Hatteras Island Ferry to Ocracoke

The free NCDOT vehicle ferry from Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island runs every day of the year, no reservation required — first come, first served. It is part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, and for Ocracoke Island it is the only vehicular link to the rest of the Banks. Summer midweek departures between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. draw the longest lines; early morning and late evening runs are quieter. On the other end: park your car on the sand and you may have the beach to yourself.