United States · Passenger boats to the Outer Banks barrier islands
North Carolina ferry routes & schedules
North Carolina's ferries here reach the wild barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Passenger boats from the mainland around Beaufort and Harkers Island carry visitors out to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout — undeveloped strands known for their lighthouse and their free-roaming wild horses.
- 6
- Connections
- 1
- Operators
- 5
- Quays
- 25m
- Avg crossing
About
Ferry travel in North Carolina
Reaching Cape Lookout & Shackleford Banks
There are no roads and no bridges to these islands — the passenger ferry is the only way across. Small boats run seasonally from Beaufort and Harkers Island to the Cape Lookout lighthouse and to Shackleford Banks, home to a herd of wild horses descended from colonial stock. Bring everything you need for the day: the islands are undeveloped, with no shops or services. Sailings are weather-dependent and busiest through the warm season.
Quays
Ferry quays in North Carolina
5 quays with published connections. Open a quay for every route that calls there.
At a glance
Which North Carolina crossings run most often?
The busiest published crossings, ranked by number of listed sailings.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harkers Island → Cape Lookout | 25m | 23 / wk | 1 |
| Harkers Island → Shackleford Banks East End | 25m | 23 / wk | 1 |
| Cape Lookout → Harkers Island | 25m | 22 / wk | 1 |
| Shackleford Banks East End → Harkers Island | 25m | 22 / wk | 1 |
| Beaufort → Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | 19 / wk | 1 |
| Shackleford Banks West End → Beaufort | 25m | 19 / wk | 1 |
Timetables
Ferry routes in North Carolina
6 routes departing North Carolina.
Harkers Island2 routes
Beaufort1 route
Cape Lookout1 route
Shackleford Banks East End1 route
Shackleford Banks West End1 route
Operators
Who runs the ferries in North Carolina?
Guides
Planning ferry travel in North Carolina
Practical guides to fares, booking and the crossings worth building a trip around.
- Foot Passenger vs Taking the Car: Which Should You Choose?When it's worth bringing the car onto the ferry and when you're better off as a foot passenger — cost, convenience and what waits on the other side.
- What to Pack for a Ferry Trip: A Practical ChecklistPrepare for your ferry journey with our comprehensive packing guide. Discover essential items for comfort, entertainment, and a hassle-free trip, whether you're island hopping or crossing continents.
Travel updates
Latest updates for North Carolina
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks?
By passenger ferry only — there are no roads or bridges to these barrier islands. Seasonal boats run from Beaufort and Harkers Island out to the Cape Lookout lighthouse and Shackleford Banks. The islands are undeveloped, so bring water, food and sun protection, and check the day's weather-dependent schedule.
How many ferry routes are there in North Carolina?
North Carolina has 6 ferry and express-boat connections across 5 quays. Each route page lists the timetable, crossing time and operator.
Who operates ferries in North Carolina?
Boat and ferry services in North Carolina are run by 1 operator, including Cape Lookout National Seashore. Most are part of United States's county public-transport network.
How long are ferry crossings in North Carolina?
Across North Carolina's active crossings the average sailing takes about 25m. Each route page shows the exact duration.
Explore
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Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 19, 2026.