Bringing a group to Mackinac Island? Start here.

Mackinac Island has been welcoming visitors for generations — and arriving by ferry is still part of what makes the experience special.

If you’re planning a motorcoach tour, senior group, club trip, reunion or other organized visit to Mackinac Island, Arnold Transit Company can help make getting there simple.

We work with tour operators and group leaders to coordinate ferry transportation, schedules, motorcoach arrival and parking, group boarding and other details from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

You take care of the journey.

We’ll help with the part where the road ends.

Planning a Mackinac Island stop doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple way to get started.

1. Choose Your Date

Have a date in mind? That’s enough to start the conversation. If your itinerary is still taking shape, our group sales team can help you understand ferry schedules and options as you plan.

2. Estimate Your Group Size

You don’t need a final passenger count to contact us. An estimate is enough to begin planning your group’s ferry transportation.

3. Choose Your Mainland Departure

Arnold offers Mackinac Island ferry service from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.

Your best departure point may depend on where your group is coming from, where you’re headed next and the rest of your itinerary. We can help you determine which location makes the most sense.

4. Plan Your Mackinac Island Experience

There’s a lot to fit into a day on Mackinac Island.

Historic attractions, carriage tours, shopping, dining, sightseeing and plenty of time simply exploring the Island can all be part of your visit.

Once you have an idea of what your group would like to experience, we can help make sure your ferry transportation fits into the day.

5. Coordinate Your Ferry Transportation

We’ll help you understand arrival times, motorcoach logistics, ferry schedules, group boarding and your return trip so your group knows what to expect before you arrive.

6. Enjoy Mackinac Island

Get everyone on the motorcoach.

We’ll help from there.

Does Arnold Transit Company accommodate motorcoach and bus groups?

Yes. Arnold works with motorcoach tours, organized groups, clubs and other group travelers visiting Mackinac Island. Our group sales team can help coordinate ferry transportation and arrival logistics.

Where should our motorcoach go when we arrive?

Arnold operates passenger ferry service from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Motorcoach arrival and parking information can be coordinated as part of your group reservation so your driver and tour leader know where to go before arrival.

Should our group depart from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace?

Both locations offer ferry service to Mackinac Island. The best option often depends on your group’s route and overall itinerary. Our team can help determine which departure location makes the most sense.

How early should our group arrive?

Recommended arrival times can vary depending on your group size, departure location and scheduled ferry. We’ll provide arrival and boarding information as part of planning your trip.

Do we need an exact passenger count when we contact Arnold?

No. If you’re still developing your itinerary, an estimated group size is enough to begin the conversation. Our group sales team can work with you as the details come together.

Can large groups travel together?

Yes. Let us know your estimated group size and travel plans when you contact us so we can help coordinate the appropriate ferry transportation.

Can Arnold work with professional tour operators?

Yes. We welcome the opportunity to work directly with motorcoach companies, tour operators and group travel planners incorporating Mackinac Island into single-day or multi-day itineraries.

Can Arnold help with the rest of our Mackinac Island itinerary?

Our primary role is helping with the ferry portion of your visit, but our team can point you toward resources for attractions, activities and other group experiences on Mackinac Island.