Public Transit to the Shore
Skip the traffic and parking hassles. Take the train, bus, or ferry to the beach.
Transit Map
Explore rail stations and ferry terminals along the shore. Click to filter by line.
Atlantic City
Rail Station
Near: atlantic-city
Absecon
Rail Station
Near: atlantic-city
Bay Head
Rail Station
Near: bay-head, point-pleasant-beach
Point Pleasant
Rail Station
Near: point-pleasant-beach, point-pleasant
Manasquan
Rail Station
Near: manasquan, brielle
Spring Lake
Rail Station
Near: spring-lake, spring-lake-heights
Belmar
Rail Station
Near: belmar, lake-como
Bradley Beach
Rail Station
Near: bradley-beach, avon-by-the-sea
Asbury Park
Rail Station
Near: asbury-park, ocean-grove
Allenhurst
Rail Station
Near: allenhurst, deal
Elberon
Rail Station
Near: long-branch
Long Branch
Rail Station
Near: long-branch, west-long-branch
Little Silver
Rail Station
Near: little-silver
Red Bank
Rail Station
Near: red-bank
Middletown NJ
Rail Station
Near: middletown
Hazlet
Rail Station
Near: hazlet, keyport
Aberdeen-Matawan
Rail Station
Near: aberdeen, matawan
South Amboy
Rail Station
Near: south-amboy
Perth Amboy
Rail Station
Near: perth-amboy
Woodbridge
Rail Station
Near: woodbridge
Rahway
Rail Station
Near: rahway
Linden
Rail Station
Near: linden
Elizabeth
Rail Station
Near: elizabeth
Newark Penn Station
Rail Station
Near: newark
Secaucus Junction
Rail Station
Near: secaucus
Tuckerton Seaport
Ferry Terminal
Near: tuckerton
Beach Haven (Taylor Ave Public Dock)
Ferry Terminal
Near: beach-haven
Cape May Ferry Terminal
Ferry Terminal
Near: cape-may, west-cape-may
Transit Lines
Showing 28 transit stations
Rail Lines
Atlantic City Rail Line
Direct service from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Atlantic City. The only rail line reaching the southern Jersey Shore.
North Jersey Coast Line
Coastal rail service from New York Penn Station through Monmouth County beach towns to Bay Head. Perfect for car-free beach trips.
Always check NJ Transit for current schedules and service alerts.
Express Bus Routes
Direct buses from NYC and Philadelphia to major shore destinations.
New York - Ocean City
Express bus from Port Authority NYC to Ocean City. Seasonal summer service with stops in Atlantic City.
New York - Wildwood
Express bus from Port Authority NYC to Wildwood. Seasonal summer service.
Philadelphia - Wildwood
Bus service from Philadelphia to Wildwood via Cape May County.
Philadelphia - Atlantic City
Express bus service between Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Express
NYC to Atlantic City express service. One of the fastest ways to reach AC from Manhattan.
Express buses depart from Port Authority Bus Terminal (NYC) and the Greyhound Terminal (Philadelphia).
Ferry Services
Tuckerton Seaport Ferry
Seasonal passenger ferry connecting Tuckerton Seaport to Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. A scenic alternative to driving over the causeway.
Route: Tuckerton Seaport ↔ Beach Haven (Taylor Ave Public Dock)
Book tickets →Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Year-round ferry service across Delaware Bay connecting Cape May, NJ to Lewes, DE. 85-minute crossing with vehicle transport available.
Route: Cape May Terminal ↔ Lewes, DE Terminal
Book tickets →Local Trolleys & Shuttles
Once you arrive, these local options help you get around without a car.
Atlantic City Jitney
Atlantic City • Bus/Shuttle
24-hour small bus service running along Pacific Ave. Hits all major casinos.
Cape May Trolley Tours
Cape May • Trolley
Historic trolley tours of Victorian Cape May. Also offers beach trolley service.
Wildwood Tramcar
Wildwood • Boardwalk Tram
The famous "Watch the tramcar please!" ride along the 2-mile boardwalk.
Ocean City Boardwalk Tram
Ocean City • Boardwalk Tram
Similar to Wildwood, runs the length of the OC boardwalk.
Transit Agencies
For schedules, fares, and service alerts, visit the official transit agency websites.
Transit Tips
Buy Tickets in Advance
Use the NJ Transit app or buy at Penn Station to save time and sometimes money.
Check Service Alerts
Summer weekends and holidays can have schedule changes. Always verify before traveling.
Bikes on Trains
NJ Transit allows bikes on most trains during off-peak hours. Great for exploring once you arrive.
Consider Multi-Ride Passes
If making multiple trips, 10-trip tickets or weekly passes can offer savings.
Journey Planning Guide
Planning your transit trip to the shore takes a bit of strategy. Here's how to navigate the system like a local.
From New York City
Asbury Park / Long Branch
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line
1.5-2 hours
$16-18 one-way
- 1Penn Station → Bay Head train
- 2Direct service, no transfers
- 3Sit on right side for ocean views
💡 Weekend trains less frequent. Check schedule before heading to Penn Station.
Atlantic City
NJ Transit 319 Bus
2.5-3 hours
$30-35 round trip
- 1Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St)
- 2Express bus, limited stops
- 3Drops at AC Bus Terminal near casinos
💡 Buses run hourly. Reserve seats for holiday weekends. Casinos sometimes offer promo tickets.
Cape May (via AC)
Bus + Local Connection
4-5 hours
$45-55 total
- 1319 Bus to Atlantic City
- 2Transfer to NJ Transit 552
- 3Local bus through shore towns
💡 Long journey. Consider renting car in AC for Cape May. The 552 is scenic but slow.
From Philadelphia
Atlantic City
NJ Transit Atlantic City Line
1.5 hours
$11 one-way
- 130th Street Station
- 2Direct train to AC Rail Terminal
- 3Walk to Boardwalk (5 min)
💡 Fastest way to AC. Trains every 1-2 hours. Much better than driving on summer weekends.
Cape May
Train + Bus or Ferry
3-4 hours
$25-40
- 1Train to AC
- 2NJ Transit 552 bus south
- 3Or PATCO to Lindenwold + bus
💡 Cape May-Lewes Ferry from DE is scenic alternative if coming from points south.
Transit vs. Driving: Honest Comparison
Is transit actually worth it? Here's an honest comparison.
NYC → Asbury Park (weekend)
🚂 Transit: $36 RT
Time: 2 hrs
✓ Pros
No parking ($20-40 saved)
Can drink at brunch
No traffic stress
✗ Cons
Limited schedule
Need Uber at destination
🚗 Driving: $30 tolls + $25 parking + gas
Time: 1.5-3 hrs
✓ Pros
Flexible schedule
Can explore multiple towns
✗ Cons
Weekend traffic brutal
Parking hunt stressful
🏆 Verdict: Transit wins for single-destination day trips. Driving wins for multi-town exploration.
NYC → Atlantic City (overnight)
🚂 Transit: $35 RT bus
Time: 2.5 hrs
✓ Pros
AC Jitney gets you around
No parking fees ($30+/night)
Arrive relaxed
✗ Cons
Limited late-night returns
Can't casino-hop easily
🚗 Driving: $25 tolls + $30 parking + gas
Time: 2-4 hrs
✓ Pros
Leave whenever
Side trips possible
✗ Cons
Friday traffic nightmare
Driving home tired
🏆 Verdict: Transit wins, especially for casino trips. Let someone else drive.
Philly → LBI (family week)
🚂 Transit: $100+ family RT
Time: 3+ hrs
✓ Pros
None really
✗ Cons
No direct service
Need car at destination
Luggage nightmare
🚗 Driving: $60-80 RT
Time: 1.5 hrs
✓ Pros
Door to door
Beach gear fits
Grocery runs easy
✗ Cons
Weekend traffic
Bridge can back up
🏆 Verdict: Driving wins for family vacations. Transit not practical for multi-day beach trips.
Timing Strategies
When you travel matters as much as how you travel. Here's how to beat the crowds.
Leave NYC before 7 AM or after 7 PM
Peak exodus is 8-11 AM. Trains are packed and roads are gridlocked.
6:30 AM train to Asbury = empty seats. 9 AM train = standing room only.
Return Sunday night, not Sunday afternoon
Everyone leaves at 3-5 PM. Traffic backs up for hours.
Stay for dinner. 8 PM bus from AC has seats. 4 PM bus is sold out.
Go Thursday if possible
Friday transit is packed. Thursday arrivals get better hotel rates too.
Thursday train prices are same, but cars are half-empty.
Book AC bus tickets in advance
Walk-up seats sell out on summer weekends. Online booking guarantees your spot.
Holiday weekends: book 2+ weeks ahead. Regular summer: book 3+ days ahead.
Weekend Traffic Patterns
| Time | Congestion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 3-8 PM | Severe | Avoid if possible. Everything backed up. |
| Saturday morning | High | Day-trippers heading out. Still manageable. |
| Sunday 2-6 PM | Severe | Return rush. Stay late or leave early. |
| Monday-Thursday | Low | Optimal travel days. Full schedule choice. |
Accessibility Guide
NJ Transit and shore towns have improved accessibility, but planning ahead helps.
NJ Transit Trains
GoodMost stations have elevators/ramps. All trains have accessible cars. Call 973-275-5555 to arrange assistance.
- • Request boarding assistance 24 hrs ahead
- • Accessible cars marked on platform
- • Long Branch station fully accessible
NJ Transit Buses
GoodAll buses have wheelchair lifts/ramps. Drivers assist with boarding.
- • Sit in front designated area
- • Buses kneel for easier boarding
- • Express buses same accessibility
Cape May Ferry
GoodVehicle deck accessible. Elevators to passenger areas. Accessible restrooms.
- • Request assistance when booking
- • Priority boarding available
- • Stay in vehicle if preferred
Boardwalk Trams
LimitedWildwood tram has wheelchair access. Ocean City tram more limited.
- • Call ahead to confirm
- • Boardwalks themselves are flat and accessible
- • Beach wheelchairs available at some beaches
Traveling with Luggage
Traveling to the beach with luggage on transit requires strategy. Here's what works.
What Works
Use a rolling duffel, not a hard suitcase
Train aisles are narrow. Soft bags fit better in overhead racks.
Bring a packable beach bag
Stuffs into luggage for transit, expands for beach day.
Skip the cooler
Buy drinks at destination. Coolers are awkward on transit.
Wear your bulkiest items
Sneakers, jacket, hat—on your body, not in your bag.
Ship ahead for longer stays
UPS/FedEx to your hotel. Arrive bag-free.
Leave at Home
- ✗ Beach chairs (rent there)
- ✗ Full-size umbrellas (rent there)
- ✗ Multiple pairs of shoes
- ✗ More than 2 days of clothes (laundry available)
Transit Updates & Travel Tips
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Driving to the Shore?
Get directions, parking tips, and traffic advice.
Getting There Guide