North Carolina Ferry Map

The ferry network along the North Carolina Outer Banks extends the state’s highway system across the inlets between barrier islands. The map shows the Hatteras–Ocracoke corridor, one of the busiest vehicle ferry routes in the United States. Since islands like Ocracoke don’t have bridge access, these ferries are the main way to move cars, supplies, and visitors across the sound.

Explore ferry routes in North Carolina

OBX ferry tips before you go

Waiting for the Ocracoke ferry is part of the OBX experience. You park in the staging lanes, walk to the small museum, and watch for the hull to cross the inlet. It’s slow and steady, and it’s the way to reach some of the best beaches in the state.

Before you follow the map routes across the Pamlico Sound, keep these two regional notes in mind.

  • The Hatteras Ocracoke ferry is free and runs on a first-come, first-served basis, so in summer plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early to get in the vehicle lanes.
  • For longer crossings from Swan Quarter or Cedar Island, you must have a reservation. Book through the NCDOT website, without one, you’re unlikely to board on peak holiday weekends.

Find ferry routes in other parts of the US

Explore additional crossings with our US ferry route search. Search by destination or narrow the results with more detailed filters.
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