We took the Arnold ferry from Mackinaw City to the island and it was a great experience. Buying tickets 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. read more

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We had a great experience on the ferry to Mackinac Island, so I was surprised to see such mixed reviews on here. We booked our tickets in advance and boarded the first ferry to the island around 9 am. Be sure to arrive early, as there was a long line of people waiting to board the boat. You can choose between inside seating or sitting at the top of the boat - totally up to your personal preference! The ferry ride was smooth, comfortable, and took around 25 minutes. We had no problem catching a ferry back from the island, but be sure to give yourself enough time to queue in line before the ferry is set to depart, as lines do form. read more

Dockside parking is $40 for the day. That is four times more than standard parking across the street. I understand an up charge for a premium service but four times the price is excessive and unnecessary. Online ticket buying process was simple and it ran on schedule. If you want to go to Mackinac Island, there is only one other choice and it is owned by the same company. Take that for what you will. read more

So somewhere between 3-4 in terms of overall experience. They had ferries run frequently which was great, the boats were reasonable, plenty of seating, staff was helpful and nice, and the ride wasn't too long. Some of the issues - pricing is quite high - $39 per ticket which is spicy for round trip and the worst part is that you have to pay 40$! for parking. That is not ok at all in any capacity to pay $40 for parking when you are already paying close to $40 for a ferry ticket. Why on earth would parking be so pricey?!?!?!?!? Additionally while there were quite a few ferries going back and forth, some of them, particularly the last one didn't leave at the time that was present on the schedule which is a major no no particularly for out of town tourists - the schedule said 8pm, but the ferry actually. leaves at 7:30pm officially and left early at around 7:25pm or so!! Which if we had actually been "on time" we would have been left in the cold of Mackinaw island. Ferries need to leave at the time they say they will leave - leaving earlier is not ok!!! That and the cost is probably my biggest frustration and negative on this place. Don't nickel and dime your customers, and leave not early not late - at the scheduled time. read more

The boat was on time and got you from the island to the city speedily. What else would you want?

Next time I'm riding the pirate ship!! Also during the 4-8 pm rides get into line a half hour early ! read more

Arnold Transit Co. - QR code - Ferries Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

The Arnold Ferry was a very pleasant ride to Mackinac Island. We took the ride at 9:30A.M. that went under the Mackinac Bridge. It was a great ride there and back. We sat in the enclosed deck to be warmer. read more

I don't get the hate and the low ratings. It was a very nice calm experience with the wind in your face while gliding in the water. If I were to go to Mackinac island i would use this transport again. The only things is the stairs might be a pain for some but if you have no problem with the stairs you should do it. read more

The ferry to Mackinac Island g Staff are friendly and you're able to bring your own bike to the island. Great experience read more

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We will start with the shuttle. The bus only held about 20 people and per the boss talking over the walkie, they are suppose to load those with bikes first. They just let you load, which ended up causing a huge fight with a lady who was closer to the front of the line. In my opinion, she and her husband should have been asked to step out of line and not allowed to board. They were hostile, rude and inappropriate. I know this isn't the drivers job but it's also not his job to deal with people like that. We made it to the ferry in one piece and the drive over was fine. We ended up on a boat that took you to the bridge. I actually enjoyed the ride that didn't take you to the bridge better. You could see it better. On our way back, we waited FOREVER for the ferry to return. I believe it was 15 minutes late and if it wasn't, it felt like it. They pack you in like sardines in order to try to get everyone over. The ferry ride in itself wasn't awful priced but to add a bike was like adding another person. That was ridiculous. With that being said, I'd totally do it again. read more

We used Star Line Ferry during our last visit to Mackinac Island. No complaints from me or the relatives. Lots of parking spots were available that Summer weekend. Purchasing tickets at the booth was a breeze. Wait time was not bad for boarding and unboarding the ferry each way. Ride was smooth back and forth as well. Good experience. read more

Let me start with I thought I was saving money because I had scanned a QR code in their brochure. I read save money by purchasing tickets online. The date of service is early May. Online I saw that you couldn't purchase the "classic" ferry yet because it wasn't running until later in the summer. I clicked on the express pass which said take a ferry over and ride the catamaran back. I wasn't aware that the ferry for the express is the same as the "classic" so I purchased it for $34.00 ($2.00 convenience fee for online purchase but still cheaper than at the gate). We walk to the Shepler's ferry not knowing there was a different dock. I wanted to board the 1:30 ferry. It was 12:30. Of course I was told by two extremely friendly employees here that we were at the wrong place. So we speed walked 6/10 mile to the Star Line gate to make sure we were in time I catch the 1:20 ferry. There are two employees in the ticket booth. One is in training. It's too complicated to explain but basically the employee in training did not greet, did not smile and didn't say I will be with you soon or she (other employee) will be with you soon. So I had to wait on the only other customer to finish before I could talk to the trainer. All I needed to know was where to stand. She directed me to the waiting gate but said nothing else. She didn't ask or volunteer when the next ferry would be around. At this time it is 1:10. After seeing absolutely nobody at all I walked back to the ticket booth and was told the next ferry ran at 2. So we wait. The trainer and trainee come back out at 1:30 ish and try to scan my online ticket. It wouldn't work she said because the classic ferry is part of the flex pass and that I needed to pay to upgrade. I walk back to the ticket booth and pay an additional $8.00 (ultimately not saving a dime). We then go back to the trainer and trainee employee who scans our tickets and once again the trainee did not smile or speak a word. This girl is either extremely shy or doesn't want to work with the public. I'm hoping the ride to the fort is better than the experience so far. Next time, I will use the other service. read more

This is the ferry company we used last to cross to island. We had a great experience on the boat. We started off on the top deck, but went inside after it got a bit too chilly for me. The fare is $25/pp. Nice views of the bridge. The water views are also fantastic. We really have some beautiful lakes here in Michigan. They don't open back up until April 26th for rides to the island this year. read more

The old bait and switch!! That we were getting on the hydro jet and was going to be there in 20ish mins. Nope 45mins later and sea sick because the boat is so slow. Never again!! Spend a few dollars more and go some where else. The boat doesn't even go fast enough to have a breeze. Never again!!! read more

Arnold Transit Co. - This is the advertisement of what you "could" be riding on. - Ferries Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

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Low capacity cramped boats, boats don't come often, and take forever. Just go with Sheplers, it's better. read more

Arnold Transit Co. - Stupid boat - Ferries Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

All I wanted was a simple ticket to Mackinaw Island. But what I got was inattentive staff, no sense parking instructions, broken directions, and the staff member said I had to buy a round-trip ticket and when I said no, she replied "How you gonna get back to the mainland?" I said from one of your competitors. She said then "I won't sell you a ticket at all unless it's a round-trip ticket." And the picture shows how safe they are. Ship is under command from a non USCG- licensed individual while the captain thinks his social media profile is way more important than the safety of the passengers. read more

Arnold Transit Co. - Ship under command from a non licensed individual while the captain... - Ferries Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

Everything! Horrible Experience. Boats break they don't tell people. They knew they did not have a 4:00 Boat and still had us try to hurry for it. Then they loaded all the island workers and left us read more

After arriving back in Mackinaw and waiting over 20 minutes while our luggage sat there with no one unloading it, yet many employees standing around doing nothing, a woman and I decided to just take our luggage, as we could see it on the cart. The minute we did some bearded man in a white shirt and hat started screaming at us to not touch the luggage, that THEY would unload it. I said "Well if you would do it sometime today, that would be great." To which he shouted "We'll get to it when we get to it!!!" and I was then threatened that he would "call the law and get me arrested" for what I don't know (touching MY bag I guess). I told him to go ahead and do it, as I was interested what the charge would be. He screamed at me to get away from the cart, and rather than have a further altercation, I did. Then waited another 10 minutes for someone to unload my bag. I will NEVER use Star Line again, as a matter of fact I sincerely doubt if I will ever again visit Mackinaw because of this ridiculous incident. Of the 1000 ways this employee could of handled the situation he decided that aggressive and threatening was the best course. If he was in my employ, I would fire him immediately. read more

It was easy to order tickets online but you do need to read all the fine print. We went with the dockside parking because upon return, we had to get back to the airport. We did the priority boarding but not sure I'd use it again. It was nice on the way over but not on the return. We had a nice day so the captain took us under the bridge which was a nice little extra. read more

Nice ferry, we took the 9am ferry which goes under the bridge. It's excellent views. Loves it. But they doesn't seem care too much about social distancing! When people wait in line, there is no social distancing requirement, on the boat, the seating has no social distancing requirement too! read more

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tl/dr: Don't assume the posted schedule will be accurate, bring something to do while you wait, leaving before 9:00 might be a good idea if you can arrange it. We took the ferry to Mackinac Island yesterday. It was a beautiful day. We caught a shuttle from where we're staying and arrived just in time to be in line when the 9:45 boat loaded, but we were too far back to get on. Hadn't expected to make that one, so wasn't bothered by it. And the schedule had the next one going at 10:15. No worries. Unfortunately, the boat that arrived and unloaded at 10:15 didn't return to Mackinac Island. We watched it pull away empty and dock at their little harbor a few yards away. Not sure why it needed attention, or what attention was needed. No communication from Star Line reps. And by this time the line was at least twice as long as when we arrived. We must have been the front of the mid morning wave. Well, the schedule says the next boat is at 10:30. But no boat came until 10:45. Got on, found a great seat on the middle level on the port side rail, and enjoyed the journey to Mackinac. Returning was different. It was a little after 3:00. No line, boat arrives, boarded, returned. I suspect sometime in the evening, though, it would have been more like the morning outbound wait. We're on vacation, so time isn't nearly as critical as normal. Communication always helps in the service industry, and Star Line could make some improvements. But they basically did what we paid them to do, safely. That counts. read more

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DO NOT USE THIS FEERY! Take Shepler's instead! Horrible, horrible service. Ferry was 45 minutes late from schedule time from Mackinaw City. 9:30 boat sat at the dock until 10:15 No announcement, update or explanation, nothing. Then once underway, they did not go to the bridge as was the schedule for this trip, just went straight to the island. Again no explanation or communication from the staff. When we got to the island we inquired at the office. We asked for some consideration as we booked the 9:30 specifically because it was an under the bridge trip, and we didn't go that way, and they were also 45 minutes late with no explanation. Disinterested staffer basically said what boils down to "We do what we want at our discretion". And "the only thing you can do is fill out a form, I can't help you." I repeat, DO NOT GIVE THIS COMPANY YOUR BUSINESS! They do not care about their customers! I would give zero stars if possible. read more

The ferry prices are reasonable and the ride is decent! If you go in June I recommended bringing a jacket! I recommended preordering your tickets so you can skip the line. We got them at our hotel and still had to wait in line until they asked for vouchers. Also arrive early for the ferry! But other than that it was a pretty ride and so fun! They have a little shop with items in it including sun glasses and snacks, free parking across the street, paid parking in their lot ($20 for a day), and bathrooms available. read more

Arnold Transit Co. - The boat - Ferries Near Me - Mackinaw City, Michigan

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We took this over to the island and had no issues. The ferries run every half hour or so, so it's easy to get back and forth whenever you want. I thought the boat we were on was supposed to shoot awesome rooster tails, but I didn't see it. Regardless, the open air over the water on a hot day was refreshing. I feel the tickets were normal in terms of pricing, but for such a short ride it felt a bit overpriced as well. We got dropped off and picked up, so I can't comment to the parking. read more

Our 2:30 ferry showed up at 3:15, we were not told when we booked that it was the classic (slow) ferry, everyone coming off the ferry that finally showed up were complaining, when people waiting called to find out where the ferry was they were given attitude rather than customer service. No one seems to care if the customers are unhappy whatsoever. Extremely disappointing. read more

At the Star Line dock in Mackinaw City at 5:06 pm and the 5 pm boat is nowhere to be found. As someone who works on the Island and has to be places on time it is extremely frustrating to ride Star Line. The schedule is unreliable, there is no sense of urgency or respect for customers time and money. Delayed boats, poor communication, and lack of empathy for customers is standard for this company and I wouldn't use it if my employer would cough up extra money for Sheplers tickets. The extra $2 per ticket is WELL worth it. Long story short, do not take Star Line. read more

Bought the tickets where you take the slower big boat over and the fast one back. There was no indication that the big boat goes at 1:30 and 5:30. So, had to pay $40.00 extra to go over to the island, or wait 4 hours. Upon boarding, I was forced to sit in the very back of the boat due to being in a wheelchair. My parents used to live on Mackinac Island. I ALWAYS rode in the front. ALWAYS as I can transfer out of my wheelchair. We will take Shepler's from now on, as will my family. I ask you to do so as well. Thank you. read more

Worst customer service! Arrived at 4:45 for 5:30 boat which NEVER came and told rudely this is now a 6:30pm boat. No apology just rude. Don't buy a ticket here, go to Shepler's for on time service. read more

Apologies for a lengthy review. We intended to take the 3pm ferry to MI a couple of weeks ago. As the ferry arrived, it collided with another Star Line ferry which was docked. The ferry was unloaded and we boarded the same ferry that had just arrived. We departed and within 5 minutes, began to turn around and return to the dock. The Coast Guard required the return due to the collision. We unloaded from the first ferry and Star had us load up on the ferry that was docked and had been hit. We waited 20-30 minutes when they announced that the Coast Guard would not allow that ferry to depart either. Star had a third ferry that had not been used in a while and was filthy. Credit the staff for trying to make the best of a bad situation. Unfortunately, this ferry was not a high-speed ferry and took roughly 45 minutes to reach the island. We arrived more than 2 hours later than we should have. We ran into a few other passengers the next day and were told they were issued a refund for the problems. After spending 2 days on the island, we returned to Mackinac City and I went to the ferry office to request a refund. I was told that since I waited and used my return ticket, they would not refund my ticket. They also claimed that it was a mechanical problem that was out of their control and they don't issue refunds for that. Just making excuses at this point. Management could have easily rectified the situation by simply offering a credit on a future trip. We will be returning to Mackinac Island but you can be sure, we will be taking Shepler's Ferry Line. I suggest others do the same. read more

The 7:30 ferry was an hour late. The staff were nice. The ferry's are pet friendly but we kept getting held up with lost luggage.

Purchased tickets online making it seem you would jump the line for quick boarding. Everyone has the same ticket! No line jump, at all. By the time we got on there's no place to sit. Before this-paid parking: pulled into the dock and had to get the parking ticket printed. No instructions for getting to the correct lot. Drove around until we found a person to direct us. $20 for a "secure lot"which is located behind a free not secure lot and just across the street from the dock. Total waste of money. Not sure how it's secured. Not many instructions or details explaining the process. People not very helpful. read more

I have been going to Mackinac Island at least once every year for the last 22 years and started taking Mackinac Island Ferry Company for the first time 5 years ago. This company reminds me of the SouthWest airlines of old where the staff is very friendly, simplicity is apparent in every interaction and fares are cheaper than elsewhere. Overall a great experience with a fun flavor and nice people to take you to and from the island with fast boats. Parking is convenient and normally I use the dockside parking as it is truly dockside and when bringing a tired family back to the car after a long day, this is extremely valuable. If we did not reserve dockside parking, we are fine using the offsite parking as it is pretty convenient, but not as easy as dockside of course. The staff is professional and friendly and the teenage girls I had with me had an absolutely inspiring 10-minute conversation with the female boat captain, giving them a memorable summer photo op. There seem to be many changes underway at both Mackinac ferry companies, but I enjoy the friendly staff and smooth, easy to use operation at MIFC. read more

We took two trips to the island this week, using Star Line for the first visit. Discount tickets were purchased from the hotel. After waiting in line to get them scanned, the employee told us that these were not tickets but vouchers that needed to be exchanged at the ticket counter. This delayed our getting into the already long line by another 10 minutes & led to missing the next ferry. After the 2nd ferry left, we were told by one employee the next one would be along in 15-30 minutes while another one came by and said it would be about an hour! 45 minutes later, we finally boarded the 3rd ferry (90 minute wait, total). Watching one employee openly reprimand another in front of the customers was totally unprofessional. On the way back from the island, the wait was not as long but still didn't get on the first ferry. The boats seem to have more seating than the other company's and one of the boats is a catamaran (probably a smoother ride) but I'd prefer getting there in a timely, professional manner. read more

My husband and I were going to the island in the AM on a Saturday in August. We parked in one of the free lots. The lot we parked at was in a parking lot of a closed Italian restaurant. We per-ordered our tickets online and this was very convenient. We only waited a few minutes before the shuttle came to pick us up. Since we ordered our tickets before, we went to the stand that said online tickets and the friendly staff member gave us our boarding passes essentially. We stood in line and this did take some time before the next ferry came for us to board. However, the line went by fast, but we got stuck on the bottom deck of the ferry. Being on the bottom part of the ferry isn't as fun as being on the top deck. You also feel the ferry chopping through the waves on the bottom, so definitely sit on the top to avoid this. The ride was about 20 minutes or so. There is another ferry company that costs less but takes well over 40 minutes or so to get to the island. We wanted to utilize our time, so paying a few extra bucks to cut the time of the trip in half was worth it. We left the island around 9:00 p.m. and leaving times are posted once you leave the ferry docks. I would suggest leaving when the sun is setting because there are beautiful views! We sat on the top deck and views didn't disappoint! The top deck is obviously windy and a bit chilly, but again the views are the best part. It still amazes me how the captain docks the ferry, they do a great job! After we got back from the island the shuttle was there to pick us up. The shuttle driver asked where each person was parked since Star Line has different lots that are closer/farther away. One of the customers on the shuttle parked in Lot 4 and the shuttle driver passed it since the shuttle driver was taking everyone to Lots 5 and 6. The customer appeared annoyed and asked the shuttle driver if he could turn around and go back to Lot 4 to drop them off. The shuttle driver handled it well and said he would go back to Lot 4. Moral of the story, know what lot you parked at so you aren't slowing down the shuttle drivers from their routes! read more

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I find it downright disturbing that this place runs folks around like they're herding cattle only for them to close the gate on you - "sorry, you'll have to wait for the next boat and I don't know why"... perhaps it's because you actually don't follow the posted schedule or honor your guests and their time. Way to be a business with integrity. Do you know how difficult it is to travel with children, how hard it is to manage time away from work (spent ACTUALLY vacationing) when COVID has made it so difficult? If you're going to close the gate and ruin my family's afternoon (reservations booked months in advance), at least be transparent about why. Star Line doesn't respect their customer's time and money. Don't let them waste yours. read more

I really like Starline Ferry. It is a really good boat to Mackinac Island. I would come back. The only problem was the boat was half an hour late. read more

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I honestly don't know how this company even earns 1 star... I've been working on the island for nearly 40 years and unfortunately have to ride star line in the off season since they are the only boat line. They had to change their business name recently since they were so poorly rated and disliked. If you are planning to make a trip to beautiful mackinac Island do yourself a favor and ride on sheplers ferry instead. read more

SCAM!! Star Line advertised on April 21, 2022 that they would accept all pre-purchased tickets. On July 22, 2022, I attempted to board with pre-purchased tickets and was denied. I showed the employees that the company advertised on Facebook the acceptance of all pre-bought tickets and my tickets did not have an expiration date. They clearly state "good any time", however I was required to purchase new tickets. Star Line is in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. read more

One of the ferry lines between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Runs pretty much on time although it is somewhat difficult for them to have boats ready because tickets are not timed -seats are not reserved, so people show up randomly., with and without bikes and luggage. There are fast hydrofoil boats (18 minute trips) and and slower conventional boats (40 minutes trips ) so ask where to go. The lines for boarding are somewhat confusing so just follow the one main wide line if you are taking the fast boat. All boats are noisy-less so on the open decks, but the open ones are windier and offer better views in nice weather. We had a very nice trip on a sunny August day and would use this line again. read more

We took the ferry to mackinac city and the staff made sure everyone had their masks on. They would patrol the boat and make sure we were safe. Also very professional at the same time. Loved the ride to the island. read more

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