About Me: The Lake Express high speed ferry is a modern update on the traditional Lake Michigan ferry. The new generation ferry is more akin to a jet plane than a slow boat, with jet powered engines, first class seating and amenities, and climate controlled comfort. The Lake Express began service in 2004 as the first high speed ferry to operate between U.S. ports and since then has transported more than 500,000 passengers and their cars, motorcycles and bicycles across Lake Michigan in just 2-1/2 hours, a fraction of the time it would take to drive.