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
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.
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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. 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
No car in the city?
A weekend rental picked up in Manhattan or Jersey City beats hauling beach chairs onto NJ Transit.
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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
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
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
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.
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.
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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.
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
Check your town's beach badge page before you go.
Use Waze, not Google Maps
Waze knows the shortcuts. GSP backups and local traffic workarounds.
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
Town guide →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