United States
Harkers Island to Cape Lookout Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Harkers Island
North Carolina
Arrives
Cape Lookout
North Carolina
Cape Lookout National SeashoreAt a glance
The Harkers Island to Cape Lookout ferry takes about 25m, with 23 sailings a day between 08:15 and 17:45. It is operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore.
- First sailing
- 08:15
- Last sailing
- 17:45
- Sailings / day
- 23
- Crossing
- 25m
Harkers Island to Cape Lookout ferry timetable
| Departs | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 08:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:00 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:30 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:00 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:15 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:45 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Harkers Island – Cape Lookout crossing
Cape Lookout National Seashore provides a daily passenger ferry service with 23 scheduled sailings between Harkers Island and Cape Lookout. The first departure is at 08:15 and the final return sailing is at 17:45. This crossing covers a distance of approximately 4 nautical miles in about 25 minutes.
The ferry runs every day of the week. Harkers Island is also the departure point for a separate ferry service to Shackleford Banks East End.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Passenger & vehicle ferries
- Authorized concessioners
- Seasonal service
- Lighthouse & wild horses
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How do I get back from Cape Lookout?
Check the Cape Lookout to Harkers Island ferry for return times.
What's the duration of this crossing?
Roughly 25m.
How many sailings run each day?
23 sailings a day, every day.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United States.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore.
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 08:15 to 17:45.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Cape Lookout National Seashore) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 25m and several sailings a day (first 08:15, last 17:45), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Cape Lookout National Seashore carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Cape Lookout National Seashore, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Same departure port
More ferries from Harkers Island
Other crossings departing Harkers Island.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Harkers Island or Cape Lookout
Other ferries that stop at the same quays — handy for connections and nearby travel.
Timetable valid Apr 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 26, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Harkers Island on the map
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