Ferry fares of $10 and $7 proposed for four free coastal routes as comment deadline approaches

RALEIGH – Four North Carolina ferry routes that have historically been free could begin charging one-way fares of $7 or $10 on January 1, 2027, under rates presented to the state Board of Transportation. The proposal is open for public comment through October 23, and the board is scheduled to consider the rate schedule November 5.

The Ferry Division’s October 8 recommendation would set a $10 basic one-way fare for a vehicle or vehicle combination under 20 feet on the Hatteras-Ocracoke route. The proposed fare for that same vehicle category would be $7 on Currituck-Knotts Island, Aurora-Bayview and Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach. These are proposals, not adopted rates.

The distinction matters for year-round residents, second-home owners and travelers who make repeated crossings. A round trip at the proposed basic fare would cost $20 on Hatteras-Ocracoke and $14 on the other three routes. Those examples assume one qualifying basic-fare vehicle on two one-way crossings; the actual fare depends on vehicle classification.

The presentation includes higher recommended charges for longer vehicles and vehicle combinations. For the Hatteras-Ocracoke route, a vehicle or combination 20 to 40 feet long would pay $20 one way, while the same category would cost $14 on the other newly tolled routes. A vehicle or combination 40 to 65 feet long would be $30 for Hatteras-Ocracoke and $28 elsewhere. The fare schedule also lists separate pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle classifications.

A state law enacted in 2026 requires toll collection on all state ferry routes by January 1 and establishes a $150 annual commuter pass covering one vehicle for one year. Eligibility is restricted to active-duty military personnel and people who permanently reside in one of North Carolina’s designated coastal counties. Owning a vacation property in a coastal county does not, by itself, establish qualification under that residency requirement. NCDOT says pass administration details are still being developed.

The Board of Transportation has also requested that lawmakers delay implementation, creating uncertainty about the practical timetable. That request is not itself a change in law. Unless the legislature acts, NCDOT says January 1 remains the mandated start date.

The Ferry Division estimates its recommended tolls would generate an average of $4.4 million annually for vessel replacement. It also says the estimate falls short of the revenue needed to finance 80% of one replacement vessel every four years under its analysis.

Residents and travelers may comment on the proposed rates and methodology until October 23 at the official ferry tolling portal, by email to ferry-tolling@publicinput.com, or by phone at 984-205-6615 using project code 10744. The scheduled November 5 board action is the next decision point to watch.