Mackinac Island Ferry Guide: Tickets, Schedules + Tips (2026)

Last Updated: March 2026

Getting to Mackinac Island means taking a ferry — there’s no other way. Two companies make the crossing from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace: Shepler’s Ferry (founded 1945) and Arnold Transit Company (founded 1878, formerly Star Line). Both are now owned by the same parent company, Hoffmann Marine, but they operate separately with different boats, departure experiences, and pricing. Here’s what you need to know to book the right one for your trip.

Shepler’s Ferry

• 📍 Mackinaw City Dock: 556 E. Central Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701
• 📍 St. Ignace Dock: St. Ignace, MI (parking right at the dock)
• 📍 Free day parking: 311 S. Nicolet St, Mackinaw City (free tram to dock from I-75 Exit 338)
• 🌐 sheplersferry.com
• 💰 2026 rates (from April 21): Adult $39 / Child (5–12) $27 round-trip + $3 online fee
• 💰 Military rates (in-person only): Adult $24 / Child $16
• 💰 Bikes: $21 round-trip per bike, burley, or trailer
• 🐾 Pets free on leash — no ticket required
• ⏰ Arrive 1 hour before your preferred departure
• ♿ Barrier-free boarding available

Shepler’s has been running ferries to Mackinac Island since 1945 — the longest-running ferry operation in the Straits. The direct crossing takes 16–26 minutes depending on wind and current. All tickets are round-trip and valid for any departure on the date purchased. One-way tickets are only available in person at the dock.

Mighty Mac Departures — Shepler’s signature add-on costs nothing extra. These departures take you under the Mackinac Bridge with a narrated tour from the captain before continuing to the island. The trip runs about 25 minutes total. Mighty Mac departure times are listed separately on their schedule page.

Night Sky Cruises — Multi-hour evening cruises with a star lore historian, departing from Mackinaw City. These sell out — book ahead if interested. See the Shepler’s website for 2026 cruise dates and availability.

Lighthouse Cruises — 3 to 5-hour cruises covering the lighthouses of the Straits. Popular with photographers and Great Lakes history enthusiasts.

Mackinaw City parking tip: The free day lot at 311 S. Nicolet St (across from I-75 Exit 338) fills early on summer weekends. A free tram runs from the lot to the dock. Overnight parking is paid and available at the dock.

Arnold Transit Company

• 📍 Mackinaw City Dock: 801 S. Huron St., Mackinaw City, MI 49701
• 📍 St. Ignace Main Dock: 587 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI 49781
• 📍 St. Ignace Classic Dock: 99 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI 49781
• 🌐 arnoldtransitcompany.com
• 💰 2026 rates (from April 21): Adult $37 / Child (5–12) $25 round-trip + $3 online fee
• 💰 Priority boarding enhancement: +$12 per person
• 🐾 Pets welcome on leash
• ♿ All rides wheelchair accessible
• 🚗 Free day parking and paid overnight parking available

Arnold Transit Company has operated on the Straits since 1878 — the oldest ferry service to Mackinac Island. In 2024, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry was acquired and rebranded as Arnold Transit. The routes, docks, and high-speed Hydro-Jet boats remain the same under the new name.

Arnold Transit offers two crossing styles. Fast Ferry departures are direct and efficient — the quickest way to the island. Classic Ferry departures from the St. Ignace Classic Dock take 30–40 minutes and offer a more leisurely scenic crossing — a good choice if you’re not in a rush and want to watch the island approach slowly across the Straits.

Under the Bridge departures — travel under the Mackinac Bridge on your way to the island, watching vehicles cross from below. No additional charge.

Good Fortune Pirate Ship — Arnold Transit’s signature entertainment boat. Board the Good Fortune for a pirate-themed crossing that includes the chance to fire cannons. A strong pick if you’re traveling with kids. [VERIFY 2026 operating schedule and pricing at arnoldtransitcompany.com]

Sip n’ Sail Cruises — Evening adult cruises (21+) on the Straits, either under the bridge or around the island. [VERIFY 2026 dates and pricing at arnoldtransitcompany.com]

Mackinaw City or St. Ignace — Which Side to Depart From?

Both departure cities put you on Mackinac Island in roughly the same time. The choice usually comes down to which direction you’re coming from and where you’re spending the night.

• Coming from the south (Lower Peninsula): Mackinaw City is the natural stop — exit I-75 at Exit 338, use the free Shepler’s tram lot or park at the Arnold Transit dock on S. Huron St
• Coming from the Upper Peninsula: St. Ignace is right off US-2 — parking is at the dock for both companies, no tram needed
• Staying overnight in a hotel: Both companies offer complimentary shuttle service from area hotels and campgrounds — confirm with your hotel or check the ferry company websites for pickup locations
• Mackinaw City advantage: More restaurants, shops, and the Fort Michilimackinac attraction to fill time before or after your ferry
• St. Ignace advantage: Faster on-ramp to I-75 heading back south if you’re day-tripping

Practical Tips for Your Ferry Crossing

• Arrive 1 hour early on summer weekends — the docks get busy and you want to make your preferred departure without rushing
• Book online in advance — both companies accept mobile QR codes at boarding, letting you skip the ticket office entirely
• All tickets are round-trip — your return ticket is included in the purchase and can be used from either departure city (Mackinaw City or St. Ignace) regardless of where you boarded
• No restrooms onboard Shepler’s vessels — use facilities at the dock before boarding. Arnold Transit [VERIFY restroom availability]
• Luggage is free to transport on both companies
• Weather affects timing — wind, current, and conditions can add minutes to the crossing. This is normal and both companies manage it well
• July 4th fireworks: The Fourth of July fireworks display over the Straits of Mackinac is one of the most spectacular in Michigan — ferries run extended hours that night, but the docks are extremely busy. Book early and arrive very early

Pro Tip: Shepler’s round-trip tickets are valid from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace — so you can board on one side and return from the other if your plans change. Useful if you want to visit both towns in the same trip.

Planning Your Mackinac Island Visit

The ferry is just the beginning. For everything to do, see, eat, and where to stay on the island itself, see our complete Mackinac Island travel guide. For where to stay in Mackinaw City before or after your crossing, see our Mackinaw City hotels guide.