Bayview–Aurora ferry schedule and guide
The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division (NCDOT) runs the Bayview–Aurora ferry across the Pamlico River between Bayview and Aurora, North Carolina. The Bayview–Aurora ferry does not take reservations.
Tolls planned from January 1, 2027
State law requires NCDOT to start charging tolls on the Bayview–Aurora 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 November 5, 2026
Contents
Bayview–Aurora ferry schedule 2026
The 2026 schedule runs from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Departures from Aurora, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Bayview |
| 8:00 AM | Bayview |
| 10:15 AM | Bayview |
| 11:45 AM | Bayview |
| 2:45 PM | Bayview |
| 5:00 PM | Bayview |
| 6:15 PM | Bayview |
Departures from Bayview, Daily
| Departs | To |
|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | Aurora |
| 7:15 AM | Aurora |
| 8:45 AM | Aurora |
| 11:00 AM | Aurora |
| 2:00 PM | Aurora |
| 3:30 PM | Aurora |
| 5:40 PM | Aurora |
Bayview–Aurora ferry fares
| Fare type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Fare | |
| Vehicles and passengers | Free |
- NCDOT collects no fare on the Bayview–Aurora ferry in 2026.
Bayview–Aurora 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 Bayview–Aurora 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. 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, with no meals. |
Aurora ferry terminal address and phone
The Aurora ferry terminal sits on the south side of the Pamlico River at 286 State Rd 1004, Aurora, NC 27806. The Aurora and Bayview ferry terminals share one phone number, (252) 964-4521.
Bayview ferry terminal address and phone
The Bayview ferry terminal sits on the north shore of the Pamlico River, a few miles from Bath. The Bayview ferry terminal address is 229 N.C. 306 North, Bath, NC 27808.
Bayview–Aurora ferry delays, alerts and security
NCDOT says tides, winds and heavy rain can affect Bayview–Aurora ferry travel. NCDOT sends ferry alerts by text or email through its Ferry Information Notification Service (FINS).
NCDOT can ask Bayview–Aurora ferry riders for photo ID and screens vehicles at random.
Bayview–Aurora ferry FAQs
Does the Aurora ferry take reservations?
The Bayview–Aurora ferry does not take reservations. NCDOT takes reservations only on the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter–Ocracoke routes and the passenger ferry.
Does the Aurora ferry charge a toll?
NCDOT plans to start charging tolls on the Bayview–Aurora ferry, as state law requires. Toll rates are not final. The Bayview–Aurora ferry fares on this page are the fares in effect now.
Does the Bayview–Aurora ferry run every day?
NCDOT schedules Bayview–Aurora ferry service 365 days a year. Tides, winds and heavy rain can affect travel, and active alerts appear at the top of this page.
Where is the Aurora ferry terminal?
The Aurora ferry terminal is at 286 State Rd 1004, Aurora, NC 27806, on the south side of the Pamlico River. The Bayview ferry terminal is on the north shore at 229 N.C. 306 North, Bath, NC 27808.
Can RVs and trailers ride the Bayview–Aurora ferry?
The Bayview–Aurora ferry takes motorcycles and any highway-legal car, trailer or RV. Vehicles over 65 feet need a special permit.
Can pets ride the Bayview–Aurora ferry?
Pets can ride the Bayview–Aurora ferry inside vehicles or on leashes, and owners clean up after them. NCDOT allows only service animals in passenger lounges.