Directions To Put-in-Bay
There is more than just one way to get to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Depending on the time of year, the reason you are coming and how you would like to come will change this answer.
Water
By Boat
The most popular way to get to Put-in-Bay is by water. If you have your own boat there are numerous docks that you can dock at around the island or boat ramps for launching if you bring your boat by trailer. If you are new to boating on Lake Erie please visit the
NOAA website for a chart of the islands. A listing of all the dockage available on the island can be found on the
Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce website.
By Ferry
Another way to travel by water is to let someone else captain, and by that I mean jump on one of the many ferries that travel to Put-in-Bay daily when weather permits. The only ferry that can transport vehicles and trailers as well as people is the Miller Boat Line, however there is no need to bring a car, cause once you are downtown everything is walkable or you can rent a golf cart to get around right from our location. The Miller Ferry operates from when the ice leaves the lake to when it returns in the winter months. They start early in the morning and during peak season run until 10 pm on a daily basis.
They have plenty of free parking places for your vehicle in their monitored lots. You will be docking on the opposite side of the island from all the hustle and bustle; however, taxis are at the top of the hill to bring you to your destination. Miller Boat Lines GPS address: 5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton, OH 43452
If you would like to have a more scenic route to the island, then you should jump on the Jet-Express. This is a passenger only ferry that will take you directly to downtown Put-in-Bay. You are now only a hop and skip away from the Commodore Resort, which is attached to Mr. Ed’s Bar, so just look for the bar with the horse's head on the front, you can’t miss it.
The Jet Express does not start as early as the Miller Boat Line, but they run later into the night, so if you are scheduled to work the day you are to check in, no worries, the Jet Express will get to the island with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of night! Jet Express GPS address: 49 Jackson St., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
Air
If you want a unique way to travel to the island and are not afraid of heights or the price than flying is the coolest way to get to Put-in-Bay. If you have your own plane be advised the airport is unlit therefore you can land from dawn to dusk. Fuel is not available at the airport. Parking fees are $11 per day and $16 overnight. The airport frequency is 122.8.
If flying still interests, you and you don’t have a pilot license then there are two airlines that transport guests to the island. A round trip averages around $90 per person to fly from
Erie-Ottawa International Airport. The planes range anywhere from a three passenger to an eight-passenger plane. Reservations are a must with both
Griffing Flying Service and
Island Air Taxi. This is the only means of transportation when Lake Erie freezes over. Erie-Ottawa International Airport GDS address: 3255 E. State St., Port Clinton, OH 43456.
Driving Directions
Once you have decided your means of travel, you will need to arrive safely from your home to one of the above means of transportation. Below are directions to Port Clinton, Ohio from some of the surrounding major cities.
Chicago, IL - Take the Indiana/Ohio Turnpike east thru Indiana and into Ohio. Exit at Ohio Route 53 in Fremont, Ohio and go North on Route 53 to Ohio Route 2 East, then take exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Cincinnati, OH - Take I-75 North to Ohio Route 6. Go East to Ohio Route 53 North in Fremont, Ohio to Ohio Route 2 East, then take exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Cleveland, OH - Follow directions on Google Maps to Ohio Route 2 West to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Columbus, OH - Take I-270 to Ohio Route 23 North to Ohio Route 4 North. Follow Ohio Route 4 to Ohio Route 2 West to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Detroit, MI - Jump on I-75 South to Toledo and follow the signs to I-280 South to exit 7 (Oregon, OH) Route 2. At the light make a left to follow Route 2 East to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Indianapolis, IN - You will need take I-69 North to the Indiana/Ohio Turnpike East to Ohio. Exit the Ohio Turnpike at exit Ohio Route 53 in Fremont, Ohio and go North on Route 53 to Ohio Route 2 East to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Pittsburgh, PA - Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike West to the Ohio Turnpike. Follow the Ohio Turnpike to Interchange #118 Sandusky/Norwalk U.S. Highway 250 North to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Toledo, OH - There are two ways from Toledo to get to the island. You can either take Ohio Route 2 East or the Ohio Turnpike East to exit 163 North for the Jet Express or continue on to Route 53 exit for the airport or Miller Boat Line.
Can't wait to see you at the Bay!
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