Atlantic City sits on Absecon Island, a barrier island 95 kilometers (59 miles) southeast of Philadelphia and 195 kilometers (121 miles) from New York City, accessible by one of the most frequent public bus networks in New Jersey. NJ Transit bus 319 runs express from New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal at 625 8th Avenue to Atlantic City's bus terminal on the Boardwalk approximately every 30 to 60 minutes; the round-trip fare is $31.25 and travel time is about 2h15 from New York. From Philadelphia, NJ Transit bus 553 departs 30th Street Station and reaches Atlantic City in approximately 1h30 for $9.25 one way. By car, the Garden State Parkway to Exit 38 reaches the casino strip in about one hour from Philadelphia or two hours from central New Jersey. The Atlantic City Boardwalk stretches roughly six kilometers along the oceanfront from the southern Chelsea neighborhood to northern Gardner's Basin. The central section between Tropicana at Iowa Avenue and the Pier Shops at Caesars at Arkansas Avenue concentrates the main casino resort cluster: Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are the primary operating properties. Casino floors are open 24 hours and require no admission. The Steel Pier amusement park at Virginia Avenue extends over the Atlantic Ocean with rides and carnival games; a wristband pass runs approximately $30 for 30 ride credits. Beyond the casinos, the Absecon Lighthouse at 31 South Rhode Island Avenue is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey at 64 meters; climbing its 228 steps costs $9 for adults and yields unobstructed views over the barrier island and Great Egg Harbor Bay. The Atlantic City beach along the Boardwalk is free to access year-round, with lifeguard patrols in season. White House Sub Shop at 2301 Arctic Avenue, open since 1946, is the city's most celebrated casual dining institution. The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa at 1 Renaissance Way, accessible by jitney from the Boardwalk, concentrates more upscale dining with nationally recognized chef-driven concepts.
How to get there
- NJ Transit bus 319 from NYC Port Authority
- NJ Transit bus from Philadelphia 30th St
- Car via Garden State Pkwy
Location
Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
39.3602, -74.4230 View on map
Highlights
- 6-kilometer Atlantic City Boardwalk with free beach access, casino resorts, and Steel Pier amusement rides over the Atlantic Ocean
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Caesars, Bally's, and Harrah's anchor the Boardwalk casino strip with 24-hour gaming floors
- Absecon Lighthouse at 31 S Rhode Island Ave — New Jersey's tallest at 64 m — 228 steps with barrier-island views; adult admission $9
- NJ Transit bus 319 from NYC Port Authority ($31.25 round-trip) makes Atlantic City one of the most transit-accessible NJ shore destinations
- White House Sub Shop at 2301 Arctic Ave has served acclaimed submarine sandwiches since 1946
Tips for visiting
- Take NJ Transit bus 319 from Port Authority ($31.25 round-trip, ~2h15) — buses run frequently and eliminate $10–$30 casino parking costs
- Casino rewards programs — Caesars Rewards, Hard Rock Rewards — offer free slot play and food credits for new sign-ups; register online before the trip
- Absecon Lighthouse hours vary by season; check in advance at lighthouseac.org to avoid arriving on a closed day
- White House Sub Shop (2301 Arctic Ave) fills fast from noon; arrive by 11:30 a.m. or expect a queue
- Avoid summer Saturday driving — the Garden State Parkway approaching Exit 38 can back up significantly; the bus is faster and cheaper on peak days
When to visit
Summer (June–August) is best for beach access with lifeguards and all Boardwalk attractions fully operating. Fall and winter offer significantly lower casino hotel rates and smaller crowds for those focused on dining and gaming rather than the beach.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors travel from New York City to Atlantic City by bus?
NJ Transit bus 319 departs from Port Authority Bus Terminal at 625 8th Avenue, Manhattan, roughly every 30–60 minutes. The round-trip fare is $31.25 and the journey takes about 2h15. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal or on the NJ Transit app.
Is Atlantic City's beach free to use?
Yes. The beach along the Boardwalk is free to enter year-round. Lifeguards patrol designated sections during summer from roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Boardwalk promenade is also free to walk at all hours.
What can visitors do in Atlantic City beyond gambling?
Non-gaming options include the free Boardwalk and beach, Absecon Lighthouse, Steel Pier amusement rides, Boardwalk Hall concerts, and White House Sub Shop. The Borgata resort, accessible by jitney, has nationally recognized chef-driven restaurants.
How much does a day trip to Atlantic City typically cost?
Transit from NYC costs $31.25 round-trip by bus. The beach is free. Food at Boardwalk casual spots runs $8–$15. Lighthouse climbing costs $9. Budget $50–$80 per person for a comfortable day excluding any casino gambling.