Getting Here

Although Ocracoke Island may feel a million miles away, it's only about 200 miles east of Raleigh, NC. The easiest way to reach it is to drive and catch one of the many ferries that run back and forth between the island and the mainland. The island also has a small airport.

DirectionS

From Western Carolina/Raleigh take I-40 east to Raleigh; US 70 east to Cedar Island via Morehead City and NC 12 to the ferry. Travelers from the north or south, take I-95 to US 70, near Smithfield, N.C.; and US 70 east to Cedar Island via Morehead City and NC 12 to the ferry. The ferry ride is about two hours and fifteen minutes.

Or you can take US 264 by way of Wilson, Greenville, Washington (NC) to Swan Quarter. The ferry ride is about two hours and thirty minutes.

From the northern Outer Banks and Hatteras, follow NC 12 down the Outer Banks crossing the Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet. Continue on NC 12 to the village of Hatteras on the southern tip of Hatteras Island. Board the ferry for the forty-five minute crossing to Ocracoke.

Additional driving directions can be found here.

Taking the Ferries

The ferry rides are a great way to relax and get ready for the slower pace of Ocracoke life. Below are general times and prices but for complete information, visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Web site at www.ncferry.org or call 1-800-BY-FERRY.

You can also download the NCDOT's most current schedule as a pdf file.

THe airport

The Ocracoke Island Airport has 3,000 ft. of paved runway and a lit covered shelter. The facilities are unattended, however, and do not have fuel or runway lights. Beach access 100 yards. Chain aircraft tie downs. For more information, visit the Division of Aviation's page.