Day Trip to Long Branch
From New York City • 1hr 10min drive
Long Branch, in Monmouth County, is about 1hr 10min by car from New York City without traffic; leave by 8:35 AM to reach the beach around 10 AM. The plan below is built around the beach and Pier Village.
Timing it: Leave New York City by 8:35 AM for a 10 AM arrival. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Getting to Long Branch from New York City
car
1hr 10min
Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 105.
Tip: Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
train
1hr 40min typical
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line to Long Branch station from Penn Station New York. Some trains require a change at Long Branch.
$15-25 one way
Tip: Summer weekend schedules differ from weekday — check NJ Transit before you commit.
Doing Long Branch without your own car?
The train and bus get you to town. A one-day rental from New York City gets you to the beaches the schedules skip.
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Your Long Branch Day Trip Itinerary
Morning
Leave New York City
About 1hr 10min without traffic.
Arrive in Long Branch
Park first, then get badges. Local intel: Metered street parking available.
Beach time
2 hours
Afternoon
Lunch
For example, Stingers Burger Bar.
See Pier Village
Pier Village, then Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park if there is time.
2 hours
Back to the beach
Evening
Early dinner
Head back to New York City
About 1hr 10min home.
Advertisement
Top Things to Do in Long Branch
Pier Village
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
West End
McLoone's Pier House
Where to Eat in Long Branch
Stingers Burger Bar
Simply Greek
Sides Grill Diner & Eat Fresh
Seaview Restaurant
Practical Information
Parking
Metered street parking available.
Budget
Known costs: beach badges $6/day, ~$15 parking. Add gas, tolls and food.
Advertisement
Day Trip Tips
- Daily beach badges in Long Branch run $6 in season. Kids under 14 are free.
- Budget about $15 for a day of parking.
- Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
- No car? The North Jersey Coast Line stops at Long Branch — slower than driving, but you skip parking entirely.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Weekend
At 1hr 10min each way from New York City, an overnight in Long Branch turns one rushed day into two: Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park on day two, and dinner at Stingers Burger Bar without watching the clock.
Popular hotels:
Choose your stay
Check Long Branch staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Long Branch Day Trip FAQ
How long is the drive from New York City to Long Branch?
About 1hr 10min without traffic. Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 105. Summer weekend traffic adds to that; leave by 8:35 AM to be on the beach by 10.
Do I need beach badges in Long Branch?
Daily beach badges in Long Branch run $6 in season. Kids under 14 are free.
Can I take the train from New York City to Long Branch?
Yes — NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line stops at Long Branch station, roughly 1hr 40min from Penn Station. Some runs change at Long Branch.
Is Long Branch a good day trip from New York City?
Yes. At 1hr 10min each way there is time for a beach morning and Pier Village.
More Day Trips
Make the Long Branch Trip Easy
The free Shore Insider Guide, then a Thursday email with the weekend ahead and a planning guide on the 1st.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.