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How to get fromAmes to Mackinac Islandby shuttle, plane, ferry, bus, or train

Find Transport to Mackinac Island

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There are 4 ways to get from Ames to Mackinac Island by shuttle, plane, ferry, bus, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Shuttle, fly to Pellston, ferry

    best
    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Pellston (PLN)plane plane DSM - PLN
    3. Take the ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Islandferry ferry
    8h 21m
    $237–710

  2. Bus, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Ames to Minneapolisbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Minneapolis Bus Station to Green Bay Transit Centerbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Green Bay to Escanababus bus
    4. Take the bus from Escanaba to St. Ignacebus bus
    5. Take the ferry from St Ignace to Mackinac Islandferry ferry
    21h 35m
    $190–308

  3. Shuttle, fly to Chippewa County International Airport, bus, ferry

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Ames, IA - Iowa State University to Des Moines International Airport, IAshuttle bus
    2. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Chippewa County International Airport (CIU)plane plane DSM - CIU
    3. Take the bus from Kinross to St. Ignacebus bus
    4. Take the ferry from St Ignace to Mackinac Islandferry ferry
    10h 30m
    $194–654

  4. Bus, train, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Ames to St. Paulbus bus
    2. Take the train from St. Paul-Minneapolis to Milwaukeetrain train
    3. Take the bus from Milwaukee to Escanababus bus
    4. Take the bus from Escanaba to St. Ignacebus bus
    5. Take the ferry from St Ignace to Mackinac Islandferry ferry
    23h 13m
    $323–535

Des Moines (DSM) to Pellston (PLN) flights

Calendar19Weekly Planes
Duration9h 2mAverage Duration
Ticket$77Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Ames to Mackinac Island.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 589.1 mi
  • Duration: 8h 21m

What companies run services between Ames, IA, USA and Mackinac Island, MI, USA?

There is no direct connection from Ames to Mackinac Island. However, you can take the shuttle to Des Moines International Airport, IA, walk to Des Moines (DSM) airport, fly to Pellston (PLN), take the taxi to Mackinaw, then take the ferry to Mackinac Island. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ames to Mackinac Island via Minneapolis Bus Station, Green Bay, Escanaba, St. Ignace, and St Ignace in around 21h 35m.

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