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Points of Interest

Hatteras Ferry Terminal

The free ferry to Ocracoke Island, departing where NC-12 finally runs out

(496)
Hatteras, NC

About

At the far south end of NC-12, where Hatteras village runs out of pavement, the road ends at a wide staging lot and a line of vehicles waiting for the boat. This is the Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry terminal, the departure point for the free NC ferry across Hatteras Inlet — one of the state ferry system's toll-free routes.

What to Expect

  • No reservation and no fee for the Hatteras–Ocracoke crossing — arrive, get in line, and wait your turn
  • The crossing takes roughly an hour, weather and current permitting
  • Both vehicles and walk-on passengers are accommodated
  • Sailings run more frequently in peak season and thin out in the off-season, so building in slack time before a same-day return trip is worth doing

The terminal itself is a working NCDOT facility rather than a destination in its own right — a staging lot, a small office, and the loading ramp — but it marks a real hinge point in the island's geography: south of here, NC-12 simply stops, and the only way onward is by water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke free?

Yes. The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry is one of North Carolina's toll-free ferry routes, so there's no charge for vehicles or walk-on passengers to make the crossing.

Do I need a reservation for the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry?

No. The Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry doesn't take reservations — you simply drive to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal at the south end of NC-12, get in line, and wait your turn to board.

How long does the Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry ride take?

The crossing over Hatteras Inlet takes roughly an hour, though the exact time can shift somewhat depending on weather and current conditions.

Can I ride the Hatteras ferry without a car?

Yes, the Hatteras Ferry Terminal accommodates both vehicles and walk-on passengers for the crossing to Ocracoke Island.

How often do ferries leave from the Hatteras terminal?

Hatteras–Ocracoke ferry sailings run more frequently in peak season and thin out in the off-season rather than sticking to a fixed schedule, so it's worth checking current departure times and building in slack before a same-day return trip.

Is the Hatteras ferry the only way to reach Ocracoke Island from Hatteras village?

Yes. South of the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, NC-12 simply ends, so the free ferry across Hatteras Inlet is the only way to continue on to Ocracoke Island from there.

Reviews (496)

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4.6

496 reviews

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Sophia
Sophia

a week ago

Arrived here on Wednesday before 8am in July and waited over 2hours for ferry. Hope its worth it. They let maybe 10 cars then local trucks before anybody so be aware. Most seem to turn around since the wait is too long and they also moved up cars for having less people in vehicle. Not a good system. 😕

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