Planning a scenic escape from Ohio to Mackinac Island in 2025? This detailed guide gives you all the best ways to reach this iconic car-free island in Michigan by car, bus, train, or flight. Whether you’re departing from Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Toledo, you’ll find the most convenient routes to get to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, where ferries depart for Mackinac Island.
🚗 Driving from Ohio to Mackinac Island (Most Popular 2025 Route)
Driving is the most direct and flexible way to get to Mackinac Island from anywhere in Ohio. Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, you’ll drive to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, park your vehicle, and take a ferry.
Approximate Drive Times to Mackinaw City:
- Columbus to Mackinaw City: 8.5 hours (560 miles)
- Cleveland to Mackinaw City: 7.5 hours (490 miles)
- Cincinnati to Mackinaw City: 9 hours (590 miles)
- Toledo to Mackinaw City: 6.5 hours (400 miles)
Driving Route:
- Take I-75 North all the way through Ohio into Michigan
- Continue on I-75 N until you reach Mackinaw City or St. Ignace
🅿️ Long-term parking is available at ferry docks. You’ll then take a ferry (no reservation needed for most trips) to the island.
✈️ Flying to Mackinac Island From Ohio (2025 Air Travel Guide)
If you’re short on time, you can fly from Ohio to Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) or Traverse City (TVC), then take a shuttle or drive to the ferry terminal.
Best Airports & Routes:
| Ohio Airport | Arrival Airport | Layover | Final Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus (CMH) | Pellston (PLN) | Detroit or Chicago | Shuttle to Mackinaw City |
| Cleveland (CLE) | TVC or PLN | Layover | Drive 1.5–2 hrs |
| Cincinnati (CVG) | PLN or CIU | Layover | Shuttle to ferry |
- Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is closest to Mackinaw City (~20–25 min drive)
- Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) offers more flights but is 2 hrs from the ferry
✈️ Top Airlines: Delta, American, United
🚆 Train + Bus from Ohio to Mackinac Island
You can travel part of the way by Amtrak and then switch to Indian Trails buses to get to the ferry terminals.
Train + Bus Itinerary Example:
- Amtrak from Cleveland, Toledo, or Cincinnati → Chicago or Detroit
- Indian Trails Bus from Detroit or East Lansing → Mackinaw City
- Shepler’s Ferry or Star Line → Mackinac Island
🕒 Total Time: ~20–26 hours
💰 Cost: Moderate; great for scenic, low-stress travel
🚌 Bus from Ohio to Mackinac Island (Budget Option)
For budget travelers, a Greyhound or Megabus from major Ohio cities to Michigan, then transfer to Indian Trails or local transport to the ferry terminal.
Sample Bus Route:
- Greyhound from Columbus → Detroit
- Indian Trails Bus from Detroit → Mackinaw City
- Ferry to Mackinac Island
🕒 Travel Time: ~24 hours
💰 Cheapest Option (under $100 one-way if booked early)
⛴️ Ferry to Mackinac Island (Final Leg)
The only way to reach Mackinac Island is by ferry, typically from Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula).
2025 Ferry Details:
| Ferry Company | From | Duration | Cost (Adult RT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shepler’s Ferry | Mackinaw City / St. Ignace | 16–20 mins | ~$34 |
| Star Line Ferry | Mackinaw City / St. Ignace | 18–25 mins | ~$34 |
- Ferries run daily from April through October 2025
- No cars allowed on the island, but bikes, pets, and luggage are welcome
🏨 Overnight Options: Stay Before or After Ferry
If arriving late in the evening, consider an overnight stay in:
- Mackinaw City or St. Ignace (before taking ferry)
- Mackinac Island hotels for a full island experience with horse-drawn carriage rides, historic inns, and lakefront views
✅ FAQs
Q: How do I get to Mackinac Island from Ohio in 2025?
Drive or fly to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, then take a ferry to Mackinac Island. Driving via I-75 is the most popular and convenient route from cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Q: Can I fly directly to Mackinac Island from Ohio?
No direct flights land on Mackinac Island. Fly from Ohio airports to Pellston (PLN) or Traverse City (TVC), then take a shuttle or drive to the ferry terminal.
Q: What is the closest airport to Mackinac Island if flying from Ohio?
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is the closest airport to Mackinac Island. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the Mackinaw City ferry docks.
Q: Are there direct buses from Ohio to Mackinac Island?
No, but you can take a Greyhound to Detroit and then transfer to Indian Trails to reach the ferry terminal.
Q: Is there a ferry from Ohio to Mackinac Island?
No. You must first travel to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, Michigan, and then take a ferry from there to Mackinac Island.
🔗 Trusted Sources
- https://www.mackinacisland.org
- https://www.michigan.gov
- https://www.amtrak.com
- https://www.sheplersferry.com
- https://www.mackinacferry.com