The Swan Quarter Ferry — Schedule & Reservations

Swan Quarter is the natural ferry for guests staying with us. The dock sits about 15 minutes west on U.S. 264, an easy drive, and the boat carries you and your vehicle straight across the open sound to Ocracoke. The crossing runs around two and a half hours, so it's a real piece of the day, not a quick hop.

The sailing schedule

The Swan Quarter–Ocracoke run is seasonal. A typical peak-season day — roughly mid-May through early September — has four round trips; the rest of the year usually drops to three. The times below are representative of a recent peak season, to give you a feel for how the day is shaped. Always confirm the current schedule with NCDOT before you travel, because sailings shift with the season, the tides and the weather.

Representative peak-season sailings; the off-season runs fewer. Crossing time is about 2½ hours each way. Confirm current times, seasonal dates and fares at ncdot.gov/ferry or by calling 1-800-293-3779 before you travel.

It's a vehicle ferry, and it's tolled

You drive on, park on the deck, and ride across with your car, truck, or trailer. Unlike the free Hatteras boat, the Swan Quarter route is tolled — generally around fifteen dollars one way for a standard vehicle, with walk-on passengers paying little or nothing. Fares can change, so confirm the current price when you reserve. Sailings are limited, which is exactly why a missed boat can cost you hours.

Reserve your vehicle ahead

We strongly recommend reserving a vehicle spot rather than gambling on standby, especially in summer and on holiday weekends. Reservations go through NCDOT, by phone at 1-800-293-3779 or online at ncdot.gov/ferry. A reservation holds your place, but it doesn't hold it forever — get there early to load.

Pack for the water

It's breezy out on the sound even on a warm day, so bring a jacket. Pack water and snacks too; you're on the boat a good while, and you'll be glad to have them. If you're prone to seasickness, the usual remedies are worth packing for a two-and-a-half-hour crossing.

Why the night before makes the morning easy

Most missed-ferry stories start with a long drive on the morning of. Staying with us takes that out of the equation. You're already 15 minutes from the dock, you've slept, there's coffee and a hot breakfast for a few dollars, and the desk can get you out the door early — call ahead and a pre-dawn departure is no trouble. From here it's a short, calm run to the boat with time to load.

Once you're across, our Ocracoke guide covers what to do on the island, and if you're weighing your options, our routes compared page lays out why Swan Quarter usually wins from here. When you're ready, book a room or call the front desk at (252) 925-2001 and we'll line up your morning.