How to Get From Newark Airport to Atlantic City: Transportation Options, Costs, and Travel Times
Newark Airport to Atlantic City is a 125-mile journey with five distinct ways to get there, ranging from $13 on a bus to $350+ in a private transfer. Here is exactly what each option costs, how long it takes, and which one makes sense for your situation.
Newark Liberty International Airport handled 2.06 million passengers during the 2025 holiday season alone, and Atlantic City welcomes 27 million visitors annually. Yet despite these staggering numbers, many travelers still struggle with how to get from Newark Airport to Atlantic City, especially first-time visitors juggling luggage, late-night arrivals, and the famously unpredictable Shore traffic.
With over 15 years of serving Newark Airport travelers, NYC United Limo has helped thousands of passengers navigate this exact route. Whether you choose to drive, take the train, or book a private ride, our goal is to give you clear, honest information so you can make the best decision for your trip.
How to Get from Newark Airport to Atlantic City: Travel Options at a Glance
Here is a quick comparison of your main options to get from EWR to Atlantic City.
Note: Costs and times are estimates and can change based on traffic, time of day, and specific service providers.
Option | Estimated Cost | Estimated Travel Time | Transfers Required? | Best For |
Train | $25–$40 | ~3 hours | Yes | Budget |
Bus | $22–$60 | ~2.5–3 hours | Sometimes | Value |
Driving (Rental Car) | $40–$70 | ~2 hours | No | Flexibility |
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $150–$250 | ~2 hours | No | Convenience |
Private Transfer | $350+ | ~2 hours | No | Comfort |
How to Leave Newark Airport: AirTrain and Ground Transportation
Before you can start your trip to Atlantic City, you need to get from your terminal to the main transportation connections. This first step is essential for most public options.
All terminals at Newark Airport are connected by the AirTrain Newark system. This is a free monorail that runs 24/7 and takes you to:
- The Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station
- Car rental facilities
- Hotel shuttles
If you are taking a train or need to catch a bus from Newark Penn Station, you must take the AirTrain to the airport’s rail station. The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. When you purchase an NJ Transit train ticket from the airport, the cost of the AirTrain (which is about ~$8.50) is included in your ticket price.
Train Travel From Newark Airport to Atlantic City
Once you reach the Newark Liberty International Airport Station via AirTrain, your long-distance travel options open up, starting with the train. Here is how the full journey works:
- First, take the AirTrain (a small train that runs inside the airport) from your terminal to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
- At that station, board a train operated by NJ Transit (New Jersey’s public train system) or Amtrak (the national train service). Take this train south to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
- At 30th Street Station, leave the train and find the platform for the Atlantic City Rail Line. This train will take you the rest of the way to Atlantic City.
- Estimated Cost: $25 to $40.
Advantages: The train service is dependable. You do not have to worry about traffic on the roads. It is a comfortable way to travel without spending too much money.
Limitations: You must carry your own luggage when you change trains in Philadelphia. If you have large or heavy bags, this option can be difficult.
Direct Bus Options to Atlantic City
Best for solo travelers on a budget with no heavy luggage.
Buses are another common way to travel between Newark Airport to Atlantic City. However, most buses leave from Newark Penn Station, not the airport itself. You would need to take the AirTrain to the rail station and then a short train ride to Newark Penn Station to catch these buses.
NJ Transit Bus 319
This bus is a popular choice, especially for people going to the casinos. It connects the Newark area directly to Atlantic City.
- Travel Time: Around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Estimated Cost: ~$22 to $30.
- Note: This bus departs from Newark Penn Station, not the airport terminals.
Greyhound Intercity Bus
Greyhound also offers service between Newark and Atlantic City. Their buses offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets, making for a comfortable ride.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours.
- Estimated Cost: ~$24 to $35.
- Note: Greyhound buses also depart from a station near Newark Penn Station.
Limitations
Buses can be delayed by traffic, especially during busy times on the Jersey Shore.
Driving From Newark Airport to Atlantic City
If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car at Newark Airport. The rental car facilities are conveniently accessible via the AirTrain, offering a straightforward connection for travelers looking to manage their own schedule and navigate the route to Atlantic City independently.
Route
The most direct route is to take the New Jersey Turnpike south to Exit 11, then follow the Garden State Parkway south. From the Parkway, you will connect to the Atlantic City Expressway east, which takes you directly into the city.
Distance: About 125 miles.
Travel Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending heavily on traffic.
Costs to Consider: This option includes the cost of the rental car, gas, and tolls on the Turnpike, Parkway, and Expressway. You should budget around $40 to $70 for gas and tolls alone. Parking at Atlantic City hotels and casinos also costs money.
Rideshare Services From Newark Airport
Looking for a direct ride that’s a bit private? Using an app like Uber or Lyft is a very convenient way to get a direct ride.
Pickup
Rideshare pickups are available at the airport. You can request a ride from your terminal, and your driver will meet you at a designated rideshare pickup area.
Estimated Fare
The average cost for an Uber from EWR to Atlantic City is around $192, but it can range from $150 to $250 depending on demand and the type of vehicle you choose. An UberXL for larger groups might cost around $247, and a luxury option like Uber Black can be about $440.
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours.
Advantages: Direct travel to your exact destination and easy booking through an app.
Limitations: Prices can increase significantly during peak travel times (surge pricing).
Private Airport Transfers: Door-to-Door Convenience
For the highest level of comfort and convenience, you can book a private car service or limousine. Many companies offer this service between Atlantic City to EWR.
The Service: A professional chauffeur will meet you at your terminal, help with your luggage, and drive you directly to your hotel or residence in Atlantic City.
Typical Fares: Private transfers start around $350 and can go much higher for luxury vehicles like SUVs or limousines.
Best Suited For: Families with a lot of luggage, business travelers who need to work on the way, or groups of people who can split the cost for a more comfortable experience.
Travel Time: About 2 hours.
Important Travel Factors Many Visitors Overlook
When planning your trip, keep these points in mind:
- Luggage: If you have a lot of heavy luggage, the train and bus options will require you to carry it up and down stairs and through stations. A direct car service is much easier.
- Late-Night Arrivals
If your flight lands late at night, remember that trains and buses do not run as often. Some services may stop running completely. The last bus from Newark typically departs by 10:00–10:30 PM, and train service ends by late evening. Rideshare or private transfer is your best option for arrivals after midnight, as these services operate 24/7. - Weekend Traffic
Traveling on a Friday afternoon means you will likely hit heavy traffic. Many people drive to the Jersey Shore at these times, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Garden State Parkway South gets very busy, and this can add an extra hour or more to your trip. If you are driving, taking a rideshare, or booking a private transfer on a summer weekend, add significant buffer time to your travel plans.
Late-Night Arrivals
If your flight lands after midnight, trains and buses do not run at all. A rideshare or private transfer is your only reliable option for arrivals after midnight, as they operate 24/7.
- Weather Delays
In winter, snow and ice can slow down both road and rail travel.
Note on schedules: Train and bus schedules can change seasonally. It is always a good idea to check the NJ Transit or Greyhound website on the day of your travel for the most up-to-date departure times and any service alerts.
Which Option Is Best for Your Travel Situation
For the Budget Traveler
If you want to spend as little as possible on transportation, take the NJ Transit Bus 319 or the train. These options cost between $22 and $40, making them the most affordable way to travel.
Insider tip: Book your bus ticket on the NJ Transit app before boarding, it’s the same price as the ticket counter, but you’ll skip the line at Newark Penn Station and avoid the risk of the bus selling out, which happens on summer Fridays.
For the Fastest Departure
If your main goal is to get to Atlantic City quickly, take a rideshare or rent a car. When traffic is good, these options get you there in about 2 hours, which is usually faster than the train or bus.
Insider tip: If you’re renting a car, use the E-ZPass lane on the Garden State Parkway, cash tolls cause significant backups, and many rental cars come with E-ZPass built in (just check the glove box or ask at the counter to activate it).
For Traveling with Heavy Luggage
Choose a direct option like a rideshare or private transfer so you don’t have to struggle with your bags on and off trains and buses.
Insider tip: If you do take the bus, sit on the right-hand side near the middle of the coach, the luggage bays are accessed from that side, so you’ll be first to grab your bags when the driver opens the compartment.
For Maximum Comfort and Convenience
A private Newark Airport car service offers a stress-free, door-to-door experience, as it’s the most luxurious choice.
Insider tip: Book with a local Atlantic City–based car service rather than a national provider, they often offer flat rates that are $50–$100 cheaper than the major ride-hailing apps, and the driver will meet you at baggage claim with a sign rather than making you navigate to a ride-share pickup zone.
For Late-Night Arrivals
If your flight lands after midnight, skip the train and bus entirely, they stop running by late evening. A rideshare or private car is your only reliable option.
Insider tip: When booking a rideshare after midnight at Newark, request it before walking to the pickup area. The designated ride-share lots can be a 5–10 minute walk from baggage claim, and you’ll often see surge pricing drop slightly if you wait 10–15 minutes after multiple flights deplane.
For Summer Weekend Travel
If you’re traveling on a Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, or Sunday evening between Memorial Day and Labor Day, build in an extra hour of buffer time regardless of which option you choose. The Garden State Parkway becomes a parking lot during shore season.
Insider tip: If you’re driving or taking a rideshare, take the Turnpike to Exit 7A and cut over via Route 70 rather than staying on the Parkway the whole way. Locals use this bypass to skip the worst of the Shore traffic, especially between Toms River and Atlantic City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get from Newark Airport to Atlantic City?
You can travel by train, bus, rental car, rideshare, or private car service. All public options require taking the AirTrain to the Newark Airport Train Station first to begin your journey. A private Newark Airport car service is also a best option for luxury travelers.
Is there a direct bus from Newark Airport to Atlantic City?
No, there is no direct bus that picks up at the airport terminals. Most buses, like the NJ Transit 319 and Greyhound, depart from Newark Penn Station. You would need to take the AirTrain and a short train ride to get there.
How much does an Uber cost from Newark Airport to Atlantic City?
An Uber from EWR to Atlantic City typically costs between $150 and $250. The average price is around $192, but this can change based on demand.
How long does the trip take?
The trip takes between 2 hours (by car/rideshare) and 3.5 hours (by train or bus), depending on traffic and the specific route.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The NJ Transit Bus 319 is usually the cheapest option, with fares starting around $22. The train is also an affordable choice at around $25 to $40.
