Is there a train to Cincinnati?

No, there is no direct passenger rail service from Put-In-Bay to Cincinnati.

How long is the ferry ride?

The Miller Ferry ride from Put-In-Bay to Catawba Island takes approximately 20 minutes.

Can I fly to Cincinnati?

You can fly from Cleveland Hopkins Airport, which is a 90-minute drive from the ferry dock.

Is I-75 the best route?

Yes, I-75 is the most direct interstate route for traveling north to south in Ohio.

Only if you choose to take the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90) to connect to I-75.

Put-In-Bay

Cincinnati

Driving Ship

Put-In-Bay to Cincinnati

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey begins with a Miller Ferry ride from South Bass Island to Catawba Island. From the mainland, you drive south via OH-53 to join I-75 South. This route covers approximately 350 kilometers through the heart of Ohio. Expect a total travel time of 4 hours depending on traffic near Dayton. The drive offers a transition from island life to the urban landscape of the Ohio River valley.

Total Distance: 350 km driving, 310 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest method, taking approximately 4 hours total including the ferry crossing.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the cheapest option, costing roughly $50 in fuel plus ferry fees.

Compare Put-In-Bay to Cincinnati Routes

	Driving Direct	Ship Direct
Duration	3 hours 40 mins	20 mins
Avg Price	$50-$85	$10-$15
Operator	Personal Vehicle	Miller Ferry
Route	OH-53 to I-75 South	Put-In-Bay to Catawba Island
Tip	Use the I-75 South corridor to bypass downtown Dayton during rush hour.	Check the ferry schedule online as it changes based on weather and season.

Travel Tips

Ferry Parking
Park your car at the Miller Ferry Catawba dock if you prefer not to take it to the island.
Traffic Alerts
Use a real-time GPS app to monitor I-75 construction zones near Findlay.
Fuel Up
Fill your tank on the mainland before heading south to avoid island fuel prices.
Booking
Book your ferry tickets in advance during peak summer weekends to avoid long queues.
Rest Stops
Use the service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike if you take the toll route for better facilities.

Safety Tips

Weather Awareness
Check for fog warnings on Lake Erie before attempting the ferry crossing.
Highway Safety
Maintain a safe following distance on I-75, as heavy truck traffic is common.
Emergency Kit
Keep a basic emergency kit in your trunk for long-distance highway travel.
Night Driving
Avoid driving the rural stretches of OH-53 at night due to deer activity.