How to Get to Hatteras Island: Transportation, Bridges & Travel Tips
If you're planning a trip to the Outer Banks, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: How do you get to Hatteras Island, NC? Because Hatteras Island is a barrier island, transportation relies on a combination of scenic highways, modern bridges, and ferries. Understanding how to reach the island- and the bridges that make it possible- can help you plan a smoother, stress-free journey.
This guide covers transportation to Hatteras Island, including major bridges, when they were built, and helpful travel tips for visitors.
Driving to Hatteras Island, North Carolina
For most visitors, driving to Hatteras Island is the easiest and most popular option. Travelers typically access the island via NC Highway 12, which runs south through the Outer Banks and across multiple bridges connecting the barrier islands.
Driving offers flexibility, beautiful coastal views, and direct access to villages like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.
The Marc Basnight Bridge
Primary bridge to Hatteras Island which replaced the original Herbert C. Bonner Bridge built in 1963
- Opened in 2019
- Length: Approximately 2.8 miles
- Location: Crosses Oregon Inlet, connecting Bodie Island to Hatteras Island
The Marc Basnight Bridge, also commonly called the Oregon Inlet Bridge, is the main gateway to Hatteras Island for drivers coming from Nags Head and points north. Opened in 2019, it replaced the aging Bonner Bridge and was designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions, including storms, shifting sands, and saltwater corrosion.
This bridge is now the only direct land route to Hatteras Island from the Northern Outer Banks and is critical for residents, tourists, and emergency access.
Rodanthe Bridge ("Jug Handle Bridge")
Connecting the southern end of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to northern Rodanthe
- Opened in 2022
- Location: North of Rodanthe, crosses over Pamlico Sound
- Length: 2.4 mile long two-lane "jug handle" trestle bridge
The Rodanthe Bridge, often referred to as the Jug Handle Bridge, helps protect travel along NC Highway 12 in one of the most flood-prone areas of the Outer Banks. This innovative bridge curves out into Pamlico Sound, bypassing sections of roadway that were frequently damaged by ocean over wash.
For travelers heading to Hatteras Island, this bridge greatly improves reliability during storm season and high tides.
Captain Richard Etheridge Bridge
- Completed 2017-2018
- Location: Connects Pea Island to Hatteras Island
The Captain Richard Etheridge Bridge spans a channel created by Hurricane Irene and ensures continued access along NC Highway 12. Named after the historic African American lifesaving station keeper, this bridge plays a key role in maintaining transportation to Hatteras Island during severe weather alerts.
Marc Basnight Bridge
Ferry Transportation to and Around Hatteras Island
While bridges connect Hatteras Island to the north, ferries are still an essential part of Outer Banks transportation.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry
- Free vehicle & passenger ferry
- Operates year-around
- Connects Hatteras Village to Ocracoke Island
Some visitors choose to reach Hatteras Island by driving to Ocracoke via ferry from the mainland and then taking the Hatteras ferry- a longer but scenic alternative route.
Before the Bridges: How People Reached Hatteras Island
Before modern bridges were built, access to Hatteras Island was limited to boats, ferries, and small aircraft. Early residents depended on the water for transportation, commerce, and supplies. The construction of bridges dramatically changed life on the island, supporting tourism, emergency services, and year-round living.
Travel Tips for Getting to Hatteras Island
- Check road conditions before traveling, especially during hurricane season
- Allow extra drive time- NC Highway 12 is scenic but slower
- Fuel up early, as gas stations are spaced farther apart on the island
- Use ferries as backups if weather impacts bridge access
Conclusion
Whether you're visiting for surfing, fishing, a beach vacation, or a quiet getaway, understanding how to get to Hatteras Island makes planning easier. Thanks to modern bridges like the Marc Basnight Bridge, resilient infrastructure along NC Highway 12, and reliable ferry service, reaching Hatteras Island is more dependable than ever- and the journey is part of the experience.