Getting From Traverse City to Mackinac Island: Everything You Need to Know
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If you’re planning a Northern Michigan trip, pairing Traverse City with Mackinac Island is such a fun move. Traverse City gives you the wineries, bay views, cute coffee shops, and cherry everything, while Mackinac Island feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different little world with car-free streets, horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops, lake views, and historic charm.
The good news is that getting from Traverse City to Mackinac Island is very doable. The main thing to know is that you’ll drive or take the bus to the mainland ferry docks first, then take a ferry over to the island.
In this Traverse City to Mackinac Island guide, I’m breaking down the distance, best route, car and bus options, ferry details, parking, timing, and where to stay so the whole process feels easy before you go.
Distance From Traverse City to Mackinac Island
The distance from Traverse City to Mackinac Island is about 100 miles, but because Mackinac Island is car-free, you won’t drive directly onto the island. You’ll first drive from Traverse City to either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, park near the ferry dock, and then take the ferry across.
From Traverse City, plan for roughly a 2-hour drive to Mackinaw City, depending on traffic, stops, and exactly where you’re starting. The ferry ride is usually quick, around 16-30 minutes, depending on the route and service you choose. I’d still build in extra time for parking, luggage, buying or scanning tickets, and getting yourself to the dock without feeling rushed.
How to Get From Traverse City to Mackinac Island
Getting to Mackinac Island from Traverse City is easiest with a car, but there is also a bus option if you don’t want to rent one. Here’s how the two main routes compare.
By Car + Ferry
This is the route I’d recommend for most people, and it’s the route that makes the most sense if you’re building Mackinac Island into a bigger Traverse City trip. You’ll drive from Traverse City to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, leave your car on the mainland, and take the ferry to Mackinac Island.
If you’re flying into Traverse City and need a car, I love this tool for comparing rental car prices. My biggest tip is to book early, especially for summer or festival season. We canceled our rental car because friends offered to drive us, and when we later tried to rent one for another part of the trip, they were completely sold out. Very humbling travel-planning moment.
The drive is straightforward and scenic, with US-31 and I-75 doing most of the work. Mackinaw City is the most natural mainland dock if you’re coming from Traverse City and staying in the Lower Peninsula. St. Ignace can make sense if you’re continuing into the Upper Peninsula or adding a stop like Pictured Rocks to your itinerary.
If you need a rental car to get from Traverse City to the Mackinac Island ferry docks, use the tool below to compare pricing and availability for your dates.
By Bus + Ferry
If you prefer not to drive, Indian Trails operates bus service between Traverse City and Mackinaw City. This can be a solid backup if rental cars are limited or if you’re trying to keep costs down, but the schedule is much less flexible than driving.
Once you arrive in Mackinaw City, you’ll still need to walk or get yourself to the ferry dock and take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. It’s simple once you’re there, but timing matters.
When I checked the current schedule, the Traverse City to Mackinaw City bus was still showing one evening departure, leaving around 7 PM and arriving close to 10 PM.
That may work if you’re staying overnight in Mackinaw City, but it’s not ideal if you’re trying to get to Mackinac Island the same day. Always check the latest schedule before building your route around the bus.
Ferry Services to Mackinac Island
Once you reach Mackinaw City or St. Ignace from Traverse City, the ferry is the final step. The ride across the Straits of Mackinac is part of the fun, especially if you get bridge views on the way over.
- Arnold Transit Company: Arnold offers service from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, with fast ferry and classic ferry options depending on the season and dock. Adult round-trip fast ferry tickets are around $37, while classic ferry tickets are around $26. Check their site for current pricing before you go.
- Shepler’s Ferry: Shepler’s is another popular option with departures from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. A basic adult round-trip ticket is around $39. Reservations are not required for standard tickets, but buying ahead can make things smoother during busy weekends.
Reservations are usually not required for standard ferry tickets, but I’d still arrive early. If you’re parking, checking luggage, bringing a bike, or visiting in peak summer, give yourself at least 45 minutes before the ferry you’re hoping to catch.
Tips for Ferry Travel
- Check the schedule: Ferry times vary by season, dock, weather, and service type, so check the ferry company’s current schedule before you go.
- Plan for parking: Both ferry companies have day and overnight parking options, but prices and policies can change. Double-check parking details for the exact dock you’re using.
- Pack intentionally: If you’re only doing a day trip, bring what you need for the day and keep it light. If you’re staying overnight, check how your ferry company handles luggage.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, the ferry ride can feel breezy on the water. A light jacket or sweatshirt is never a bad idea.
Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
If you can swing it, I really recommend staying at least one night on Mackinac Island. The island feels different once the day-trippers leave, and it’s so nice to enjoy Main Street, the water, and the hotel bars without rushing back to the last ferry. Just book early because many of these charming inns and hotels fill quickly in peak season.
- Murray Hotel: This is where we stayed, and it was such a good fit for our trip. The location is perfect, right near the ferry and Main Street, the rooms were simple but comfortable, and the morning donuts were genuinely some of the best I’ve ever had. You also get a little discount on their fudge, which is exactly the type of travel perk I will always support.
- Grand Hotel: This is the iconic splurge. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth visiting for the massive porch, beautiful grounds, Cupola Bar views, restaurants, and classic Mackinac Island elegance. You can see it from the ferry as you approach the island, and if we go back, I’d love to stay here for a night.
Each place on Mackinac Island has its own personality, so I’d compare location, budget, and whether you want to be right downtown or somewhere quieter. Check what’s available for your dates here.
Are you ready to go from Traverse City to Mackinac Island?
Going from Traverse City to Mackinac Island is honestly pretty easy once you understand the route: drive or bus to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, give yourself time at the ferry dock, and then enjoy the quick ride over to one of the most charming places in Michigan!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Northern Michigan blog posts:
