Getting Here
Your Guide to Reaching Ocracoke: By Ferry, Boat, or Air
Ocracoke Island has captivated generations of visitors, and every year, new folks find their way to our shores and fall in love with the place we call home. Some can’t resist our beaches; for others it’s a toss-up between seafood and serenity. Whatever brings you to Ocracoke Island, that “welcome home” feeling that comes with your first deep breath of island air is undeniable. Whether you’re getting ready for your first visit or your first time back in a while, welcome home. We have a few tips to make your trip to Ocracoke as easy and memorable as your getaway.
Where is Ocracoke Island?
Ocracoke Island sits 20 miles from the mainland between the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. We’re the southernmost island in the Outer Banks and much of Ocracoke is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which continues along Hatteras Island to our north. To our south you’ll find Portsmouth Island and the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
On our island there’s one town – the village of Ocracoke – and one gas station. We have a handful of stop signs and the only time you’ll see a stoplight is when we have a little stretch of roadway to repair. It’s quiet, quaint, and wildly beautiful here, but to experience Ocracoke you have to get here.
How do I get to Ocracoke Island?
There are two ways onto Ocracoke Island: by ferry or by air. Most visitors arrive via ferry, coming into the ferry terminal at Silver Lake (that’s our harbor) from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island on the mainland via the vehicle ferries, or taking the passenger (and bicycle) only Ocracoke Island Passenger Ferry connecting Hatteras with Silver Lake Harbor; or arriving at the north end of Ocracoke Island via the ferry from Hatteras Village. Only a few visitors arrive by air, landing private or small charter planes at the airstrip operated by the National Parks Service.
Arriving by Air
Ocracoke Airport (W95) sits just a mile east of the village along Highway 12/Irvin Garrish Highway. It’s a small airport with a 3,000’ runway, tiedowns for 21 planes, and daylight service only. There are no fuel or repair services here, nor is there hanger space, so if you fly in, be prepared for a quaint experience. Pilots looking for airport maps, details, and directions, should go here and select “Ocracoke Island Airport (W95)” from the drop-down menu.
Arriving by Ferry
Several ferry routes serve Ocracoke, arriving at the north end of the island (closest to Hatteras Village on Hatteras Island) and at Silver Lake, Ocracoke Island’s harbor. The Ocracoke-Cedar Island Ferry and the Ocracoke-Swan Quarter Ferry originate on the mainland and drop off cars and passengers in Silver Lake; the Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry, a passenger-and-bicycle-only ferry shuttles back and forth between Silver Lake and Hatteras Village. A vehicle ferry departs from the north end of Ocracoke Island, arriving in Hatteras Village.
The Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry (passenger and bikes only) and the ferries from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter arrive and depart from Silver Lake, less than a half-mile from the nearest collection of restaurants, shops, and accommodations. A free village tram helps those pedestrian arrivals get around Ocracoke, and it calls on most, if not all, of the restaurants and accommodations in Ocracoke Village.
Arriving via the northern ferry terminal will put you 13 miles from Ocracoke Village and the ferry terminal in Silver Lake. Fortunately, it’s a lovely and easy drive.
You should be aware of how the seasons impact ferry service and how long you may need to wait to board or debark the ferry. During Ocracoke Island’s slow months – from late-September through mid-May – ferry services slow. Reduced visitors mean reduced frequency in ferry runs, so be sure to check the North Carolina Ferry Schedules as you’re planning your trip and making ferry reservations. During peak times – summer and holidays – expect to find heavier traffic and more passengers on the ferries. This can result in a slightly longer wait to drive your vehicle onto or off the ferry, but more often it means a longer line as you check into your reservation or try to acquire a reservation for a ferry to or from Ocracoke. Be wise in your planning and don’t leave your reservations until the last minute or you’re likely to find there’s no space on the ferry of your choice or your backup ferry.
Pets
Traveling with your pet? Great; with so many pet-friendly accommodations on Ocracoke and so much to sniff out, they’ll have a fantastic time. But what do you do with them on the ferry? Your pets are permitted on the ferries, but they must remain in your vehicle or on leash at all times, and if they make a mess the owners must clean up after them. So, before you board the ferry, be sure to let your furry friend make a pit stop at one of the pet-friendly areas at the ferry landing.
The Ocracoke-Hatteras Ferry
The Ocracoke-Hatteras ferry serves pedestrians, cyclists, and automobile traffic from the ferry terminal at the north end of Ocracoke Island. A second ferry, the Ocracoke Express Passenger, serves only pedestrians and cyclists, and connects Silver Lake Harbor with the harbor at Hatteras Village. Pedestrians will need a ride to the ferry terminal in Silver Lake if they’re visiting the walkable core of Hatteras Village and The Graveyard of The Atlantic Museum, but a free Village Tram can help you reach the terminal in time.If you’re riding on the Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry, you’ll need a reservation to ensure a seat on the way there and a second reservation for the return trip to Ocracoke. For automobile traffic, space is limited and it’s a first-come, first-served situation, so arrive at the terminal on the north end of the island at least 30 minutes prior to ensure you have a space when you’re headed from Ocracoke to Hatteras, and arrive at the Hatteras terminal with plenty of time when you’re returning to Ocracoke.
The Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry requires a ticket. In 2024, one-way prices on the Ocracoke Express were $7.50 for pedestrians and $1 for cyclists. This crossing takes about 70 minutes, but budget for a little more time to account for boarding and debarking the ferry.
Cedar Island and Swan Quarter Ferries
The Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries are larger boats that haul dozens of vehicles and, often, cyclists and pedestrians on trips back and forth across the Pamlico Sound. The Swan Quarter Ferry Terminal (748 Oyster Creek Rd., Swan Quarter, NC) sits to the northwest of Ocracoke, and the crossing takes about 2:40 (plus time to drive on and exit the ferry). The Cedar Island Ferry Terminal (3619 Cedar Island Rd., Cedar Island, NC) is southeast of Ocracoke, and the crossing takes 2:15 (plus time to drive on and exit the ferry). One-way fares for these ferries vary by vehicle, with smaller rides (motorcycles, scooters, ATV/UTVs) $10 and automobiles starting at $15. If you’re hauling a trailer or RV, the price may go up depending on the length of your vehicle; for current pricing and particulars for your vehicle, check the North Carolina Ferry System page here.
What to Expect on the Ferry
You’ll find the same basic amenities at the ferry terminals: restrooms, a few vending machines with drinks and snacks, and spots to picnic and walk the dog (and give them a potty break). Information stands at each terminal provide visitors guides, cards and flyers for restaurants and activities, and postings like ferry schedule changes.
When you arrive at your terminal and either purchase your ticket or confirm your reservation, you’ll be directed to a lane to await boarding. Ferry workers assign each vehicle a lane in order to distribute the weight as evenly as possible across the ferry, and as you board, your lane will be directed onto the ferry where a deckhand will help get you into position for the crossing. Once all the vehicles, cargo, and passengers have boarded, you’re off to Ocracoke Island.
During the Crossing
If you’re crossing to or from Hatteras, you’re in for a short ride – only 70 minutes or so – but if you’re crossing from the mainland, you’re in for a ride of 2:15-2:40 minutes. So, what do you on the way over?
You’ll find a lot of folks sitting in their car with the windows down and the seat laid back, catching a nap. Others head upstairs to catch a better view of the Pamlico Sound and to be among the first to spot Ocracoke on the horizon. Many riders go inside to soak up some air conditioning and enjoy lunch or a snack at the tables there (if you want to grab a meal on the ferry, bring your grub of choice or settle for what’s in the snack machines near your originating ferry terminal).
Families play board games or cards, make plans for their Ocracoke getaway or talk about their favorite moments of their trip. Folks read books, catch up on podcasts, or stand in the breeze and watch the waters. Some take the time to double check their beach kit or fishing gear, adjust kayak pedals and footpegs, or otherwise re-organize their cargo. But everyone agrees there’s something special about the crossing. It slows you down, eases you into getaway mode so you’re ready to relax when you reach Ocracoke or makes the transition away from island life to real life a little easier.
If you are bringing your own boat, stop by and drop anchor at one of our marinas.
However you chose to spend your time on the ferry, it’s an undeniable part of the Ocracoke experience.
