The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry switched to its summer schedule on April 15, increasing the number of crossings from 36 to 52 per day. However, the uptick in summertime visitors often results in long wait times at both the Hatteras and Ocracoke ferry terminals, depending on the time of day.

This is why a departure time heat map for the Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicular ferry was developed in 2021 by the North Carolina State University Institute for Transportation Research and Education. The maps, which are available on the NC Ferry System’s website aim to to help travelers better plan their trip between Hatteras and Ocracoke, and to encourage folks to either arrive earlier, or wait until after the peak departure time, to reduce the anticipated wait time.

For the Hatteras Village terminal, traffic is highest from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays.

At the Ocracoke terminal, traffic is highest from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., depending on the day of the week.

As of April 15, the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule is as follows:

From Hatteras: 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Noon, 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., Midnight

5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Noon, 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m., Midnight From Ocracoke: 4:00 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., noon,12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., Midnight

Ocracoke Express in Ocracoke Village. Photo by Joy Crist.

In addition, the Ocracoke Express Passenger ferry was launched for the 2025 summer season on May 13, offering an alternative and wait-free way to explore Ocracoke and Hatteras Villages.

The passenger ferry, which is now in its seventh season, transports up to 129 passengers via a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke.

After arriving on Ocracoke, a free tram operated by Hyde County is available to carry visitors around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions.

For visitors traveling from Ocracoke to Hatteras Island, Hatteras Village has a paved pathway that connects with a number of the area’s attractions, marinas, shops, and restaurants.

The passenger ferry has four daily round-trip departures (eight total trips) from Tuesday to Thursday when ridership is highest, and three daily round-trip departures (six total trips) during its lower ridership days of Friday, Saturday and Monday.

A round-trip fare is $15​ per person, and children 3 and under ride free. For the complete 2025 schedule and other ferry information, please visit the division’s website.