Vehicle ferries run regularly, they're free, and they're a wonderful way to view the beautiful shores of the Outer Banks. HATTERAS - OCRACOKE FERRY When you want a break from driving, sit back and relax on a picturesque ferry ride between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island. Bring a car or at least bicycles. It's certainly not a boring 2-hour drive, as there is a lot to see on the way to the ferry terminal. The terminal on NC Hwy 12 at the island's northern tip is for ferries headed to Hatteras Island. To ensure a faster trip plan on getting to the docks around 7-8 AM. A less know route is Currituck/Knotts Island. There is 1 way to get from Hatteras to Ocracoke by car ferry or taxi Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The Hatteras - Ocracoke Ferry is managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Ferry System Division. The Hatteras - Ocracoke Ferry is a free vehicular ferry that connects the southern end of Hatteras Island with the northern end of Ocracoke Island, via a crossing across Hatteras Inlet. Here are seven things to know about the Hatteras Island ferry: 1. Ferry service is provided 365 days a year! Motorists wishing to access Ocracoke can also use the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferry routes, which accept reservations online at www.ncferry.org or by telephone at 1-800-BY-FERRY. The passenger ferry will depart from the Hatteras ferry terminal and take passenger on a speedy 70-minute cruise through the Pamlico Sound and down into Silver Lake, located in the heart of Ocracoke Village. The terminal located on NC Hwy 12 at the island's southern tip is for ferries headed to Cedar Island and Swan Quarter. 9. During peak season (which begins mid-May) they run every 30 min from 5:00am to midnight. Other ferry routes from Ocracoke are Ocracoke/Cedar Island and Ocracoke/Swan Quarter. The "Ocracoke" and the "Thomas A. Baum" at Hatteras ferry dock. The Swan Quarter Ferry (2 hours, 40 minutes) and Cedar Island Ferry (2 hours, 10 minutes) ferry routes are tolled. Ocracoke Campground is only accessible by ferry or aircraft. Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry (1 hour 10 minutes), free, departure times vary by season. Crossing from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island and vice versa takes approximately 60 minutes. This ferry took you to the North end of the island where you would then need to drive another 20 minutes into town. Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry: Ocracoke Terminal Hwy 12, Ocracoke , North Carolina 27960 USA 5 Photos Open Now Tue 6a-7p Independent Add to Trip "fun, scenic boat ride" The Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry is one of the most popular of the seven coastal ferry routes that are orchestrated and managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT.) The great thing about Ocracoke Island is what "isn't" there, not a . Here are directions to reach the northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore from various locations. Most of the island's favorite activities are also free: Quiet walks on the beach, fishing and clamming, or strolling or biking around the village. As of 4:30 Monday (April 18), the ferries from Hatteras to Ocracoke are still suspended due to the weather. Monday was the third day that ferries on this route were suspended for various amounts of time. Ferry service was suspended due to high winds and hazardous weather conditions stemming from Hurricane Ian. This year, a labor shortage at Hatteras and severe shoaling issues in Pamlico Sound have forced the North Carolina Ferry System to sometimes cancel runs to Ocracoke Island. These ferries carry passengers between Ocracoke and the mainland towns of Cedar Island and Swan Quarter. This terminal features vending machines and restrooms, and is located about 13 miles away from Ocracoke Village. NCDOT Ferry Division Starting Nov. 2, the Hatteras-Ocracoke schedule will be as follows: See the ferry updates below. The fare is $1 each way with no charge for bicycles. From Highway 12 located along the Outer Banks, the Hatteras Ferry crossing is FREE and takes about 1 hour. Drive, car ferry Drive from Ocracoke to Ocracoke, NC Take the car ferry from Ocracoke, NC to Hatteras Island, NC 1h 37m $3 - $7 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Ocracoke Hatteras Island Unrestricted Share Travel safe during COVID-19 Rules to follow in United States 2m Recommended Travel within United States The route crosses the Hatteras Island, and unloads at the northern Ocracoke Island ferry terminal. Located in the famous Outer Banks area of the stunning North Carolina coast, this campground is perfect for a beach getaway trip. In the summer, multiple ferries will fun so they will be coming and going faster. The trip now takes over an hour each way thanks to the impact of nature on the channel. The ferry whisks as many as 149 passengers per trip across the Pamlico Sound directly into Ocracoke Village at Silver Lake and in walking distance of all the village has to offer - from dining to shopping to strolls along the waterfront. Good morning from Hatteras Ferry Operations, we are running our full Summer schedule today. The ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not accepted. Hatteras-Ocracoke Until Sept. 26: Reservations are required. For reservations, call 800-BY-FERRY or (252) 996-6000, or go to the NCDOT site to make reservations online. Traffic is at its worst on the weekends, and during the middle of the day in the summer months. The ferry will leave Ocracoke at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Stay tuned to the Hatteras ferry's Twitter feed for when runs will resume or call the Hatteras ferry terminal at 252-996-6000. Initial plans call for three runs daily for the Ocracoke Express. A 40+ minute ride between the two islands with. As to your other question, there are other things to see in the village (British Cemetery, shops, brewery, beach), but it's reasonable to do both lighthouses in one day. HATTERAS, N.C. (WNCN) Ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke will be reduced starting Friday due to a staff shortage caused by COVID-19 cases among employees, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said. The Boats. The first you can just show up for; the second you should have a reservation (it's about 2.5 hours and $15 for us). Updated: Sep 3, 2021 / 06:20 AM EDT. It is a very busy route, and the lifeblood of tourist traffic to and from Ocracoke. From Duck NC, the Hatteras Ferry Terminal (59063 N.C. Highway 12 South Hatteras, NC 27943) is just under 2 hours away. That is considerably less than the originally proposed fare of $15 round trip. The Mid Currituck Bridge - Pros and Cons A growing and popular ferry is the Ocracoke Express walkon passenger ferry that only runs during the summer. 2. To view a schedule for a particular route, choose a starting point or destination from the menus below. The earliest departure is 5 a.m. The crossing takes about 40 minutes, and remains close to shore along the ferry channel. Departures from Ocracoke: 11:00 a.m., . Choose from four ferry options to Ocracoke Island. We didn't get out of our car either trip except for briefly on the ferry to the mainland. Call 252-996-6000 for details. However, it is a magical experience , no matter the weather, thanks to the efforts and friendliness of the ferry crews and port personnel. Plan Your Trip Campsites are located on sandy soil, so campers are encouraged to bring extra long tent stakes. Re: Ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke 9 years ago Save The Earlier the better is rule of thumb It runs every 1/2 hour but what it gets busy they sometime will run extra ferry's. Coming back to Hatteras, it's from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. We took the ferry twice: from Hatteras to Ocracoke and from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter. Check out the information below for daily updates. Hatteras-Ocracoke Vehicle ferries on this route are free and board first-come; first-served. There are two ferry terminals on Ocracoke Island. From the South: Happily, this ferry is free, lasts just 40 minutes, and departs every half hour or hour (depending on the season) from 5:00 a.m. until midnight. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily year-round, and the crossing takes 60 minutes. The Hatteras Ferry to Ocracoke is free. There are three ferry routes to the island with both car and passenger ferry options. Who runs the Hatteras - Ocracoke Ferry? Keep in mind there is sand and water on the road in some locations on NC12, so give yourself extra time to get to or from the ferry terminal. for Ocracoke Level Contributor 1,685 posts 33 reviews 33 helpful votes 1. Recommended option Car ferry, taxi 1h 18m Take the car ferry from Hatteras Island, NC to Ocracoke, NC Take a taxi from Ocracoke, NC to Ocracoke Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the summertime are the busiest days. Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry is free and runs often, the crossing time time is about 40 minutes. Travelers between Hatteras and Ocracoke Village now have a new choice to reach their destination - an addition to the vehicle ferries that already serve the popular route, the Ocracoke Passenger Ferry May 17-September 5, 2022 departures from Hatteras: 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. A local legend needs our help to save the property he owns from auction. Another alternative is the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, once it is up and running. Truly an amazingly unique experience to glide across Pamlico Sound from Hatteras and Ocracoke Island. Do note that Wed is one of the busiest days for the ferry. Hatteras Island, NC 27943. For Info 252-996-6000. Choose from Four Ferry Options to Ocracoke Island. The Cedar Island Ferry is 2 hours long and the Swan Quarter is 2 hours long. 2. T he Hatteras - Ocracoke ferry connects the southern end of Hatteras to the northern end of Ocracoke. For years, a trip to Ocracoke Island meant heading down to the Hatteras Inlet, waiting in line at the ferry terminal and loading up your vehicle onto one of the many ferries for a 45 to 60-minute ride across the sound. They have a maximum capacity of 26 vehicles and 149 passengers. From Highway 12, located along the Outer Banks, the Hatteras Ferry crossing is free and takes about . The Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry route is resuming limited service beginning at 10 a.m. Five employees tested positive for the virus, according to the NCDOT. The most well know ferry route is Hatteras/Ocracoke. The Hatteras ferry docks at the Ocracoke North terminal at the other end of the island, 13 miles away from the village and the lighthouse. Ferry to Ocracoke is 40 minutes, they run about every 30 minutes until midnight. Ferry schedules are available online here. Ocracoke Vehicle Ferries (800) 293-3779 Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island. 16 reviews of Ocracoke-Hatteras Ferry Terminal "Rolled right up to ferry terminal area, waited in line maybe 20 minutes. Swanquarter / Ocracoke Ferry Swan Quarter Ferry (2 . The southern entrance is located on NC-12 just north of Ocracoke Village, NC (accessible by ferry only). There are now two ferry options from Hatteras to Ocracoke: a vehicle ferry or a passenger ferry. At Silver Lake Harbor, turn left onto Silver Lake Drive. The N.C. Department of Transportation's Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route has switched to its full spring schedule. Ferries can accommodate any size motorcycle along with any size car, trailer or recreational vehicle that can legally operate on the highway. Tuesday through Thursday is the busy time of the week for ferry operation. Two routes - Hatteras-Ocracoke and Ocracoke-Cedar Island - are officially part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway . Call (252) 996-6000 for details. And yes, you can bring your car or RV with you. Departure times vary by season. Hatteras Departures: Times vary by season. The Ferry in Motion. leaving Hatteras at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry switched to its spring schedule on April 12, however, shoaling issues in Sloop Channel near the Ocracoke ferry terminal have limited the size of ferries that can safely operate on the route. Delbert is as much a part of the Outer Banks as the sand and the waves, and we will not tolerate negativity or ugliness on this post. The . The Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry is a fast & fun high speed ride to the heart of Ocracoke Village with departures from Hatteras at 9:30am, 1pm, and 4:30pm. The Castle Bed & Breakfast will be on your left. Passengers will have the option of walking to local shops and restaurants or take advantage of the tram service, provided by Hyde County. Special permits are available for vehicles that are over 65 feet. During these days, wait times can climb to up to two hours to cross over to Ocracoke Island. The North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division operates several "Hatteras Class" ferries along this particular route. With this change, the number of scheduled runs will increase from 18 to 26 daily . The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry, Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry, and Ocracoke-Swan Quarter ferry resumed regular operations on Saturday morning, October 1, per an update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division. Hatteras Island - Ocracoke Island, NC (Ferry Ride) - YouTube This is the ferry ride from Hatteras Landing, to Ocracoke Island, NC. Reservations are recommended and absolutely required in the summer; make them by calling 800-BY-FERRY [ (800)293-3779], or you can go online at www.ncdot.gov. The North Carolina Department of Transportation runs ferry services between the mainland and Ocracoke Island. A PDF of the schedule is available for download. Vacationers who are staying south of Ocracoke will need to catch a second ferry, the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry, to access Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks beaches. Ferries are free from Ocracoke to Hatteras and constantly running." HATTERAS, N.C. Beginning May 17, a new ferry deemed the Ocracoke Express will be available to transport passengers on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in. The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 in Nags Head, NC. After departing the Hatteras Island Ferry, follow Highway 12 approximately thirteen miles (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Ocracoke. You drive your car onto the ferry and you can either stay in your car (with the windows open, engine off) or move about the ferry during the one-hour ride to Ocracoke. By weight and dimension, they are 275 Gross Tons, 150 long, 42 wide, with a 4 Draft.