Getting to Ocracoke/Directions to The Cove
Ocracoke Island is accessible only by car ferry, private plane or private boat. Most people take one of the ferries. If you are arriving by private plane, call us when you get here and we'll be happy to pick you up at the landing strip. If you will be sailing in on a private boat, let us know so we can provide you with directions to The Cove dock (we will, of course, be glad to pick you up from there as well).

If you are driving:
From points north, drive down the Outer Banks on NC Hwy 12 to Hatteras Village, from where you can board the free ferry which runs at least every hour (more often during certain times of the year) from 5 AM until midnight. This ferry ride takes approximately 40 minutes and lands at the north end of Ocracoke – from there, you will drive approximately 15 miles (continuing on NC Hwy 12) to reach Ocracoke Village. After arriving in the village, continue on Hwy. 12 until you see Lighthouse Road (look for the large white hotel (Island Inn) on the corner). Turn left onto Lighthouse Rd. Drive until the road takes a sharp left and becomes Loop Rd. The Cove is immediately on your left.

From points west and south, take one of the two toll ferries from the mainland, which cost $15 one way for a car (if you are towing something or driving a larger vehicle, such as an RV, the cost is higher). If you are traveling from the south, take the ferry from Cedar Island. Coming from the west, take the ferry from Swan Quarter. These ferries run on a set schedule, and reservations are necessary (especially during the summer months). You can get more information about the ferry system, including schedules and numbers to call for reservations online at http://www.ncferry.org or by calling 800-BY-FERRY. The mainland ferries land in the village. After disembarking, you will turn right onto Highway 12 and follow it around a curve until you see Lighthouse Road (look for the large white hotel (Island Inn) on the corner). Turn right onto Lighthouse Rd. Drive until the road takes a sharp left and becomes Loop Rd. The Cove is immediately on your left.