Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry schedule and guide
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division (NCDOT) runs the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry, a car and passenger ferry across Pamlico Sound between Swan Quarter and Ocracoke village, North Carolina. NCDOT takes reservations on the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry and recommends them.
Schedule up to date as of October 25, 2026
Contents
Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry schedule Fall 2026
The Fall 2026 schedule runs from September 8, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Departures from Swan Quarter, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
| 1:30 PM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
| 4:30 PM | Ocracoke Silver Lake |
Departures from Ocracoke Silver Lake, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Swan Quarter |
| 10:00 AM | Swan Quarter |
| 1:30 PM | Swan Quarter |
Swan Quarter–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.
Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter–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. |
Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry reservations
NCDOT takes reservations on the Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter–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.
Swan Quarter ferry terminal address and phone
The Swan Quarter ferry terminal is at 748 Oyster Creek Rd., Swan Quarter, NC 27885. Its phone number is (252) 791-3300.
Swan Quarter is a few minutes from Lake Mattamuskeet, a wildlife refuge where swans, herons, geese and ducks spend the winter.
Ocracoke Silver Lake ferry terminal address and phone
The Swan Quarter–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.
Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry delays, alerts and security
NCDOT says tides, winds and heavy rain can affect Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry travel. NCDOT sends ferry alerts by text or email through its Ferry Information Notification System (FINS).
Shoaling in Pamlico Sound affects the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry. NCDOT posts shoaling updates on its X account, @ncdot_ferry.
NCDOT can ask Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry riders for photo ID and screens vehicles at random. NCDOT can refuse passage to riders who decline.
Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry FAQs
Does the Swan Quarter ferry need a reservation?
The Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry?
The Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter ferry land on Ocracoke?
The Swan Quarter–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 Swan Quarter ferry?
Walk-on passengers and cyclists ride the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry without a reservation. Each pays the pedestrian or bicycle fare.
Can RVs and trailers ride the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry?
The Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry takes motorcycles and any highway-legal car, trailer or RV. Vehicles over 65 feet need a special permit.
Can pets ride the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry?
Pets can ride the Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry inside vehicles or on leashes, and owners clean up after them. NCDOT allows only service animals in passenger lounges.