So, you're headed to the Boardwalk. Maybe it’s the lure of the Borgata’s poker rooms, or perhaps you just really need a Taylor Ham—wait, excuse me, pork roll—breakfast sandwich while looking at the ocean. Either way, figuring out how to get to Atlantic City shouldn't be the hardest part of your trip.
Most people just assume they’ll hop in a car and deal with the Garden State Parkway. That's a choice. It's often a slow, brake-light-filled choice, especially on a Friday afternoon in July when it feels like the entire population of North Jersey is migrating south at exactly three miles per hour.
The Reality of Driving to the Shore
Let’s talk about the Atlantic City Expressway. It’s a straight shot, basically. If you’re coming from Philly, you’re looking at about an hour of driving, assuming the Ben Franklin Bridge isn't behaving like a parking lot.
Here is a tip most GPS apps won't emphasize: Have your E-ZPass ready. The tolls on the Expressway are automated, and if you're fumbling for change or waiting for a "pay by mail" bill, you're just adding stress to a weekend that’s supposed to be about relaxation. The Pleasantville Toll Plaza is the big one. Once you pass that, you can practically smell the salt air and the funnel cake.
Parking is the next hurdle. It’s weirdly expensive at some casinos and surprisingly cheap at others. If you have a player’s card for places like Caesars or Ocean, check your app first. Often, even the lowest tier of loyalty membership can get you a discount or even free self-parking. If you aren't staying at a casino, the Wave Parking Garage on Mississippi Avenue is usually a safe, central bet that won't empty your wallet before you hit the slots.
Taking the Train: The Atlantic City Line
Honestly, the train is underrated. NJ Transit runs the Atlantic City Line directly from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. It’s not a high-speed bullet train. Don’t expect that. It’s a commuter rail that winds through the Pine Barrens, stopping in places like Cherry Hill and Hammonton along the way.
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It takes about 90 minutes.
That sounds long, right? But consider this: you can drink a beer. You can read. You can stare out the window at the scrub pines and wonder if the Jersey Devil is watching the train go by. The train drops you right at the Atlantic City Convention Center. From there, you don't even have to walk far. There are free shuttles—the "Jitneys"—that wait outside the station to whisk people away to the various casinos.
The Bus Route: Not Just for Seniors Anymore
When people think about the bus to AC, they often imagine a cramped vehicle full of folks clutching rolls of quarters. That's a bit dated. While those "casino buses" from neighborhood parking lots still exist, the professional line-run buses are actually pretty efficient.
NJ Transit’s 319 bus from Port Authority in New York City is a powerhouse. It’s a direct shot. You sit down in Manhattan, and a few hours later, you’re stepping off at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal.
- Greyhound also runs the "Lucky Streak" service.
- It often includes a "free play" voucher for a specific casino.
- Sometimes the voucher is worth almost as much as the ticket.
- Check the fine print, because these deals change based on the season and the casino's current marketing budget.
If you're coming from New York, the bus is frequently faster than the train because you don't have to transfer in Trenton or Philadelphia. You just ride the spine of Jersey until the skyline appears on the horizon.
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Flying into ACY
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is... unique. It’s technically in Egg Harbor Township. It is small. Like, "you can get through security in five minutes" small.
Spirit Airlines is the primary carrier here. If you can handle the "unbundled" pricing—meaning you pay for your seat, your bag, your water, and probably the air you breathe—it’s incredibly convenient. Flying in from places like Orlando, Myrtle Beach, or Fort Lauderdale is often cheaper than the gas and tolls it would take to drive.
Once you land, don't expect a train. You’ll need an Uber, a Lyft, or a taxi. It’s about a 20-minute ride to the Boardwalk. Pro tip: if there's a massive event at the convention center, book your rideshare well in advance or you'll be standing on the curb watching the one available taxi drive away.
The Jitney: Atlantic City’s Secret Weapon
Once you’ve figured out how to get to Atlantic City, you need to know how to move within it. You’ll see these small, olive-green minibuses everywhere. These are the Jitneys.
They’ve been around since 1915. They run 24/7. They are cheap.
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Don't bother taking an Uber from Tropicana to Hard Rock. It’ll cost you $15 after tips and surge pricing. A Jitney will do it for a few bucks. There are different routes (Route 1, 2, and 3), but the one that runs up and down Pacific Avenue is the lifeline for tourists. Just wave one down. They stop at almost every corner.
Misconceptions About the Walk
Is Atlantic City walkable? Sorta.
The Boardwalk is roughly four miles long. Walking from the Inlet (near Ocean and Showboat) down to the Chelsea neighborhood is a hike. It's beautiful, sure. You've got the ocean on one side and the neon on the other. But if you’re wearing fancy shoes for a nice dinner at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, you are going to regret that walk by mile two.
Use the rolling chairs. They aren't just for show; they are a legitimate part of the city’s transit history. It’s a human-powered rickshaw on the Boardwalk. It feels a bit indulgent, maybe even a little weird to have someone push you, but it’s the most iconic way to get from point A to point B without scuffing your heels.
Logistics for the Modern Traveler
If you are coming from the Philly suburbs, look into the PATCO Speedline. You can take it into the city and then hop on the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line. It sounds like a lot of steps, but it beats the traffic on the Walt Whitman Bridge.
For those driving from the south, like Delaware or Maryland, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a scenic alternative. You drive your car onto a massive boat, spend 85 minutes crossing the Delaware Bay, and then drive up the Garden State Parkway from the very bottom. It turns a boring drive into a mini-cruise. It isn't the fastest way, but it is definitely the best way to start a vacation.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Event Calendar: If there is a concert at Boardwalk Hall or a festival on the beach, the Expressway will be a nightmare. Add an hour to your travel time.
- Download the NJ Transit App: Don't mess with paper tickets. Buy them on your phone. They're easier to activate and you won't lose them in a casino trash can.
- Pre-book Your Rideshare: If you're arriving at the airport or the train station during peak hours, use the "schedule a ride" feature.
- Verify Casino Shuttles: Some hotels have discontinued their independent shuttles post-2020. Always call the front desk the day before to see if their specific shuttle is actually running.
- Pack a Small Bag: If you're taking the bus or train, keep it light. Storage on the 319 bus is under the carriage, and you don't want to be "that person" struggling with three oversized suitcases in the aisle of a commuter train.
Getting to the shore doesn't have to be a chore. Whether you're cruising down the AC Expressway with the windows down or watching the marshes fly by from a train window, the goal is the same: get to the boards, find a cold drink, and enjoy the view.