Getting around Atlantic City - pressofAtlanticCity.com: Getting Around

Getting around Atlantic City

By THOMAS BARLAS | Posted: Sunday, April 19, 2009 10:10 pm

By Road

Since Atlantic City is on an island, access routes are limited: Mainly the Atlantic City Expressway, Black Horse Pike and White Horse Pike.

The expressway is usually the fastest way to get into town. It will cost you $3.75 to drive its entire length, but you're paying for convenience.

Except, that is, on busy summer weekends and during some special events, like the city's annual air show. Traffic gets pretty heavy, so don't be surprised if you're stuck in a long line of cars.

Insider Tip: If it's a busy weekend, try the White Horse Pike, which can be less congested than the expressway or the Black Horse Pike.

Once you get to the city, there are a number of privately-owned parking lots. Parking costs at those lots vary based on the time of year, location and whether there's a major event occurring. When the latter happens, and during the height of the summer season, expect to pay a few dollars more.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority, or SJTA, operates parking lots at Fairmount and Mississippi avenues, and at Atlantic and Mississippi avenues. Both lots charge $6 during the week, and the price goes up on the weekend. The lot at Atlantic and Mississippi avenues is open around the clock.

SJTA also runs a parking garage on New York Avenue between Atlantic and Pacific avenues. The garage is always open, and there's a maximum charge of $7 for 24 hours. Website: www.sjta.com

By Rail

If you don't want to drive, consider NJ Transit's Atlantic City rail line, which runs between Atlantic City and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. A full-length trip costs $8.

Insider Tip: Even if you're driving to the resort, board the train at the Absecon station if there's a major event taking place that could cause traffic tie-ups. The trip will cost $1.25 - much less than you'll pay for parking in Atlantic City - and get you into the resort in about 14 minutes, a lot less time than if your stuck in traffic.

The train will drop you off at the Atlantic City Rail Terminal where, if you really want to travel Atlantic City like a local, you can take a jitney, the small passenger buses that run several routes - including to and from casinos - throughout the resort. It costs $2 a ride.

Insider Tip: Hold on. Jitney drivers have a reputation for hitting the gas pedal and the brake with vigor.

Or, you could walk, as the rail terminal is just a few blocks from The Walk retail shopping center and a cluster of casinos.

Insider Tip: If you walk in Atlantic City, pay heed to mom's old advice and look both ways before you cross a street. The city draws lots of motorists who are intent on getting somewhere quickly even though they're not familiar with the layout. Pedestrian accidents here are somewhat common.

Website: www.njtransit.com

By Bus

NJ Transit also runs several bus lines to Atlantic City.

Website: www.njtransit.com

By Air

If you don't feel like getting here by car, bus or train, then fly.

Spirit Airlines and Delta Comair Connection service nearby Atlantic City International Airport. The airport is noted for its customer service, and its easy to get to and from.

AVIS, Budget and Hertz car rental companies service the airport.

Taxi service is also available, with the maximum fare set at $27.

Check the SJTA Web site at www.sjta.com for information about the Atlantic City Expressway, Atlantic City International Airport and SJTA parking facilities

Check NJ Transit's Web site at www.njtransit.com for information about the Atlantic City Rail Line and bus service.

Check the jitney Web site at www.jitneys.net for information about jitney service.

Is something on this page incorrect or out of date? Please e-mail us with corrections, additions or changes. Note: Your message will go to The Press of Atlantic City, not to any groups or organizations listed. Email:cwray@pressofac.com

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