NCDOT to Start Ocracoke Express Ferry from May
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) said that Ocracoke Express ferry service between the state’s Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is slated to debut on Tuesday, May 14.
The Ocracoke Express will carry as many as 98 passengers on a speedy 70-minute trip from Hatteras directly into Ocracoke Village.
Service will begin with three round-trips each day, with fares ranging from $5-15 round trip depending on time of travel. Children 3 and under can travel free with a parent or guardian.
“Frankly, we can’t wait to get the Ocracoke Express underway”, said NCDOT Ferry Division Director Harold Thomas. “Not only will it be an easy way to get to Ocracoke, we think it will become a new ‘must-do’ summertime attraction for the entire Outer Banks.”
Service will continue throughout the summer.
The passenger ferry service was created to alleviate summertime congestion on the popular Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry route.
The $4.15 million catamaran-style ferry is currently being constructed at the US Boat Works Shipyard in Hubert, with an expected delivery date in February. It was designed by Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle.
According to sources, NCDOT has proposed to add a second vessel to the forthcoming ferry service. Construction of the vessel is expected to begin in 2027.