Ocracoke Island is ONLY accessible by boat, ferry or private plane.
Ocracoke Island is positioned at the far reaches of the North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Because of its remote location, getting to Ocracoke is a part of the fun of traveling here. You can get to Ocracoke Island by ferry, private boat, or small airplane. But ferry is by far the most popular way to travel to Ocracoke.
Travel mapping websites may not be 100% accurate in representation of property locations and travel instructions once on Ocracoke.
If you have access to a boat, Ocracoke Island should be high on your list of spots to visit along the Eastern Seaboard. Ocracoke Island is home to several marinas.
In addition, Ocracoke Island Realty offers a selection of 80 vacation rentals that include private docks and sandy beaches on the Pamlico Sound.
There are three ferry routes to Ocracoke Island, transporting both cars and passengers. One, Hatteras Ferry Crossing, departs from Hatteras Island off of the Outer Banks, while the other two make berths from the mainland.
After driving along Highway 12, the main thoroughfare of the Outer Banks, you will come to the Hatteras Ferry crossing. This is a free vehicular option and takes about an hour. During the summer months, avoid this ferry Tuesday-Thursday as there are increased day-trippers making the voyage.
Best for visitors coming from the west, the Swan Quarter Ferry requires reservations. This journey is tolled, taking approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes.
The Cedar Island Ferry is located in an ideal area for travelers coming up the coast from the south. Reservations are also required and passage is tolled, taking approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Reservations can be made by calling 800-BY-FERRY (800-293-3779), or you can go online at www.ncdot.org/ferry.
Whether you’re flying in on your private plane or chartering a private flight, Ocracoke Island Airport (W95) airstrip is ready to welcome you. Ocracoke’s airport is less than one mile from Ocracoke’s idyllic downtown. Learn more about airport maps, details, and directions here.
FROM THE NORTH:
After departing the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, travel south on Highway 12 for approximately 13 miles (roughly 20 minutes). As you reach the beginning of the Village, you will pass Howard’s Pub on your right. Continue south on Highway 12 for approximately 1/10 of a mile and you will see the Ocracoke Realty Office in a green building on your RIGHT.
After departing either the Cedar Island or Swan Quarter Ferry, continue on Highway 12 north for approximately 1 mile. Look for the Beachcomber Texaco Station on the right. Ocracoke Island Realty will be in a green building on your LEFT.
The Ocracoke Island Realty office is located at 1075 Irvin Garrish Highway. The Rental and Sales offices are located in the one-story green building – rentals on the right end of the building and sales on the left.
** For guests staying at Captain’s Landing Suites, Penthouse and Cottage, please use the following directions:
From the North:
After departing the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry, travel south on Highway 12 approximately 13 miles to the Village. Continue on the main road as it curves to the right near the harbor. Travel about one block and look for Captain’s Landing signs and parking on the left.
From the South:
After departing the Cedar Island or Swan Quarter Ferry, continue on Highway 12 about three blocks and look for Captain’s Landing signs and parking on the right.
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