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 | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15 | 08:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 08:45 | 09:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:15 | 09:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:45 | 10:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:00 | 10:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:15 | 10:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:45 | 11:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:15 | 11:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:45 | 12:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:15 | 12:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:45 | 13:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:15 | 13:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:45 | 14:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:15 | 14:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:45 | 15:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:15 | 15:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:45 | 16:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:15 | 16:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:45 | 17:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:15 | 17:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:45 | 18:10 | 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
The barrier islands of Cape Lookout are reached only by boat. No road crosses to them; the mainland stops at Harkers Island, and everything beyond it is served by passenger ferry. This crossing runs 23 times a day, every day, covering 3.7 nautical miles in 25 minutes.
What is at the far end
The landing serves the Cape Lookout Light Station, which operates year-round, while the Shackleford Banks calls are seasonal. On an undeveloped barrier island the ferry timetable is also the visiting-hours notice — there is nothing else to leave on.
Twenty-three sailings, one pattern
Every departure runs seven days a week, from 08:15 to 17:45. There is no weekday or weekend split at all, which for a national seashore is the sensible arrangement: demand does not follow a working week.
The last boat is the one that matters
With a final departure at 17:45 and no evening service, the return sets the length of any visit. The listed plan runs to 28 February 2027, but crossings on exposed water are weather-dependent regardless of what a timetable says.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Island Express Ferry Service — authorised passenger concessioner
- Vehicle ferries to Great Island and Long Point cabin camps
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
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Harkers Island or Cape Lookout
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Apr 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 10, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Harkers Island on the map
Travelled the Harkers Island → Cape Lookout ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.