Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry

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Traveling the Ocracoke Express

Although not required, reservations are recommended. To make a reservation:

• Call 1-800-BY-FERRY
  
• Book online​

If traveling without a reservation, check in at the Hatteras Inlet ferry terminal at least 20 minutes before departure time. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

​​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.

Passenger ferry service aboard the Ocracoke Express now runs seven days a week.

The ferry whisks as many as 129 passengers per trip across the Pamlico Sound directly into Ocracoke Village and in walking distance of all the village has to offer – from dining to shopping to strolls along the waterfront.

NCDOT’s vehicle ferries take people from Hatteras to the other end of Ocracoke Island, and passengers then drive from the terminal to the village 12 miles away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• What is the fare?
  A round-trip fare is $15​ per person. Children 3 and under ride free. There is also a $1 charge for a bicycle.
• What is the schedule?
  ​The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry departs from Hatteras ferry terminal at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Departures from Ocracoke Silver Lake Terminal are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Where do I leave my car?
  ​There are 110 parking spaces and 5 overnight spaces available at the Hatteras ferry terminal. Parking is first-come, first-serve. Overnight parking is not available at the Ocracoke ferry terminal.
• Do I need a reservation?
  ​Although not required, reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, call 1-800-BY-FERRY or book online at ferry.ncdot.gov. To take the Ocracoke Express without a reservation, check in no later than 20 minutes before departure time. (Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.)
• When do I check in?
  ​All passengers must check in no later than 20 minutes before departure time.
• Can I bring carry-on items?
  ​Small carry-on items, backpacks and purses are allowed. Strollers and walkers are also allowed.
• How do I get around Ocracoke?
  ​The Silver Lake Ferry Terminal is within easy walking distance of most of Ocracoke’s shops and restaurants. Hyde County also provides free tram service around the Village, and bikes and golf carts are available for rental near the ferry terminal.

  
  

  
  
• Can I bring my bicycle?
  ​Yes. The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry has racks for passengers wanting to bring their bicycles to Ocracoke. There is a $1 cost for bicycles.
• ​Will there still be car ferries?
  Yes. Passenger ferry service is a supplement to and not a replacement for regular vehicle ferries.

5/22/2023 9:25 AM