taxi upon arrival.
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FAQs About How to Get to Mackinac Island From NYC [2026 Guide]
What is the closest airport to Mackinac Island?
The closest commercial airport is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), located approximately 15 miles south of the Mackinaw City ferry docks. Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) in Sault Ste. Marie is another nearby option about 35 minutes north of the St. Ignace docks.
Can I bring my car onto Mackinac Island?
No, personal motor vehicles have been banned on Mackinac Island since 1898. Visitors must leave their cars in secure mainland ferry parking lots in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and travel the island on foot, by bicycle, or via horse-drawn carriage.
How much is the ferry ride to Mackinac Island?
Adult round-trip tickets range between $34 and $38. Discounts are typically offered when purchasing tickets online in advance, and child fares are available at reduced rates.
Can you fly directly onto Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) features a 3,500-foot runway accommodating charter planes and private aviation. Fresh Air Aviation operates scheduled air taxi flights from St. Ignace directly to the island.