Getting to Ocracoke requires a little more time than it takes to arrive to other Outer Banks destinations.

The Island is accessible only by ferry or private plane. Ferries run from the mainland from both Swan Quarter (via Hwy 264) and Cedar Island (via Hwy 70). The ferry ride from Swan Quarter is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and reservations are recommended. The ferry ride from Cedar Island is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes and reservations are suggested for this ferry as well.

The ferry from Hatteras, the island to our north, runs the most frequently (approximately every hour from 5AM until midnight each day) and is on a first come, first serve basis.

For information on each of the ferry routes and information on making reservations, please call 800-BY-FERRY.