How to Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets 2026
Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets. There’s a moment that happens every time I round the bend on I-75 and catch my first glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge stretching across the Straits. My heart actually skips a beat. That five mile suspension bridge is the gateway to something magical a car free island where horses clip clop down Main Street and the smell of fresh fudge drifts through the air.
But here’s the reality check : getting to that island isn’t free. And lately, it feels like it’s getting more expensive by the season.
If you’re planning a trip to Mackinac Island in 2026, you’ve probably already discovered that ferry tickets are your first non negotiable expense. There’s no bridge to the island. No tunnel. Just two ferry companies, both owned by the same parent company, charging what some locals argue are monopoly prices .
But don’t worry. I’ve spent years helping travelers navigate this exact challenge. And I’m here to tell you that with a little strategy, you can absolutely save money on Mackinac Island ferry tickets without sacrificing the experience.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
The Real Deal : Mackinac Island Ferry Prices in 2026
Before we talk about saving, let’s talk about what you’re actually paying. Transparency matters.
For the 2026 season, ferry prices increased by $1 across the board . Here’s what you’re looking at:
Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
- Adult round trip : $39 + $3 online booking fee = $42
- Child round trip (ages 5-12) : $27 + $3 fee = $30
- Children under 5 : Free (but still need a boarding pass)
- Enhanced boarding : Add $20 per person for priority seating
Arnold Transit Company (Formerly Star Line)
- Adult round trip : $37 + $3 online fee = $40
- Child round trip (ages 5-12) : $25 + $3 fee = $28
- Children under 4: Free
- Priority boarding : $52 adult round-trip
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Both companies are owned by the same parent company Hoffmann Marine . That means there’s no real competition driving prices down. Arnold is slightly cheaper but only by about $2 per adult ticket. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
For a family of four, you’re looking at roughly $140-$150 just to get to the island and back. That’s a significant chunk of change. But it’s also not the final word on what you’ll pay.
Proven Ways to Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets
1. Book Direct and Skip the Third Party Markup
This is the easiest money saving move, and it takes about thirty seconds. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
Always book directly through Shepler’s website or Arnold Transit’s website. Third-party resellers often add their own fees on top of the already existing $3 online booking fee . Some sites might look official, but they’re just middlemen taking a cut. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
Pro tip: Both companies accept mobile QR codes. You don’t need to print anything. Just screenshot your ticket and you’re good .
2. Travel Midweek and Shoulder Season
Mackinac Island is a weekend getaway paradise. Which means weekends are crowded and expensive. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
Midweek travel Tuesday through Thursday often means fewer people competing for ferry spots, more relaxed boarding and occasionally promotional rates .
Shoulder season (May, September and October) is even better. Ferry tickets themselves don’t fluctuate by date but your entire trip becomes cheaper hotels drop rates dramatically, restaurants aren’t slammed and the island feels like your own personal playground . Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
3. Bring Your Own Bike (Skip the Rental)
This is one of the biggest budget hacks for Mackinac Island and it starts with the ferry.
Bringing your bike on the ferry costs about $21 round trip with Shepler’s . Renting a bike on the island for a full day? That’ll run you $90 or more.
If you’re traveling with a family, the savings multiply fast. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
The catch? You need to tag your bike and load it into designated racks. It’s a bit of extra logistics, but the savings are absolutely worth it . Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
4. Use Military Discounts (They’re Significant)
If you’re active duty or retired military, you’re eligible for serious savings but you have to purchase in person.
- Shepler’s military rate: $24 adult round trip
- Arnold military rate: $24 adult round trip
That’s nearly $15 off the standard adult fare. Valid military ID is required and the discount applies to the service member, spouse and dependent children . Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
You can’t get this rate online. So plan to stop at the ticket booth.
5. Watch for Hotel and Package Discounts
Some hotels and vacation packages include discounted ferry tickets or promo codes.
For example, certain retreats and group events partner with Shepler’s to offer tickets as low as $29 per person . It’s worth asking your hotel directly: “Do you have a ferry discount code?”
You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes. Save Money on Mackinac Island Ferry Tickets.
6. Skip Enhanced Boarding (Unless You Really Need It)
Both companies offer “enhanced” or “priority” boarding for an extra fee usually $12-$20 per person .
Here’s the truth : during peak season, the ferries run every 30 minutes. Even if you wait for the next boat, you’re not losing much time. Save the $40-$80 for a family and spend it on fudge instead.
7. Park Strategically
Parking can add $20-$30 per day to your ferry costs if you’re not careful .
- Free day parking is available at both companies’ lots in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace
- Overnight parking is where they get you: $20-$25 per night at standard lots
- Premium parking (right at the dock) can run $50-$75 per night
The hack: Use the off-site lots and take the free shuttle. It adds five minutes to your day and saves $30+ .
8. Don’t Pay for Kids Under 5
This one’s simple but worth stating clearly.
- Shepler’s: Children under 5 ride free
- Arnold: Children under 4 ride free
They still need a boarding pass, so don’t skip that step. But the ticket itself costs nothing.
9. Consider the Classic Ferry from St. Ignace
If you’re coming from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Arnold Transit offers a Classic Ferry departing exclusively from the St. Ignace Classic Dock .
- Adult round trip: $26
- Child round trip: $19
That’s $11 cheaper per adult than the standard fast ferry .
The trade off? It takes 30-40 minutes instead of 16-26 minutes . But if you’re not in a rush, it’s a scenic, leisurely crossing that saves real money.
10. Watch for Cyber Monday and Off Season Promos
Ferry companies occasionally run promotional deals, especially during Cyber Monday or in the weeks leading up to the season opening .
These aren’t always heavily advertised. Follow both Shepler’s and Arnold Transit on social media, and check their websites in late fall and early spring.
Shepler’s vs. Arnold Transit: Which Should You Choose?
Since both companies are owned by the same parent company, the experience is similar. But there are differences worth knowing.
| Feature | Shepler’s | Arnold Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Round-Trip | $39 + $3 fee | $37 + $3 fee |
| Child Round-Trip | $27 + $3 fee | $25 + $3 fee |
| Bike Fee | $21 round-trip | $19 round-trip |
| Military Discount | $24 (in person) | $24 (in person) |
| Departure Points | Mackinaw City, St. Ignace | Mackinaw City, St. Ignace |
| Signature Experience | Mighty Mac under-bridge cruises | Good Fortune Pirate Ship, Classic Ferry |
| Reputation | Slightly higher customer satisfaction | Budget-friendly, historic (since 1878) |
My take : If you’re traveling with kids who love pirates, Arnold’s Good Fortune Pirate Ship crossing is a memory maker . If you want the smoothest overall experience and don’t mind paying $2 more, Shepler’s is the slightly more polished option.
Departure Point Strategy: Mackinaw City vs. St. Ignace
Where you board matters for your budget, especially if you’re driving.
Coming from the Lower Peninsula (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Chicago)
Mackinaw City is your natural stop. It’s right off I-75 at Exit 338 .
- Both companies have free day parking lots
- Complimentary shuttles run from remote lots to the docks
- This is the more popular departure point, so ferries run frequently
Coming from the Upper Peninsula (Marquette Sault Ste. Marie, Wisconsin)
St. Ignace is more convenient. It’s right off US-2 .
- Parking is at or very near the docks
- No tram or shuttle needed
- Bonus: Arnold’s Classic Ferry departs from here, offering the cheapest adult fare on the island
Staying Overnight Before Your Trip?
Both companies offer complimentary shuttle service from many area hotels and campgrounds . Confirm with your hotel when you book. This can save you the parking fee entirely.
What About Luggage, Pets, and Strollers?
Good news: these are mostly free.
- Luggage: Travels with you on the ferry at no extra charge
- Pets: Leashed pets ride free at the feet of their accompanying adult
- Strollers: Free, stored on the boat during the ride
The only “extra” you might pay for is a bike ($19-$21) or a cart/tagalong ($17) .
If you’re staying overnight on the island, the ferry company will transfer your luggage to participating hotels free of charge .
Timing Your Trip: When to Go for Maximum Savings
Ferry ticket prices don’t change based on date. But your entire trip cost does.
Cheapest Times to Visit Mackinac Island
- May : Fewer crowds, hotels still waking up from winter
- Late September : Summer crowds gone, weather still beautiful
- October : Crisp air, fall colors , dramatically lower hotel rates
Most Expensive Times
- July and August weekends : Peak everything
- Holiday weekends : Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day
Also Check : Best Budget Friendly Green Chile Spots in Santa Fe 2026
Best Time to Arrive at the Dock
Aim to arrive 45 minutes before your intended departure during peak season . This gives you time for parking, luggage tagging, bike loading and boarding. Missing a boat because you arrived five minutes early is a rookie mistake that costs you an hour.
The Bottom Line on Ferry Costs
Let’s do a realistic budget for a family of four (two adults, two kids ages 8 and 10) traveling in summer 2026:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult round-trip × 2 (Arnold) | $74 + $6 fee |
| Child round-trip × 2 (Arnold) | $50 + $6 fee |
| Overnight parking (standard lot) | $20 |
| Total ferry-related cost | $156 |
With Shepler’s, you’d pay about $164 for the same trip.
Ways to cut that down:
- Travel midweek in May or October
- Bring your own bikes instead of renting
- Use military discount if eligible
- Park in free day lot if doing a day trip
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to make a reservation for the Mackinac Island ferry?
No. Neither Shepler’s nor Arnold Transit requires reservations . Tickets are valid for any departure on the date you choose. Just show up and board the next available boat.
Is it cheaper to buy ferry tickets online or at the dock?
The base fare is the same, but online purchases add a $3 booking fee . If you’re buying multiple tickets, that fee adds up. However, buying online saves you from standing in line at the ticket office, which can be long during peak season. For a family of four, paying $12 in fees might be worth the convenience.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry?
Yes! Leashed pets ride free on both ferry lines . They need to stay at your feet during the crossing.
What’s the cheapest ferry option to Mackinac Island?
Arnold Transit’s Classic Ferry from St. Ignace is the cheapest at $26 adult round-trip and $19 for children . It takes longer (30-40 minutes) but saves you $11 per adult compared to the standard fast ferry.
Do kids ride free on the Mackinac Island ferry?
Children under 5 ride free on Shepler’s and under 4 on Arnold . They still need a boarding pass, so don’t skip that step.
How much does it cost to bring a bike on the ferry?
Shepler’s charges $21 round trip for a bike ; Arnold charges $19 . Tandem bikes and tagalongs cost more. Compare that to $90+ for an on-island rental and the savings are obvious .
Is parking free at the Mackinac Island ferry docks?
Day parking is free at both companies’ lots . Overnight parking costs $20-$25 at standard lots . Premium dockside parking can run $50-$75 per night.
Which ferry company is better Shepler’s or Arnold?
They’re both owned by the same parent company, so the experience is similar . Shepler’s has a slightly better reputation for customer service. Arnold is slightly cheaper and offers the Classic Ferry and pirate ship options.
Can I get a refund if I change my plans?
No. Both companies sell non refundable tickets . However, since tickets aren’t tied to specific departure times , you have flexibility to use them any day during the season.
How early should I arrive at the ferry dock?
Plan to arrive 45 minutes early during summer peak season . This accounts for parking , luggage handling , bike loading and boarding lines. In shoulder season , 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
Your Mackinac Island Adventure Starts Here
Getting to Mackinac Island doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning booking direct, traveling midweek , bringing your own bike and knowing which discounts apply to you you can keep more money in your pocket for the things that actually make the trip memorable. Like the fudge. Definitely the fudge.
The ferry ride itself is part of the adventure. Those fifteen minutes on the water, watching the island grow larger on the horizon and the Mackinac Bridge shrink behind you that’s the moment the vacation truly begins.
One Comment