The 2026 budget mandates that NCDOT begin collecting tolls for the currently free Currituck-Knotts Island, Bayview-Aurora, Hatteras-Ocracoke and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferries by Jan. 1, 2027.
NCDOT Ferry Division
‘There’s no way’: Hanig decries rationale, rush to toll ferries
Sen. Bobby Hanig says the Jan. 1 deadline is impossible, but legislative leaders have so far refused to budge on the date by which the Ferry Division must implement tolling for the four state ferries that now are free to ride.
Outer Banks organization asks lawmakers to delay ferry tolls
Pushing the North Carolina Ferry Division’s deadline to enforce toll fees at all of its ferry routes by one year would give officials the time they will need to develop, test and deploy a new collection system, the Ocracoke Access Alliance says.
Stein signs budget with safe water provisions, new ferry tolls
Gov. Josh Stein signed the $34.4 billion spending plan featuring coastal environmental spending and policy provisions, and new tolls on state ferries that have long been free to ride.
Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry resumes summer schedule
The vehicle ferry that carries travelers between Hatteras and Ocracoke is back to the full summer schedule now that nighttime dredging of Sloop Channel is complete.
Temporary schedule set for Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry
The Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry will operate on an alternate schedule while Sloop Channel is being dredged, a project that is expected to take about a month to complete.
NCDOT ferry system adds summer routes for Pamlico Sound
The summer schedule for N.C. Department of Transportation ferries that cross the Pamlico Sound include additional routes.
Four ferry routes expand schedules for spring season
NCDOT increased Tuesday departures for the ferries traveling between Hatteras-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, Cedar Island-Ocracoke and Southport-Fort Fisher.
NCDOT to expand Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry schedule
With daylight saving time little more than a week away and spring temperatures on the horizon, state transportation officials are adding more departures to the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.
State Ferry Division plans four career recruitment events
The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division career events are scheduled for Jan. 14 in Morehead City, Jan. 21 in Hatteras, Jan. 28 in Southport, and Feb. 4 in Bath.
Three NC ferry routes to follow adjusted schedule Dec. 25
Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach, and Southport-Fort Fisher ferry routes are to follow an adjusted schedule during Christmas.
NCDOT to offer ferry service to Ocracoke for Pirate Jamboree
The village of Ocracoke, which is hosting the Ocracoke Pirate Jamboree this weekend, remains accessible by passenger ferry from Hatteras as state transportation crews continue to work to get one lane of N.C. 12 reopen.
Corps awards dredge contract for Ocracoke Island channels
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District has awarded a more than $11 million maintenance dredging contract to clear out two channels used by state ferries to Ocracoke Island.
Study presents modeled views of Ocracoke highway’s future
Researchers met recently with Ocracoke Islanders and presented findings from a multiyear, University of North Carolina-led study that looked at various ways to try and save N.C. Highway 12 from natural forces.
Weight restrictions placed on ferry route ‘until further notice’
Weight restrictions on the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry route will be in place until a ramp at the Southport terminal damaged over the weekend is repaired.
Ocracoke Express to stop, 3 ferries to change schedules
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry will end its 2025 season on Sept. 15, and state-run ferries between Southport and Fort Fisher, Swan Quarter and Ocracoke and Cedar Island and Ocracoke are to begin Tuesday following off-season schedules.
