More ferries lined up to get fans to Detroit Grand Prix

Race fans can cruise in comfort this year to the twinbill Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix May 31-June 2 from downtown by bus or boat.

Race organizers Wednesday announced a more streamlined transportation plan from the heart of the city to the Raceway at Belle Isle Park for the IZOD IndyCar Series weekend.

Ferries will operate on half-hour intervals back and forth to the island from the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority building at 120 Atwater near the Renaissance Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

About 100 luxury buses also are available to carry passengers all three days from designated spots on the Cobo Hall Roof and the Joe Louis Arena parking deck and from marina lots near Atwater and Orleans streets.

No public parking is allowed on Belle Isle during race week.

“We are excited to offer these transportation options on race weekend," Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker said Wednesday outside the Port Authority building. “With no public parking available on Belle Isle for GP attendees, we feel it is important to give fans the option to take buses or the ferry service to ensure that their transportation to and from the island will be safe and efficient."

The upgraded ferry service — this year it features two ferries instead of one like in 2012 — will cost $10 round-trip for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

The two boats — one capable of carrying 72 passengers, the other 149 — will operate Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On Sunday, just the larger ferry will sail to and from Belle Isle, departing at the same hours.

Buses will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and drivers will charge adults $10 for a round-trip ticket and $5 for children 12 and under.