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    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

    2.8 (96 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    Grant S.

    We really enjoyed our experience with Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry from start to finish. The online reservation pages were very informative and intuitive to use, so we felt very comfortable with the 'how-to' of our ferry experience. We did end up printing off our tickets, but most people chose mobile options. Whatever works best for you! All of the staff were very friendly, professional, and efficient. We left exactly on time and there was clear communication from start to finish. They were also helpful whenever we had questions. The ride itself was also very pleasant. We barely made our to-island ferry, so we had to sit below deck. However, the views were still beautiful ! We enjoyed the stop by the Mackinac Bridge on the way to the island, along with some historical information. That was a nice extra touch for us tourists! On the way back, we had priority pass (costs extra), so we were able to be first in line and have our choice of seats. We sat on the rooftop toward the front and it was an absolutely gorgeous experience. Breathtaking views all around and fun in the sun! It is fast and windy on the top deck, so be sure to select your deck of choice accordingly if you prefer to be away from the elements. We also appreciated the affordable prices and that Star Line offers an alternative to Shepler's (the mega ferry line that is not as friendly). Our only negatives were two: 1. If you choose the St. Ignace ferry, make sure you are aware that there is a $4 toll in and out of the UP via the Mackinac Bridge. Be sure to budget this extra $8 as you consider between the Mackinaw City and St Ignace locations. 2. While all three docks in St Ignace do have on-site parking, Dock 3 has very limited parking. And there are no posted alternatives. We almost missed our ferry because after we tried parking in the Dock 3 lot and it was full, we tried parking at Shepler's since there were no alternatives offered. The manager dude at Shepler's was extremely rude, telling us that it wasn't his job to offer us ideas for other parking but that it was he job to not let us park there. We will never ferry through Shepler's after this experience. Luckily we found street parking near the public loading dock, ran, and made it on time. All this to say, be sure to arrive plenty early so that you can either find a spot in the limited Dock 3 parking OR park at Dock 1 and take the shuttle over to Dock 3 (it is too far to try and walk, unless you have a lot of time. Overall a VERY good experience. If we return to Mackinac Island we will definitely ferry through Star Line. As should you!

    Mackinac bridge
    Matt M.

    This ferry is good to use from mackinac city to mackinac island. In mackinac city you park for free at the pub/restaurant across the street from the dock. Do not use this ferry for St.ignace to mackinac island. Star line uses a smaller boat from st.ignace to mackinac island. This boat is older and it isn't fun to ride on the lower deck. My wife and I did both round trip ferry rides from mackinac city to mackinac island on Labor Day and St. Ignace to mackinac island the Tuesday of Labor Day week. You park behind the driftwood restaurant/hotel in st.ignace which is across the street from dock#3.

    Second stop on the ferry to Mackinac. Do not use this ferry, Shepler's is worth the $3 more. Better parking, cleaner facilities, friendlier
    Mike P.

    Wrong choice here, go with Shepler's. Facilities are cleaner, people friendlier and the ferry's actually load and go to the island. Mackinac Ferry goes from one dock to another picking up or not , waited for 2 boats as limit the passengers go from place to place,you wait in line while you watch the line empty at Shepler's and the boat go to the island full and on time.

    Classic pass has no mention of it being only from Mackinac City.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

    Review Highlights - Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

    We took the evening ride back from the island to mainland where they take riders under the Mighty Mac.

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    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry - Get your tickets here

    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

    3.9(227 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry June 2026…read more With friends from Albion and Grand Rapids, the four of us were heading from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island earlier this summer. Parking was smooth - we would be on the island for three days and could leave the SUV in an adjacent parking lot. Short line to the ticket booth, and seamless booking for our ferry, which would leave in about an hour. Time enough for us to cross the parking lot (standard overnight parking - $25 per night; premium dock lot parking - $50/75 per night) and have a light lunch of fries and onion rings at The Dixie Saloon, accompanied by a Kentucky Mule. The ferry was very well organized, from the ticketing to the lining up. The only downside was ferry staff required the 80 or so passengers who were not a part of a local tour group leave the protection of the covered queue: the unfortunates in the line (including my group) had to wait in the cold wind and rain for more than 20 minutes while a ferry boarded the fortunate (in the special tour group) in comfort, sans wind or rain. (Adult basic round trip $39) Once aboard, the trip went great. This is not a slow boat - we were tooling right along for the 20 or so minutes it took to get from the City to the Island. Given the raw weather outside it was great to shelter in the covered seating below the outside seating. Shepler's crew also did their best to help with our luggage: they gathered our stuff when we purchased our tickets, so we were free to wander around Mackinaw City until it was time to board. (Tipping is appropriate.) Offloading was a bit trickier, as we sought to have the luggage gathered by the horse-drawn taxis that would take us to our condo on the island. Took a while but ultimately Shepler's crew got our bags and transferred them to a taxi. Great service, good coordination, slight bumps making us wait in the rain so that the privileged few could board their own ferry ahead of us, but altogether a great experience.

    They offer two different types of parking here, and they both cost money. The regular parking costs…read moreless, but you need to take a shuttle to the parking lot, which is off site. The premium parking costs more but it's near the dock. So you choose! We chose the regular parking, but we almost missed getting on the ferry because it took a while to get to the parking and back. Ferries leave every hour, usually, so we would have had to wait an hour. So, four stars because of the parking situation. It's kind of a bummer, but they got you by the cojones because where else are you going to park if you want to catch the ferry to Mackinac Island? The rest of the ferry experience was great. The people expertly tag and handle luggage, and the ride is smooth. You can sit on the deck and take in the view, but keep in mind that it's very windy and can get cold, even during the summer months. Or you can sit below deck where it's climate controlled. You can still get a great view below deck. The trip from the mainland to Mackinac Island (and vice versa) takes about 17 minutes, and they depart right on time. Don't be late, or you'll have to catch the next ferry.

    Photos
    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry - Mackinaw Bridge

    Mackinaw Bridge

    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry

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    Arnold Transit Co.

    Arnold Transit Co.

    2.8(182 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    When we asked our kids their favorite part of our day trip to Mackinaw Island- the ferry stood out…read more They saddled up next to the window and watched with excitement as we bumped along the waves to and fro the island. Ordering tickets online was easy peasy, as was parking, boarding, etc. The company was a well oiled machine that seemed to be quite dependable. They offer bike space for an additional fee. Would recommend!

    We took the Arnold ferry from Mackinaw City to the island and it was a great experience. Buying…read moretickets online ahead of time was easy (just be sure you have the correct departure city as they also have a ferry from St. Ignace). The tickets are round-trip and are not for any specific date or time, which was really helpful for us as we were traveling with family and it made it easier to coordinate and be flexible. The ferries leave every 1/2 hour or so from Mackinaw City and every 30-45 minutes from the island during the month of June. The schedules are easy to find and read on their website. The ferry was so fun and quick, and I loved seeing the bridge and other boats on the trip. Tip, for the best bridge views on the way to the island, sit on the port (left) side and opposite on the way back. We were able to check our bags on the return trip which was helpful as we had acquired souvenirs (mostly fudge, of course). Everything was packed carefully onto a luggage cart, then unloaded quickly at the Mackinaw City dock when we arrived. There is a parking lot right at the dock, and additional parking lots across the street from the dock. Parking was about $20 per night and payable via a QR code. They even have a shuttle that will take you across the street. Next time I really want to go on the ferry that goes under the bridge. It's a longer trip but seems like it would be such a cool experience.

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    Arnold Transit Co.
    Arnold Transit Co.
    Arnold Transit Co.

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    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry - View of Mackinac Island from the Star Line ferry

    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry

    2.5(34 reviews)
    5.7 mi

    I've used Star Line as my way to get to and from Mackinac Island every single time over the years…read moreand they have all been 5-star experiences! They are wonderful and always on time, and offer different types of boats to suit all your different needs - they even have a pirate boat! I have yet to try that one because the timing never lines up, but hopefully one day I'll get to! We always book in person, so I am unaware if there is a way to book it online beforehand. I also normally go during the peak season for Mackinac Island, but I think because there are so many companies and ferries to and from the island, it'll never be sold out for long. Perhaps you might show up and the next available departure is sold out, but the following one won't be and you can easily get that one and wait a little longer before departing! Once you're on the island, there is no set time to come back with your roundtrip ticket. You just come back whenever you're ready and get in line to do so, and I appreciate that convenience and flexibility! Every once in a while as well, the Star Line ferry will take a different route, once again just depending on which time you book! The most recent time I took the ferry, which was this past summer, we happened to be on a boat that took a little detour UNDER the Mackinac Bridge!!!!!!! That was so exhilarating and not anything I ever imagined doing, but loved it when I got down there and could be the proper TROLL that I am haha! It was a nice bonus treat at no extra charge and really started our journey over to Mackinac Island nicely! Star Line is also so convenient and you can easily bring your dog on board as well, in addition to bikes and strollers. They have good, organized systems built into place for all of your needs around this and that doesn't go unnoticed by me either. It's much appreciated and always a good time aboard Star Line ferries!

    Update, they found the bag. Except they were asking for our credit card information to ship the bag…read moreover to us. How are we gonna pay for something they lost? But fortunately they sent it back to us without charge. So thankful for them finding our items and sending it back.

    Photos
    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry - Mackinac Bridge as seen from Star Line ferry!

    Mackinac Bridge as seen from Star Line ferry!

    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry - Mackinac Bridge as seen from Star Line ferry!

    Mackinac Bridge as seen from Star Line ferry!

    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry - Getting close to Mackinac Island

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    Getting close to Mackinac Island

    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry - ferries - Updated September 2026

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