Travel Advice

We will be leaving Ocracoke on a Sunday morning in July to return to central Pa. If we travel north thru the Outer Banks the areas that normally get congested will probably be that way by the time we get there.

Would we be better off to take the ferry to Swan Quarter?? If so, what routes would you suggest we take from there?

Travel Advice

Swan Quater would most likely be your best bet. Be sure to get a reservation for the ferry and show up atleast 30min before the departure time so that you do not loose the reservation.

I would assume that taking 264 from Swan Quarter to I95 would be your best bet North, but I have never tried to go North from that area and others may have better advice.

Travel Advice

I agree with Stan on the route of the Swans Quarter ferry. Once in SQ, take 45 to 32 to 64 to 95 north. That part of the trip should take you around 2 hours (not counting the ferry). I have seen others post on here that have traveled from Virginia and parts north that they prefer coming down via 64 to 17 to 158 to 12. My concern there would be traffic in July on the two lane roads (especially Hwy 12).

Kirk

This way you are looking at is a bit slower even if you hit traffic and about 50 miles longer too.

The ferry ride is 2 1/2 hrs plus you need to get to landing an hour before they leave. I have traveled north on Sundays it seem less then Saturdays but it is always a gamble that time of year. I seldom hit any back ups until north of the bridge .

You might consider taking 64 west from Manteo to 95 still longer but a road less traveled. it is almost 4 lanes all the way now too

stansbrb, kirkw, fishoinc

Thank you for the advice and information. If the ferry ride is 2 and a half hours long I guess I will just try to get an early start and drive north.

Actually you need to get to the ferry 1/2 hour early and since it is 2 minutes from anywhere in the village it is almost the same amount of time it takes you to drive to the Hatteras ferry on the other end of the island.

Kirk

nails painted right