Landing at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and heading to the exciting destination of Atlantic City? Navigating transportation options can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! This guide will walk you through the best ways to travel from Philadelphia Airport to Atlantic City, focusing on convenient and cost-effective public transportation. Forget the stress of driving and parking – let’s explore how NJ TRANSIT and connecting services can get you to the boardwalk, casinos, and beaches of Atlantic City with ease.
Direct Train Route: SEPTA to NJ TRANSIT Atlantic City Rail Line
The most streamlined public transportation option involves a combination of SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) and NJ TRANSIT (New Jersey Transit) rail services. This route is efficient and avoids traffic congestion, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Here’s how to take the train from Philadelphia Airport to Atlantic City:
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SEPTA Airport Line from PHL to 30th Street Station: Upon arrival at Philadelphia Airport, follow signs for “Train to City”. This will lead you to the SEPTA Airport Line station located within the airport terminals. Purchase a SEPTA Quick Trip ticket from the vending machines for a ride to 30th Street Station. The Airport Line train provides frequent service, and the journey to 30th Street Station typically takes around 25-30 minutes.
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Transfer to NJ TRANSIT Atlantic City Rail Line at 30th Street Station: Once you arrive at Philadelphia 30th Street Station, follow signs for NJ TRANSIT. The Atlantic City Rail Line departs from 30th Street Station and offers direct service to Atlantic City Rail Terminal. Purchase your NJ TRANSIT ticket to Atlantic City at the station. The Atlantic City Rail Line provides a comfortable and scenic ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 30-45 minutes to reach Atlantic City.
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Atlantic City Rail Terminal to Your Destination: The Atlantic City Rail Terminal is conveniently located adjacent to the Atlantic City Convention Center and just a short distance from the famous boardwalk and many casinos. Upon arrival, you can easily walk to nearby hotels and attractions. For casinos further afield, take advantage of the FREE Casino Shuttle service. This complimentary shuttle bus service is timed to meet train arrivals and departures, providing quick and reliable transportation directly to various Atlantic City casinos.
Exploring Bus Options: NJ TRANSIT Bus Route 551
For a potentially more budget-friendly option, consider NJ TRANSIT bus services. While it might take slightly longer than the train, the bus offers a direct route from Philadelphia to Atlantic City and can be more economical.
NJ TRANSIT Bus Route 551: Philadelphia to Atlantic City
Bus Route 551 operates between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, with multiple pick-up locations in Philadelphia, including:
- Race Street: Convenient for Center City locations.
- Market Street: Another central Philadelphia pick-up point.
- Broad Street: Accessible from various points along Broad Street.
- Vine Street: Serving areas near the Vine Street Expressway.
In Philadelphia, you can board the Bus Route 551 at these street-side stops. It’s advisable to check the NJ TRANSIT website or app for the most up-to-date stop locations and schedules.
The Bus Route 551 will take you directly to the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. From there, you can connect to local Atlantic City bus services or utilize taxis and ride-sharing options to reach your final destination. Bus Route 551 also makes stops at locations like Camden (Walter Rand Transportation Center) and Avandale Park and Ride in Sicklerville, offering flexibility depending on your starting point near Philadelphia.
Connecting from Amtrak
If you are arriving at Philadelphia 30th Street Station via Amtrak from other cities, connecting to Atlantic City is seamless. Simply transfer to the NJ TRANSIT Atlantic City Rail Line at 30th Street Station, as described in the train route section. This allows for convenient travel to Atlantic City from destinations across the Amtrak network.
Plan Your Trip for a Smooth Journey
To ensure a hassle-free journey from Philadelphia Airport to Atlantic City, utilize the NJ TRANSIT Trip Planner available on their website or mobile app. This tool allows you to input your starting point (Philadelphia Airport) and destination (Atlantic City) and will provide detailed itineraries, including train and bus schedules, travel times, and fare information.
Plan Your Trip
By choosing public transportation options like SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT, your trip from Philadelphia Airport to Atlantic City can be comfortable, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of the train or the budget-friendliness of the bus, NJ TRANSIT provides reliable services to get you to the excitement of Atlantic City. So, skip the parking headaches and traffic jams, and let public transportation be your ticket to fun!
