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Ocracoke Express passenger ferry to begin service Monday

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The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will begin Monday service for this season. Photo: NCDOT
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will begin Monday service for this season. Photo: NCDOT

The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will begin Monday shuttling passengers between the Hatteras Terminal and Ocracoke Village.

Reservations to save a seat on the ferry can be made now online at www.ncferry.org or by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY. Crossing time is about 65 minutes.

The ferry will leave daily from Hatteras at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and from Ocracoke at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Fare is $5 each way, with an additional $1 charge for bicycles. As a bonus this year, riders who buy tickets at the terminal or make a reservation by phone can buy one ticket and get one free, until the end of June. Children 3 and under can ride for free.

The North Carolina Ferry System will adhere to all state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Currently, the Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers inside terminals and passenger lounges to wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status.

The ferry division also operates a ferry for vehicles between Hatteras and the northern end of Ocracoke Island. That ferry is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Travel time on the vehicle ferry is approximately one hour, with an additional 15-20 minute drive time into Ocracoke Village.

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The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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