FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

Because there are no motorized vehicles on the island, the only way to get to Mackinac Island is by boat or by plane. Enjoy a fast, fun, and friendly ride to the island on one of Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company’s Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet ferries!

Purchase ferry tickets online or tickets are also available for purchase directly at any of our convenient ticket booth locations or ferry docks.  Our addresses and contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Reservations are not necessary for our ferries as they run on a first come first serve basis. Because of this, we suggest you plan on arriving approximately 15 minutes before your planned departure time.

We recommend you arrive at the dock 30 minutes before the boat you wish you take is scheduled to depart.

Yes! Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company offers a wide variety of parking options to fit your specific needs including valet, premium dockside, handicap, secured, oversized vehicle, and free day parking. For more details on all parking options, visit our “Parking Options” page.

TICKETS

No advance purchase is necessary; tickets are available for purchase on all docks and we also have ticket booths located throughout the local area.

Once you make your purchase, all sales are final.  There are no refunds, however tickets are valid for use all season long!

Nope – if you purchased ferry tickets online, you are all set to skip the ticket booth and hop right in our boarding line! Just make sure you have the barcode pulled up and ready to scan during the boarding process.

If you have purchased bike passes online, you will need to stop by the ticket window to have those printed out before you get onboard.

Yes, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company is pet friendly! You may bring your dog(s) on the ferry as long as it is on a leash and well behaved.

Most businesses on Mackinac Island do not allow dogs into their establishments unless they are seeing eye dogs, however a few restaurants allow pets in their outdoor seating areas. By city ordinance, you must have your dog on a leash and under control at all times as well as clean up after them while on the island.

BIKES & OTHER EXTRA ITEMS

Absolutely – bikes can ride with you on the ferry, just purchase a bikePASS at the ticket booth and attach it to your handlebars. This will double as your bike’s pass to get on the ferry and your bike’s license on Mackinac Island.

Yes! There are many locations that offer bicycles for rent in and just outside of Mackinac Island’s downtown area.

Nope, strollers are welcome onboard Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company ferries at no additional charge.

SCHEDULE

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company’s schedule is always available and kept up-to-date online. You may also find it in one of our printed brochures!

Highlighted in blue on our schedules are Mackinac Bridge tour trips. Our scheduled bridge tours venture out beneath the Mackinac Bridge on the way to Mackinac Island, adding an extra 5 minutes to the adventure and a perfect photo opportunity for all.

This fun twist on our traditional ferry ride offers a breathtaking view of the Mighty Mac like you’ve never seen it before, and all of this for no extra cost!

For those looking for a more cost-effective trip and those who prefer to move on island time, our classic boats take a more cruise-like approach on their departures to and from Mackinac Island.

Its leisurely pace paired with panoramic views of the Straits area make for a perfect, blissful 45 minute ferry ride to the island the traditional way. Rates starting at $22.95!

For full details on our classic departures, see our ticket options page.

PARKING

No, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company offers complimentary day parking in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City in addition to our alternative parking options.

For a full list of parking options to find which one best suits your specific needs, please visit our Parking Options page.

Absolutely. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company has a wide variety of parking options catered to your needs, including free and overnight options.

For a full list of our parking options, please visit our Parking Options page.

Yes! Oversized vehicles are also welcome to park in our designated lots. If you have a motor home or vehicle with attached trailer, please call 800-638-9892 a few days in advance and we will have an offsite parking space waiting for you upon arrival.

For more details and a full list of parking options, please visit our Parking Options page.

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company offers a complimentary shuttle service from hotels and campgrounds to our docks in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Just call 800-638-9892 when you are ready to be picked up and we will send one your way!

ACCESSIBILITY

Yes! With the exception of our pirate ship, the Good Fortune, all Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company ferries are wheelchair accessible. Our hard-working crew will assist you or your loved one on the ramp to ensure your safety in both the boarding and unloading process.

Yes! In both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Star Line has designated, on-site handicap parking available for your convenience and safety.

Yes, at several of the bike rental locations, wheelchairs are also available for hourly, daily. and overnight rental – just ask a lot attendant!

Yes, if it is medically necessary, electric wheelchairs are welcome both on our ferries and on the island.

COVID-19

After an announcement from the US Coast Guard, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company has shifted to the honor system on face coverings. It is now up to each individual whether or not they will wear a face mask while onboard.

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