Where do you catch a ferry to Put-in-Bay?
The Put-in-Bay ferry leaves from Port Clinton Ohio and arrives at the downtown Put-in-Bay harbor. The Jet Express ferry with service to Kelley's Island leaves from Sandusky Ohio. The Sonny S ferry offers a ferry service between Middle Bass and South Bass.
The address to the Miller Ferry is 5174 E Water St, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Although the address is technically within the Port Clinton city limits, the mainland dock is situated on the northern tip of Catawba Island. The Miller Ferry is about an hour away from both Cleveland and Toledo.
The ride to Put-in-Bay takes 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the ride to Middle Bass Island is roughly 40 minutes long. Check the Miller Ferry schedule on their website when coordinating your trip to the Lake Erie Islands.
The quickest way to get from Downtown Cleveland to Put-in-Bay is to drive and car ferry which costs $30 - $40 and takes 1h 46m.
How to get to Put-in-Bay? Put-in-Bay is an island in the middle of Lake Erie only accessible by boat or plane. The two ferry services are the Miller Ferry and the Jet Express. Both ferries leave from Port Clinton, Ohio, and arrive at the island in roughly 20 minutes whereupon you can grab a taxi to get around.
Put-in-Bay Ferry Boat Line Transportation
Along the way, take in views of other Lake Erie Islands. The Jet transports passengers only, and the Miller allows both vehicles AND passengers. Getting here on the boat ride is just part of the fun! We also have fun taxi rides and leisurely golf cart rentals.
| Adult | $9.00 |
|---|---|
| Child (under 6yrs.) | Free |
| Bicycle | $2.50 |
| Vehicle – Guidelines | $20.00 |
| Motorcycle – Guidelines | $16.00 |
Sonny-S Middle Bass Ferry
The Put-in-Bay dock is located near the Boardwalk restaurant, and the ferry drops passengers off at the Middle Bass Island State Park and Marina. During the season, the boat departs Middle Bass Island every hour on the half hour, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on peak summer weekends.
If you miss your boat you do not have to buy another ticket, you can simply bring your old ticket to the ticket booth and ask them to change your ticket to a new time. In other words, there is no need to panic if you miss your ferry. For future reference, be sure to check their schedule on the Jet Express website.
The Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay is the primary method of transporting freight to and from the island and the only way to bring a car to Put-in-Bay. Bringing a car is NOT RECOMMENDED as parking is extremely limited or non-existent in town and you would end up just taking your car to the ferry parking lot at Put-in-Bay.
How much does it cost to ride the Jet Express to Put-in-Bay?
The Jet Express offers a ferry service that departs from Sandusky and arrives at Put-in-Bay. Round trip tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for youth, $6 for children. Anyone aged 5 & under ride for free and there is an additional $10 fare if you wish to bring your bicycle.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Plan your journey to the port: Passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure . If you are checking in with a pet, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
There are many things to do for kids during the week and great entertainment on weekends. Great food, fun activities, and unique lodging choices make the island a great choice for a local staycation. Discover your ideal home away from home on Put-in-Bay Ohio, the gem of the Lake Erie Islands.
| Adult | $9.00 |
|---|---|
| Child (6-11yrs.) | $1.50 |
| Child (under 6yrs.) | Free |
| Bicycle | $2.50 |
| Vehicle – Guidelines | $20.00 |
While there is no admission fee to come to the island itself, you will have to pay to ride the ferry to come over to the island. There are two main ferries to Put-in-Bay, the Miller Ferry and the Jet Express. The Miller Ferry is the less expensive of the two options at $7.50 per adult.
A ferry will get you to your destination for a cheaper price. A flight will get you to your next stop with a shorter travel time. Both ferry and flight have a bit of a disorganized boarding process. I personally preferred taking the ferry because of the cheap ticket price, ease of port access, and views from the deck.
The trip on the Jet Express takes approximately 25 minutes from Port Clinton to downtown Put-In-Bay and 45 minutes from downtown Sandusky. We drop you off in the heart of all the action!
There is no Uber, Lyft or other rideshare service available at Put-in-Bay. Put-in-Bay taxis are the only option for on-demand transportation at Put-in-Bay.
Attractions At Put-in-Bay Ohio
For history buffs, the island is loaded with historical sites, museums & the famous Perry's International Peace Memorial. The 352-foot tall Doric column is the 3rd tallest in the world!
Capacity up to 600 passengers/approximately 28 vehicles.
How many bars are on Put-in-Bay?
How many bars are there on Put-in-Bay? There are over 25 bars on the island! This includes the two wineries, the iconic Joe's Bar, Mr. Ed's, Frosty Bar, and more!
The Miller Ferry runs every day, every half hour, rain or shine, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Their schedule is regulated by PUCO so you can be sure of the schedule times unless there is a serious weather event.
Can you bring alcohol to Put in Bay? Alcohol can be brought to the island on both the Miller Ferry and Jet Express Ferry Boats to the Lake Erie Islands.
The quickest way to get from Downtown Detroit to Put-in-Bay is to drive and car ferry which costs $35 - $50 and takes 2h 19m.
Where does the Miller Ferry drop off? Miller Ferry drops off at the Put-in-Bay Lime Kiln Dock, which is two miles from downtown. If you travel without a vehicle you can rent a golf cart, take the bus, take a taxi, rent a bicycle or walk.
Day trippers to Put-in-Bay often want to enjoy its famous nightlife. The Jet Express is the only ferry that offers late-night service. The last ferry leaves at 12 am.
Fast RoPax ferries are conventional ferries with a large garage intake and a relatively large passenger capacity, with conventional diesel propulsion and propellers that sail over 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph).
Passenger security
This means that routine security checks on passengers, luggage and vehicles are likely to occur. To be able to enter the ferry, all passengers should be able to present a valid photo ID upon boarding, such as passports or international ID cards with a photograph.
Put-in-Bay is part of Ohio and as such open containers of alcohol are not permitted anywhere, including on golf carts, outside of bars, or on the streets of Put-in-Bay. Contrary to popular belief, it is still considered an open container even if it has a lid!
No, open containers of alcohol on the streets are prohibited on the island. Same rules and laws apply on the island as do on the mainland. Put-in-Bay is not different from any other city in Ohio in terms of laws. This also applies to Put-in-Bay golf carts.
Is there free parking at Put-in-Bay?
FREE parking for the first 30 minutes allows for passenger/luggage pick-up and drop-off. NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING PERMITTED.
If you are a US citizen, a passport is not needed since Put-in-Bay is in the United States of America. However, all of the Put-in-Bay bars require an approved form of government ID in order to enter (drivers licenses and military IDs are acceptable).
Situated in the middle of Lake Erie, this quaint village boasts great restaurants, hotels, wineries, and festivals. It's a beautiful setting in which to get active on the water or relax with breathtaking lake views. It is not possible to drive directly to Put-in-Bay, which is only accessible by boat.
The Jet Express departs from both Port Clinton and Sandusky on the mainland, with the trip to the island being 25 and 45 minutes respectively. Directions to both of these docks can be found on the Jet Express website. The Miller Ferry departs from the end of Catawba Island and takes about 28 minutes each way.
Put-in-Bay is known for its nightlife, historical sites, and outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Kelleys Island, on the other hand, is more focused on nature and outdoor recreation, with attractions like hiking trails, beaches, and bird-watching sites.
There is no need to pay for terminal fee at the pier, as the terminal fee of Php25 is already incorporated in your Ocean Jet ticket. Ocean Jet shares the Pier 1 terminal with other ferry companies. When you reach the pier, you need to present your ticket with a valid ID.
- Kilt pins.
- Axes & Hatches.
- Arrows & Darts.
- Crampons (grappling iron, hooked bar of iron, or plate with iron spikes used in mountaineering)
- Harpoons & Spears.
- Ice axes & ice picks.
- Ice skates.
For example, booking your tickets in advance is often the best way to get a cheap ferry crossing. If you're flexible with your travel dates, try to avoid peak times such as holidays and weekends.
If you are wondering if can you stay in your vehicle on a ferry the answer in most cases is no. Once the vessel starts with crossing, you will not be allowed onto the car parking deck as most of the large car ferries for safety reasons, do not allow passengers to stay in their cars.
Drinking Water – Our water comes from the Village of Put-in-Bay city water system and is perfectly fine to drink. The fresh water supply on South Bass is not plentiful, so please do your best to conserve it.
Is there a tunnel to Put-in-Bay?
The Put-in-Bay Tunnel Permit is not for a real tunnel. It is meant as a fun sticker to put on your vehicle. The only way to get to Put-in-Bay is to take a ferry or an airplane. Do you have your Official Put-in-Bay Perch Republic sticker?
West of Cleveland and east of Toledo is island country. Twenty-six islands dot Lake Erie of which South Bass Island, Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island are the best known and most visited.
Arrive early for your trip to Put-in-Bay to ensure the best availability and shortest waits! Check the Jet Express or Miller Ferry websites for details. Do I need my car on the Island? We recommend that you do NOT bring a car to the Island.
Absolutely! Put-in-Bay is a great vacation spot for all ages. There are so many great activities that families can enjoy together such as the Aquatic Visitors Center, The Butterfly House, Perry's Victory Monument, The Put-in-Bay Tour Train, and so much more! There are so many kid-friendly activities to choose from.
Put-in-Bay, Ohio, located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, boasts incredible waterfront dining, family-friendly attractions, and can't-miss events. While you can fly or take your own watercraft to Put-in-Bay, the island is most easily accessible by ferry boat.
What's the going rate for drinks at the bars and pool bars on Put In Bay? Figure on about $6 - $8 for a tall boy beer can. Some bars may have bucket specials (literal buckets filled with beer at the Round House) or specialty drinks - but that's a pretty good average.
Miller Ferry departs from Catawba, end of OH-53 North. Directions to the Miller Ferry Dock. How much does the Miller Ferry cost?
At the western end of the Lake Michigan fast ferry shortcut, Milwaukee's ferry terminal is conveniently located minutes south of downtown Milwaukee and north of the General Mitchell International airport. The Milwaukee ferry terminal provides a comfortable indoor seating area.
Miller Boat Line has four drive-on, drive-off ferries, capable of carrying up to 500 passengers, or up to 26 vehicles. We are the only scheduled means of carrying vehicles to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and the only scheduled ferry service to Middle Bass Island.
The Sonny-S is the only ferry between Middle Bass Island and Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island). During the summer season it departs every hour on the half hour from Middle Bass and every hour on the hour from Put-in-Bay. Dates are usually from Mid-May through Mid-September.
How much is the Jet Express to Put-in-Bay?
Yes. The Jet Express offers a ferry service that departs from Sandusky and arrives at Put-in-Bay. Round trip tickets are $40 for adults, $15 for youth, $6 for children. Anyone aged 5 & under ride for free and there is an additional $10 fare if you wish to bring your bicycle.
Taking the fast Lake Express Ferry to travel between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan will cost $105 per person (one way). Buying the round-trip ticket is more economical if you need to travel back to Milwaukee. The round-trip ticket costs $181 per person.
The Lake Express ferry docks at terminals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan. Both terminals provide fast and easy connections to area attractions and major interstates.
There are two great ferries that cross Lake Michigan. Both connect Michigan and Wisconsin and are convenient and affordable. The S.S. Badger takes you between the cities of Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI.
Arrive early for your trip to Put-in-Bay to ensure the best availability and shortest waits! Check the Jet Express or Miller Ferry websites for details. Do I need my car on the Island? We recommend that you do NOT bring a car to the Island.
The Miller Ferry runs every day, every half hour, rain or shine, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Their schedule is regulated by PUCO so you can be sure of the schedule times unless there is a serious weather event.
Jet Express. Ferry to Downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.
