Miller Boat Line
Miller Boat Line
4.5
About
Ferries to the Lake Erie Islands of Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass Island, Ohio. Enjoy a Fresh Lake experience aboard Miller Ferry passenger/vehicle service to the islands of Put-in-Bay (20 min. trip) or to Middle Bass, Ohio (40 min. trip). See MillerFerry.com for fares, schedules, maps, events, coupons, restaurants, attractions, & Put-in-Bay passenger ticket purchase. Miller Ferry offers the most frequent trips, free parking & lowest fares.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 3 miles
Attractions
30 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- RhondaColumbus, Ohio1 contributionLove riding this ferryAlways on time, efficient load and unload, comfortable options for sitting, standing by the rail, in or out of cabin on the 20 minute ride. We got tickets online and avoided the ticket line. Overflow parking is $5 if free parking is full. Miller Ferry is doing a great job with safety issues during these difficult times.Thanks for choosing Miller Ferry! We hope to see you again soon.Written July 20, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2020Written May 26, 2020
- mikeandbetty7Grove City, Ohio84 contributionsPleasant ExperienceMy wife and I used Miller Boat Line to go to Put-in-Bay on June 25, 2020. We enjoyed the experience. There was plenty of parking in their lot, easy online ordering of tickets. We did not wait long since the boats leave every 1/2 hour. There was plenty of seating on the boat and the ride over was smooth and comfortable. There is outside and inside seating on the boat. It took about 18 minutes to get to the island. Once there, we had plenty of options to get bikes or golf carts to travel around the island. The time frame of catching the boat was very convenient and we had no problems at all. Miller Boat Line was just a few minutes quicker and a lot cheaper than using the Jet Express. We definitely use Miller Boat Line again when we return to the area.We are happy to hear you had a great experience!Written July 20, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2020Written June 26, 2020
- Sharon M24 contributionsVery busy but very efficient.Kind of expensive to transport our car round trip. Plus they charge for each passenger even though we stayed in our car. If you want to go to Middle Bass Island you have to make reservations and we had to book a round trip which was a 6hour time frame. There is a water taxi to put in Bay which is a nice trip, but in the end we decided to ferry I put in Bay and taxi to Middle Bass which has a couple of nice restaurants and a historic winery. No way could we have spend 6 hours there. The water taxi only takes cash so be preoared..Thanks for visiting, and we are happy to hear you got to experience both islands!Written July 11, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2021Written July 3, 2021
- Crystal A1 contributionTrapped in the carI was not informed when making the reservation that you not only pay for your car but also each individual inside the car. The first trip across the lake was fine, we were able to move about the ferry but the second trip was miserable. The cars were packed in so tightly that the car doors could not be opened and I have severe claustrophobia which caused a major panic attack. I was extremely upset and very nauseous the entire trip across the lake which is about 40 minutes. On top of that, one of the employees was instructing me on how to park and reached inside my car and grabbed my steering wheel without asking me if it would be ok. Considering all the issues with Covid, I found this very reckless on the employees part. Not only that but it was extremely rude to enter my personal space without permission.Hello, we are sorry to hear you did not have a great experience aboard the Miller Ferry. I will pass this information along to our general manager, and if you would like, please feel free to call our office at 800-500-2421 and we can get more information. Thank you!Written August 17, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2021Traveled with friendsWritten August 12, 2021
- Samantha LSandusky, Ohio2 contributionsMiller FerryWe love the Miller Ferry.... It's very affordable for your whole family unlike the other boat lines. Boats are constantly back and forth so the wait time is very minimal. They have free parking for your car while you travel. We have even taken are bikes and our dogs over on the ferry as well. We love it and choose it every time.Thank you for being a loyal customer, we look forward to seeing you soon!Written July 20, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2020Traveled with familyWritten June 22, 2020
- Bonnie Bettison42 contributionsConvenient, Budget Friendly Ferry To Put-In-Bay On Small Bass Island!My husband and I used the Miller Boat Line to transport us to and from Small Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay. It was convenient, easy and inexpensive to take a ride on this ferry. It says that the parking is free but we never made it to the free of charge parking lot before it was full. We did however find a parking lot near the embarkation point for this ferry that charged a reasonable fee of $5 for the day.Thank you for choosing Miller Ferry! We are happy to provide budget friendly travel to and from Put-in-Bay. We hope to see you again very soon!Written September 15, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2020Written September 10, 2020
- LeetylouandLarrytooStillwater, Oklahoma74 contributionsSpeedy, well run tripThe price is right- you can choose to book on line with a small service charge or if it's not a super busy summer day, just show up to buy your tickets. You can sit upstairs. It's cool to sit right under the wheelhouse and see what the captain sees. Very professional. There was a bit of a squall right before we got on, but there was no issues with the crossing.We are glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and look forward to having you in the future!Written July 20, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2020Written July 8, 2020
- Julie L2 contributionsNice Ride to the IslandThis is a nice boat ride to Put-in-Bay! My son got a kick out of seeing how many cars could drive aboard. There was plenty of seating and the staff were very professional. All the staff had masks on per COVID which made us feel safe. The lake had large swells the day we took the ferry, so we were happy to be on a big boat.Thank you for riding aboard Miller Ferry, we are so happy to hear you and your family had a great time. We look forward to seeing you again soon!Written September 1, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2020Written August 31, 2020
- Barbf3520111 contributionGreat ExperienceMiller Boat Line was so well organized - the day we went over to Put-In-Bay the ferry area was packed but the ferries just kept moving. We were there in no time. I also love the free parking and cleanliness of the ferry. Definitely recommend online reservations to avoid a long line.Thanks for riding aboard Miller Ferry, we hope to see you again soon!Written August 18, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2022Written August 3, 2022
- Rachel AColumbus, Ohio7 contributionsMade Our Island Wedding Possible!We are long time Miller Ferry riders here. After a year of postponing our wedding because of COVID, we decided to have a wedding on our property on Middle Bass Island. This meant chartering all of our friends, family, and vendors over and back. We contacted Miller Ferry first, to make sure that this was possible. They were wonderful to work with. We specifically worked with Cheryll, as she is in charge of private groups, and we were able to make reservations for everyone needed. She was quick to respond and easy to work with. Miller Ferry even chartered a private shuttle back to mainland later in the evening for us. We appreciated all of their extra work - Cheryll especially. The weekend came and went with no major issues. Thank you to the Miller Ferry team for making our wedding possible. Thank you to Captain Cooper for driving our guests back and forth. We love you guys!We were so happy you had a wonderful wedding on Middle Bass!Written May 27, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2021Written May 11, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
464 reviews
Excellent
342
Very good
89
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
9
Crystal A
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
I was not informed when making the reservation that you not only pay for your car but also each individual inside the car. The first trip across the lake was fine, we were able to move about the ferry but the second trip was miserable. The cars were packed in so tightly that the car doors could not be opened and I have severe claustrophobia which caused a major panic attack. I was extremely upset and very nauseous the entire trip across the lake which is about 40 minutes. On top of that, one of the employees was instructing me on how to park and reached inside my car and grabbed my steering wheel without asking me if it would be ok. Considering all the issues with Covid, I found this very reckless on the employees part. Not only that but it was extremely rude to enter my personal space without permission.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, we are sorry to hear you did not have a great experience aboard the Miller Ferry. I will pass this information along to our general manager, and if you would like, please feel free to call our office at 800-500-2421 and we can get more information. Thank you!
Written August 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samantha L
Sandusky, OH2 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We love the Miller Ferry.... It's very affordable for your whole family unlike the other boat lines. Boats are constantly back and forth so the wait time is very minimal. They have free parking for your car while you travel. We have even taken are bikes and our dogs over on the ferry as well. We love it and choose it every time.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for being a loyal customer, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Written July 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonnie Bettison
42 contributions
Sep 2020
My husband and I used the Miller Boat Line to transport us to and from Small Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay. It was convenient, easy and inexpensive to take a ride on this ferry. It says that the parking is free but we never made it to the free of charge parking lot before it was full. We did however find a parking lot near the embarkation point for this ferry that charged a reasonable fee of $5 for the day.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing Miller Ferry! We are happy to provide budget friendly travel to and from Put-in-Bay. We hope to see you again very soon!
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LeetylouandLarrytoo
Stillwater, OK74 contributions
Jun 2020
The price is right- you can choose to book on line with a small service charge or if it's not a super busy summer day, just show up to buy your tickets. You can sit upstairs. It's cool to sit right under the wheelhouse and see what the captain sees. Very professional. There was a bit of a squall right before we got on, but there was no issues with the crossing.
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and look forward to having you in the future!
Written July 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie L
2 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a nice boat ride to Put-in-Bay! My son got a kick out of seeing how many cars could drive aboard. There was plenty of seating and the staff were very professional. All the staff had masks on per COVID which made us feel safe. The lake had large swells the day we took the ferry, so we were happy to be on a big boat.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for riding aboard Miller Ferry, we are so happy to hear you and your family had a great time. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written September 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbf352011
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Miller Boat Line was so well organized - the day we went over to Put-In-Bay the ferry area was packed but the ferries just kept moving. We were there in no time. I also love the free parking and cleanliness of the ferry. Definitely recommend online reservations to avoid a long line.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for riding aboard Miller Ferry, we hope to see you again soon!
Written August 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel A
Columbus, OH7 contributions
May 2021
We are long time Miller Ferry riders here. After a year of postponing our wedding because of COVID, we decided to have a wedding on our property on Middle Bass Island. This meant chartering all of our friends, family, and vendors over and back. We contacted Miller Ferry first, to make sure that this was possible. They were wonderful to work with. We specifically worked with Cheryll, as she is in charge of private groups, and we were able to make reservations for everyone needed. She was quick to respond and easy to work with. Miller Ferry even chartered a private shuttle back to mainland later in the evening for us. We appreciated all of their extra work - Cheryll especially. The weekend came and went with no major issues. Thank you to the Miller Ferry team for making our wedding possible. Thank you to Captain Cooper for driving our guests back and forth.
We love you guys!
We love you guys!
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were so happy you had a wonderful wedding on Middle Bass!
Written May 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheBlairs_10
Ironton, OH211 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We took the ferry over around 11am August 7 2020! We understand their policy with the mask. We also know what the Governor ruling for the mask are. This I am enclosing a copy of ! Not only did more than one employee question why we weren’t wearing a mask before we boarded. Than not one but two employees were harassing us over it. Saying I wouldn’t be going over to Put n Bay with all the sickness. That how convenient the entire family can’t wear one. All this loudly in front of everyone. This being said we were standing on the bottom of the boat not sitting up top. We were clearly six feet from other guest while they all turned to see what the issue was. They keep saying you are required to wear one. I explained what all three of my family medical issues was to both employees. That didn’t work they went and got the captain of the boat. I again explained to him and he said he couldn’t look at my medical documentation. I not only showed him I also explained what the governor order said. Again he was nasty,rude and saying how he wouldn’t be traveling to the island. This not only caused my medical condition to be become worse we were back on the ferry for main land by 5:30 due to this. Hope this is something that can be addressed and another guest won’t have to deal with this.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We apologize you did not have a great experience aboard our ferry. We are passing this information along to our dock manager so he can address this directly with each boat crew. If you would like, please call our main office (800-500-2421) and ask for Caiti so we can gather more information. Again, we apologize and will make sure this is addressed.
Written August 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Valerie B
Gibsonburg, OH7 contributions
Sep 2021
We enjoyed the leisure ride to Put In Bay from Catawba and back. I purchased my tickets online which was a nice convenience. There was plenty of parking available. They are very efficient in loading vehicles and passengers. Did not take long at all. The Friday we went it wasn't crowded even though it was the eve of the Labor Day weekend.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you had a great experience!
Written September 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather P
2 contributions
May 2021
Smooth sailing with Miller! We anticipated a busy weekend and possibly not being able to take our car across, but we were able to (staying for 2 nights and on the boat by noon). Tickets were easy to acquire ahead of time for passengers and we just had to pay for the vehicle there. Everyone was quick and professional and pleasant. Trip home was even quicker, as they had three boats running. Wait time was no more than 45 minutes coming from Put-In-Bay, which is amazing. It's nice seeing the same experienced crew year after year. Makes the ride seamless. No issues at all!
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing Miller Ferries!
Written May 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angel81381
North Lima, OH10 contributions
Do they allow dogs on if you are not taking your car over ? Thank you :)
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome aboard the ferry as long as they remain on a leash and on the lower deck. Our furry friends ride for free! Hope you have a great trip.
How far is it from the parking lots to the ferry. If you have luggage to carry, is it a hard process to get on and off the ferry.
Caitlin M
2 contributions
There are five free parking lots all within walking distance of the ferry (there are also additional paid lots as well!). We have a luggage drop off area as well right across the street from our ticket booth. You can visit the website or call our main office if you have any questions!
John L
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
I would like to bring my car to put in bay. Is this allowed? Thanks
Hi John, you can absolutely bring your car! On the Miller it is $32 round trip (plus passengers) to bring your vehicle. Make sure to check with wherever you are staying about any parking policies. If you wanted to leave your vehicle on the mainland we do offer five free parking lots and there are golf carts, taxis, and a bus service on the island!
I need help where to download shore savings card
Dave S
25 contributions
I would have to agree with Tom R. You should be able to do a Google search for Lake Erie Shores and Islands and I believe they're also on Facebook. In fact I think they're one of my Liked Pages. Try that first as they're pretty good at answering questions.
Cost and is there a shuttle from sleep inn
Katrina R
Port Clinton, OH42 contributions
Adults are $7.00 one way, children 6-11 years are $1.50 and children 5 and under are free. There is not a shuttle, but many local taxi companies. For more info, visit the Miller Ferry website.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMiller Boat Line - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Miller Boat Line
- Hotels near Miller Boat Line:
- (0.09 mi) Four Seasons B&B at Catawba Point
- (0.10 mi) Adjacent to Miller’s Ferry to Put N Bay
- (0.18 mi) Camp Perry Lodging & Conference Center
- (3.78 mi) Our Sunset Place
- (4.41 mi) Getaway Inn at Cooper's Woods
- Restaurants near Miller Boat Line:
- (0.19 mi) Catawba Inn
- (0.63 mi) Twin Oast Brewing
- (1.01 mi) Ørchard Bar & Table
- (0.63 mi) Twin Oast Brewing
- (4.58 mi) The Forge
Miller Boat Line Information
Excellent Reviews | 341 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 89 |
Miller Boat Line Photos | 174 |