Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry schedule and guide
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division (NCDOT) runs the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry, a car and passenger ferry across the Neuse River between Cherry Branch, near Havelock, and Minnesott Beach, North Carolina. The Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry does not take reservations.
Tolls planned from January 1, 2027
State law requires NCDOT to start charging tolls on the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry on January 1, 2027. NCDOT recommended a toll of $7 each way, and the Board of Transportation is scheduled to consider rates on November 5, 2026. The board has also asked the legislature to delay tolling.
Schedule up to date as of October 25, 2026
Contents
Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry schedule 2026
The 2026 schedule runs from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Departures from Cherry Branch, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 5:45 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 6:15 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 6:45 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 7:15 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 7:45 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 8:30 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 9:00 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 9:30 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 10:00 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 10:30 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 11:00 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 11:30 AM | Minnesott Beach |
| 12:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 12:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 1:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 2:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 2:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 3:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 3:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 4:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 4:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 5:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 5:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 6:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 7:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 8:30 PM | Minnesott Beach |
| 10:00 PM | Minnesott Beach |
Departures from Minnesott Beach, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 5:25 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 6:15 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 6:45 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 7:15 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 7:45 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 8:30 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 9:00 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 9:30 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 10:00 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 10:30 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 11:00 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 11:30 AM | Cherry Branch |
| 12:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 12:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 1:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 2:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 2:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 3:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 3:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 4:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 4:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 5:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 5:30 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 6:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 7:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 8:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 9:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
| 11:00 PM | Cherry Branch |
Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Fare | |
| Vehicles and passengers | Free |
- NCDOT collects no fare on the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry in 2026.
Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach 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 | Not taken. NCDOT takes reservations only on the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter–Ocracoke routes and the passenger ferry. |
| Payment | State law requires tolls on the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry. NCDOT plans to start charging them, and toll rates are not final. |
| 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 | ADA-accessible restrooms at every NCDOT ferry terminal and on some vessels |
| 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. |
Cherry Branch ferry terminal address and phone
The Cherry Branch ferry terminal is at 2300 Ferry Road, Havelock, NC 28532, on the south shore of the Neuse River. Its phone number is (252) 463-7001.
Cherry Branch and Havelock are military communities in the Croatan National Forest, by the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Beaufort and New Bern are a short drive away.
Minnesott Beach ferry terminal address
The Minnesott Beach ferry terminal is at 12254 NC Hwy. 306, Arapahoe, NC 28510, on the north shore of the Neuse River. Oriental is a short drive from Minnesott Beach.
Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry delays, alerts and security
NCDOT says tides, winds and heavy rain can affect Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry travel. NCDOT sends ferry alerts by text or email through its Ferry Information Notification System (FINS).
NCDOT can ask Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry riders for photo ID and screens vehicles at random. NCDOT can refuse passage to riders who decline.
Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry FAQs
Does the Minnesott Beach ferry take reservations?
The Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry does not take reservations. Drivers board first come, first served.
Does the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry charge a toll?
NCDOT plans to start charging tolls on the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry, as state law requires. Toll rates are not final. The Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry fares on this page are the fares in effect now.
Where is the Cherry Branch ferry terminal?
The Cherry Branch ferry terminal is at 2300 Ferry Road, Havelock, NC 28532. Across the Neuse River, the Minnesott Beach ferry terminal is at 12254 NC Hwy. 306, Arapahoe, NC 28510.
Can RVs and trailers ride the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry?
The Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry takes motorcycles and any highway-legal car, trailer or RV. Vehicles over 65 feet need a special permit.
Can pets ride the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry?
Pets can ride the Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach ferry inside vehicles or on leashes, and owners clean up after them. NCDOT allows only service animals in passenger lounges.