Whether you are ready to hit the blackjack tables and slot machines, or you want to take a stroll along the iconic boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey offers excitement, entertainment and attractions for young and old. Travelers from all over the country come to Atlantic City to try their luck at the casinos or to partake in beachside activities. If you fly into JFK Airport in Queens, New York, the easiest option would be to transfer planes and fly directly to Atlantic City International Airport. However, if you prefer not to fly, you can also get to Atlantic City by train, bus or a rental car.
Via train services
Step 1
Take the JFK Airtrain from your airport terminal. You can take it to Jamaica Station, where you can transfer to the Long Island Rail Road train or the "E" NYC Subway to Penn Station. You can also take the airtrain to Howard Beach, where you would catch the "A" NYC subway train to Penn Station. Both routes will get you to Penn Station in roughly 45 minutes to one hour depending on the train station.
Step 2
Make your way from the subway station to the Amtrak area in Penn Station. There will be signs to direct you towards Amtrak. Purchase a ticket at the Amtrak ticket counter to Atlantic City if you have not already done so.
Step 3
Transfer trains at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. All Amtrak routes from Penn Station to Atlantic City require you to transfer in Philadelphia to a New Jersey Transit Rail train. You will not have to purchase a separate ticket when you arrive in Philadelphia. Take the New Jersey Transit Rail train to the Atlantic City Station. The whole trip from Penn Station to Atlantic City should take roughly three hours and 30 minutes.
via Greyhound Bus Service
Step 1
Take the Airtrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station for the "E" train, or Howard Beach Station for the "A" train. Take either train to 42nd St - Port Authority Bus Terminal. It should take you roughly and hour or so to get to Port Authority.
Step 2
Follow signs from the subway to the Greyhound bus terminal in Port Authority and purchase a bus ticket to Atlantic City from the Greyhound ticket counter.
Step 3
Take the Greyhound bus to the Atlantic City Greyhound Station. You can also take a special "Lucky Streak" Greyhound Bus straight to the most popular casino resorts in Atlantic City. It should take you less than three hours to get to Atlantic City from Port Authority.
Via Car
Step 1
Follow airport exit signs which will put you on the JFK Expressway. Stay on the expressway for roughly 1.3 miles.
Step 2
Take the Interstate 678/Belt Parkway West/Van Wyck Expressway/Rockaway Blvd East exit. Keep left on the exit ramp to merge onto the Nassau Expressway, which you will stay on for less than a half-mile.
Step 3
Make a slight left to take the Belt Parkway West ramp towards Kennedy Airport, then immediately take the next left ramp, following signs for the Belt Parkway West towards the Verrazano Bridge. Stay on the parkway for a little over 16 miles.
Step 4
Take Exit 3 from the parkway towards Interstate 278 West/Verrazano Bridge for less than a mile, then take the Lower Level exit ramp, which will be on your left.
Step 5
Merge onto Interstate 278 W towards the Verrazano Bridge. This will take you on the Verrazano Bridge into Staten Island. You will have to pay a bridge toll. Stay on I-278 W for about eight miles.
Step 6
Take Exit 5 to Route 440 South/Pearl Harbor Memorial Expressway towards Outerbridge Crossing, which you will take for 7.5 miles.
Step 7
Take Exit 1 towards Route 440 South/Outerbridge Crossing/New Jersey. This will take you into New Jersey. Stay on Route 440 South for another five miles.
Step 8
Follow signs for the Garden State Parkway South/US-9. You will have to pay a toll for this expressway. Stay on the Garden State Parkway for about 90 miles.
Step 9
Take Exit 38 to the Atlantic City Expressway East. You will also have to pay a toll for this expressway. This expressway will lead you straight into the heart of Atlantic City in about five miles. The entire drive trip from New York City to Atlantic City will take about two hours and 30 minutes.
Tip
- Purchase Amtrak and Greyhound tickets in advance to make ensure yourself a seat. Atlantic City is a popular destination so you do not want to take the chance of having to miss the train or bus you wanted to take.