With other transportation options extremely limited to none, the best way to travel to the North Carolina Outer Banks is by car. These directions will guide you to your destination whether arriving from points north, west or south.
Alternate Route from I-64 - Follow I-64 East to Hampton, Virginia and connect to I-664 South through the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel. Exit at 15B to return to I-64 East and then take Exit 291B for Highway 168 South. After you enter North Carolina, 168 South becomes Route 158. Follow 158 across the Wright Memorial Bridge to the Outer Banks.
Alternate Route from the Northeast - Take Route 13 down the Delmarva Peninsula and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Toll Tunnel. Connect with I-64 East and then take Exit 291B for Highway 168 South. After you enter North Carolina, 168 South becomes Route 158. Follow 158 across the Wright Memorial Bridget o the Outer Banks.
Swan Quarter Terminal - Take U.S. 264 to N.C. 45 at Swan Quarter. Follow N.C. 45 South into town to the Hyde County Courthouse. At the courthouse, turn onto Oyster Creek Road, state road 1128, and follow it to the terminal. Crossing to / from Ocracoke is 2.5 hours each way. Fees apply.
Hatteras Terminal - The Hatteras Terminal is located on N.C. 12 at the southern tip of Hatteras Island. Crossing each way is 40 minutes. Free.
Ocracoke Island Terminals - Ferries to Hatteras Island are on Route 12 at the northern tip of Ocracoke Island. Crossing each way is 40 minutes and there is no charge. Ferries to Cedar Island (2.25 hours) or Swan Quarter (2.5 hours) are located on Route 12 at the southern tip of Ocracoke Island. Crossing fees apply.
More Southeast US Travel Quick Tips
From Points North
Take I-95 South just before Richmond, Virginia, where you will exit to I-64 East toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Take Route 64 or 664 to Chesapeake, Virginia, and exit at 291B to Highway 168 South. Follow 168 South into North Carolina, where it will become Route 158 East. Follow 158 across the Wright Memorial Bridge to the Outer Banks.Alternate Route from I-64 - Follow I-64 East to Hampton, Virginia and connect to I-664 South through the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel. Exit at 15B to return to I-64 East and then take Exit 291B for Highway 168 South. After you enter North Carolina, 168 South becomes Route 158. Follow 158 across the Wright Memorial Bridge to the Outer Banks.
Alternate Route from the Northeast - Take Route 13 down the Delmarva Peninsula and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Toll Tunnel. Connect with I-64 East and then take Exit 291B for Highway 168 South. After you enter North Carolina, 168 South becomes Route 158. Follow 158 across the Wright Memorial Bridget o the Outer Banks.
From Points West
Get onto U.S. Highway 64 East in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and continue going east to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks.From Points South
Take I-95 North to Wilson, North Carolina and pick up US 264 East. Continue on 264 East through Greenville (North Carolina) to Washington, North Carolina. From Washington, take Route 30 to Plymouth, NC and US 64 East. Continue going east to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks.By Ferry to / from Ocracoke Island
Cedar Island Terminal - Take U.S. 70 East to Sea Level. From Sea Level take N.C. 12 North to the terminal. Crossing to / from Ocracoke Island is 2.25 hours each way. Fees applySwan Quarter Terminal - Take U.S. 264 to N.C. 45 at Swan Quarter. Follow N.C. 45 South into town to the Hyde County Courthouse. At the courthouse, turn onto Oyster Creek Road, state road 1128, and follow it to the terminal. Crossing to / from Ocracoke is 2.5 hours each way. Fees apply.
Hatteras Terminal - The Hatteras Terminal is located on N.C. 12 at the southern tip of Hatteras Island. Crossing each way is 40 minutes. Free.
Ocracoke Island Terminals - Ferries to Hatteras Island are on Route 12 at the northern tip of Ocracoke Island. Crossing each way is 40 minutes and there is no charge. Ferries to Cedar Island (2.25 hours) or Swan Quarter (2.5 hours) are located on Route 12 at the southern tip of Ocracoke Island. Crossing fees apply.
