Mackinac Island, a charming car-free haven in Michigan, beckons with its Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and breathtaking views of Lake Huron. But getting there requires a little planning. Choosing the right airport significantly impacts the ease and speed of your journey. This guide breaks down the top airport options, helping you select the best one for your Mackinac Island adventure.
Which Airport is Closest to Mackinac Island?
While there's no airport directly on Mackinac Island, several airports offer convenient access. The closest airport is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), but its limited flight options might necessitate a longer journey or higher costs. Weighing convenience against flight availability and price is crucial for choosing the right airport.
What are My Airport Options for Getting to Mackinac Island?
Several airports serve as gateways to Mackinac Island, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
1. Pellston Regional Airport (PLN)
- Pros: This is the closest airport to Mackinac Island, offering the shortest travel time once you arrive. It's a smaller, less congested airport, leading to quicker processing times.
- Cons: PLN often has limited flight options and higher fares compared to larger airports. Direct flights are not always available, potentially requiring connecting flights which can significantly increase travel time.
2. Sawyer International Airport (MQT) – Marquette, MI
- Pros: Sawyer International Airport offers a wider range of airlines and potentially lower fares than Pellston. It's a larger airport with more amenities.
- Cons: MQT is farther from Mackinac Island than PLN, increasing your travel time significantly. You'll need to factor in additional transportation costs and time to reach the island.
3. Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
- Pros: TVC provides a balance between flight options and proximity to Mackinac Island. It often boasts more competitive pricing than PLN. The scenic drive from TVC offers beautiful views of northern Michigan.
- Cons: While closer than MQT, it still requires a considerable drive to reach the Mackinac City ferry docks.
4. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
- Pros: DTW is a major international airport with numerous flight options and competitive pricing, especially for those traveling from further distances.
- Cons: DTW is the furthest airport from Mackinac Island, requiring a lengthy drive or other transportation methods (like a connecting flight to a closer airport) to reach the ferry. This increases travel time and cost considerably.
How Do I Get From the Airport to Mackinac Island?
Once you land at your chosen airport, you'll need to reach Mackinac Island via ferry. The ferry journey itself is a delightful experience, offering stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge and the surrounding waters.
- Car Rental: Renting a car is necessary for most airports except PLN, which might have shuttle services. Driving to Mackinaw City offers the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
- Shuttle Services: Some airports or hotels offer shuttle services to Mackinaw City. This can be a convenient, albeit more expensive, option.
- Ferry: Star Line Ferry and Shepler's Ferry are the primary ferry services from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. Check their schedules and book in advance, particularly during peak season.
What Transportation Options Are There on Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is car-free, encouraging exploration on foot, by bicycle, or via horse-drawn carriage. You can rent bikes readily available around the ferry docks.
What is the Best Airport for Getting to Mackinac Island?
The "best" airport depends on your priorities. If minimizing travel time is paramount, Pellston (PLN) is the closest. However, if flight availability and cost are your primary concerns, Sawyer (MQT) or Traverse City (TVC) might be better choices. For travelers coming from long distances, Detroit (DTW) offers the most flight options but at the cost of a longer journey to the island. Consider your budget, flight options, and tolerance for travel time when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to get to Mackinac Island?
The cheapest way will depend on airfare, the chosen airport, and transportation costs from the airport to the island. Flying into a smaller, less-busy airport like Pellston (PLN) might save on airfare, but the limited flight options could result in higher ticket prices. Careful comparison shopping for flights and considering transportation costs to the ferry is essential.
Which airport has the most flights to Mackinac Island?
No airport has direct flights to Mackinac Island itself. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) generally offers the most flight options and best connections to other airports closer to Mackinac Island, but it's the furthest away.
How long does it take to get to Mackinac Island from each airport?
Travel time varies significantly depending on the airport:
- PLN (Pellston): Shortest travel time, approximately 30-45 minutes by car plus ferry time.
- MQT (Sawyer): Longest travel time, approximately 3-4 hours by car plus ferry time.
- TVC (Traverse City): Moderate travel time, approximately 2-2.5 hours by car plus ferry time.
- DTW (Detroit): Longest travel time, typically 4-5+ hours by car plus ferry time, or longer if relying on connecting flights to a nearer airport.
Remember to factor in ferry wait times and travel time. Always check the latest ferry schedules before your trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Mackinac Island?
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower prices than the peak summer months. Summer is peak season with more activity but potentially higher prices and larger crowds.
