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Posted By: Guest

Subject: Ferry to Ocracoke

My family is staying in Kill Devil Hills but we are not sure how to get to the ferry so we can visit Ocracoke. Can someone kindly help us?

Message Replies:

32358: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 8:56:58 AM

Posted By: Guest

Head south on NC 12 to Hatteras Village and catch the free ferry that runs every 30 minutes in season, and every hour out of season.
It's fun, take your camera and some bread for the gulls.

32361: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 9:30:20 AM

Posted By: Guest

Just take the turn south in Nags Head onto Route 12. It is a 2 lane road with only small turn offs. You can't make a mistake if you just stay on Route 12.-- Take it to the very end and it ends at the ferry docks.
You turn onto Route 12 at MP 17, the ferry docks are around MP 70. In the summer the ferry runs every 1/2 hour on the hour and half hour. They also run extra ferries when the traffic builds. In the summer it is best to arrive as early as possible-- or late in the afternoon. The most popular time to travel on the ferry in the summer is 10-2. Arrive during those hours and you can expect a 2-3 hour wait.

32363: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 9:53:27 AM

Posted By: Guest

will I have to go over that scarrrrrrrrry bridge??

32364: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 11:08:00 AM

Posted By: Guest

Try to go at sunset it is very pretty

32366: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 11:28:19 AM

Posted By: Guest

You will have to cross the Bonner Bridge to get on Hatteras Island from the north.

32367: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 11:36:55 AM

Posted By: Guest

Is there a way to get there without driving over the Bonner Bridge. I seriously might just avoid taking the risk. No matter how small it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

32369: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 11:38:57 AM

Posted By: Guest

OHH come on...32367... get some lifejackets and helmets!!! OHH don't forget to roll down your windows and remove your seatbelts while crossing!

32384: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/18/2009 9:18:55 PM

Posted By: Guest

OMG-the bridge is falling, the bridge is falling!

Why was the Bonner Bridge rated a 2 out of 100? Here is why, from the NCDOT site:

1. Soil erosion has occurred over time around the original pilings on the south end of the bridge, and support pilings have been added;

2. The bridge is not wide enough for the traffic volume it carries;

3. Motorists would have to take a 100-mile detour if the bridge had to be taken out of service.

So, the structure defect was erosion around the old pilings; they've been reinforced. The other reasons for the rating is due to the width versus traffic volume, and what would happen should the bridge require a detour.

Neither of these factors would cause the bridge to collapse!! It's SAFE TO USE!!!

You know what, forget it. Don't cross it. It has gaping holes, you have to drive on the support structure in spots to avoid falling through to the water below, it sways back and forth like a pendulum in the slightest breeze, you can look down and see boats passing underneath, it shakes violently if any vehicle crosses it at above 55 mph, and NCDOT is enforcing a "must wear life preserver" rule for everyone using the bridge starting on Memorial Day 2009. No life jacket means $500,000 fine, proceeds which will be used to fund the new bridge and the NCDOT Director's retirement.

That should keep you nervous nellie knee knockers north of Hatteras Island!

32390: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 6:16:00 AM

Posted By: Guest

Simply, go across the bridge and drive south on 12 until you reach it. thats it!

32401: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 10:34:43 AM

Posted By: Guest

Thanks for the information. Nice to see some people are still capable of being kind.

32406: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 12:25:08 PM

Posted By: Guest

If it's just not wide enough for all the cars that travel on it, then the entire Duck/corolla area should have a warning LOL!

32408: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 1:33:07 PM

Posted By: Guest

NC 12 is a beautiful ride. Yes, you must cross the Bonner Bridge. Once over that cruise through Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo. More open space before you get to Avon. Follow NC 12 down through Buxton and Frisco. Hatteras village is very quaint. Ferry ride is honestly terrific. Maybe 40 minutes or so. Enjoy !!

32420: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 3:59:42 PM

Posted By: Guest

There is a way to get to Ocracoke and Hatteras Island from the north without crossing the Bonner Bridge, but you'd really have to be bridge-averse to take the time, trouble, expense and miles on your vehicle.

You'd head west out of Manteo on the Virginia Dare bridge (US64)and then head down to Swan Quarter on US 264. In Swan Quarter you can take the pay ferry to Ocracoke and then drive to the free ferry to Hatteras Island. Then reverse the trip. Oh, you'll need advance reservations for the pay ferry both ways. It would be a long day.

32424: RE: Ferry to Ocracoke

3/19/2009 4:34:25 PM

Posted By: Guest

Manteo to Swan Quarter to catch the ferry is 1:30 each way, The ferry from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke takes 2:30 each way. The free ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras Island takes about 40 minutes each way.

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