When you want a break from driving, sit back and relax on a picturesque ferry ride between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island. Ferries run regularly, they’re free, and they’re a wonderful way to view the beautiful shores of the Outer Banks.

Hatteras Departures: Times vary by season.  The earliest departure is 5 a.m. The last departures are at midnight.

Ocracoke Departures: Times vary by season. The earliest departure is 4:30 and 5 a.m. The last departures are midnight and 12:30 a.m.

Crossing time: 60 minutes

Capacity: 22 cars

While the Hatteras – Ocracoke ferry is the most convenient of the Outer Banks ferries for North Carolina visitors, there are actually a number of ferry routes located throughout the region, including:

• The Knotts Island – Currituck County Ferry
• The Ocracoke – Cedar Island Ferry
• The Ocracoke – Swanquarter Ferry

There are also a half-dozen other North Carolina ferry routes located throughout the eastern region of the state. For more information on Outer Banks ferries, call 1-800-BY-FERRY, or visit the NC Ferry website for a complete list of departure times.