The North Carolina Ferry Division has released its 2025 schedule for seven vehicle ferry routes and the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry. All vehicle routes will operate year-round, while the Ocracoke Express will run seasonally from May 13 to Sept. 15, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The passenger ferry will operate four roundtrips from Tuesday to Thursday, and three round trips on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. It will not run on Sundays for maintenance to ensure smooth service.
Travelers can book reservations 90 days in advance for ferries between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island’s Silver Lake, as well as for the vehicle ferries connecting Ocracoke with Swan Quarter and Cedar Island. Reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
For vehicle ferries without reservations, such as Hatteras-Ocracoke and Southport-Fort Fisher, travelers are encouraged to avoid peak times by opting for early mornings, late afternoons, or weekends for a less crowded experience. Unlike most free vehicle ferries, the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, as well as the Cedar Island-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, and Southport-Fort Fisher vehicle ferries, will charge a fee.
To stay updated on any changes to the ferry schedule, the N.C. Ferry Division recommends signing up for alerts through their Ferry Information Notification System (FINS). Travelers will receive updates via text or email, helping them adjust plans as needed.
