NYC to the Jersey Shore
Everything you need to know about getting from New York City to the Jersey Shore beaches.
40-165
Miles
1-3.5
Hours Drive
$12-50
Transit Cost
4
Counties
Destinations from NYC
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Hook | 40 miles | 1-1.5 hours |
| Long Branch | 45 miles | 1-1.5 hours |
| Asbury Park | 55 miles | 1.5-2 hours |
| Point Pleasant Beach | 65 miles | 1.5-2 hours |
| Seaside Heights | 75 miles | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Long Beach Island | 85 miles | 2-2.5 hours |
| Atlantic City | 125 miles | 2.5-3 hours |
| Cape May | 165 miles | 3-3.5 hours |
* Drive times assume normal traffic. Add 1-2 hours for summer weekend travel.
🚗 Driving from NYC
Recommended Route
- 1.Take the Lincoln Tunnel from Midtown Manhattan
- 2.Follow signs to NJ-17 South
- 3.Merge onto Garden State Parkway South
- 4.Exit at your destination (see table above for exit numbers)
Best Times to Drive
- • Early morning (before 7am)
- • Late evening (after 7pm)
- • Weekdays are much easier than weekends
Worst Times to Drive
- • Friday afternoons (4pm-8pm)
- • Saturday mornings (9am-12pm)
- • Sunday evenings returning to NYC
💰 Tolls & Cashless Tolling
Expect tolls for the Lincoln/Holland Tunnel plus Garden State Parkway. E-ZPass provides the lowest rates and fastest processing. The GSP's shore section (Exits 0-117) uses cashless tolling - without E-ZPass, cameras capture your plate and a toll invoice is mailed to you.
Get E-ZPass: ezpassnj.com | Toll calculator: NJTA
🚂 Public Transit from NYC
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line
From: NY Penn Station
Long Branch, Asbury Park, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Bay Head
1.5-2.5 hours depending on destination
$12-20 one way
Hourly (more on summer weekends)
💡 Buy tickets before boarding to avoid surcharge. Summer beach trains run express.
Bus 319 to Atlantic City
From: Port Authority Bus Terminal
Atlantic City
2.5-3 hours
$20-35 one way
Multiple daily departures
💡 WiFi and outlets available on most buses. Make reservation for weekend travel.
SeaStreak Ferry
From: East 35th Street, Wall Street
Sandy Hook, Highlands
40 minutes
$40-50 round trip
Summer weekends only
💡 Scenic ride with views of NYC skyline. Book in advance for summer weekends.
When to Leave NYC
Before 6 AM
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Empty roads. Arrive before crowds. Best for day trips.
Return tip: Leave shore by 2 PM to beat return traffic.
6 AM - 8 AM
⭐⭐⭐⭐Light traffic starting. Still reasonable. Good option.
Return tip: Leave shore by 3 PM or wait until 8 PM.
8 AM - 11 AM
⭐⭐Peak beach traffic. Everyone heading to shore. Expect delays.
Return tip: You'll be stuck returning no matter when you leave.
After 11 AM
⭐⭐⭐Traffic easing. Arrive for afternoon/evening. Good for overnight trips.
Return tip: Leave Monday morning if staying the weekend.
💰 Full Day Trip Budget
What a shore day trip from NYC really costs:
Lincoln Tunnel toll
E-ZPass vs cash rate
$13-17
Garden State Parkway tolls
Varies by exit. E-ZPass only south of Exit 117
$5-15
Gas (round trip)
Depends on destination and vehicle
$30-60
Beach badges (per person)
Most beaches require badges. Some free (Wildwood, AC)
$7-12
Parking
Free in off-season. $15-25 summer weekends
$0-25
Food/drinks
Pack a cooler to save significantly
$30-75
Split 4 ways = $25-50/person. Train is comparable for solo travelers.
Common NYC→Shore Mistakes
Leaving NYC after 8 AM on Saturday
Lincoln Tunnel and GSP are backed up. 1.5-hour trip becomes 3+ hours.
Fix: Leave by 6 AM or wait until after 10 AM. Better yet, leave Friday night.
Not having E-ZPass
Higher toll rates, plus bill mailed weeks later. GSP is cashless south of Exit 117.
Fix: Get E-ZPass before your trip. Takes 7-10 days to arrive. Order at ezpassnj.com.
Taking the Holland Tunnel for southern shore
Adds 20-30 minutes. Holland puts you on the Turnpike, not the Parkway.
Fix: Lincoln Tunnel → NJ-17 → GSP is fastest for most shore destinations.
Not checking gas before the Parkway
GSP service areas have limited options and higher prices.
Fix: Fill up in NJ before hitting the Parkway. Gas is cheaper than service areas.
Returning Sunday afternoon
Everyone else has the same idea. GSP northbound is brutal 2-7 PM.
Fix: Leave by 10 AM or wait until after 8 PM. Consider staying Sunday night.
🗽 First Trip from NYC? Know This
Download the NJ Transit app
Buy tickets, check schedules, get real-time train updates. Avoid ticket surcharge.
Pack a cooler with food and drinks
Shore food is expensive. Wawa or grocery stop saves $50+ per day.
Bring cash for beach badges and parking
Many shore towns are cash-only for badges. Parking meters may be too.
Check if your beach requires badges
Wildwood and Atlantic City are free. Most other beaches charge $7-12/day.
Use Waze, not Google Maps
Waze knows the shortcuts. GSP backups and local traffic workarounds.
Gas up in NJ - it's cheaper
NJ gas is $0.30-0.50 cheaper than NY. Plus, attendants pump it for you.
Day Trip Itineraries from NYC
Complete one-day itineraries with what to do, where to eat, and timing tips.
Sandy Hook
1 hr from NYC
Closest beach to NYC
View Itinerary →Asbury Park
1.5 hrs from NYC
Music, food, beach vibes
View Itinerary →Long Branch
1 hr from NYC
Pier Village dining
View Itinerary →Belmar
1.5 hrs from NYC
Classic beach town
View Itinerary →Point Pleasant
1.5 hrs from NYC
Boardwalk fun
View Itinerary →Atlantic City
2.5 hrs from NYC
Free beach + casinos
View Itinerary →Book a Weekend Rental
Beach houses closest to NYC by drive time
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Ready to Pick a Destination?
Explore our guides to find the perfect shore town for your trip.
Explore Shore Towns