The ferry ride, logistics, and loading are fine. You can buy a ticket on site or online in advance. There are no reserved times or even dates. If you buy a round trip ticket, you can show up any date/time that the ferry is running and get in line. Loading and unloading are surprisingly quick and efficient. I went at a slightly off time and didn't wait either direction. The pricing is kind of crappy. They are not clear on their website what constitutes a "fare". I bought a round trip car fare, and when I arrived, was informed that I had to pay another $20 for myself. It's unclear how they would get my car on and off the ferry without a driver, so while I can understand an add on for additional passengers, it's kind of shady to price for a "car" that does not include the operator of said vehicle. When you arrive, you're given printed tickets that you have to return on the return trip, or pay the full fare. So don't lose your tickets. read more

It is pretty straightforward, you park your car on the parking lot before the kiosk (if you're traveling on foot), pay four your ticket at the kiosk and keep going thru 2-way fenced sidewalk. In a ferry, there is some ample seating on the top (up the stairs), or you can stand all the way. Views are beautiful. We regretted not taking the car on the ferry, as all golf cards were rented at the Kelly's Island already in the morning. read more

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We had a pleasant ride over to Kelleys Island. We opted to bring our vehicle, and they had a very organized and efficient loading and unloading process to accommodate those on wheels and on foot. The staff were helpful and made sure everyone was safely aboard and transported. read more

Take a ferry from Marblehead, Oh to visit Kellys island! You might want to make reservations at a Vrbo, bed and breakfast or state park campground. Plan far ahead to snatch a cabin or campsite etc. the ferry will take you, your car, your bicycle and kayak plus passengers on a two way ticket. The island is a perfect size and quiet to enjoy food, shopping, history, adventure and relaxing lakeside. read more

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line - Take a ferry from Marblehead, Oh to visit Kellys island! - Public Transportation Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

We enjoyed our trip over to Kelley's island. The ferry boats are very nice and well kept. Staff are really nice and professional. We felt the cost to be very fair. read more

We took the ferry over with a truck and camper. The loading and unloading was easy. All the staff was great. Even the ride over was smooth. My biggest complaint is that they charge you for the vehicle, camper plus the people in the vehicle. Even though your not taking up any more space while staying in your car. I have heard they also charge if you have a bike rack on your car. The website isn't really clear about the pricing that you will be charged for both. So just plan on paying more than you expect. read more

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line - On the ferry - Public Transportation Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

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This ferry is Easy on. Easy off. There is a small inside space for the extra cold days or just to get out of the wind. You can take your car for $16 per way. It's $10 for a adult to get on. Bathrooms available but they are tiny and a bit sketchy read more

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I did this on a whim, after Labor Day I figured what the hell nobody will use it. Ha, got there half hour before and line 1 filled up, I'm at front-ish of car line 2. Here comes the ferry & everybody worried NO F WAY WE'RE ALL GETTING ON THERE. no problem sez the ferry guys they packed us on. 32 car capacity on the Kelley's island ferry. $10 per man + $16 for the car = $52 round trip. If u park on the lot it's 10 bucks then u have to rent a cart. I think it adds up better but man I guess I wouldn't try it in season. It's fun sitting in the car on the ferry ride. Like a waterbed ha! This is prob the best thing I've ever done. 20 min ride. Sit upstairs or stand alongside. Pets welcome! First trip to Kelley's, so far it couldn't be easier. Thanks guys, now let's see if I ever get off the island LOLZ!! Been to PIB many times in the miller boat. Same owner. This is awesome. 5 stars who cares what it costs. read more

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line - Right by the John but I'm happy to get on first try!! - Public Transportation Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

Please be aware the ferry place "Kellys Island Ferry Boat line" is a very uncooperative, unfriendly, rip off place. They charge you double the money with some sign on their glass that says you have to deposit your ticket back. Even after showing them the credit card charge on the phone, they just want to charge you to pay all over again trying to milk their power. Please be aware and the most horrible customer service. For the money they charge they have no work ethics or customer service. Lousy Company, HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE, CHEATS, RIP OFF. read more

I think its mostly been covered in other reviews, but you can tell they know you have NO other options to get over to KI. High ticket prices, rude staff and small parking area that has no overflow options once its sold out. Pro Tip: If the parking lot is full you will have to take your car on the boat if staying on LI overnight. Upgraded to two stars for getting us there and back safely. read more

Nowhere on the website or in their flier did it say they charge $15 to park in their lot to take the ferry. After driving two hours to get there, I was forced to pay almost half the round trip ticket just to park. When I asked the employees where it says they charge for parking on their website, they were rude or shrugged and were no help. It's really shady to hide the parking fee so that people are forced to pay it when they get there instead of knowing in advance. Not using them again. read more

Wanna go to Kelleys Island? Don't have a rich friend to take you there on their boat? Don't wanna wait around for the weird inconvenient hours the Jet Express runs? This is your answer. I like the feeling that you have to take a boat to the island so you actually feel like you're getting away. I don't like the feeling that if I have to take my car over from the island, to get just about anything besides my basic necessities, I have to pay $48 round trip. It's a money maker, that's for sure. No discounts for those that work/own property on the island. No accounts can be set up for those that frequently travel to and from the island. Both of these were perks that the greatly missed Neuman Boat Line respectfully offered to their regular clients. $18 round trip per person to walk on the boat $30 round trip to take your car I don't necessarily agree with the other reviews about the non-friendly workers and dirty conditions. It's a boat guys, what do you expect the bathrooms to be like? It's a half hour boat ride, you can probably hold it. I've never thought of the facilities as unclean. The workers also work 12-16 hour days on weekends, I don't expect them to be overly friendly. That's not their job, it's to get you over safely. The hours are also very convenient as they run early and until late on summer weekends. Usually every half hour and on busy weekends will have all 4 boats running about every 15 minutes. These crazies will be driving the boat over til the lake freezes. IN CONCLUSION, I don't mind this boat line at all, I just wish it wasn't the rip off that it is. But, that is how the rich get richer. read more

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line - Public Transportation Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

Exactly what we expected as a ferry service. It's $20.00 round trip for adults and slightly less for children. What did catch me off guard was the $10 fee for parking in their lot - I get it, they have to pay to maintain it. However, it just struck me as nickel dimey. Crew was friendly on the ships, and got us to and from efficiently, and safely. Overall it's what you would expect, and complaining about the pricing isn't going to do any good. It's way to far for me to row over to. read more

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line - Awaiting embarkment at Marblehead, OH. - Public Transportation Near Me - Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

If I could leave -5 stars I would. This was the worst experience I could have had to start a much-needed vacation. If there was warning on the website I would have chartered a freaking plane because even the TSA line would have been quicker than this. I would been to Kelley's Island quicker if I floated on my boyfriend's back as he swam across, and he doesn't know how to swim. Beware--they charge per person AND vehicle, so a $44 round trip ticket suddenly became $80. ALL THIS TO MENTION that I have a severe phobia of large bodies of water which I have been working on. My fear, of course, stems from having an awful experience in water at night. We arrived 2 hours before sunset and by the time we got on the ferry, my anxiety was so bad I had to take extra medication to stop myself from literally walking home. The people working here were cold and distant and had no patience for anyone needing clarification. If you plan to come here, plan something else. Don't even come to the island, honestly. This company makes it so not worth it that I would have rather worked through my weekend. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would!! Not only is it super expensive and your only way of transportation to Kelley's Island (without any other competitor) the staff was very rude! This was our first time taking the ferry to KI and any question we had for the staff person she was VERY condensing and acted like she didn't have anytime for us when the only thing was she was doing was just sitting there eating (mind you, we were the only people standing there trying to talk to her). Clearly it was our first time and she attempted to even over charge us without telling us what she was charging us for. First she charged us for parking, round trip, and taking our car on the ferry. It was like pulling teeth to have her itemized what we were being charged. After we got everything figured out, 2 people and 1 car to KI was $72. I can't wait for jet express to be back in season because we will NOT be returning to KI ferry boat line. read more

If you don't like wearing a mask, this your ferry line. They do not in force it in their waiting area or in the boat. You may see signs but no one says a word. read more

Perfect example of why monopolies are a problem. No interest in customer service, communication, or acknowledgement that you're going to sit around waiting for them (rather than a "hey, it's going to be an hour plus to get a ferry"). For the exorbitant cost to go over to Kelley's, you'd think that there's be some basic level of customer service, clean facilities, and an enjoyable experience. Needs a competitor to shake things up. read more

This is the only ferry line with car service to Kelley's Island. It's a pleasant 20 minute trip, except when the weather doesn't cooperate. The number of boats running vary depending upon need - sometimes boats run hourly, sometimes every 30 minutes, and occasionally every 15 minutes. The line heading back to the mainland on a Sunday can be incredibly long, but the staff does a good job of getting you on board. Overall, a very good ferry service. read more

The ferry is nothing remarkable. The managed to drive the other, older ferry out of business, then JACKED up the rates once they had a monopoly. A trip to Kelleys used to be an inexpensive family outing. Now they gouge like it was Disney World. Greed sucks. I dont use the Ferry any more...if I want to go to Kelleys, I sail out on my own boat. read more

Was in the waiting room for about an hour waiting for our ferry. As boredom set in, we made a few paper airplanes and began tossing them around the room. Soon, a middle aged woman enters the room, and immediately scolds us. She started off politely, but finished her lecture with "I should kick your ass". After we apologized somewhat profusely, this lady continued her tirade, threatening us with her dogs, and proclaiming that our money wasn't wanted. I'm sure that the ferry itself is a great service, but there is zero tolerance for this wench in any service industry. So if you have any waiting time whatsoever, and don't enjoy verbal abuse and/or being victimized by someone in their midlife crisis, go to the ferry at Catawba instead. read more

While the boat was clean, and the ferry was on time, I was not satisfied with the price increase. So you pay for parking, and them $20/person on the boat. Also, it is disappointing that there is not a discount offer for frequent riders. I hope this owner will consider changing that, because we would go to the island a lot more often if they did. More business to the island is good for everyone. read more

Under normal circumstances I would give this place higher than 2 stars, but in 2020 with COVID I wouldn't. The boats are old and slow but they are on time and clean. I read where someone wrote "If you don't like to wear masks this ferry is for you" and that's very true. They don't enforce mask regulations at all, most people were not wearing them. There is no hand sanitizer readily available. The one redeeming fact was that the ferries were not at capacity so for the most part you can stand away from other people. read more

Ridiculous wait to get over to the island. We sat there for an hour in line trying to just get on a ferry. They don't clearly state it on the website, but they charge you for the car PLUS the number of people inside. So we paid $75 to take the ferry to and from the island. Unreal. read more

A short ferry to an island with a state park should be available at nominal cost (many are free). Instead, it is an exorbitantly priced monopoly. I have traveled to nearly every state in the country, and this is the most needlessly expensive ferry I have ever encountered. It is a detriment of all the island's residents, visitors, and citizens of Ohio. It is a drag on the local economy that greatly hurts workers, small businesses, and discourages visitors. I hope the state takes it over, they do it better (and cheaper) everywhere else. Write your local OH state representative. read more

We had a few very nice experiences with this ferry boat line. The staff was friendly and very helpful, courteous, and efficient at the ticket line. We boarded one of the ferries that had nice passenger seating, so the ride to and from Kelly's Island was very comfortable, scenic, and relaxing. Coat was about $10 for parking and something like $20 per adult for a round trip ticket. read more

Everyone was polite and gave clear directions, easy transportation over to Kelly's Island and back.

Fantastic service!! Quick easy trip, both ways. Staff extremely efficient. We waited 5 mins at most each way, staff was courteous and helpful. read more

Kelley's Island Ferry is the only ferry service that runs to Kelley's Island. The crew was very nice and friendly, the prices are very steep. There is an extra charge to park in the ferry lot ($10), and there is an extra charge to bring your bikes. The ferry was very clean and dogs are welcome to come on the ferry. read more

CAMPERS BEWARE! On July 7, 2019 we boarded one of their Ferry Boats for a short trip over to Kelley's Island. Although the water was very rough, the trip across the lake was uneventful. On July 14, 2019 we started the trip home. Before boarding the boat I noticed that it seemed a bit high but was instructed to board so I did so with caution. When moving onto the ramp I heard and felt our camper bottom out at the rear. Keep in mind that during this process I was instructed to watch the man directing me onto the boat, not my mirrors. We were packed in very tightly so my first opportunity to inspect the camper was when we disembarked at Marblehead. I pulled over to the side once off the boat to perform an initial inspection to first find that the spare tire carrier was damaged. Upon further inspection I found that the rear of the camper had shifted in(noticeable by the photos of the rear corner of the unit) and the bottom corner was bent out. After taking photos I completed an incident report and turned it in to the ticket booth. Although the people seemed indifferent they said they would forward it to their manager. I also looked very closely and their are NO NOTICES OF DISCLAIMER concerning damages posted anywhere on the property nor on the receipt. Towing the camper home was quite difficult as it was a fight to keep it straight in the lane. Being a truck driver with over 30 years of experience I have no problem controlling a trailer in good condition. Once home I performed a further inspection to find that the leaf spring assembly on the passenger side was significantly bent. Keep in mind that this is welded directly to the frame of the unit. As we had the camper planned out for the rest of the summer I consulted with our local RV repair facility, showed them the photos and described how it handled. We were advised not to take it anywhere at that point and the earliest we can get it in for. Inspection, estimate and repair(if possible) is September 9, 2019. During all of this time it took 2 weeks of calling, emails and messages to get in touch with the general manager of Kelley's Island Ferry Boat Lines. Even I can understand her having a death in the family but they should have had someone else in charge. She directed me to contact a gentleman who happens to be at Ohio Bulk Transfer in Newburgh Heights, OH. All I have gotten from them is "he's not in," "he just left," "he's not in today" and even no answer. I have even left a message. I have tried to be polite in hopes that we could settle this among us without getting the insurance company and attorneys involved but I am being left with no other choice but to completely place this in the hands of my insurance company and my attorney. In the meantime, I have a 36' camper sitting in my driveway(only 3 years old I mind you) with damaged suspension and possibly a damaged frame. Our camping season ended when this happened. This issue will not go away and I will continue to pursue this matter until it is resolved satisfactorily. read more

Was OK and paying to take your vehicle with you is much cheaper than renting a golf cart for multiple hours. Toilets were clean on the boat. They make you pay for car and for people in it though. read more

As an out-of-state visitor, and not a frequent rider of this ferry, I can attest that the staff was rude. When I walked up to pay, they chastised me for walking up to the wrong booth to get my ticket. I saw a booth for passengers without cars, and I walked over to it without realizing it was closed. The staff on board the ferry was friendly. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this service to visitors. I can see why frequent riders wouldn't have a problem with the surly service. read more

The ferry line is a rip off. $10 per person each way and $10 to park your car. Coming back we rushed to make the 2:00 pm ferry by getting there at 1:45 pm. There was no ferry at the dock and it didn't get in til 225 pm so not really sure what time the 2:30 left. Probably 330. Apparently scheduled times are meaningless. Also no employees of the ferry line on Kelleys island to even ask about the delay. Don't waste your money. Take the Miller and go to PIB INSTEAD. Not much to see on Kelleys anyway. PIB is much better. read more

So as someone who had rode this ferry for 20+ years, I can attest to how great this service is. The company keeps everyone up to date about sudden changes by posting it on FB and calling the local businesses. Also the employees are all extremely professional. They sometimes have to deal with IDIOT customers who ask stupid questions about details that are posted. Also for anyone complaining about season passes, Newman never gave any of the islanders a break, and they would shut down without warning anyone AND if your car didn't fit on the last boat, you were stuck on the island. Also the Jet doesn't offer season passes either so deal with it! Not only do the Pallidinos let residents over 80 ride for free, but they have always worked with islanders who have medical issues. Currently 20 residents ride for free due to medical appointments. $52 bucks for a person and a car round trip is not that bad. As someone who has been on numerous different ferries all over the world, this is a reasonable price. And to be honest if you can't afford that, you probably should be saving since you are obviously broke. And most of the people moaning and groaning about not getting a resident discount... if you can afford a $200k second home on an island, you can afford the ferry fee! Fun Fact: When Jimmy Palladino first started Kelstone on KI and wanted to pay John Newman to run extra boats to get equipment over, John told Jimmy that if he wasn't happy with his service; build his own boat (I wonder where those Newman boats are now).... oh ya Jimmy's business was more successful and bought them Fun Fact 2: The boatline had free parking until the village of Marblehead decided to charge $50k a year for the company to have customers park on their own PRIVATE PROPERTY, please feel free to send your complaints to the Village of Marblehead (btw Cedar Point charges $20 for parking and that's only for a day) read more

It's a ferry that gets you over to Kelly's Island but the pricing is crazy. I went with my boyfriend yesterday and we spent $50 to park our car and for two roundtrip adult fares. I wasn't expecting the parking fee which seems exorbitant considering there is no where else to park your car if you want to take the ferry to the island. The ferry ride is fine and the boat has a little bench for sitting. All in all we probably wouldn't do it again. read more

One of the WORST experiences I have ever had. We arrived at 6:30 on a Friday night and we're told no more cars were being let on the ferry. We had to bring as much as we could to our campsite and walked 45 minutes to get there. We then woke up early the next morning to ride on the first ferry. When we got back, we were charged a ridiculous amount of money to get back on the ferry that we never should have had to get back on in the first place. The ferry did not wait for us even though we told them we were just getting our car and we had to wait two more hours to get on the next ferry. I was looking forward to this trip to Kelley's Island and so far it has not been a pleasant experience because the ferry left us with no car and charged us way too much to get to and from the island. I will not be returning because of this. read more

If I could give this place zero stars...well I wouldn't but ONLY because the woman at the ticket booth was super friendly. Everything else was just horrible. First off, it was pricy for a family of four. Sure, they boast that they offer the 'lowest fares to Kelly's Island' which is true but they fail to mention anywhere that you have to pay an extra $10 just to park there. Now, onto my biggest complaint. I am a bit of a helicopter parent with my youngest son (seven) since he has ADHD. I always keep him in the corner of my eye. He was walking on the ledge of the dock (a whopping foot off the ground with a foot plus berth to walk on). I was at his side, making small talk and about to tell him to get down when a female employee SCREAMS at him to get down. I wish I could express the volume and anger she had at addressing MY child. Had I not been mortified by the public humiliation (as twenty plus passengers witnessed this verbally abusive tirade) I would have hunted her down personally. As it was, several other passengers approached me and voiced their complaints with her also. I have a feeling they will be getting many more bad reviews from them also. Pick a different ferry if you can. read more

The Kelleys Island Ferry Line is a very average, if not slightly sub par, ferry service. It provides service between Marblehead and Kelleys Island every half hour for most of the day, with departures on the hour towards the ends of the day. The hours change based on the time of year. The boats are decades old, and it shows. First of all, let's go through the positives. It is only one of two direct ferry lines to Kelleys Island, the other one being the Jet Express out of Sandusky. It is the only Kelleys Island ferry that carries cars over, which is a big plus if you'd rather use your car over a golf cart or walking. It is also pretty inexpensive. Now for the negative. There are two boats, both of them are decades old. I can't remember the names, but I've only ridden on the larger of the two. The boat I was on has two areas to sit, an upper level open-air platform with slightly worn seats, and an indoor seating area that has cobwebs all over. We rode outside on the trip to the island and indoors on the trip back to the peninsula. Overall, if you need to take a car to Kelleys or are already in Ottawa County and want to get to Kelleys, the Kelleys Island Ferry Line will work for you. Otherwise, head over to Sandusky and take the faster, newer Jet Express. read more

What a RIP OFF when compared to nearby Miller Ferry to South Bass Island. Prices are high to ferry to Kelley's Island. No frequent floater discount. Ferrying to Kelley's Island is only a short trip so why does it cost more to travel to Kelley's Island? And pay $10 to park in the lot in Marblehead. Kelley's Island businesses lose out. I don't visit the island. Much more reasonable to go on an enjoyable ride on the Miller Line for less gouge. I spend my money on SBI. read more

Paid $107 for 2 people with a car and small trailer. Customer service was absolutely terrible. Employees were not friendly and very rude. If there was another ferry line that took vehicles to the Island I would take that one. Good business opportunity for someone. Will not be using this service anymore. read more

Very nice ride, accommodations up top and enclosed viewing area on main deck if you don't want to sit up top. The crew were very nice and professional, the ticket takers were very helpful and even gave me a copy of the schedule and an island map without asking. They have a decent, enclosed lobby area with vending machines and very clean restrooms. The waiting area out by the dock is open air benches but there is a roof. The nicest thing about our day trip is that we had our little dog with us and there were no problems. They are dog friendly and when you disembark on the island there is a nice diner, restrooms, 24 hour laundromat and golf cart rentals, they were even kind enough to keep two cold dishes of water out by the diner for visitors with dogs. At the end of the day, I appreciate their safety and orderliness. Yes, I rode on Neuman's over 30 years ago and it was always great and this line is too, no problems, all good. One last thing, their fares are much less expensive than overpriced jet express, and our dog was free. read more