This is the first time that I've ever come to hate getting on a ferry.
My partner & I rushed to this ferry after getting off of one from Hatteras to Ocracoke. The one that we just got off runs every 30 mins. We found out that this one runs every 3 hours.
However, we had just gotten off the previous ferry. We had an hour until the next ferry. The problem was that it was going to take an hour to drive from one end of the Ocracoke Island to the other side. So, we zoomed.
One other thing, you gotta have reservations. You can do without a reservation but you'll be set on the side as standby. We lucked out. We were the very last car allowed in and the only one without a reservation. We definitely didn't want to wait 3 hours for the next ferry ride.
BUT, it sucked to discover that this ferry ride was 2 1/2 hours long. Ok, not too bad at first. BUT, we had zoomed across the island with no stops. So, everyone else was eating lunch and drinking beverages. We had no lunch and we were hungry! (We boarded right at noon.) And, of course, the chips vending machine inside the ferry was broken. (And it didn't help that there was no places to stop by for food right after you get off the ferry. You're gonna drive at least 10 miles before you even see food.)
The 2 1/2 hour ride was really a travel killer. It was too long that we planned a different way back home. No way in hell were we gonna go back for another ride.
This ferry ride is gonna cost you $15.00. That is, if you're driving a regular car. The ferry itself is nice, clean and air-conditioned. Once you get on, I suggest you rush inside to stake your claim on seating. If you're not in the mood for a/c, you can go up on top and enjoy the sun.
Suggestion: bring food and something to read. read more