EastCoast Weekends
The Atlantic City boardwalk and beach
Weekend guide

Atlantic City by bus

Two and a half hours from Port Authority and you are on the boardwalk — the cheapest beach weekend on this site.

~2h20–2h45 by bus~$40–45 round trip1–2 nightsBoardwalk, beach, casinos
Journey~2h20–2h45 by bus
Cost~$40–45 round trip
Nights1–2 nights
Best forBoardwalk, beach, casinos
Why go

The easy beach weekend

NJ Transit runs direct buses from Port Authority to Atlantic City. The boardwalk, the beach and the casinos are all within walking distance of the drop-off.

It is not the prettiest town on the shore, but it is the easiest: no car, no parking, and enough indoor options if the weather turns. Steel Pier and the Absecon Lighthouse are the non-casino anchors.

The Atlantic City boardwalk and beach
What to do

Three things to do

Boardwalk, beach, one indoor option.

Boardwalk

The boardwalk

Four miles of beachfront; walk it early or at sunset.

Walk north to the inlet
Beach

The beach

Free and wide, with lifeguards in season.

Check swimming hours
Indoor

Steel Pier and lighthouse

Rides on the pier and the Absecon Lighthouse for a view.

Check seasonal hours
The plan

One night, one full day

Bus Saturday morning, boardwalk and beach, bus home Sunday.

01 Saturday

Boardwalk

Bus down, check in, beach and boardwalk, dinner near the pier.

  • NJ Transit bus — Port Authority
  • Boardwalk — Beachfront
02 Sunday

Lighthouse and home

Absecon Lighthouse or a last beach walk, then the bus home.

  • Absecon Lighthouse — North end
  • Bus home — Atlantic City bus terminal
What it costs

A realistic budget

Per person, excluding shopping.

Atlantic City weekend costs
ItemTypicalNotes
Bus$40–45NJ Transit round trip
Hotel$120–260Casino or boardwalk hotel
BeachFreeLifeguards in season
Food$80–120Two lunches, one dinner
Practical

What to know

callout({ icon: "◆", title: "Book the bus ahead", text: "Weekend seats fill; check the return times before you go." }), callout({ icon: "◆", title: "Expect casino noise", text: "Boardwalk hotels vary; read recent reviews." }), callout({ icon: "◆", title: "Off-season is cheap", text: "Rates drop outside summer; the boardwalk still works." })
Questions

__FAQ_TITLE__

Do I need a car?

No. The bus drops you within walking distance of the boardwalk.

Is one night enough?

Yes for a beach and boardwalk weekend; two nights if you want a slower Sunday.

When is best?

Summer for swimming; late spring and early autumn for cheap rates.

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