From downtown Sandusky
Jet Express: the fast boat from Sandusky
The Jet Express is the passenger ferry most of our guests use. It leaves from Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky, about 15 minutes from The Cedar, and runs to both Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. It also sails from Port Clinton, roughly the same drive in the other direction. No car goes with you, which is fine: golf carts and bikes are the way to get around both islands.
Local tip: book the morning boat online before you leave the room. Summer Saturdays sell out, and the spring and fall schedules are shorter, so check jet-express.com for the current sailing times and fares before you drive down.
From Catawba
Miller Ferry: bring the car (or the golf cart)
The Miller Ferry leaves from the tip of Catawba Island, about 20 minutes from The Cedar, and is the boat that carries cars, trucks and golf carts to Put-in-Bay. It is the budget choice and the right one if you want your own vehicle on the island or you are hauling gear. Current schedule and rates are at millerferry.com.
Local tip: if you only need wheels on the island, skip the car and rent a golf cart when you land. Cart lines get long by late morning on busy weekends, so aim for an early boat.
From Marblehead
Kelleys Island Ferry
The Kelleys Island Ferry runs from Marblehead, about 20 minutes from The Cedar, and carries vehicles. Kelleys is the quieter island: glacial grooves, a state park beach, wineries, and a slower pace than Put-in-Bay. Pair it with a stop at the Marblehead Lighthouse on the way back. Schedule and fares: kelleysislandferry.com.
The base camp
Why guests do island days from The Cedar
Back on the mainland by sunset. Island lodging is scarce and expensive in season. Staying at The Cedar means a full day on Put-in-Bay or Kelleys, an afternoon boat home, and sunset from our own waterfront seating on Sandusky Bay, with Tique's Bar pouring right on the property.
Late boat? No problem. Check-in is self-service with a personal door code, so there is no front desk to beat. Free parking is at your door, dogs are welcome in every room, and rooms sleep two to four for families and groups. See all 12 themed rooms.
Doing Cedar Point one day and the islands the next? The park is about 10 minutes the other way. Our things-to-do guide covers the whole weekend.
Good to know
Which Put-in-Bay ferry is closest to The Cedar?
The Jet Express from downtown Sandusky is about 15 minutes away. The Jet Express from Port Clinton and the Miller Ferry from Catawba are each about 15 to 20 minutes. All three are an easy morning drive.
Can I take my car to Put-in-Bay?
Yes, on the Miller Ferry from Catawba, which carries cars, trucks and golf carts. The Jet Express is passenger-only. Most visitors leave the car on the mainland and rent a golf cart on the island.
Do the ferries run in the fall?
Yes, on reduced schedules. Sailings thin out after Labor Day and end for the season in late fall, so check each ferry's website for the current timetable before you drive to the dock.
Is there parking at the ferry docks?
Each ferry has parking at or near its dock, usually for a daily fee. Rates and lot details are on each ferry's website. Parking at The Cedar itself is free.
Sleep on the bay, ferry in the morning
12 themed rooms · 15 minutes to the Jet Express · free parking · dogs welcome · self check-in
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