Ocracoke Express Passenger Ferry: Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island

Published by Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on Jun. 23, 2021.

Quick Facts

The North Carolina Ferry System will adhere to all state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Currently, the Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers inside terminals and passenger lounges to wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status.

• Service operates 7 days a week, July 3 - September 10.
• From the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, departures are 9:30AM, 1PM and 4:30PM.
• From the Ocracoke Silver Lake Terminal, departures are 11AM, 3PM, and 8PM.
• The trip is a 65 minute ride one-way.
• This ferry is for passengers only, no vehicles. Bicycles, walkers and strollers allowed and pets with leashes are permitted.
• Fares are $5 one way, or $10 round trip, $1 for bicycles and children 3 and under are free.
• A free tram is available in Ocracoke for transportation. Bikes and golf carts can be rented.

Residents and visitors planning to ride the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry during its 2021 summer schedule can reserve space online at www.ncferry.org or by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY. Through the end of June, riders who ask at the terminal or reserve by phone at 1-800-BY-FERRY can buy one ticket and get one free.

Video from NCDOT.

The source page includes a statement from NCDOT, shared on Wednesday by the Albemarle Rural Planning Organization. The statement addresses Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 147 and outlines face covering requirements for passengers, vessel and facility cleaning procedures with crew sign off sheets, social distancing markings in waiting areas, and hand sanitizer availability at ticket windows and onboard vessels, while emphasizing continued quality service during challenging conditions.

The Ocracoke Express differs from the other ferries on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route because it carries people only, no cars. It travels at 2x the speed and brings passengers directly to Silver Lake Harbor. Another advantage is that reservations are available. Vehicle ferries are still free, while the Express requires a paid ticket. This seasonal passenger service operates seven days a week. At the Hatteras Terminal, 110 parking spots are available on a first come-first served basis, along with 5 overnight parking spaces.

Each trip allows 149 passengers, carrying riders from Hatteras Village over the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Village. Once passengers arrive at Silver Lake Harbor, dining, attractions, and shopping are close enough to reach on foot, along with waterfront views. Tram service is available from the terminal toward the end of the island. The free tram meets passengers as they leave the ferry and follows a 30-minute loop around the island with 8 stops. Bike and golf cart rentals are also located near the ferry terminal.

To reserve, call 1-800-BY-FERRY or book at ferry.ncdot.gov. Check in at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Small carry-on items, backpacks, and purses are permitted. The Express offers concessions and drinks onboard. The N.C. Department of Transportation's Ferry Division is leasing the Passenger Ferry Ocracoke Express from Seastreak Marine in New Jersey; the vessel is named the M/V Martha's Vineyard Express.

The Ferry System also continues to run a vehicle ferry between Hatteras and the north end of Ocracoke Island. That ferry is free and boards passengers on a first-come, first-served basis. The vehicle ferry crossing takes about one hour, followed by an additional 15-20 minute drive into Ocracoke Village.