Miller Ferry Catawba
Your gateway to Put-in-Bay, offering quick, scenic ferry rides from Catawba Island with friendly service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Miller Ferry Catawba
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your gateway to Put-in-Bay, offering quick, scenic ferry rides from Catawba Island with friendly service.
"Extremely easy to use this ferry service! Super quick route from Catawba with frequent departures."
✅ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the ticket line at the Catawba dock by purchasing online in advance.
🚲 Bike & Cyclist Friendly
Well-organized for cyclists with a separate waiting area and bike tickets.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Ferry Crossing
Catawba Island to Put-in-Bay
Enjoy a quick, smooth ride across Lake Erie, offering beautiful water views and a refreshing breeze.
+1
Put-in-Bay Arrival
South Bass Island
Step onto the island and feel the relaxed 'Island Time' vibe, ready for exploration.
Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery
South Bass Island
Descend 40 feet to witness one of the world's largest geodes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online to Save Time
Embrace Island Time on Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the ticket line at the Catawba dock by purchasing online in advance.
🚲 Bike & Cyclist Friendly
Well-organized for cyclists with a separate waiting area and bike tickets.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Travel
Bring your furry friends along for the ride; the ferry is dog-friendly.
🚗 Golf Cart Rentals
Rent a golf cart on Put-in-Bay for easy island exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Buy Tickets Online
Skip the ticket line at the Catawba dock by purchasing online in advance.
🚲 Bike & Cyclist Friendly
Well-organized for cyclists with a separate waiting area and bike tickets.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Travel
Bring your furry friends along for the ride; the ferry is dog-friendly.
🚗 Golf Cart Rentals
Rent a golf cart on Put-in-Bay for easy island exploration.
⏰ Frequent Departures
The Miller Ferry offers frequent sailings, minimizing wait times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Miller Ferry service is widely praised for its ease of use, efficiency, and friendly staff. Travelers appreciate the convenience of online ticket purchases and the smooth, short crossing to Put-in-Bay. It's particularly noted for being well-organized for cyclists and dog-friendly. Occasional waits to board the mainland can occur, but overall, the experience is highly positive.
"Extremely easy to use this ferry service! First time rider. Bought tickets online 15 mins in advance and redeemed Super quick with no line at the online redemption kiosk. Lots of people were in line to buy a ticket so if you're short on time, just buy your ticket online. Super quick route from Catawba with frequent departures. Dog friendly too and helpful staff across the board"
Juliet Roberts
"Great service! Well organized for cyclists with a separate waiting area with your bike. Bicycles can either be held or laid down on the deck. Separate $5 ticket in 2025 for the bike. Well worth it as it's lots easier and cheaper to get around. We're both 66 and had no real difficulty in pedaling from one end of the island to the other. No one can drive very fast on this island. Speeds are "
Larry Sack
"The website with current seasonal ferry schedule is very user friendly and helpful, even when used on a mobile device. The short ferry ride from Catawba to Put-in-bay is smooth and my son, who gets car sick, didn't even notice the movement. There is an indoor, air-conditioned seating area in addition to the outdoor seating. Both areas are located upstairs. The staff is very friendly and more than happy to answer anyone's questions about the ferry, lake, and surrounding islands."
Kelley Kauffman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Miller Ferry Catawba dock is located on Catawba Island, Ohio. It's accessible by car and is a popular departure point for Put-in-Bay. While Uber from Cleveland to Port Clinton might be difficult, driving directly to the Catawba dock is the most common method.
You can find the Miller Ferry dock at 4463 Catawba Island Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452. It's a well-marked location on Catawba Island.
Yes, there is parking available at the Catawba dock. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially during busy periods, to secure a spot.
Public transportation options directly to the Catawba dock are limited. Most visitors drive their own vehicles or arrange for private transport.
The ferry ride from Catawba Island to Put-in-Bay is very short, typically under 20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Miller Ferry tickets online through their official website or at the ticket booth located at the Catawba dock. Buying online in advance is highly recommended to save time.
Ticket prices vary by season and age. As of 2025, a separate $5 ticket is required for bicycles. Check the official Miller Boat Line website for the most current pricing.
Yes, tickets purchased online are flexible and valid for any date and time, which is great if your plans change.
While not strictly required, buying tickets online in advance is strongly advised to avoid long queues at the ticket booth, especially during peak season.
The Miller Ferry operates on a seasonal schedule. Service typically begins in early March and runs through late fall. Check the official Miller Boat Line schedule for exact operating dates and times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Put-in-Bay offers many attractions, including the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, the Crystal Cave, and various shops and restaurants. Renting a golf cart or bike is a popular way to get around.
The ferry ride is generally very smooth, even for those prone to motion sickness. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Yes, the Miller Ferry offers both indoor, air-conditioned seating and outdoor seating areas on the upper deck.
Yes, the Miller Ferry is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your pets along for the journey.
Upon arrival at Put-in-Bay, you can rent golf carts, bicycles, or take a taxi/bus service to explore the island.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry ride itself offers great photo opportunities of Lake Erie, the islands, and the mainland. The view from the upper deck is particularly scenic.
The Catawba dock provides scenic views of the water and the ferry. Aerial shots from drones capture the scale of the operation.
Put-in-Bay offers picturesque scenes of island life, historic sites like Perry's Monument, and natural wonders like the Crystal Cave.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once you arrive at Put-in-Bay, renting a golf cart or bikes is a fun way for the whole family to explore the island. Consider visiting attractions like the Crystal Cave or Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, which can be engaging for younger visitors. The relaxed island atmosphere makes it easy to manage with children.
🚲 Cyclists and Active Travelers
Once on South Bass Island, you'll find that cycling is one of the best ways to get around. The island is perfect for exploration on two wheels, allowing you to discover hidden spots and enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace. The low speed limits on the island also make it a safe environment for cyclists.
🐶 Pet Owners
This makes it much easier for pet owners to enjoy a day trip or a longer stay on the island without having to leave their beloved pets behind. Just ensure your pet is leashed and well-behaved during the crossing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Miller Ferry Experience
Beyond just transportation, the ferry ride itself is an experience. Many visitors enjoy the scenic views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands during the short crossing. The ferry offers both indoor, air-conditioned seating and outdoor decks, allowing passengers to choose their preferred way to enjoy the journey. The staff is consistently noted for being friendly and helpful, adding to the positive overall experience.
For those planning to explore Put-in-Bay, the ferry is just the beginning. Upon arrival, the island embraces a relaxed 'Island Time' atmosphere. Renting a golf cart or bicycle is a popular and practical way to navigate the island, as it allows for easy access to attractions and a more immersive experience.
Cycling and Bike Travel on the Ferry
Onboard, bicycles can be securely held or laid down on the deck, providing peace of mind for riders. This makes the ferry an ideal option for those who prefer to cycle around South Bass Island. The island itself is relatively compact, and cycling is a popular and enjoyable way to see its sights, with speed limits kept low for safety.
Traveling with a bike via the Miller Ferry significantly enhances the island experience, allowing for spontaneous stops and easy access to various points of interest without the hassle of parking a car. It's a practical and eco-friendly way to enjoy Put-in-Bay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit