The closest airport to Mackinac Island is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), located in Pellston, Michigan—approximately 15 miles south of Mackinaw City. From the airport, travelers can reach Mackinac Island by a combination of shuttle service and ferry ride.
- Distance to Mackinac Island Ferry Docks (Mackinaw City or St. Ignace): ~20-25 minutes by car
- Major Airline: Delta Air Lines (usually operated by SkyWest as Delta Connection)
- Typical Route: Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Ground Transportation: Shuttle services and taxis are available to ferry docks
- Ferry Ride Duration: 16-25 minutes, depending on weather and operator
Contact Detais:
- Address: 1395 US-31, Pellston, MI 49769, United States
- Phone: ++1 231-539-8442
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Website: https://www.pellstonairport.org/
Why Choose Pellston?
Pellston is a small but well-equipped regional airport. It provides convenient access to the Straits of Mackinac and has far fewer crowds than major hubs. It also offers rental cars, shuttle options, and nearby lodging, making it an excellent choice for travelers heading to Mackinac Island. So it’s nearest major airport to Mackinac Island.
Alternative Airports Nearby
If you’re looking for more flexibility or are coming from further away, here are a few alternative airports:
1. Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) – On the Island
- Type: Public-use airport (small aircraft only)
- Distance from town center: ~1 mile
- Note: No commercial airlines fly here. This airport is only for private planes and charters.
2. Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) – Sault Ste. Marie, MI
- Distance to St. Ignace Ferry Dock: ~45 minutes by car
- Airlines: Delta (via Detroit)
- Best For: Those flying from more distant U.S. locations with limited regional service
3. Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
- Distance to Mackinaw City: ~2 hours by car
- Airlines: American, Delta, United, and others
- Best For: Travelers looking for more flight options and connections
Map of 4 airports near Mackinac Island, MI
Getting to Mackinac Island from the Mainland
Once you reach a ferry terminal in Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula), you can hop aboard one of the ferry services—Shepler’s Ferry or Star Line Ferry—which run frequently during the tourist season (late spring to early fall). There are also seasonal hydroplane and charter air services that offer direct flights to Mackinac Island Airport.
Final Tips for Travelers
- Book Early During Peak Season: Summer is extremely popular, so reserve flights and ferries in advance.
- Pack Smart: Luggage handling is different due to the ferry ride and lack of motor vehicles on the island.
- Enjoy the Journey: Getting to Mackinac Island is part of the experience—relax and soak in the stunning scenery of Michigan’s north coast.