Miller Ferry – Put-in-Bay Island Transportation

Put-in-Bay Ferry ServiceThe most affordable way to travel to Put-in-Bay, the Miller Ferry leaves from Catawba Ohio every half hour from June 15th through August 19th. The Miller Ferry is ideal when traveling in a large group or transporting a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle. The ferry takes roughly 18 minutes to transport guests across Lake Erie.

Reservations are not required to ride the Miller Ferry. The schedule is a little more restricted than the Jet Express Ferry. The last trip back from Put-in-Bay to the mainland at 7 pm on weekdays and 9 pm on weekends. There is a reduced schedule beginning March 30 and after August 19 with service suspended after November 21. The Miller Ferry is the closest ferry option if you are traveling from Cleveland or Sandusky. The Miller Ferry also offers the lowest fares to Put-in-Bay. 

Miller Ferry Fares (one way)

Adults: $7.50
Child (6-11 yrs): $1.50
Child (under 6 yrs): Free
Bicycle: $2.00
Car: $17.00
Motorcycle: $16.00

Please note there are additional fees for trailers.

Miller Ferry Details

Put-in-Bay Ferry ServiceDocking at the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln Dock on the southern tip of South Bass Island, the Miller Ferry takes thousands of visitors to the island every year. Dockside Gifts is also located at the dock. This gift shop sells souvenirs as well as snacks and cold beverages.

There are a variety of Put-in-Bay discounts and coupons which can help make your trip even more affordable. Visit their website for further details but discounts include group discounts, season passes, and Frequent Floater tickets which all save you money on your next trip to the island.

Frequent Floaters are convenient packages that make it easy for families, friends, and businesses to “Share the Island Fun”. Twenty one-way tickets are available, each at a discounted price. Purchase Frequent Floater packets at the Miller Ferry Catawba ticket booth, the Lime Kiln Dock ticket booth on Put-in-Bay, or at the Miller Ferry office, Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay.

A Miller Ferry Gift Card is a very thoughtful gift for friends and family traveling to the island for the first time. The gift card can be used to purchase one-way and round trip ferry tickets on millerferry.com.

The staff at the Miller Ferry are very helpful when it comes to arranging travel plans for large groups. Contact the Miller Ferry to hear about package deals for school groups, bridal parties, and business retreats.

These packages also helpfully include dockside luggage drop-off, complimentary passes for motorcoach drivers and tour guides, and coupons to many Put-in-Bay attractions. In addition, The Miller Boat line provides ferry services from Port Clinton to Middle Bass Island. The ferry boat provides passenger service and vehicle ferries from Catawba island. 

Island Transportation Options

Once you arrive on South Bass Island, contact Island Club Taxi to take you to your final destination. There are also several bike and golf rental companies near the dock including Island Bike Rental and E’s Golf Cart Rental.

Frequently Asked Miller Ferry Questions

Is there free parking at the Miller Ferry Dock?

Yes, fortunately for guests traveling to Put-in-Bay there is no need to worry as free parking is provided within walking distance of the Miller Ferry dock. The address to the Miller Ferry and their adjacent parking lots is 5174 E Water St, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

Did the Miller ferry company add a new ferry into service?

Yes during the 2019-2020 off-season, the Miller Boat Line added a new ferry into its ferry line. The new ferry includes a larger engine, docking thrusters, and other brand new boating technology to guarantee safe and efficient transportation for years to come.

Does the Miller Ferry offer season passes to those making frequent trips to Put-in-Bay and the other Lake Erie Islands?

For those who travel the Great Lakes often or who travel back and forth to work at Put-in-Bay, The Miller Boat line offers season passes to frequent travelers. Click here to visit their website for more information in regard to ticket prices and season passes.