Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my pet travel on the Lake Express?
Complimentary pet kennels for cats and dogs are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that pet kennels must be reserved with your reservation. Your pet may also travel in your vehicle but Coast Guard regulations stipulate all windows must be rolled up. Pets are not allowed in the passenger cabins or decks. We are unable to transport any other animals or livestock.
- Is parking available at the terminals?
Parking is available at both terminals. There is a fee of $5.00 per day at the Milwaukee Terminal and $4.00 per night at the Muskegon Terminal. Parking permits are available at kiosks located in front of each terminal and a permit must be displayed on your vehicle at all times. If you are parking a vehicle for fewer than three hours, there is no fee but you still must obtain a permit.
- How large is the ship?
The ship's length is equivalent to 3.5 tractor-trailers placed end to end, and the ship is as wide as five lanes of interstate highway. Stretching 192 feet long and 57 feet wide, it has the capacity to carry 46 cars and 250 passengers.
- What are the safety features of Lake Express?
Lake Express is among the most modern and safe vessels navigating upon the Great Lakes. The ship has been built to strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations and is regularly inspected by that agency. It is equipped with advanced electronic navigation and firefighting systems and is fitted with an active, computer controlled ride system to help dampen unwanted vessel rolling motions when crossing the lake. The vessel's twin, compartmentalized hulls provide significant reserve buoyancy and great stability. The vessel is further equipped with life raft capacity for 400 persons. The ship's four engines provide a high degree of redundancy, enabling the ship to continue its voyage even in the unlikely event of shutting down one engine.
- What is the schedule of the Lake Express?
For voyage times, please see the
Pricing/Schedule tab on the home page of the Lake Express website. During the spring and fall seasons, the ship makes two round trips a day. During the summer season, the ship makes three round trips a day.
- What does it cost to take the Lake Express?
There is a separate fee for each person who travels on Lake Express as well as each vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle. Children under 5 years of age travel free, however on busy days, for those children for whom a fare has not been paid, the child may be required to ride on the passenger's lap. Please see the
rates and schedule page of our web site for specific prices.
- How can I arrange a group outing?
Group rates start for groups of 20 and larger. Please visit the
group travel section of this site to contact us for more information.
- Can I buy a gift certificate for somebody else to take the Lake Express?
Gifts cards are available in any dollar denominations redeemable for travel, food or merchandise reservations. Please call 866-914-1010 for more information or to order a gift card today.
- Do I have to buy a ticket ahead of time?
Due to limited availability of car deck space, we highly recommend planning ahead. You can
reserve Lake Express tickets online or call 1-866-914-1010 to reserve by phone.
We recommend that those who wish to travel on the Lake Express make reservations as far in advance as is practical. Demand has been extremely high, and some trips across Lake Michigan have been completely filled for both automobiles and passengers.
- What kind of luggage can I bring on the Lake Express?
If you plan on traveling with an automobile, you may store as much as you like in your vehicle. If you are traveling without an automobile, you may check your baggage with Lake Express for carriage onboard. We request that you limit your luggage to two (2) bags per person including any large items such as skis or golf clubs.
You can carry personal items such as handbags, backpacks, briefcases, and laptops into the passenger cabin. These personal items must be stored under your seat and may not be placed on empty seats. Anything that cannot fit under your seat must be checked.
Under U.S. Coast Guard rules, passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck during the voyage.
- What is the difference between the Premier Cabin and the Classic Cabin seating?
Lake Express offers a special Premier Cabin with larger and more spacious seats for those looking to read, relax, or spread out their papers to complete a project. It offers a quieter, more spacious, relaxing environment.
The Premier Cabin is also limited to passengers age 12 and older.
- I am taking a car on the Lake Express. Does this include my ticket?
You will have to purchase a ticket for yourself as well as purchase a vehicle slot on the auto deck. Every passenger, whether they are taking a car or not, will take a seat on the passenger deck, therefore, every passenger must buy a ticket. Vehicle prices do not include the driver or any riders.
- Can my unaccompanied minor child travel by his or her self?
No. Minors under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult to travel onboard the Lake Express.
- Can I rent a car from the Milwaukee terminal? What about the Muskegon terminal?
Lake Express is pleased to provide on-site rental car options at both of our terminals. Rentals are provided by Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Visit the
Enterprise car rental page of this website for more information and to book your rental in advance.
- Are taxis available?
Taxis line up at our Milwaukee terminal as the boat comes into harbor. The ride from our terminal to downtown Milwaukee is a straight shot less than two miles long, so the fare should be relatively inexpensive. Taxis may also be called to pick you up at the Muskegon terminal.
- Is parking available near the Milwaukee terminal? What about near the Muskegon terminal?
Short and long term parking is available at both of our terminals in
Milwaukee and Muskegon. Daily parking rates are posted at each of the terminals.
- I am bringing my vehicle. Do I need to go into the terminal?
No, there will be a lane that takes you to our vehicle check-in area. There will be a ticket booth there. You may go into the terminal if you wish after you are through with check-in and park your car.
- How early do I have to arrive before departure?
If you are traveling without a vehicle and already have a ticket, we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. If you are taking a vehicle, you must arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.
The ship does get extremely full and frequently sells out, especially during the busy summer months, so we recommend you do buy tickets well in advance. However, occasionally tickets are available the day of the voyage. If you would like to try to buy walk-up tickets for the same day, we ask that you arrive at least 45 minutes in advance to the scheduled departure time.
- Does somebody else drive my car onboard?
You drive your own vehicle onto the car deck and then head up to the passenger area. When the Lake Express arrives at its destination city, you drive your vehicle off the the ship and continue with the rest of your trip. It's that easy.
- Do you provide wheelchairs?
No, but the vessel is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Lake Express has an elevator and an ADA-compliant restroom.
- Is there inside seating and is it assigned?
All seating is inside in a climate-controlled zone. Seating is done on a first-come first-serve basis and there are a number of different seating configurations available to choose from.
There are also a limited number of chairs on the top deck for passengers who choose to sit outside.
- Do I ride in my car during the voyage?
You will not ride in your car as the Lake Express crosses Lake Michigan. After driving your vehicle onto the car deck, you will make your way up to the passenger area. Passengers will not be allowed on the car deck during the voyage.
- Do I have to stay in my seat for the duration of the voyage?
We encourage you to enjoy our comfortable seats, but feel free to get up and stretch your legs, step outside for a few minutes, use our restroom facilities, or buy something to eat or drink.
- Is there an outside deck onboard?
Yes, in the stern (back) of the ship. We also have a wonderful, open sun deck on top of the ship. Passengers gather up on the sun deck for spectacular views as the Lake Express leaves harbor and pulls into port. Due to the extremely windy conditions, we recommend that passengers exit the sun deck when we start at cruising speed.
- Can I eat my own food onboard?
No. There is a cafe onboard for your enjoyment, however.
- Can I consume my own alcohol onboard?
No. Both Federal and State licensing requirements do not permit this.
- Can I smoke onboard the ship?
The ship and both terminals are completly non-smoking. You may, however, smoke outside both terminals.
