Outer Banks Ferry Schedules
New for 2027: tolls on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry
Under state law, the Hatteras-Ocracoke and Currituck-Knotts Island vehicle ferries, free for decades, start charging a toll on January 1, 2027: $10 each way for Hatteras-Ocracoke and $7 each way for Knotts Island. Residents of coastal counties, including Dare, Currituck and Hyde, can buy a $150 yearly commuter pass. Details below ↓
Outer Banks routes
Which ferry do you need?
Ocracoke Island has no bridge, so every visit starts with a ferry. Coming down the Outer Banks, take the Hatteras ferry. Coming from the mainland, take Cedar Island or Swan Quarter.
Vehicle ferry · about 1 hour
Hatteras to Ocracoke
The busiest route in the state, crossing Hatteras Inlet many times a day. It runs first come, first served with no reservations, so expect lines on summer days.
Fare: free through December 31, 2026. $10 each way per vehicle starting January 1, 2027.
Hatteras terminal: 252.996.6001
Passenger ferry · seasonal
Ocracoke Express
A walk-on ferry from Hatteras straight to Ocracoke Village, so you can leave the car behind and explore on foot or by bike.
Fare: $7.50 one way for passengers, $1 for bikes. Reservations recommended.
Vehicle ferry · about 2.5 hours
Cedar Island to Ocracoke
Crosses Pamlico Sound from Carteret County, the easy way in from Beaufort, Morehead City and points south.
Fare: tolled. Reservations strongly recommended, up to 90 days ahead.
Cedar Island terminal: 252.463.7040
Vehicle ferry · about 2.5 hours
Swan Quarter to Ocracoke
Crosses Pamlico Sound from mainland Hyde County, handy if you are coming from Greenville, Washington or Raleigh.
Fare: tolled. Reservations strongly recommended, up to 90 days ahead.
Swan Quarter terminal: 252.791.3300
Vehicle ferry · about 30 minutes
Currituck to Knotts Island
A short run across Currituck Sound, used by Knotts Island residents and commuters and by day-trippers.
Fare: free through December 31, 2026. $7 each way per vehicle starting January 1, 2027.
Currituck terminal: 252.621.6300
Book a sound ferry
Reservations
Call 1-800-BY-FERRY (1-800-293-3779) or book online. Claim your reservation at least 30 minutes before departure or it is cancelled.
Elsewhere on the coast, the state also runs ferries between Southport and Fort Fisher, Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach, and Bayview and Aurora.
Starting January 1, 2027
Ferry tolls and the commuter pass
A 2026 state law requires tolls on every North Carolina ferry route. The NC Board of Transportation approved these base rates for one-way vehicle trips on November 5, 2026.
$10
Hatteras-Ocracoke, each way
$7
Currituck-Knotts Island, each way
$150
Commuter pass, per year
- Who can get the commuter pass: permanent residents of North Carolina's 20 coastal counties, including Dare, Currituck and Hyde, plus active-duty military. Buy it online or at select ferry terminals.
- How to pay: cash or credit card at the terminal. E-ZPass is not accepted at the start.
- No charge for: school buses and vehicles carrying students, and people using the ferry during a declared emergency.
- Already tolled: Cedar Island-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, the Ocracoke Express and Southport-Fort Fisher.
Local leaders have asked the General Assembly to delay the start date, so it could still change. Check NCDOT for the latest →
Before you go
Check conditions first
Schedules change by season
Departures increase in spring and summer and drop back in fall and winter. Always check the current schedule.
Current schedule (PDF) →Get ferry alerts
Weather, shoaling and storms can cancel or shift sailings. Sign up for text or email alerts from the Ferry Division.
Sign up for alerts →Check NC 12
Overwash can close NC 12 on Hatteras and Ocracoke after storms. Check road conditions before you drive to the terminal.
DriveNC road conditions →Common questions
Ferry FAQ
Is the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry free?
It is free through December 31, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, vehicles pay $10 each way under state law. Residents of coastal counties can buy a $150 yearly commuter pass.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for the Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry, which is first come, first served. Reservations are strongly recommended for Cedar Island, Swan Quarter and the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry.
How long is the ferry ride to Ocracoke?
About an hour from Hatteras, and about two and a half hours from Cedar Island or Swan Quarter. In summer, plan extra time for the line at Hatteras.
Can I ride without a car?
Yes. Walk on with the Ocracoke Express from Hatteras in season, or ride the vehicle ferries as a pedestrian or with a bike.
Who do I call with questions?
The NC Ferry System at 1-800-BY-FERRY, or the ferry terminal you are leaving from.
Headed to Hatteras or Ocracoke?
Find a place to stay, eat and explore from local Chamber members, and read up on Ocracoke Island. Questions? Call the Chamber at 252.441.8144.
