After three successful days, the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry is now accepting reservations for travel through June 15. Reservations can be made online at www.ncferry.org and on the phone at 1-800-BY-FERRY. Walk-up reservations will still be accepted as long as space is available.
Introductory fares are $2 for a round trip, with children 3 and under free. There is no additional charge for bicycles.
Ocracoke Express service began May 20, whisking 1,021 passengers on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Ocracoke Village on its first three days. The passenger ferry will run seven days a week through Sept. 5. A free tram service is available to carry visitors around Ocracoke Village, and bikes and golf carts are also available for rent. (Editor's note: Golf carts can't go past the village; if you plan to go to the beach, expect to bike out there.)
The Ocracoke Express currently departs Hatteras at 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m., with departures from Ocracoke at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
For more information, go to www.ncferry.org and click on “Ocracoke Express”.