Ocracoke passenger ferry season extended through Labor Day

Due to popular demand and anticipated funding in next year’s state budget, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ocracoke Express will extend its operating season through Sept. 4. The season was previously slated to end on July 31.

“This is great news for visitors and businesses on Ocracoke,” said Ferry Division Interim Director Jed Dixon. “This extension will give summer visitors to the Outer Banks a chance to experience the fastest, easiest way to take a day trip to Ocracoke Island.”

On Aug. 1, the vessel will go out of service for previously scheduled maintenance that is expected to last one or two days. After that, the Ocracoke Express will resume its daily schedule through Sept. 4:

From Hatteras: 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
From Ocracoke: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Ocracoke Express, now in its fifth season, 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-only ferry allows visitors to make reservations and skip the lines for the vehicle ferry, giving them more time to enjoy one of North Carolina’s most charming coastal treasures.

More than 75,000 people have ridden the Ocracoke Express over its previous four seasons. Surveys about the service have been overwhelmingly positive, with most people labeling the Ocracoke Express service as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’

Advance reservations for the Ocracoke Express are available online at www.ncferry.org or on the phone at 1-800-BY-FERRY.

People have other travel options as the vehicle ferries between Hatteras and Ocracoke are continuing to operate on their current schedule.