Complete Guide to the Vehicle Ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras

The vehicle ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras is a vital lifeline for the residents and visitors of the Outer Banks. The ferry operates year-round, seven days a week.

The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, offering stunning views of the surrounding waters and coastline. You can enjoy the scenery while relaxing on the ferry's deck.

The ferry is a 75-car vessel, making it the perfect mode of transportation for those with vehicles.

Getting to Hatteras is a breeze, thanks to the Hatteras / Ocracoke Ferry. The ferry runs roughly every hour from 5:00 a.m. until midnight in the off-season.

You don't need to make a reservation, but residents and personnel with priority passes get to board first. The smaller ferries have restrooms and a small air-conditioned indoor passenger lounge with bus-style seating and a water fountain on board.

The ferry schedule changes with the seasons - during the summer months, the ferry departs every 15 minutes or so during popular departure times. The route is short and scenic, lasting roughly an hour, or about 75 minutes with recent shoaling adjustments.

You'll be directed to line up in designated "lanes" by NCDOT personnel, and then board the ferry on a first arrived, first served basis, except for vehicles in the Priority Lane to the far left. The Hatteras terminal is adjacent to the Hatteras Landing Shopping Center, which features a number of seasonally opened shops and restaurants.

The vehicle ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras is a vital connection for the surrounding communities.

The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, offering a scenic view of the surrounding waters and wildlife.

The ferry operates on a regular schedule, with multiple departures throughout the day, making it a convenient option for travelers.

It's worth noting that the ferry is not suitable for large trucks or RVs, with a maximum height limit of 13 feet 6 inches to ensure safe passage.

The Ocracoke Vehicle Ferry departs from Hatteras and Ocracoke daily. It runs from 5:00AM to midnight.

During the summer months and in peak hours, the ferry runs every 30 minutes between 8:00AM and 8:00PM. This is a great time to visit if you want to make the most of your trip!

During the off-season, the ferry runs regularly, but usually every hour depending on need. This can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the schedule.

Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis, with government employees and grocery deliveries taking precedence. This means you'll want to get there early to secure a spot!

The passenger ferry requires purchased tickets, and I highly recommend making advanced reservations to avoid sold-out situations.

A round-trip fare is $15 per person, which is a reasonable price considering the convenience it offers.

Children 3 and under ride free, which is a great perk for families.

There is also a $1 charge for a bicycle, so don't forget to factor that into your budget.

You can purchase tickets online or by phone at 1-800-BY-FERRY, which is a convenient option.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to check-in, as this will help you avoid any last-minute hassles.

Keep in mind that during peak travel times, traffic congestion in Hatteras and around the terminal can cause delays, so plan accordingly.

The Hatteras Ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of vehicles in the Priority Lane to the far left. Visitors will be directed to line up in designated "lanes" by NCDOT personnel.

Reservations are not available for the Hatteras Ferry, but residents and personnel with priority passes are allowed to board first. This is a good option for those who need to prioritize their travel.

The ferry runs roughly every hour from 5:00 a.m. until midnight in the off-season, and adds half-hour departures in the summer months. A complete schedule can be found online at http://www.ncdot.gov/download/transit/ferry/ferryschedule.pdf.

The Hatteras terminal is adjacent to the Hatteras Landing Shopping Center, which features a number of seasonally opened shops and restaurants. The central convenience store is open year-round and offers a range of essentials.

On board, smaller ferries have restrooms as well as a small air-conditioned indoor passenger lounge with bus-style seating and a water fountain. There are no vending machines on the ferry, so it's a good idea to stock up on snacks before boarding.

The ferry route is short and scenic, lasting roughly an hour, although this can vary depending on the season. The route crosses the Hatteras Island and unloads at the northern Ocracoke Island ferry terminal.

Visitors can explore the Hatteras Landing shopping center while waiting for the ferry, which features everything from boutiques to food stands. This is a great way to pass the time and get some shopping done.

Make sure to check the ferry schedule in advance to plan your trip, as the ferry runs on a limited schedule and can be affected by weather conditions.

The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cross, so plan for at least an hour and a half of travel time to get to the island.

Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

The ferry can accommodate vehicles up to 19 feet in length, so make sure to check the size of your vehicle before heading out.

It's a good idea to bring snacks and water with you on the ferry, as options are limited and can be overpriced.

The ferry offers a scenic route with great views of the surrounding waters and wildlife, so be sure to bring a camera to capture the moment.

If you're traveling with pets, be aware that they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the ferry's cabin area.

The ferry staff is friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.

Hatteras has been a vital part of the Outer Banks for centuries, with evidence of human presence dating back to 1000 AD. The Algonquian-speaking Hatteras Island Indians were the first known inhabitants of the area.

The island's strategic location made it a crucial spot for European explorers, with Sir Walter Raleigh's expedition landing on Hatteras in 1585. The island's natural harbor and abundant resources drew in settlers and traders.

In 1763, the British Crown granted a large tract of land on Hatteras to a group of settlers from the Carolinas, who established a thriving fishing and farming community. The island's economy continued to grow with the introduction of salt production in the late 1700s.

The arrival of the Civil War brought significant changes to Hatteras, as the Union army occupied the island in 1861. The island played a key role in the war, with several battles taking place on its shores.

After the war, Hatteras experienced a period of decline, but the construction of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1870 marked a new era of growth and development.