Vehicle Ferry Across Lake Michigan: Ultimate Guide
The Lake Express Ferry and the S.S. Badger Ferry are the two primary options for crossing Lake Michigan with your vehicle. This comprehensive guide covers the key details you need to know to plan your trip, including routes, crossing times, vehicle size restrictions, and cost information.
Routes and Crossing Times
The two vehicle ferry options across Lake Michigan are:
Lake Express Ferry:
– Route: Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin
– Crossing Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
– Departure Times:
– May 3 – June 27, 2024: Two daily departures from each port city
– June 28 – August 25, 2024: Additional evening departures on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays
– August 26 – October 20, 2024: Two daily departures from each port city, with additional night trips on Labor Day weekend
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– Route: Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin
– Crossing Time: Approximately 4 hours
– Departure Times:
– Daily departures from Ludington at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) and from Manitowoc at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time)
Vehicle Size Restrictions
Lake Express Ferry:
– Vehicles up to 8′ 6″ in height, 8′ in width, and 18′ in length can be accommodated
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– Larger vehicles such as RVs, trailers, and oversized vehicles can be accommodated, but advanced reservations are required
Accessing Your Vehicle During the Crossing
Lake Express Ferry:
– No access to vehicles during the crossing
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– No specific information available on accessing vehicles during the crossing
Securing Your Motorcycle
Lake Express Ferry:
– Motorcycles are accommodated and can be secured on the vehicle deck
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– No specific information available on securing motorcycles
Cost and Fees
Lake Express Ferry:
– Vehicle fares vary depending on the season and type of vehicle
– Fuel surcharge: $9.00 per one-way ticket, $18.00 per roundtrip
– Port and security fee: $9.00 per one-way ticket, $18.00 per roundtrip
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– Vehicle fares vary depending on the season and type of vehicle
– No specific information available on fuel surcharges and port fees
Additional Information
Lake Express Ferry:
– Offers classic and premium seating options, an outdoor deck area, on-board food and drinks, and the ability to bring your car, motorcycle, bike, or travel as a pedestrian
– Special promotions, such as “Kids Ride Free” during the summer season
S.S. Badger Ferry:
– Offers comfortable seating options, an outside deck, a dining area, and private staterooms available
– Provides a unique experience as an authentic steamship
Contact Information
Lake Express Ferry: 1-866-914-1010
S.S. Badger Ferry: No specific phone number available on the website
References
- https://wanderingmichiganwisconsin.com/car-ferry-across-lake-michigan/
- https://www.lake-express.com/schedule/
- https://www.lake-express.com/rates/
- https://ssbadger.com