Every Way to Ocracoke

People sometimes book a room, then ask which ferry to take, having read about all three. The short answer is that the route depends on where you're driving from, and from our doorstep it's an easy call. Here are the three, plainly.

• Swan Quarter — leaves from the mainland, about 15 minutes west of us on U.S. 264. It's a tolled vehicle ferry with a limited number of daily sailings, and the crossing runs roughly two and a half hours across Pamlico Sound. Vehicle reservations are strongly recommended. This is the natural choice for guests staying here.
• Cedar Island — leaves from far down south, near Beaufort, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive or more from Engelhard. It's also tolled and takes reservations, with a long crossing. Only worth it if you're coming up from the south and aren't passing this way at all.
• Hatteras–Ocracoke — runs from the Outer Banks side, off Hatteras Island. It's free, takes no reservations (first come, first served), and is short and frequent, around an hour. It makes sense only if you're already out on the Banks.

Which one for you

If you're staying with us, take Swan Quarter. It's the closest dock, it puts the whole trip in one easy morning, and you avoid driving hours south to Cedar Island or backtracking out to Hatteras. The longer crossing is part of the day, but you sleep here, breakfast here, and roll to a dock 15 minutes away. Our Swan Quarter schedule guide covers reservations, load times, and reading the timetable.

When Hatteras makes sense

The free Hatteras ferry is the exception worth knowing. If your trip already runs you up through the northern Outer Banks — say you're coming in that way and working your way south — then catching Ocracoke off Hatteras can fit the route better than doubling back to the mainland. If that's your plan, our arriving from the Outer Banks page lays out how the inn fits a Banks-side approach. But for most guests driving in on U.S. 264, Swan Quarter is the answer.

Whichever way you go, settle the room first. Book a room or call the front desk at (252) 925-2001 and we'll help you sort the morning.