Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry schedule and guide
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division (NCDOT) runs the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry, a car and passenger ferry across Pamlico Sound between Cedar Island and Ocracoke village, North Carolina. NCDOT takes reservations on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry and recommends them.
Schedule up to date as of October 25, 2026
Contents
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry schedule Fall 2026
The Fall 2026 schedule runs from September 8, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Departures from Cedar Island, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
| 10:30 AM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
| 4:30 PM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
Departures from Ocracoke Silver Lake, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Cedar Island |
| 1:00 PM | Cedar Island |
| 4:30 PM | Cedar Island |
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Walk-on passengers and bicycles | |
| Pedestrian | $1.00 |
| Pedestrian under age 5 | Free |
| Bicycle, including the rider | $3.00 |
| Vehicles, including passengers | |
| Motorcycle, scooter, golf cart, ATV or 3-wheel motorcycle | $10.00 |
| Motorcycle with sidecar or trailer | $15.00 |
| Vehicle or combination under 20 feet | $15.00 |
| Vehicle or combination over 20 feet, up to 40 feet | $30.00 |
| Vehicle or combination over 40 feet, up to 65 feet | $45.00 |
- NCDOT charges by vehicle, with no charge for each passenger in it. Fares are one way. NCDOT takes cash, debit and credit cards.
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry details
| Operator | North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division (NCDOT) |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | Motorcycles and any highway-legal car, trailer or RV. Vehicles over 65 feet need a special permit. |
| Reservations | Taken and recommended. Drivers claim a reservation at least 30 minutes before departure. |
| Payment | NCDOT charges a one-way toll by vehicle type on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry, with no charge for each passenger in a vehicle. Ticket booths outside each terminal entrance take cash, debit and credit cards. |
| Bicycles | Bicycles ride for a bicycle fare that includes the rider. |
| Pets | Pets stay in vehicles or on leashes, and owners clean up after them. Horses travel in a horse trailer. NCDOT allows only service animals in passenger lounges. |
| Accessibility | Every ferry on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke route takes wheelchairs. Every NCDOT ferry terminal has ADA-accessible restrooms. |
| Restrooms and food on board | Restrooms at each ferry terminal and on the vessels. Vending at most NCDOT ferry terminals and on many ferries, with no meals. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed on board. |
| Scenic byway | NCDOT counts the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry as part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway. |
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry reservations
NCDOT takes reservations on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry up to 90 days ahead, online or by phone at 1-800-293-3779. NCDOT recommends them, especially in the busy summer months.
Drivers claim a Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry reservation at least 30 minutes before departure, or NCDOT cancels it. Riders change or cancel a reservation for a refund by calling 1-800-293-3779 by the afternoon of the day before departure.
Tractor trailers and dump trucks book by phone at (252) 791-3300. NCDOT does not honor online reservations for high-tonnage vehicles.
Walk-on passengers and cyclists do not need reservations. NCDOT asks groups of 8 or more cyclists to call 1-800-293-3779 and reserve a vehicle space.
Cedar Island ferry terminal address and phone
The Cedar Island ferry terminal is at 3619 Cedar Island Rd., Cedar Island, NC 28520. Its phone number is (252) 463-7040.
Cedar Island is on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, near the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Ocracoke Silver Lake ferry terminal address and phone
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry uses the Ocracoke Silver Lake ferry terminal at 130 Pilot Town Circle, Ocracoke, NC 27960. Most of the shops and restaurants in Ocracoke village are a short walk from the terminal.
Hyde County runs a tram around Ocracoke village. NCDOT lists one phone number for its Ocracoke ferry terminals, (252) 996-6201.
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry delays, alerts and security
NCDOT says tides, winds and heavy rain can affect Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry travel. NCDOT sends ferry alerts by text or email through its Ferry Information Notification System (FINS).
Shoaling in Pamlico Sound affects the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry. NCDOT posts shoaling updates on its X account, @ncdot_ferry.
NCDOT can ask Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry riders for photo ID and screens vehicles at random. NCDOT can refuse passage to riders who decline.
Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry FAQs
Does the Cedar Island ferry need a reservation?
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry does not require a reservation, and NCDOT recommends one. NCDOT takes reservations up to 90 days ahead, online or at 1-800-293-3779.
How much is the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry?
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry charges a one-way toll by vehicle type, listed in the fares table on this page. A vehicle's toll covers everyone in it.
Where does the Cedar Island ferry land on Ocracoke?
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry lands at the Ocracoke Silver Lake ferry terminal, 130 Pilot Town Circle, in Ocracoke village. The Hatteras ferry uses a different terminal at the north end of the island.
Can walk-on passengers ride the Cedar Island ferry?
Walk-on passengers and cyclists ride the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry without a reservation. Each pays the pedestrian or bicycle fare.
Can RVs and trailers ride the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry?
The Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry takes motorcycles and any highway-legal car, trailer or RV. Vehicles over 65 feet need a special permit.
Can pets ride the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry?
Pets can ride the Cedar Island–Ocracoke ferry inside vehicles or on leashes, and owners clean up after them. NCDOT allows only service animals in passenger lounges.