The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands will begin service for the 2025 season on May 15, and online reservations are currently available for the summer months.
The passenger ferry, which is now in its seventh season, transports up to 129 passengers via a 70-minute trip between Hatteras Village and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village.
After arriving, a free tram operated by Hyde County is available to carry visitors around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions.
The passenger ferry will have four daily round-trip departures (eight total trips) from Tuesday to Thursday when ridership is highest, and three daily round-trip departures (six total trips) during its lower ridership days of Friday, Saturday and Monday.
The ferry will not operate on Sunday when ridership is lowest, and will instead dedicate Sundays to vessel maintenance which will minimize any departure schedule impacts.
A round-trip fare is $15 per person, and children 3 and under ride free. There is also a $1 charge for a bicycle. While there is a bill being considered to raise fees on North Carolina’s ferries, there is no increase expected in 2025.
For the complete 2025 schedule and other ferry information, please visit the division’s website.
