
Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, is a popular destination for boaters. While it is possible to fly or take your own watercraft to Put-in-Bay, the island is most easily accessible by ferry boat. There are several ferry lines that service Put-in-Bay, including the Miller Ferry, the Jet Express, and the Goodtime Island Cruise. These ferries depart from ports in Ohio, such as Port Clinton, Sandusky, and Catawba, and offer a range of amenities and services to passengers. In addition to ferry services, boaters can also launch their own boats from various locations in Ohio to reach Put-in-Bay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | South Bass Island in Lake Erie, Ohio |
| Accessibility | By ferry boat, personal watercraft, or flight |
| Ferry Options | Miller Ferry, Jet Express, Sonny-S Inter-Island Ferry, Goodtime Island Cruise |
| Ferry Amenities | Seating, luggage assistance, pre-ride cocktails, scenic views, vehicle transport |
| Ferry Duration | 18 minutes (Miller Ferry), 25 minutes (Jet Express from Port Clinton), 45 minutes (Jet Express from Sandusky) |
| Ferry Frequency | Miller Ferry: Most frequent trips; Jet Express: Every 45 minutes during peak season |
| Ferry Fares | Miller Ferry: $7-8 per person, variable rates for vehicles; Jet Express: $20 per person |
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What You'll Learn
- The Jet Express: high-speed ferry from Port Clinton or Sandusky, Ohio
- Miller Ferry: lowest fares, free mainland parking, most frequent trips
- Goodtime Island Cruise: luxury cruise line with island hopping, booze, dinner and sunset cruises
- Sonny-S Inter-Island Ferry: a vital link between Middle Bass Island and Put-In-Bay
- Flying or taking your own watercraft to Put-In-Bay

The Jet Express: high-speed ferry from Port Clinton or Sandusky, Ohio
The Jet Express is a high-speed passenger ferry that offers a convenient and scenic ride across Lake Erie to South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay) and Kelleys Island. It is the only major high-speed ferry from mainland Ohio to Put-in-Bay, and the only ferry with comfortable seats instead of benches. With late-night boats, the Jet Express runs later than other ferries, although it cannot transport vehicles. The Jet Express departs from Port Clinton, Ohio, and arrives at downtown Put-in-Bay in around 30 minutes. From Sandusky, Ohio, the trip takes 45 minutes.
The Jet Express offers a range of amenities, including cushioned individual seats, panoramic windows, and an open-air deck for lake views. There is also a bar on the mainland side, where riders can enjoy a pre-ferry cocktail. The ferry offers fun excursions, including a lighthouse tour and a fireworks cruise.
During peak season, ferries depart Port Clinton for Put-in-Bay every 45 minutes from 8:30 a.m. Late-night ferry services run until 11:45 p.m. on summer weekends from early June through September.
The Jet Express is a pricier option, at just under $20 per person each way, with children's tickets costing less than $10. The Miller Ferry, in comparison, has lower passenger fees of $7 or $8 per person each way, with different rates for vehicles based on size.
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$7.68

Miller Ferry: lowest fares, free mainland parking, most frequent trips
If you're looking for the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to Put-in-Bay, look no further than the Miller Ferry. Operating out of Port Clinton, Ohio, the Miller Ferry offers the lowest fares for the journey to South Bass Island, also known as Put-in-Bay. With Miller Ferry, you can take advantage of free mainland parking, saving you money from the get-go.
The Miller Ferry provides the most frequent trips to and from the island, ensuring you can plan your journey with ease and flexibility. Whether you're bringing a vehicle, a bike, or travelling as a passenger, the Miller Ferry has got you covered. You won't need to worry about reservations, as they accommodate passengers and vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ferry ride itself is a scenic 18-minute cruise across Lake Erie, offering you a glimpse of the region's beauty before you even arrive at your destination. And once you're there, you'll have easy access to all that Put-in-Bay has to offer, including waterfront dining, live entertainment, wineries, parks, nature trails, museums, and much more.
With Miller Ferry, you can be assured of a smooth and enjoyable journey as you embark on your island adventure. So leave the logistics to them and start planning your dream getaway to the breathtaking Put-in-Bay.
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Goodtime Island Cruise: luxury cruise line with island hopping, booze, dinner and sunset cruises
If you're looking for a luxurious way to cruise around Lake Erie and visit its islands, then the Goodtime Island Cruise line is perfect for you. With departures from Sandusky, Ohio, this cruise line offers a leisurely and relaxing way to explore the lake and its surrounding islands, including Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.
The Goodtime Lake Erie Cruise offers a range of experiences, from island-hopping adventures to sunset cruises, ensuring something for everyone. One of their most popular cruises is the Island Hopper, which takes you to both Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay, with stops of around one and a half hours at Kelleys and a few hours at Put-in-Bay. During the cruise, the captain provides a fun and informative narration, pointing out places of interest along the way. While the Goodtime boat may not be the fastest option, it provides a comfortable and scenic way to explore the lake.
For those seeking a more romantic experience, the Goodtime sunset cruise is an excellent choice. As the sun goes down, you can enjoy breathtaking views, live music, and a fully-stocked bar. At just $10 per person, it's an affordable way to spend a date night or a relaxing evening with family and friends.
In addition to its cruise offerings, Goodtime also provides guests with the opportunity to explore the islands themselves. Kelleys Island, known for its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, offers a variety of attractions, from wineries and restaurants to nature trails and live entertainment. Put-in-Bay, on the other hand, is a historic destination with a vibrant harbor, museums, caves, and family-friendly activities. Golf cart rentals are available on both islands, making it easy to get around and explore at your own pace.
Whether you're looking for a day of island-hopping, a romantic sunset cruise, or a fun-filled family adventure, the Goodtime Island Cruise line delivers. With comfortable seating, informative narration, and a range of onboard amenities, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie and its surrounding islands in style.
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Sonny-S Inter-Island Ferry: a vital link between Middle Bass Island and Put-In-Bay
Sonny-S Inter-Island Ferry has been a vital link between Middle Bass Island and Put-In-Bay since its launch in 1948. The 50.5-foot steel vessel was commissioned by Middle Bass resident Charles Schneider and constructed by J.W. Nolan and Sons of Erie, Pennsylvania. The ferry was built to replace older wooden commercial fishing boats and initially operated as a commercial fishing vessel in Lake Erie for over three decades. However, in 1961, it transitioned to passenger ferry service, providing transportation between Middle Bass Island and downtown Put-In-Bay.
The Sonny-S Ferry operates seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-September, with regular departures from both Middle Bass and Put-in-Bay. The ferry is known for its distinctive sound, generated by its 228 hp Detroit Diesel 671N engine, which is familiar to both island residents and visitors. All captains hold USCG licenses, ensuring safety and reliability for passengers.
The ferry service plays a crucial role in fostering tourism and economic development in the region. It provides convenient access to the islands, encouraging visitors to explore and supporting local businesses and attractions. Sonny's Ferry is also renowned for its breathtaking views during the journey, adding to the overall experience of visiting Put-In-Bay and Middle Bass Island.
In addition to the Sonny-S Ferry, there are other ferry services that operate between the mainland and Put-In-Bay, such as the Miller Ferry and the Jet Express. The Miller Ferry, operating out of Port Clinton and Catawba, Ohio, offers low fares, frequent trips, and free mainland parking. On the other hand, the Jet Express is a high-speed passenger ferry departing from Port Clinton and Sandusky, providing a convenient and scenic ride across Lake Erie.
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Flying or taking your own watercraft to Put-In-Bay
Put-In-Bay, located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, is accessible by ferry, by air, or by your own watercraft. If you're looking for speed and comfort, the Jet Express is the only high-speed ferry that offers cushioned individual seats and a late-night service. The Jet Express departs from Port Clinton and Sandusky, Ohio, and arrives at downtown Put-In-Bay in 30 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. The ferry also offers inter-island services to Kelleys Island and Middle Bass Island. If you're bringing a vehicle, the Miller Ferry operates out of Port Clinton, Ohio, and offers transportation for passengers with vehicles, bikes, or those travelling by foot. The Miller Ferry also has a lower passenger fee compared to the Jet Express.
If you're looking to fly to Put-In-Bay, you can take a look at flights that operate to the island. Alternatively, you can take your own watercraft to the island. The island is most easily accessible by ferry, so if you're looking to take your own boat, you can opt to park your vehicle and board the ferry as a passenger.
The Jet Express and Miller Ferry offer different experiences depending on your preferences. The Jet Express is a pricier option, costing just under $20 per person each way, while the Miller Ferry has different rates for vehicles and a lower passenger fee of $7 or $8 per person each way. The Miller Ferry also offers the lowest fares, free mainland parking, and frequent trips. The Jet Express, on the other hand, offers late-night services, comfortable seating, and panoramic windows or an open-air deck for stunning lake views.
When planning your trip to Put-In-Bay, it's important to consider your budget, the level of comfort you desire, and your preferred means of transportation. Both the Jet Express and the Miller Ferry have their unique advantages, so choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get to Put-in-Bay by plane, by boat, or by ferry.
The Jet Express and the Miller Ferry are two popular options for getting to Put-in-Bay. The Jet Express is a high-speed passenger ferry with comfortable seating and late-night departures, while the Miller Ferry offers lower passenger fees and the ability to transport vehicles.
The Jet Express departs from Port Clinton and Sandusky, Ohio, while the Miller Ferry operates out of Port Clinton and Catawba, Ohio.
The Jet Express is the pricier option, with tickets just under $20 per person each way, while children's tickets are less than $10. The Miller Ferry has lower passenger fees, with rates starting at $7 or $8 per person each way, and separate rates for vehicles based on size.







































