Travel and Lodging

Travel Note

Ferries

There are three car and passenger ferries that head to Ocracoke: Cedar Island, Swan's Quarter and Hatteras. You will need to book ferry reservations about one week in advance. The following ferries are suggestions. If you need more flexible timing, you can drive to Hatteras from any direction. (It is the longest route from the south or west.) Please see the link below to make reservations for both your arrival and return trip. From New Bern Airport or if you're driving from the south: Head to the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal. Keep in mind; the last ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke leaves at 4:30 p.m. Driving from the west: Head to the Swan Quarter Ferry Terminal. Keep in mind; the last ferry from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke leaves at 4:30 p.m. Driving from the north: Head to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal. This ferry runs until midnight.

Travel Note

Flying Directions

If you'd like to or need to fly, the closest airport is New Bern. Both Delta and American Airlines have flights to this airport; many connect through Atlanta or Charlotte. Once you arrive in New Bern, you will need to drive or take a shuttle to the Cedar Island Ferry. The drive to the ferry takes about an hour and a half. We highly, highly recommend looking at the ferry schedule before booking your flight. (Please see the Ferries section) Depending on flight availability, you may need to plan to spend a night in New Bern before catching a morning ferry the following day. You can rent cars from several national car rental agencies at the airport and drive yourself to the ferry. Please see below for shuttle information.

Travel Note

Shuttle Information

If you're flying and you'd prefer not to rent a car, you can call Shuttle Me Transportation to arrange a ride to the Cedar Island Ferry. Shuttle Me Transportation Service has a fleet of vehicles to accommodate different sized groups. It includes minivans that are ideal for small families or groups and a 14-passenger shuttle bus for bigger parties, as well as a small trailer that can store large bags. Shuttles will be most affordable for you if you can organize with other guests arriving at the same time.

Travel Note

Driving Directions

There are many ways to drive to Ocracoke. We recommend looking at Google Maps for the best directions. Please consult the ferry directions above as you plan your drive. Depending where you're driving from, you may prefer to split your drive up into multiple days. From Atlanta, we like to stop in either Florence or Beaufort, North Carolina.

Travel Note

Groceries

If you're planning to cook at your rental house frequently, you may want to head to a large, fully-stocked grocery store before getting on the ferry. There is a grocery store on the island, but it is relatively small. If you're driving from Atlanta and taking the Cedar Island ferry, we recommend stopping in Morehead City. If you are flying into New Bern, we recommend the Harris Teeter in the Carolina Colours Towne Centre on Highway 70 right outside of town. If you're driving to the Swan Quarter ferry, we recommend stopping in Little Washington or Belhaven. If you're driving down the Outer Banks, we recommend the Harris Teeter in Kill Devil Hills or the Food Lion in Avon.

Hotel

Captain's Landing

Located directly on Silver Lake, Captain's Landing offers scenic suites with a view. Rooms here tend to fill up quickly!

Hotel

Ocracoke Harbor Inn

With rooms, suites and cottages available, the Harbor Inn offers a wide variety of accommodations and rates.

Hotel

Pony Island Motel

The Pony is one of the largest hotels on the island and offers some of the most affordable room rates. We'll be having brunch here on Saturday!

Hotel

Edwards of Ocracoke

Edwards of Ocracoke offers nightly stays in its small motel as well as weekly stays in its cottages.

House Or Rental

Ocracoke Island Realty

One of two of our favorite realty companies on the island. You can rent houses for a week (we recommend a Sunday to Sunday visit) or, in certain cases, for the extended weekend.

House Or Rental

Blue Heron Realty

One of two of our favorite realty companies on the island. You can rent houses for a week (we recommend a Sunday to Sunday visit) or, in certain cases, for the extended weekend.

House Or Rental

Air BnB

There are also great Air BnB options on the island. Make sure that you double check the map to make sure your desired house is actually on Ocracoke Island. Sometimes the search engine will give results on Hatteras or other nearby islands.