Car Ferry Across Lake Michigan: Ultimate Guide 2025
Taking a car ferry across Lake Michigan is the perfect way to get between Michigan and
Wisconsin quickly while also getting to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan.
As a local Michigander, I have taken the Lake Michigan Ferry on a few different occasions and have always had a great experience. Not only does the ferry save you hours of driving time, but crossing Lake Michigan by boat is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Lakes.
Based on my experience, I have included in this post everything you need to know about taking one of the car ferries across Lake Michigan, including the available routes, the cost of the ferry, and some tips for taking the car ferry.
Car Ferry Across Lake Michigan Routes
If you are considering taking a ferry boat across Lake Michigan, there are two different routes that you can choose from: either the Muskegon to Milwaukee route or the Ludington to Manitowoc route.
Muskegon to Milwaukee Route: The Lake Express Ferry
The Lake Express Ferry is a high-speed ferry, which offers classic and premium seating options, an outdoor deck area, on-board food & drinks, and the ability to bring your car.
The Lake Express Ferry route goes between Muskegon, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both cities are well-connected to a variety of things to do and attractions in either state, which makes this ferry option a popular choice.
This car ferry runs from May through October and offers both morning and afternoon departure times. In the summer, they even offer night departure times on select days.
The Lake Express Ferry can take cars, motorcycles, bikes, or pedestrian passengers across Lake Michigan in around 2.5 hours. The quick crossing time is another reason that this is a popular ferry option for crossing Lake Michigan.
Ludington to Manitowoc Route: The S.S. Badger Ferry
The second ferry option is the S.S. Badger Ferry. This ferry travels at a slightly slower pace but provides a unique experience as it is an authentic steamship.
On board, there are comfortable seating options, an outside deck, a dining area, and private staterooms available. You can also bring your vehicle on the S.S. Badger ferry.
The S.S. Badger ferry route goes between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Both cities are further north than the Lake Express Ferry, so this ferry may be a good option if you are looking to continue to Northern Michigan or Northern Wisconsin.
The S.S. Badger Ferry takes cars, motorcycles, bikes, and pedestrian passengers. The ship can also accommodate larger vehicles such as RVs, trailers, and oversized vehicles, but you will want to contact them ahead of time and make an advanced reservation for one of these larger vehicles.
The S.S. Badger Ferry service runs in the spring, summer, and fall time. The ferry crossing does take slightly longer, taking on average around 4 hours to cross Lake Michigan.
How Long Is The Ferry Across Lake Michigan?
Taking the ferry boat across Lake Michigan takes between 2.5-4 hours, depending on the route option that you choose.
The fastest ferry across Lake Michigan takes 2.5 hours and goes between Muskegon, Michigan and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The other ferry option takes around 4 hours and goes between Ludington, Michigan and
Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Overall, taking the ferry is going to be much faster than driving around the lake by either going south through Chicago or north through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
How Much Does The Car Ferry Across Lake Michigan Cost?
The cost of taking the car ferry across Lake Michigan varies on the route, which season you are traveling in, and if you qualify for any discounts like the senior discount (over age 65) or an active military discount.
In general, summer rates for an adult ticket to the Lake Express Ferry start at $111 one-way or $193 round-trip. Bringing a vehicle is an additional charge depending on the type, but for a regular vehicle, the cost starts at $121 one-way or $220 for round-trip.
On the S.S. Badger, the summer prices for an adult ticket start at $88 for one-way or $161 for round-trip. Vehicle prices start at $96 one-way or $192 for round-trip.
These prices are of course subject to change and can vary, so for the most updated pricing, you can also check the website for either the Lake Express Ferry or S.S. Badger Ferry.
Mary’s Lake Michigan Car Ferry Top Tips
Taking the car ferry across Lake Michigan is a unique and fun experience. However, there are a few important things to know before you go. I have personally taken the Lake Michigan ferry, and below are a few of my top tips based on that experience.
Tip 1: Get There Early
My most important tip is to get to the car ferry early because the departure time indicates the time the boat leaves, not the time to arrive.
For the Lake Express Ferry (Muskegon-Milkaukee route) check-in opens 1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time. It is recommended that passengers arrive between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours before departure.
On the S.S. Badger Ferry (Ludington-Manitowoc route) passengers need to arrive at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.
Tip 2: You Can’t Access Your Car while Crossing Lake Michigan
Another thing to note is that after boarding, your car will be put in a secured car deck for the ride across Lake Michigan.
On both the Lake Express and S.S. Badger ferries, all passengers will go to a passenger deck, and won’t be able to access their car during the journey.
You can keep all of your luggage in your car for the journey across the lake, but I recommend having a small backpack of anything you may need along the way since you won’t be able to access your car and luggage.
Tip 3: Bringing a Vehicle is an Additional Charge
When purchasing tickets, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket for each person that is in your group. If you are bringing a vehicle, it is important to know that it is an additional charge in addition to the passenger tickets.
Tip 4: Food & Drinks are Available on Board
For both ferry routes, there is a variety of food and drinks available for purchase while on board the ship. You can also bring a water bottle or drink with you on the ship, just note that glass bottles or coolers are not allowed on board.
Tip 5: Pets are Allowed on the Ferry
Both ferries do allow passengers to bring pets on the boat, however, it is important to know that your pet cannot stay with you in the passenger area. Instead, your pet will enjoy the journey in a separate kennel area aboard the ship.
So, depending on if you are comfortable with being separated from your pet you may or may not want to bring them with you.
The only exception to this is that service dogs are of course able to remain with the person they are helping at all times.
Tip 6: You Can Walk Around the Ship’s Passenger Areas
While on board the ship, you can walk around the different passenger areas. On both the S.S. Badger Ferry and Lake Express Ferry this includes both an inside and outside passenger deck.
However, be prepared that it can get a bit windy and sometimes chilly on the outside deck so you may want to bring a light jacket or only stay outside for a portion of the time.
Tip 7: Reserve Tickets in Advance
While it is possible to buy tickets at the dock on the day of departure, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Especially in the summer season, the ferry can completely sell out, so it is best to purchase ahead of time.
For the S.S. Badger Ferry (Ludington-Manitowoc route) tickets can be purchased on the S.S. Badger website or by calling the reservation desk at 800-841-4243.
To purchase tickets for the Lake Express Ferry (Muskegon-Milkaukee route) you can either visit the Lake Express website or call the reservation desk at 866-914-1010.
Lake Michigan Ferry FAQs
Yes, there is a car ferry that goes across Lake Michigan. Currently, there are ferry routes between Ludington to Manitowoc and Muskegon to Milwaukee. The car ferry operates from May through October and is a good option to get across from Michigan to Wisconsin in as little as 2.5 hours.
Taking the ferry across Lake Michigan is worth it. The ferry is clean and comfortable, with great views along the way. Taking the ferry is a great way to avoid the traffic of driving through Chicago. Plus, you will save time as the ferry trip only takes 2.5 hours, much shorter than driving around the lake.
It is possible to drive a boat across Lake Michigan. However, due to the size of the lake, you will want to make sure to have a large boat and an experienced driver who can handle various weather conditions. Another option to get across Lake Michigan is to hop on the ferry that crosses the lake.
The Lake Michigan ferry takes around 2.5 hours to go across the lake when going the route between Muskegon and Milwaukee. The ship travels at a top speed of 34 knots (39 mph) and makes the journey between Michigan and Wisconsin around 3 times per day during the summer season.
Ferry Across Lake Michigan: The Wrap-Up
Taking the car ferry across Lake Michigan is absolutely worth it for the unique experience and ease of getting to and from Michigan and Wisconsin. Not only does taking the ferry boat across Lake Michigan save you hours of driving, but it is a relaxing and fun experience that is an enjoyable way to travel.
If you are taking the ferry to travel to Michigan, make sure to check out some of the top sites such as hiking around Mackinac Island or exploring all of the things to do in Mackinaw City.
On the other hand, if you are visiting Wisconsin you might consider checking out some of the beautiful and clear Wisconsin Lakes or try an adventurous activity like ice fishing in Wisconsin.
No matter where you are traveling next, taking the ferry across Lake Michigan is sure to add a memorable experience to your next trip.
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