A golf cart is an essential part of the Put-in-Bay experience. It’s one of the things that makes our island so unique! Evolved from a necessity for small vehicles to overcome the lack of space and parking, it’s now one of the most memorable part’s of first-timers visits. Cruising down Delaware Ave. on a PIB summer day with the breeze in your hair is peak Put-in-Bay!
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Depot
Island Favorite
Put in Bay Golf Cart Center
NEW CUSTOMER FAVORITE!
Island Club Golf Carts
Editors Choice!
Put-in-Bay Condos Golf Carts
Island Favorite
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals
When it comes to Put-in-Bay, golf carts are far and away the most popular way to get around. The island is compact enough that a golf cart lets you hit every attraction, restaurant, winery, and waterfront bar without breaking a sweat or worrying about parking.
Multiple rental agencies operate across the island, offering carts that seat anywhere from 2 to 8 passengers. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip off the Miller Ferry or staying overnight at an island resort, a golf cart gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Street-Legal and Easy to Drive
All rental golf carts on Put-in-Bay are street-legal, equipped with:
- Headlights and tail lights
- Turn signals
- Seatbelts
- Mirrors
You drive them on the island’s regular roads alongside other carts, bikes, and the occasional car. No special license is required beyond a valid driver’s license.
Gas vs. Electric Carts
Most agencies offer gas-powered carts, which are the preferred choice for several reasons:
- All-day reliability: no worrying about battery life
- Overnight capability: electrics typically need daily charging
- Better for multi-day rentals: gas carts can be kept for consecutive days without returning for a charge
Some agencies, like Golf Cart Depot and Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Center, also offer electric 2-person carts, which are quieter and eco-friendly but limited to daytime use and shorter rental periods.
Bottom line: If you plan to rent for a full day or overnight, go with gas.
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental Prices
Pricing varies by season, cart size, and rental duration, but you can typically expect to spend between $70-100 for cart rental for the day. Some agencies offer overnight add-ons for a fee, usually around $20.
- Hourly rentals are available at E’s, Golf Cart Depot, and Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Center for shorter visits
- Multi-day rentals are available at most agencies (gas carts only)
- Peak season and weekends may carry higher rates, book early for the best price.
Depending on the agency, your rental may include:
- Unlimited gas and mileage
- A full tank of gas
- Street-legal safety features (headlights, signals, seatbelts)
- Locking mechanism for overnight security
Always ask what’s included before you book. Some agencies charge extra for fuel or overnight extensions.
Top Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental Agencies Compared
Here’s a snapshot of some of the major rental agencies on the island. There are even more than are listed here, but these will get you started!
Golf Cart Depot
- Location: Catawba Ave., near the Jet Express dock and Reel Bar
- Best for: Budget-conscious renters looking for low-cost deals
- Fleet: Gas and electric options (2-person electric available); brands include Yamaha
- Hours: Open 9 AM–6 PM daily
E's Put-in-Bay Golf Carts
- Phone: 419-285-5553
- Best for: Day-trippers arriving at Miller Ferry’s Lime Kiln Dock
- Note: Does not offer overnight rentals; reservations can be made up to 1 day ahead
- Perk: Car seats available for families with small children
Put-in-Bay Golf Carts
- Best for: Groups needing the newest carts and overnight flexibility
- Fleet: EZ-GO, Yamaha, and Club Car models up to 8 passengers
- Note: Locking mechanisms allow you to secure the cart overnight
Put-in-Bay Rentals
- Phone: 419-285-2724
- Best for: Visitors who want the widest selection and longest operating hours
- Fleet: Over 400 golf carts
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Center
- Phone: 419-500-2278
- Best for: Visitors who want gas or electric flexibility with a full tank included
- Fleet: 4- and 6-passenger carts; Yamaha, Club Car, and EZ-GO brands
Erie Island Carts
- Location: One block past the “Welcome to Put-in-Bay” sign, near the airport
- Best for: Visitors arriving by air or staying on the quieter side of the island
- Note: Call for directions and availability
How to Book Your Golf Cart (and Why You Should Reserve Early)
This is the single most important tip in this guide: reserve your golf cart in advance.
- Carts sell out frequently, especially on weekends, holidays, and throughout peak summer season
- Groups of 6–8 have fewer options and should book as early as possible
- Most agencies accept online reservations and phone bookings
Booking methods:
- Online: Most agencies have reservation forms on their websites
- Phone: Call directly: Our first recommendation is typically the Golf Cart Depot (419-800-2278)
- Walk-ups: Possible on slow weekdays, but risky…not recommended for peak times
Pickup Locations and Accessibility
Rental agencies are located all over the island:
- Near Miller Ferry (Lime Kiln Dock): E’s Put-in-Bay Golf Carts
- Near Jet Express (Downtown Dock): Golf Cart Depot (Catawba Ave.)
- Downtown: Put-in-Bay Rentals (gravel lot near Edgewater Hotel)
- Near the Airport: Erie Island Carts
Other agencies like Island Club and Put-in-Bay Condos Carts only rent to their lodging guests, and their carts are on-site at the lodging.
Pro tip: Prioritize rates and experience over pickup location. Put-in-Bay taxis service the entire island for a mere $4 a person, and you can send someone to pick up your cart. Oftentimes your cart will be waiting for you at your house or hotel.
Rules, Policies, and Tips for Renting
Before you hop behind the wheel, keep these important rules and policies in mind:
- Valid driver’s license required: check with your agency for minimum age requirements
- No off-road driving: carts must stay on paved island roads
- Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers
- Deposits may be required: ask about credit card holds or cash deposits
- Return times vary: daily rentals typically run 8 AM/9 AM to 6 PM/8 PM
- Overnight policies differ: E’s does not allow overnight; others charge ~$20 extra
- Review the agency’s FAQ page before booking for cancellation policies, damage liability, and ID requirements
Safety tip: The island’s roads are shared with pedestrians, bikes, and other carts. Drive slowly, especially in the downtown area near bars and restaurants.
Hotel and Resort Golf Cart Packages
Several Put-in-Bay resorts and hotels bundle golf cart rentals with accommodations, which can save you money, especially for multi-night stays:
- Island Club Rentals
- Put-in-Bay Condos
- Commodore Resort
- Victory Station Hotel
- Put-in-Bay Resort
Many of these properties offer Sunday–Thursday specials that include a golf cart with your room. For example, reservations for bundled packages at the Island Club can be reached at 216-898-9951.
If you’re planning an overnight or multi-day trip, a hotel-cart bundle is often the best value.
Alternatives to Golf Carts on Put-in-Bay
Golf carts aren’t the only way to get around the island. Other options include:
- Bicycles: Available for rent at multiple locations; great for solo travelers
- Walking: The island is small enough to walk, but it limits how much you can see in a day
- Taxis/Tour Trains: Seasonal options for guided experiences
That said, for groups of 2 or more, a golf cart remains the most convenient and cost-effective choice.
FAQs About Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals
How much does it cost to rent a golf cart on Put-in-Bay?
All-day rates start at approximately $70 for a 2/4-passenger cart, $80 for a 6-passenger, and $100 for an 8-passenger. Overnight add-ons are typically +$20. Prices vary by agency and season.
Do I need a reservation for a Put-in-Bay golf cart?
Yes, strongly recommended. Carts sell out frequently, especially on weekends and during peak summer months. Book online or by phone as early as possible.
Can I keep a golf cart overnight on Put-in-Bay?
Some agencies allow overnight rentals (usually for an extra $20, with the cart due back by noon the next day). However, some do not offer overnight rentals, and electric carts generally cannot be kept overnight due to charging needs.
Are Put-in-Bay golf carts street-legal?
Yes. All rental carts are equipped with headlights, turn signals, seatbelts, and mirrors, making them legal to drive on island roads.
Should I rent a gas or electric golf cart?
Gas is recommended for most visitors. Gas carts offer all-day reliability, overnight capability, and multi-day rental options. Electric carts are limited to shorter, daytime-only use.
Where do I pick up my golf cart?
Pickup locations vary by agency but are typically near the Miller Ferry dock, Jet Express dock, or downtown Put-in-Bay. Choose an agency near your arrival point for maximum convenience.
Do I need a special license to drive a golf cart on Put-in-Bay?
No special license is needed, just a valid driver’s license. Check with your specific agency for any minimum age requirements or additional ID policies.