best airport for atlantic city

2 min read 17-12-2024

Atlantic City, a vibrant coastal city renowned for its casinos, beaches, and boardwalk, attracts millions of visitors annually. Choosing the right airport for your trip is crucial for a smooth and stress-free start to your vacation. While Atlantic City doesn't have its own major airport, several nearby options offer convenient access. This guide will help you determine the best airport for Atlantic City, based on your priorities and travel style.

Choosing the Right Airport: Factors to Consider

Before deciding which airport serves you best, consider these factors:

Distance from Atlantic City: Proximity directly impacts your travel time and cost.
Flight Frequency and Airlines: More frequent flights and a wider range of airlines often mean better deals and more flexibility.
Transportation Options: Assess the availability and cost of ground transportation from the airport to Atlantic City. Options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and buses.
Overall Cost: Factor in airfare, ground transportation, and parking fees to determine the most economical option.

Top Airport Options for Atlantic City

While several airports serve the region, these consistently rank as top choices for travelers heading to Atlantic City:

1. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Distance: Approximately 90 miles (1.5-2 hour drive)
Pros: PHL is a major international airport with numerous flight options, competitive airfares, and frequent flights from various destinations. It offers a wide array of transportation choices including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and shuttle buses directly to Atlantic City.
Cons: The distance from Atlantic City is considerable, adding to travel time and cost.

2. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)

Distance: A short 10-minute drive to the city
Pros: Offers the closest proximity to Atlantic City.
Cons: Limited flight options, primarily served by budget airlines with fewer destinations and potentially higher fares. Transportation choices are more limited compared to larger airports.

3. New York's Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)

Distance: JFK and LGA (New York) are approximately 120-150 miles, requiring a 2-3 hour drive. EWR (Newark) is roughly 100 miles away.
Pros: These airports offer extensive flight options from around the world with competitive pricing, especially during off-peak seasons.
Cons: Significant travel time to Atlantic City, particularly during peak traffic hours. The cost of ground transportation can be substantial.

Transportation from Airports to Atlantic City

Several options exist for reaching Atlantic City from each airport:

Rental Car: Offers flexibility but adds to the overall cost, including parking fees at the airport and in Atlantic City.
Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): Convenient but can be expensive, particularly from more distant airports.
Shuttle Buses: Often the most economical option, but may have limited schedules and require additional travel time due to stops.
NJ Transit Bus: For PHL and NYC airports, NJ Transit offers a cost-effective, albeit slower, bus service.

Which Airport is Best for You?

The "best" airport depends on your individual needs and budget:

Budget Travelers: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) or utilizing a bus service from PHL or NYC airports may offer the most economical solution, despite potentially limited flight choices.
Convenience and Speed: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) offers the fastest travel time.
Extensive Flight Options: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or one of New York's major airports provide the most comprehensive flight choices and schedules.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each airport, factoring in flight costs, ground transportation expenses, and your overall travel time, to select the best airport for your trip to Atlantic City. Happy travels!