Transportation

From Highway 12, located along the Outer Banks, the Hatteras Ferry crossing is free and takes about one hour. Plan to arrive at the Hatteras Ferry landing as early as possible since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The Swan Quarter Ferry (2 hours, 45 minutes) and Cedar Island Ferry (2 hours, 10 minutes) routes are tolled, and reservations are required. If you’re coming from the west, take the Swan Quarter Ferry. If you’re traveling up the coast from the south, take the Cedar Island Ferry. From Charlotte, we always try for the Swan Quarter ferry.

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The ferry schedules for the longer routes involve very few runs. Please plan your travel accordingly around when the ferries depart, and you must be at the terminal 30 minutes before departure, or your ticket will be sold to standby.

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Departure times vary by season and the schedule is subject to change based on weather or traffic. It’s a good idea to call ahead at (252) 996-6000. Or, for NCDOT ferry route information, schedules, and reservations, call 1-800-BY-FERRY or click here to see the ferry schedule (2023). Click here to make an online reservation on one of the sound side ferries. The fall ferry schedule will post on the NCDOT website closer to October - the current schedule only shows until September. Please note, the fall schedule usually removes the mid-afternoon routes on the longer ferries. Reservations open 3 months prior to the date you are looking to book.

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The ferries are the  most volatile aspect of getting to Ocracoke. Please please try to plan accordingly and for worst case scenario. If you miss the ferry with plans to arrive the same day as the ceremony, there isn't much we can do for you.

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Each ferry allows for cars to drive on or passengers to walk on, and has an indoor space with air conditioning, rest rooms, vending machines, and water fountains. There is no WiFi on board and you will lose cell phone service on the longer routes across the sound. The areas leading up to the terminals are remote. Plan to gas up your car, grab any food or snacks (or coffee!!) and use the restroom at LEAST an hour before you arrive at the terminal. Set up a picnic, bring a deck of cards or a board game, or take a nice nap on the ferry ride - this all helps you to get into the slower island state of mind! You'll drive through the heart of Down East, with wildlife preserves, marsh and wetlands, local fishing villages, and North Carolina's coastal farmlands. When you see the first glimpse of water, be sure to roll your window down and breathe in the salt air.