Ocracoke Express passenger ferry starts on May 23

By on May 17, 2023

(North Carolina Department of Transportation)

The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke islands will begin service on May 23.

The ferry will carry up to 129 passengers on three round trips daily, departing Hatteras at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with return trips from Ocracoke Village at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are now available at www.ncferry.org.

One-way fares are $7.50, with an additional $1 charge for bicycles. Children three and under who can share a seat with an adult can ride for free.

“We’re thrilled to embark on another season of service for the Ocracoke Express,” said Harold Thomas, director of the N.C. Ferry Division. “The passenger ferry has been really popular for a lot of people who want to enjoy a day or even a few days in one of North Carolina’s true gems, Ocracoke.”

This marks the fifth season for the Ocracoke Express. The passenger ferry whisks people on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village, where a free tram operated by Hyde County is available to carry them around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations and attractions.

The passenger ferry service performed well last year, which was the service’s first official season with a state-owned vessel. More than 25,000 people used the Ocracoke Express that operated between May 17 and Sept. 29.

 

Comments

  • Bill

    I’ve never understood why they don’t charge a fee for the vehicle ferry. Think of the revenue it would generate.

    Wednesday, May 17 @ 6:52 pm

  • OBX Resident

    Go figure, a $1.6M NCDOT Ferry Division fuel budget deficit, and services are thus compromised. One has to pay for the pedestrian ferry but does not have to pay to take their car to Ocracoke. I am tired of my tax dollars providing the visitors for a free trip to Ocracoke where the roadways are already strangled with traffic. When one drives north, tolls are paid for roadways, and one has to pay to travel on the ferries. Charge a fee and the deficit goes aways and services will improve. Who ever is in charge, what are you thinking?

    Thursday, May 18 @ 11:20 am

  • Charles

    Waited 3 hours to get back from O-Coke to Hatteras, on a Sunday.

    Going to be a fun summer.

    Monday, May 22 @ 10:55 am

  • Dave

    Charles, what time did you start your wait on Sunday? just wondering…

    Monday, May 22 @ 2:09 pm

  • Charles

    12:30 pm we got in line. Caught the 3:30 pm.

    This should get better starting tomorrow with the summer schedule finally kicking in.

    Monday, May 22 @ 6:10 pm