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Reservations are now available for the fourth season of passenger ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke Village, as a brand-new Ocracoke Express makes its debut May 17.

The new ferry will carry up to 129 passengers on three round trips daily, departing from Hatteras at 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with return trips from Ocracoke Village at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

One-way fares are $5 and there is an additional $1 charge for bicycles. Children three and under who can share a seat with an adult can ride for free.

“The passenger ferry will make a summer day trip to Ocracoke easy and convenient,” said Ferry Division director Harold Thomas. “People can make reservations on the phone, online or in person and know exactly what time they’ll be leaving and returning.”

“The Ocracoke Express will whisk people on a 70-minute trip between Hatteras and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village, where a free tram operated by Hyde County will carry them around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations and attractions,” stated a press release from NCDOT.

Passenger ferry service is a supplement to the vehicle ferries, which will continue to take people between Hatteras and the north end of Ocracoke Island.

Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance on the Ferry Division’s website or by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY.

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