Do You Have To Take A Ferry To Get To Hatteras North Carolina?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 in Nags Head, NC. The southern entrance is located on NC-12 just north of Ocracoke Village, NC (

accessible by ferry only

).

Is there a ferry to Cape Hatteras?


The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry runs approximately every 30 minutes

, offering unparalleled views of the beaches, coastline, and sandbar islands across the Hatteras Inlet, and creatively satisfying the indecisive traveler seeking the best of both coastal worlds!

Can you take a ferry to Hatteras Island?


with both car and passenger ferry options

. From Highway 12, located along the Outer Banks, the Hatteras Ferry crossing is free and takes about one hour. If you’re making a day trip to Ocracoke, plan to arrive at the Hatteras Ferry landing as early as possible since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

How long is the Hatteras ferry?

How long is the Hatteras – Ocracoke Ferry ride? The Hatteras – Ocracoke Ferry ride is approximately

60 minutes

long per crossing.

Can you drive on the beach on Hatteras Island?


Beach driving is allowed year round on Hatteras Island

and October 1-April 30 in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. For current Cape Hatteras National Seashore Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use, please click here.

How do you get to Outer Banks NC?

As for flights, the Outer Banks is easily accessible from

Norfolk International Airport (82 miles north), Raleigh Durham International Airport (192 miles west), or Coastal Carolina Airport (138 miles southwest)

. Expect a scenic drive in and one filled with anticipation.

Can you take a vehicle ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras?


Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island

. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily year-round, and the crossing takes 60 minutes.

Do you have to take a ferry to the Outer Banks?


No. You only need to worry about riding a ferry if you are going to Ocracoke

. You will have an easy drive in on 40 and 64. You will go over a few bridges and be on the Outer Banks.

Is there a ferry from Wilmington to the Outer Banks?


There is no direct connection from Wilmington to Outer Banks

. However, you can take the drive to Cedar Island, NC, take the car ferry to Ocracoke, NC, take the drive to Ocracoke, NC, take the car ferry to Hatteras Island, NC, then take the drive to Buxton.

How long is the ferry ride to the Outer Banks?

For a fun start to an Outer Banks adventure, consider making a grand arrival via the Cedar Island ferry. This gentle,

2.25 hour

ride is often just the thing vacationers need to get them out of travelling mode, and into vacation mode.

Can you drive through the Outer Banks?

About the Outer Banks Scenic Byway


The byway extends for 138 driving miles and 25 ferry-traveling miles

, and effectively crosses across several islands which includes Cedar Island, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.

How many cars can fit on a ferry?

The car deck on each ferry can accommodate

approximately 100 standard sized vehicles

. The specific number of vehicles on any one voyage may fluctuate depending on the length of the vehicles booked on that particular voyage.

How do you get to Bald Head island?

  1. For most of the year, ferries leave the mainland on the hour and the island on the half-hour, beginning at 7:00am. …
  2. Full-fare round-trip tickets cost $23.00 for adults and $12.00 for children ages 3-12.

Is Ocracoke worth visiting?

This secluded and tranquil island offers a quiet escape to untouched shores and a charming town

well worth exploring

! For more ways to make the most of your time in the Outer Banks, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best things to do and places to see in our area!

Can you get from Knotts Island to Corolla?


There is no direct connection from Knotts Island to Corolla

. However, you can take the drive to Knotts Island, NC, take the car ferry to Currituck, NC, then take the drive to Corolla.

How much does it cost to drive on the beach in Hatteras?

Detail Cost
Summer rate (with NP & FRL Senior or Access Pass)


$0.60
Winter rate (per boat foot/day, cap at 80′ or $40/day) $0.60 Winter rate (with NP & FRL Senior or Access Pass) $0.30 Daily 110 volt electricity service $3.00

How much does it cost to drive on the beach in the Outer Banks?


The cost for a 10-day ORV permit is $50

. You must bring your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you. A short educational video is required viewing. Permits can also be purchased and printed online at recreation.gov (search for Cape Hatteras ORV).

How much is a permit to drive on the beach in Hatteras?


a 10-day Permit ($50, valid for 10 consecutive days), or an Annual Permit ($120, valid for one year from date of purchase)

.

What city is closest to the Outer Banks?

  • Kill Devil Hills, NC.
  • Elizabeth City, NC.
  • Washington, NC.
  • Virginia Beach, VA.
  • Havelock, NC.
  • New Bern, NC.
  • Chesapeake, VA.
  • Portsmouth, VA.

Do you need a car in the Outer Banks?

You’ll find that

a car is necessary to get around OBX

. As such, the traffic can be brutal, especially during peak season. Car rental agencies are at the Norfolk International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, as well as in downtown Kill Devil Hills.

Does Amtrak go to the Outer Banks?


There is no direct connection from Charlotte Station (Amtrak) to Outer Banks

.

Are cars allowed on Ocracoke Island?


Cars are allowed on Ocracoke Island

, but parking can be limited. So, just unpack your car and forget about it. There are more fun ways to get around the island.

Is the Hatteras Ocracoke ferry running?

At midday, we will resume normal operations of Swan Quarter-Ocracoke & Cedar Island-Ocracoke ferries. The only afternoon departure that will be missed is the 1:30 p.m. Swan Quarter to Ocracoke. Check back 4 updates. Good news:

Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach and Hatteras-Ocracoke have resumed full schedules

.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.