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How to get fromMackinac Island to Chicagoby ferry, bus, train, or plane

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There are 6 ways to get from Mackinac Island to Chicago by ferry, bus, train, or plane

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

  1. Ferry, bus, train

    best
    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to St Ignaceferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from St. Ignace to East Lansingbus bus
    3. Take the train from East Lansing Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    12h 36m
    $175–292

  2. Ferry, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw Cityferry ferry
    2. Fly from Pellston (PLN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane PLN - ORD
    6h 3m
    $127–383

  3. Ferry, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw Cityferry ferry
    2. Fly from Pellston (PLN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane PLN - MDW
    8h 7m
    $137–463

  4. Ferry, bus

    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to St Ignaceferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from St. Ignace to East Lansingbus bus
    3. Take the bus from East Lansing Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationbus bus
    12h 36m

  5. Ferry, bus, train via Grand Rapids

    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to St Ignaceferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from St. Ignace to Grand Rapidsbus bus
    3. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    14h 33m
    $172–263

  6. Ferry, bus via Grand Rapids

    1. Take the ferry from Mackinac Island to St Ignaceferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from St. Ignace to Grand Rapidsbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationbus bus
    14h 33m

Pellston (PLN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) flights

Calendar11Weekly Planes
Duration7h 35mAverage Duration
Ticket$58Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Mackinac Island to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 470.4 mi
  • Duration: 12h 36m

What companies run services between Mackinac Island, MI, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

There is no direct connection from Mackinac Island to Chicago. However, you can take the ferry to St Ignace, walk to St. Ignace, take the bus to East Lansing, walk to East Lansing Amtrak Station, then take the train to Chicago Union Station. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Mackinaw City, take the taxi to Pellston (PLN) airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), walk to Midway, then take the subway to Harold Washington Library.

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