29-04-2025
Milwaukee's Lake Express Ferry with daily service to Michigan sets start date for season
The Lake Express Ferry, which provides daily round-trip service between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan, will return for its 2025 season May 2.
The high-speed ferry transports more than 100,000 passengers annually between Milwaukee and Michigan on a 2½-hour journey across Lake Michigan. Its season runs through mid-October.
Lake Express will offer four daily crossings early this summer, with routes from Milwaukee departing from the Milwaukee ferry terminal at 2330 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive. The first trip of the day leaves from Milwaukee at 6 a.m. CT. Additional summer evening service will be added June 27, bringing the total daily crossings to six.
Lake Express' ferry service began in 2004. The ferry can accommodate 250 passengers, up to 46 vehicles and 12 motorcycles, according to a news release.
Here's what to know about the ferry service, including daily schedules and how to get tickets:
Lake Express offers Classic Cabin and Premium Cabin ticket options.
The Classic Cabin includes a variety of seating options, including first-class airline-style and table seating, all in a climate-controlled cabin with access to outdoor decks offering lake views. Passengers can find food and beverages in the ship's galley. Adult Classic Cabin tickets are $114.50 for one-way and $199 for round-trip. Discounts are available for seniors 65 and over, college students, active military, children and infants.
The Premier Cabin features additional amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, steward service, work-friendly table seating with electrical service for laptops and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Premier Cabin seating is limited to passengers 12 and older. Adult Premier Cabin tickets are $136 for one-way and $245 for round-trip. Discounts are available for seniors 65 and over.
Passengers can travel on the Lake Express with or without a vehicle ― parking is available at the Milwaukee and Muskegon terminals for those choosing to leave their vehicle behind.
Vehicle tickets start at $124 for one-way and $236 for round-trip, with prices higher for vehicles with trailers. Bicycles can ride on the ferry for $8 for one-way and $16 for round-trip. Motorcycle tickets start at $72 for one-way and $144 for round-trip, with prices higher for motorcycles with sidecars and trikes.
A fuel surcharge and a port and security fee are required for all vehicles and non-infant passengers.
You can buy tickets and see a full list of prices at
Milwaukee to Muskegon
Departs at 6 a.m. CT and arrives at 9:30 a.m. ET daily
Departs at 12:30 p.m. CT and arrives at 4 p.m. ET daily
Muskegon to Milwaukee
Departs at 10:15 a.m. ET and arrives at 11:45 a.m. CT daily
Departs at 4:45 p.m. ET and arrives at 6:15 p.m. CT daily
Milwaukee to Muskegon
Departs at 6 a.m. CT and arrives at 9:30 a.m. ET daily
Departs at 12:30 p.m. CT and arrives at 4 p.m. ET daily
Departs at 7 p.m. CT and arrives at 10:30 p.m. ET Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
Muskegon to Milwaukee
Departs at 10:15 a.m. ET and arrives at 11:45 a.m. CT daily
Departs at 4:45 p.m. ET and arrives at 6:15 p.m. CT daily
Departs at 11 p.m. ET and arrives at 12:30 a.m. CT Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
According to Lake Express, the ferry's journey between Milwaukee and Muskegon takes 2½ hours. Check-in begins 90 minutes before each departure and closes 15 minutes before departure. Lake Express suggests arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
If you were to drive from Milwaukee to Muskegon through Chicago, it would take about 4 hours and 45 minutes, according to Google Maps. This time could be longer, depending on traffic.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Lake Express Ferry service to Michigan returns on May 2
