You can find the Miller Ferry and Jet Express schedules for the 2026 season below. The Miller’s first day will be in late March, weather dependent, and the Jet Express will start service May 1.
Ferries to Put-in-Bay, Ohio: The Complete Visitor Guide
Planning a trip to Put-in-Bay starts with one essential step: getting there. Located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is accessible primarily by boat. Fortunately, multiple ferry services operate seasonally from the Ohio mainland, offering reliable, scenic, and convenient transportation options.
Why You Need a Ferry to Reach Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay sits on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, off the northern Ohio coast. There is no bridge connecting the island to the mainland, so all standard visitor access occurs by:
- Passenger ferry
- Vehicle ferry
- Private boat
- Seasonal water taxi or charter
For most visitors, ferry service is the most practical and economical option. The ride itself becomes part of the experience, offering views of Lake Erie and neighboring islands.
The two primary ferry operators serving Put-in-Bay from the mainland are:
A third operator connects Put-in-Bay to nearby Middle Bass Island:
Miller Ferry: Vehicle & Passenger Service
The Miller Ferry operates from Catawba Island (near Port Clinton, Ohio) to the Lime Kiln Dock on South Bass Island.
What Makes Miller Ferry Different?
Miller Ferry is the only ferry service that transports:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Golf carts (restrictions may apply)
- Bicycles
- Walk-on passengers
If you plan to bring a vehicle to Put-in-Bay, this is your ferry option.
Crossing Time & Schedule
- Approximate crossing time: 18 minutes on the water
- Peak summer departures: Approximately every 30 minutes
- Operates seasonally (typically spring through fall, weather permitting)
Schedules increase during busy summer months and holiday weekends.
Ticketing & Reservations
- No advance reservations required
- Tickets purchased at the dock
- First-come, first-served loading for vehicles
- Walk-on passengers typically have consistent availability
Because vehicle space is limited, arriving early during peak summer weekends is recommended.
Parking at Miller Ferry
One significant benefit frequently noted:
- Free mainland parking available near the terminal
Many visitors leave their vehicle on the mainland and rent golf carts on the island instead.
Jet Express: High-Speed Passenger Ferry
The Jet Express offers a faster, passenger-only route to Put-in-Bay.
Departure Locations
Jet Express operates from:
- Port Clinton, Ohio
- Sandusky, Ohio
Unlike Miller Ferry, Jet Express docks directly in downtown Put-in-Bay harbor, within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Speed & Travel Time
Jet Express vessels travel approximately 40–42 mph.
Approximate crossing times:
- Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay: ~25 minutes
- Sandusky to Put-in-Bay: ~45 minutes
- This makes Jet Express the fastest public ferry option to the island.
Onboard Amenities
Jet Express vessels typically feature:
- Climate-controlled indoor seating
- Open-air upper decks
- Restroom facilities onboard
- Restrooms at mainland docks
- Scenic views of Lake Erie islands
Some ticket packages may include value coupons for island businesses.
Schedule & Late-Night Service
Jet Express operates seasonally and increases frequency during summer.
Notable features:
- Extended evening return trips on peak summer weekends
- Later departures than other ferry options
- Daily summer service from both mainland ports
This makes it popular with visitors attending nightlife, concerts, or evening events.
Ticketing
- Advance purchase recommended during busy periods
- Online ticketing available
- Passenger-only (no vehicles transported)
Children under 5 often ride free, and youth discounts are commonly offered.
Sonny-S Boat Line: Inter-Island Travel
The Sonny-S Boat Line connects Put-in-Bay with Middle Bass Island.
This service:
- Does not operate from the mainland
- Provides inter-island transportation
- Operates seasonally
It is commonly used by visitors exploring multiple Lake Erie Islands during a single trip.
Which Ferry Should You Choose?
Choose Miller Ferry If:
- You need to bring a car or motorcycle
- You want the lowest passenger fare
- You prefer free mainland parking
- You don’t mind docking slightly outside downtown
Choose Jet Express If:
- You want to ride a fast boat (the Jet Express operates at faster speeds but travels further distance)
- You are staying downtown
- You prefer more onboard amenities
- You plan to return late at night
Arrival on South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay is compact and walkable near the harbor.
From the Jet Express dock:
- Most downtown lodging, dining, and attractions are within walking distance.
From the Miller Ferry dock:
- Taxi service is available (commonly around $4 per person).
- Golf cart rentals are widely available across the island.
Many visitors choose not to bring vehicles because island transportation is easy to arrange.
Seasonal Operations & Weather
Ferry services operate primarily spring through fall.
Important notes:
- Services may suspend during winter
- Severe weather can delay or cancel trips
- Lake Erie icing conditions can halt operations
Always verify the current schedule before departure.
Tips for a Smooth Ferry Experience
- Arrive early on summer weekends
- Bring sunscreen for open decks
- Dress in layers (Lake Erie breezes can be cool)
- Confirm return schedule before leaving mainland
- Check last ferry departure times carefully
Planning ahead prevents missed connections, especially during busy events.
Put-in-Bay Ferry Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my car to Put-in-Bay?
Yes. Only the Miller Ferry transports vehicles to South Bass Island.
How long does the ferry ride take?
- Miller Ferry: ~18 minutes
- Jet Express: ~25 minutes (Port Clinton), ~45 minutes (Sandusky)
Do I need reservations?
- Miller Ferry: No reservations required
- Jet Express: Advance tickets recommended during peak season
Is there parking at the ferry docks?
- Miller Ferry offers free mainland parking
- Jet Express offers paid parking options
Does Jet Express run late at night?
Yes. Extended late-night return trips are common on summer weekends.
Are bicycles allowed?
Yes. Both services allow bicycles, though fees may apply.
Are restrooms available onboard?
Jet Express provides onboard restrooms. Mainland docks also offer facilities.
Does ferry service run year-round?
No. Both major ferry operators run seasonally, typically spring through fall.
Can I visit other islands from Put-in-Bay?
Yes. Sonny-S Boat Line connects Put-in-Bay with Middle Bass Island during the season.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Put-in-Bay by ferry is not just transportation, it is the official start of your island experience. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, vehicle transport, or downtown convenience, the region’s ferry operators provide reliable seasonal service across Lake Erie.
Before your trip, always verify schedules and fares directly with the ferry operator, especially during peak summer events.
Enjoy the ride…and welcome to Put-in-Bay!
Sources
Information in this guide was verified and curated from the following published resources:
- putinbay.com – The internet’s most visited and trusted source for Put-in-Bay information.
- millerferry.com – The official website of the Miller Ferry.
- jet-express.com – The official website of the Jet Express
- visitputinbay.com – The internet home of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce.
- sonnysboatline.com – The official website of the Sonny-S.
For contemporary information in advance of a trip, we advise checking the official pages of the Miller Ferry and Jet Express for up-to-date schedules and pricing, and any weather-related concerns.
PUBLISHED: JANUARY 30, 2020 – UPDATED AND APPROVED BY THE TEAM: MARCH 13, 2026