Getting to the Jersey Shore
Driving directions, transit options, and travel tips for your shore trip.
Where Are You Coming From?
🚗 Driving Routes
Garden State Parkway
From: NYC and North Jersey
Serves: All shore towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May
Main north-south highway along the coast. Many toll plazas are cashless (E-ZPass or toll-by-mail). E-ZPass recommended for best rates.
Atlantic City Expressway
From: Philadelphia
Serves: Atlantic City and surrounding area
Fastest route from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. Fully cashless - E-ZPass or toll-by-mail only (no cash accepted).
Route 72
From: Garden State Parkway Exit 63
Serves: Long Beach Island
Only access to LBI. Can get very congested on summer weekends.
Route 55 to Route 47
From: Philadelphia area
Serves: Wildwood, Cape May
Alternative to GSP from Philadelphia area. Less traffic but slightly longer.
⚠️ Traffic Warning
Summer weekend traffic can add 1-2 hours to your trip. Fridays and Saturday mornings are worst. Leave early morning (before 7am) or late evening for smoother travel.
💳 Cashless Tolling
New Jersey toll roads have transitioned to cashless tolling. The Atlantic City Expressway is fully cashless, and the Garden State Parkway's shore-area plazas (Exits 0-117) are cashless. If you don't have E-ZPass, cameras photograph your license plate and a toll invoice is mailed to you (typically at a higher rate than E-ZPass).
Get E-ZPass: ezpassnj.com | Toll rates: GSP/Turnpike | AC Expressway
⏰ Peak Traffic Times
| Direction | Day | Peak Hours | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Shore | Friday | 2pm - 8pm | Leave by noon or after 8pm |
| To Shore | Saturday | 8am - 12pm | Leave before 7am or after 2pm |
| From Shore | Sunday | 12pm - 7pm | Leave early morning or after 8pm |
| From Shore | Monday (Holiday) | 10am - 4pm | Same as Sunday |
🚂 Public Transit Options
North Jersey Coast Line
NJ TransitFrom: NY Penn Station, Newark
Serves: Long Branch, Asbury Park, Red Bank, Belmar, Point Pleasant
Frequency: Hourly, more frequent on weekends in summer
Atlantic City Rail Line
NJ TransitFrom: 30th Street Station Philadelphia
Serves: Atlantic City
Frequency: Hourly service
Bus Route 319
NJ TransitFrom: Port Authority NYC
Serves: Atlantic City
Frequency: Multiple daily departures
Bus Route 317
NJ TransitFrom: Philadelphia (via connection)
Serves: Wildwood, Cape May
Frequency: Limited service
Check NJ Transit for current schedules and fares.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Arrive early
Beach parking fills up by 9-10am on summer weekends. Aim to arrive before 8am for the best spots.
Use parking apps
Many shore towns now use ParkMobile or similar apps. Download before you go.
Walk a few blocks
Free street parking is often available 4-6 blocks from the beach. Worth the walk.
Consider off-beach lots
Private lots are often cheaper than metered beach parking. Look for signs.
Check town regulations
Some towns require resident permits for street parking. Check signs carefully.
🚲 Getting Around Without a Car
Many shore towns are surprisingly easy to navigate without a car, especially if you're staying at a beachfront hotel or rental. Here are your options once you arrive:
Shore Jitneys
Many shore towns have jitney services running along the main strips. Ocean City and Wildwood have extensive routes.
Bike Rentals
Most beach towns have bike rental shops. The flat terrain makes biking easy. Some towns have dedicated bike lanes.
Walking
Shore towns are generally walkable. Boardwalk towns especially are designed for pedestrians.
Uber/Lyft
Available in most shore towns, though can be surge-priced on busy summer nights.
🚗 Road Trip Checklist
Before You Leave
- ●Get E-ZPass
Saves money, avoids toll-by-mail hassle
- ●Check tire pressure
GSP service plazas are far apart
- ●Full tank of gas
Gas at shore is $0.30-0.50/gal more expensive
- ○Download Waze/Google Maps
Real-time traffic avoidance
- ○Check parking app requirements
Many towns use ParkMobile
- ○Cash for tolls backup
In case E-ZPass fails
Pack in Car
- ✓Phone chargeressentials
- ✓Sunglassesessentials
- ✓Snacks and wateressentials
- ✓Paper towelsessentials
- ✓Plastic bags for trashessentials
- ✓First aid kitsafety
- ✓Umbrellaweather
- ✓Cooler with icebeach
- ✓Beach gearbeach
📅 Seasonal Travel Guide
Peak Summer (July-Aug)
Severe TrafficStrategy:
Leave before 7am or after 8pm. Consider train.
Parking:
Arrive by 9am or lots fill up
Watch out:
Friday PM and Sunday PM are worst. Allow 2x normal drive time.
Shoulder (June, Sept)
Moderate TrafficStrategy:
Leave before 9am. Weekdays are easy.
Parking:
Most spots available, but beach lots still fill by noon on weekends
Watch out:
Labor Day weekend is brutal. Avoid Saturday of that weekend.
Off-Season (Oct-May)
Light TrafficStrategy:
Drive anytime. No traffic concerns.
Parking:
Free parking at most beaches. Meters may be off.
Watch out:
Some businesses closed. Check restaurant hours before going.
🚙 NJ Driving Tips for First-Timers
Jug handles for left turns
NJ uses jug handles instead of left turns on major roads. To turn left, go right first onto the jug handle ramp.
No self-serve gas
NJ is full-service only. Stay in car, tell attendant "fill regular" and payment type. Tip not required but appreciated.
Keep right except to pass
Left lane is for passing only on GSP. Stay right or you'll get tailgated and honked at.
Shore exits are numbered
GSP exits count down heading south. Exit 98 for Point Pleasant, 63 for LBI, 0 for Cape May.
Tolls add up
Budget $15-25 roundtrip for tolls depending on distance. E-ZPass saves 30-40% vs toll-by-mail.
🅿️ Service Areas on the Way
Monmouth Service Area
Exit 100
Gas, Starbucks, Auntie Anne's, restrooms
Ocean Service Area
Exit 69
Gas, Nathan's, Roy Rogers, restrooms
Atlantic Service Area
Exit 41
Gas, food court, restrooms
Atlantic City Expressway
Exit Mile 17
Gas, fast food, restrooms
Service areas can be crowded on summer weekends. Use restroom before leaving home. Gas is cheaper off the highway in towns.
🤔 First-Timer Decisions
Where should I go first?▼
How long should I plan?▼
Do I need reservations?▼
Can I bring alcohol to the beach?▼
Is the water warm enough to swim?▼
Traveling for Business?
Atlantic City is easily accessible for conferences and business travel. The convention center is just 2.5 hours from NYC by car or bus, and 1 hour from Philadelphia via the AC Expressway or AC Rail Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive to the Jersey Shore from NYC?▼
Drive time varies by destination. Northern shore towns (Sandy Hook, Long Branch) take 1-1.5 hours. Central shore (Seaside, LBI) takes 1.5-2 hours. Southern shore (Atlantic City, Cape May) takes 2-3 hours. Add 1-2 hours on summer weekends due to traffic.
Can I get to the Jersey Shore without a car?▼
Yes! NJ Transit runs the North Jersey Coast Line to Asbury Park, Long Branch, and other northern shore towns from NY Penn Station. Atlantic City is accessible by the AC Rail Line from Philadelphia and bus from NYC. Once there, jitneys, bikes, and walking work well in most towns.
When is the worst traffic to the Jersey Shore?▼
The worst traffic is Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings in July and August. The Garden State Parkway and Route 72 (to LBI) can experience severe delays. To avoid traffic, leave before 7am, after 8pm, or travel midweek. Return traffic peaks Sunday afternoon.
Do I need E-ZPass for the Jersey Shore?▼
E-ZPass is strongly recommended. The Atlantic City Expressway is now fully cashless (no cash accepted). The Garden State Parkway has cashless toll plazas throughout the shore section (Exits 0-117). Without E-ZPass, your license plate is photographed and a toll invoice is mailed to you at a higher rate. Get E-ZPass online at ezpassnj.com or at many NJ retailers before your trip.
Ready to Pick a Destination?
Browse our town guides to find the perfect shore destination.
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