Frequently Asked Questions

Purchase tickets online, by contacting us, or by visiting one of our terminals. It is best to do this well in advance of your trip to ensure space is available as popular trips often sell out. A limited number of stand-by spaces may be available for sold out trips – call for details. Tickets must be purchased for each traveler, including infants, and for your vehicle.

We require travelers to show one government-issued valid form of photo identification at the time of check-in and ticketing.

Boarding for each departure begins roughly 90 minutes prior to the departure time and continues until 15 minutes before scheduled departure – at this point gates close and the ship begins its departure process.

All passengers need a boarding pass ready for boarding. For those traveling with a vehicle: we ask that only one passenger drives the vehicle on board while the others in the party board on the passenger ramp. Exceptions will be made for those with special needs or small children. The driver will need their own boarding pass as well as the vehicle pass at this time.

For those traveling without a vehicle: walk-on passengers will board on the passenger boarding ramp. We ask that the first round of boarding be reserved for our passengers with special needs or children, followed by those in the premier cabin, and then general boarding. Once on board, seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you will need special assistance in boarding, please let one of our Customer Service Representatives know upon checking in.

In the event weather conditions require Lake Express to cancel or delay travel service, passengers will be notified in advance as soon as possible. Full refunds or transfer of tickets for a different travel date/time will be made available.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use in the Milwaukee and Muskegon terminals. While we cannot guarantee their availability, the Lake Express staff is ready to aid special-needs passengers as they arrive and board the Lake Express. The vessel itself features an accessible restroom in addition to an elevator and many other accessibility features. Please contact our reservations staff in advance of your visit if you have special requests.

Vehicle tickets are in addition to passenger tickets. Passenger and vehicle tickets must be purchased separately, and every passenger ticket guarantees a seat inside the cabin. Under United States Coast Guard regulations, passengers are not allowed to stay in their vehicles on the car deck while the ship is underway.

Passengers traveling with a vehicle keep all luggage inside the vehicle except items they may need while on board. Once the ship is underway, no one is allowed on the car deck— passengers should take what they need when they board. For those traveling without a vehicle, complimentary curbside luggage check-in is available at each terminal for large pieces of luggage. Please try to limit checked luggage to 2 items per person. Smaller bags and carry-ons may be brought on board as long as they fit under your seat.

Gift cards may be purchased for any dollar amount, redeemable for Lake Express ferry tickets. To learn more or to purchase a gift card, contact us or visit us at one of our terminals.

Safe and secure parking is available at our terminals in both Milwaukee ($5/day) and Muskegon ($5/day), to be paid upon arrival. Parking fees are set by each respective municipality as owners of the local ferry terminals. There is no charge for short-term parking under 3 hours.

Pets may travel aboard the ferry, either in a designated kennel on the vehicle deck or inside your vehicle. If the animal is traveling inside the vehicle, be aware that U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that all windows remain rolled up for the duration of the trip. If you choose to put your pet in one of our complimentary kennels, please request it at the time of booking. Our crew does their best to check on pets, ensuring a safe and happy experience. Livestock and other animals may not be transported, and no animals will be allowed in the passenger cabins with the exception of service animals.

Minors traveling aboard the ferry must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions may be made when certain conditions are met, and these passengers must have Lake Express authorized and notarized paperwork in order to travel. To learn more about this, contact us, or visit a terminal and speak to a Customer Service Representative.

A full menu of food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board the ship as you cross Lake Michigan.

Additionally, guests may bring personal-size food items onto the ferry using appropriate containers. Glass containers, coolers and alcoholic beverage carry-ons are not allowed.

The ferry carries vehicles that fall within the guidelines of 8 feet 6 inches tall, 8 feet wide, and 18 feet long. Please be aware that height restrictions include anything mounted on top of the vehicle (racks with bicycles, for example) and that length restrictions include anything mounted to the back of the vehicle.

Towable trailers may be allowed, as long as they do not exceed 8 feet 6 inches tall, 8 feet wide, and 18 feet long. Trailers must be booked separately from vehicles. For the correct fare, please be sure to measure trailers from the hitch/end of the vehicle to the back end of the trailer. Please see the rates and fares page for more information or contact a Customer Service Representative.

Lake Express provides tie-downs, or you may supply your own to secure your motorcycle during travel. You will be responsible for securing your own motorcycle.

Ground transportation options are available at each terminal.

Taxi service is typically available at the Milwaukee and Muskegon ferry terminals during arrivals. Our customer service staff can help call for taxi service if none is present. Additionally, both the Milwaukee and Muskegon ferry terminals are served by popular ride-sharing apps.

The Muskegon terminal is further served by Go2, which works like a minibus that comes when you want, allowing you to access the Muskegon Metro Area without needing a car. Download the Go2 by MATS app or call 231-227-3550 to schedule your ride.

The Lake Express provides easy access to popular destinations, including the following distances from the Muskegon ferry terminal:

  • Grand Haven – 16 miles
  • Holland – 37 miles
  • Grand Rapids – 42 miles
  • Pentwater – 47 miles
  • Saugatuck – 48 miles
  • Ludington – 61 miles
  • Lansing – 108 miles
  • Travers City – 157 miles
  • Detroit – 197 miles

The Lake Express provides easy access to popular destinations, including the following distances from the Milwaukee ferry terminal:

  • Kenosha – 38 miles
  • Sheboygan – 60 miles
  • Madison – 82 miles
  • Manitowoc – 84 miles
  • Oshkosh – 90 miles
  • Green Bay – 120 miles
  • Wisconsin Dells – 126 miles
  • Sturgeon Bay, Door County – 159 miles

During the offseason, our office can be reached toll free at 1-866-914-1010, Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Messages can also be sent any time using our contact form. Emails are monitored during normal business hours.

To book a trip on Lake Express, visit our ticket portal. You can also contact us to reach one of our trip advisors.

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