Traveling from Ocean City to Atlantic City is one of the easiest coastal day trips in New Jersey. You're looking at a short stretch of about 15 to 20 miles along the shore, meaning you can swap a family-friendly boardwalk for casino nightlife in under half an hour. Whether you're driving your own car, grabbing a rideshare, or using public transit, getting between these two destinations requires very little planning if you know the right routes.
Most visitors make the mistake of guessing on traffic or missing the direct transit options that save money. You can complete this trip smoothly by understanding the exact transit choices, peak congestion times, and parking realities at both ends. Let's break down how to make the journey without any hassle.
Driving Routes and Parking Realities
Driving is the most flexible way to make the trip, taking roughly 20 to 30 minutes depending on your exact starting point in Ocean City. The distance is short, but summer traffic can throw a wrench into your timeline if you don't know the layout.
You'll typically head out of Ocean City via the Ninth Street Bridge (Route 52), which drops you near Somers Point. From there, you can jump onto the Garden State Parkway for a brief stretch or take local coastal arteries like Ocean Drive and the Black Horse Pike extensions depending on where you're headed in Atlantic City.
- The Route 9 Option: Taking Route 9 north keeps you off toll roads, though local lights can slow you down during morning and evening commutes.
- The Parkway Option: Hopping on the Garden State Parkway north to the Atlantic City Expressway gives you a straight shot, though you'll pay a couple of dollars in tolls.
Parking in Atlantic City is straightforward if you utilize casino garages. Most major casinos charge a flat daily rate, though you can often find promotional free parking if you sign up for a loyalty rewards card. In Ocean City, street parking relies on meter apps or kiosks, so keep your phone handy to top off your time before you leave.
Public Transit Options for a Car-Free Trip
If you don't want to deal with parking or prefer a designated driver, public transit handles this corridor reliably. The NJ Transit system operates direct bus service that connects the two beach towns without requiring multiple transfers.
The NJ Transit Route 507 bus runs regularly from Ocean City (starting around Moorlyn Terrace) straight up to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal on South Carolina Avenue. The ride takes around 55 to 70 minutes, offering a front-row seat to the coastal marshes and bridges along the way. A one-way ticket costs just a few dollars, making it the most budget-friendly choice by far.
Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Ocean City, but keep surge pricing in mind. A one-way rideshare typically ranges from $50 to $70 during peak hours, which makes sense if you're splitting the cost with a group, whereas solo travelers save a lot more by taking the bus.
Choosing the Best Time to Travel
Timing dictates whether your trip takes 20 minutes or an hour. During the peak summer season, Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings see heavy turnover traffic as weekenders arrive and leave.
If you're driving, aim to leave mid-morning between 10:00 AM and noon, or wait until after 7:00 PM. This avoids the heavy commuter blocks and the beach-goer rush. For bus riders, schedules run hourly, so checking the latest timetable on the transit app before walking to the stop ensures you aren't waiting in the coastal wind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few minor oversights can turn a quick coastal hop into an annoying chore. Keep these pitfalls in mind before you head out:
- Forgetting Toll Money: If you take the Expressway or Parkway connectors, make sure your E-ZPass is mounted correctly to avoid violations, as cash lanes are increasingly rare.
- Overlooking Bus Schedules: The Route 507 bus doesn't run every five minutes; it operates on an hourly cadence. Missing your intended bus means a long wait on the curb.
- Underestimating Summer Traffic: Even a 10-mile stretch can back up near drawbridges on hot summer Saturdays when boat traffic has the right of way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Ocean City to Atlantic City?
Driving takes about 20 to 30 minutes under normal conditions. Taking the public bus takes around 55 to 70 minutes because of scheduled stops along the route.
Is there a direct train between Ocean City and Atlantic City?
No, there is no direct rail link between the two towns. Rail service to Atlantic City runs via the Atlantic City Line from Philadelphia, but local travel down the cape relies entirely on cars, buses, or rideshares.
What is the cheapest way to travel between these cities?
The NJ Transit Route 507 bus is the cheapest option, with one-way fares costing around $3 to $10. Driving your own car is also inexpensive due to the short distance, though you'll need to factor in parking fees at your destination.
Can I walk or bike between Ocean City and Atlantic City?
Walking or biking the entire distance is not recommended. The route involves crossing major highway bridges like the Route 52 causeway and navigating high-speed regional roads that lack continuous, pedestrian-safe shoulders for cyclists.
