From ferries and airplanes to horse-drawn carriages, here are the many ways on how to get to Mackinac Island, named the Best Summer Travel Destination in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and Grand Hotel.
Get Directions to Grand Hotel
Our interactive map makes it easy to explore Grand Hotel and Mackinac Island, where we go by foot, bike, or horse.
View Map
Ferries to Mackinac Island can be accessed by Mackinaw City (on Michigan’s lower peninsula) or St. Ignace (upper peninsula).
Passage to Mackinac Island is provided by Shepler’s Ferry. Luggage transfer is simple and convenient, with assistance provided on both the mainland and Mackinac Island. Please allow three hours for luggage transfer from the time you check in with the Front Desk.
Guests may purchase tickets directly online.
Parking
Ample parking is available at all mainland ferry docks.
If you arrive by ferry, luggage transfer is simple and convenient. Upon check-in, present your luggage tags provided by the ferry service at the front desk and we will deliver your luggage to your room within three hours of check-in. Please keep this in mind when preparing to participate in our evening dress code.
For your return trip back to the mainland, follow the in-room instructions. Your luggage will be tagged and transferred from your room to a secure location on the appropriate mainland dock. We request a minimum three-hour window for the transfer. Guests departing by ferry prior to 9 am should transfer their own luggage to the dock.
If you are flying into the region, we have compiled some tips and information for the closest airports to Mackinac Island. There are both commercial and private air options, along with shuttle details, to help make your travel as easy as possible.
When you arrive to the island, you may either enjoy a short walk from the ferry dock to Grand Hotel or opt for a Taxi Carriage or Grand Hotel Carriage, which are generally available between 8 am and 5 pm. All rides to the hotel from the ferry docks are $9.00 per person (cash only). After 5 pm, a taxi may be arranged in advance of your arrival by contacting the Mackinac Island Taxi Company directly at 906-847-3323, subject to availability.
We cannot guarantee Grand Hotel carriages will meet all ferry boats, nor can we guarantee seats for all Grand Hotel guests.
Enjoy 25% savings on Grand and Lake View Rooms or 35% savings on Balcony Rooms and Suites on select dates May – August. Your stay includes daily breakfast in the elegant Main Dining Room and access to all of Grand Hotel’s signature amenities.
