Getting To Cape Hatteras National Seashore

There are two entrances into Cape Hatteras National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina: the North Entrance and the South Entrance. Which entrance you choose will determine your route taken to arrive there.

Flying

Unless you choose to make a road trip out of your visit, you will probably fly into North Carolina, then rent a vehicle to drive to this national seashore. There are several smaller, regional airports servicing private aircraft, but your best bet for a wide variety of airline choices is to fly into the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) located about 100 miles (161 kilometers) to the north of Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Norfolk, Virginia, or the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina, located about 200 miles (322 kilometers) from the seashore.

Driving

According to Park Staff:

There are multiple ways to reach Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located at the junction of US-64 and NC-12 in Nags Head, NC. The southern entrance is located on NC-12 just north of Ocracoke Village, NC (accessible by ferry only). Here are directions to reach the northern entrance of Cape Hatteras National Seashore from various locations.

North (From Richmond, VA)

Follow I-95 South to Richmond, VA. Take I-64 East toward Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA. Take I-64 or I-664 to Chesapeake, VA. From I-64, take Exit 291B to Route 168, the Chesapeake Expressway [a toll road]. Once in North Carolina, Route 168 turns into US-158 East. Follow US-158 East through Nags Head, NC to the junction of NC-12 South.

West (From Rocky Mount, NC)

Follow US-64 East through Tarboro, Williamston, Plymouth, Columbia, and Manteo, crossing the Alligator River Bridge and the Virginia Dare Bridge. Keep going on US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, going over the Washington Baum Bridge, to the junction of NC-12 South. Turn right onto NC-12 South and you will be at the north entrance.

South (From Florence, SC)

Take I-95 North to Wilson, NC. Take US-264 East through Greenville, NC and Washington, NC. From Washington, NC, take US-17 to Williamston and follow US-64 East to Nags Head, NC, and the junction of NC-12 South.

If your destination is Ocracoke Island, you will need to board one of the ferries provided by North Carolina's Department of Transportation (NCDOT).

According to Park Staff:

Hatteras Inlet Ferry

This ferry connects Hatteras Village, located on the southwestern end of Hatteras Island, with the northeastern end of Ocracoke Island. To reach the ferry terminal, follow NC-12 from Nags Head, NC all the way down Hatteras Island to the ferry terminal at the far end of Hatteras Village. The ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet in roughly 70 minutes and reservations are NOT required. Check the NCDOT Ferry website for current departure schedules.

Cedar Island Ferry

This ferry connects Sea Level, on the mainland, with Ocracoke Village, located on the southwestern part of Ocracoke Island. From I-40 East, take Exit 306 to US-70 East. Follow US-70 East to Sea Level, NC. In Sea Level, take NC-12 North to the ferry terminal. The Cedar Island Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound in roughly 2-1/4 hours and reservations are required. Once in Ocracoke, follow NC-12 to the park entrance.

Swan Quarter Ferry

This ferry connects Swan Quarter, on the mainland, with Ocracoke Village, located on the southwestern part of Ocracoke Island. Take US-264 to NC-45 in Swan Quarter. Follow NC-45 South through the town to the Hyde County Courthouse. At the courthouse, turn on Oyster Creek Road (SR-1128) and follow to the terminal. The Swan Quarter Ferry crosses the Pamlico Sound in roughly 2-1/2 hours and reservations are required. Once in Ocracoke, follow NC-12 to the park entrance.

The larger cities of Greenville and Elizabeth City in North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, as well as Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village on the Outer Banks, and the communities along US-17 and NC-12 provide both gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) chargers to keep you going during your visit to this national seashore. These same areas also are your best bet for water, groceries, dining, and brick-and-mortar lodging choices.