Major city · United States
Atlantic CityAtlantic City, New Jersey
Give it 2 nights: one for the Boardwalk and beach, one for a show or the casinos. Skip if you want quiet — this is a resort strip, not a town.
Atlantic City is a 6.4 km Boardwalk resort on Absecon Island, about an hour from Philadelphia by car or NJ Transit train. Casinos and shows anchor the north end; the free beach and the piers run the length of the boards. Two nights covers it; a third only pays off if you are here for a concert or a casino weekend.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat, higher room rates)
- Airports
- ACY · PHL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Atlantic City911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Atlantic City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyThe Boardwalk and casino areas are busy and patrolled; the blocks immediately inland are less so after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckACY Atlantic City International (About 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the city; limited scheduled service — check current routes before booking.).ACY Atlantic City International (About 9.3 mi (15 km) west of the city; limited scheduled service — check current routes before booking.).
- Getting aroundWalk the Boardwalk — it is the main street for visitors.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealCasino buffet or mid-range dinner$25–55
- Street or quick mealSub sandwich (White House Sub Shop)$10–16
- Beercasino bar / boardwalk stand$8–14$6–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within city limitsup to $13 for five passengers
- Museum or sight ticketAbsecon Lighthouse entry$7 adults, $5 ages 4–12 (check)
- Budget bedHostel or budget motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ACY Atlantic City International (About 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the city; limited scheduled service — check current routes before booking.) · PHL Philadelphia International (About 100 km (62 mi) west; far more flights. SEPTA to 30th Street, then NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line.)ACY Atlantic City International (About 9.3 mi (15 km) west of the city; limited scheduled service — check current routes before booking.) · PHL Philadelphia International (About 62 mi (100 km) west; far more flights. SEPTA to 30th Street, then NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jan (10 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Atlantic City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the Boardwalk — it is the main street for visitors. The Atlantic City Jitney minibus runs 24 h along Pacific Avenue and to the Marina District, $2.25 flat. Taxis are metered with a city maximum of $13 for up to five passengers. Bikes are allowed on the Boardwalk only 6:30–10:00 in summer.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Margate (Lucy the Elephant)
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Jitney or taxi south along Atlantic Avenue, about 15 min
1881 elephant-shaped building; 30-minute interior tours.
Ventnor City
goDoor to door: 20–40 min on foot
Walk or bike south on the Boardwalk
Quieter beach and a calmer boardwalk stretch.
Brigantine
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car or taxi over the Brigantine Bridge, about 10 min
Beach and wildlife refuge; no casinos.
Somers Point
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via the expressway, about 20 min
Bayside restaurants; best with a car.
Hammonton
goDoor to door: About 1 h
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line, about 35 min
Wine and blueberry farms; a half-day change of scene.
Egg Harbor City
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line, about 25 min
Small town stop; only worth it for a specific event.
Mays Landing
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Car via the expressway, about 25 min
Hamilton Mall and lakefront; needs a car.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Boardwalk (north end)
Casino hotels, shows and the beach at the door; loudest and priciest.
Marina District
Borgata, Harrah's and Golden Nugget; quieter, 10–15 min by jitney from the Boardwalk.
Inland / Absecon
Cheaper motels and chain hotels along the expressway; you will need a car or taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–280 excl. bed
- High
- $280+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$200 | US$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$180 | US$720 |
| NJ Transit from Philadelphia, one way2 × US$13 · check | US$25 |
| Jitney ride2 × US$2 | US$5 |
| Taxi within city limits (max)1 × US$13 · up to five passengers, tip extra | US$13 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$121 |
| Trip total≈ US$334 per person per day, bed included | US$1,334 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Boardwalk slice of pizza | $4–7 |
| Sub sandwich (White House Sub Shop) | $10–16 |
| Casino buffet or mid-range dinner | $25–55 |
| Beer: casino bar / boardwalk stand | $8–14 / $6–10 |
| Jitney ride | $2.25 |
| Taxi within city limits | up to $13 for five passengers |
| Absecon Lighthouse entry | $7 adults, $5 ages 4–12 (check) |
| Atlantic City Aquarium entry | $8 adults, $5 ages 4–12 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Casino floors are 21+; bring photo ID.
- Parking at casino garages is expensive — check for free lots on the north end.
- The beach is free, but swimming is only safe where lifeguards are posted; check seasonal hours.
- Some blocks inland from the Boardwalk are rough after dark — stay on lit, busy streets.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Atlantic CityAtlantic City, New Jersey
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Atlantic City; consulates-general are in New York and Philadelphia. Check your country's list before travelling.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NJ Transit Philadelphia → Atlantic City: about $12.70 one way, about 1 h 30 min (check)
- Jitney along Pacific Avenue: $2.25 flat, 24 h
- Taxi within city limits: up to $13 for up to five passengers, tip extra
Say or show
- Where is the Boardwalk? — Where is the Boardwalk?
- One jitney ride, please — One jitney ride, please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the taxi stand? — Where is the taxi stand?
- Is the beach free? — Is the beach free?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Atlantic City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat, higher room rates) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ACY and PHL: last train and jitney times field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Boardwalk north, Steel Pier and the beach, the Marina District, the outlets and Noyes Arts Garage.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Absecon Lighthouse, Atlantic City Aquarium, Boardwalk Hall) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.