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Take the Train to the Shore: Atlantic City

© Lynne A. Williams

For so many of us who grew up in New York and New Jersey, the warm summer heat brings back vivid memories of the Jersey Shore. For me, that means Atlantic City, where I spent many teenage summers. I had not been back for almost thirty years, although I could not help but follow the development of Atlantic City's gaming industry. Last summer, my train travels took me back to this seaside city, and what a pleasant surprise that was.

Getting There

Although Amtrak does not go directly to Atlantic City, or to any other New Jersey coastal towns, New Jersey Transit does travel from the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia to the Atlantic City train station. Amtrak trains connect to Philadelphia from Washington D.C., New York and many other major cities. New Jersey Transit trains travel to Atlantic City at least seven times a day (sometimes more, depending on season and day of the week) and the fare is very affordable at $6.00 per person, less for children. The train is comfortable and the ride takes about two hours.

The point of arrival for trains is the Atlantic City train station, right next door to the new convention center. There are free jitneys between the train station and the casinos, boarding in front of the convention center. Even if you are not staying at one of the casino hotels, you can use the shuttle. Just locate the hotel which is closest to your destination, and ask to be taken there.

The Beach

Although the casinos are the most publicized attractions in Atlantic City, there are many other reasons to visit this town, most notably the beach. Having been away for so long, I did not really know what I would find, although I did not expect to see the beach that I knew so long ago. I had read about extensive shore erosion along the East coast, as well as water pollution problems, and knew that this had probably impacted Atlantic City. However, I found beaches that were very clean and practically empty, since so many of the city's visitors are inside the casinos. During my three day visit, I encountered very few beach visitors and most of those were surfers or beachcombers. It was glorious !

The Jitneys

Because I write about train travel, I include only those locations which can be reached by foot, train, or other public transportation. The Atlantic City jitneys are the in-town transportation system, traveling parallel to the Boardwalk, from one end of the city to the other. They also connect the Boardwalk to the Marina area. The jitneys run along Pacific Avenue, one block inland from the Boardwalk, and the fare is $1.50 one-way, $.50 for seniors. The jitneys run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are a reliable and convenient way to get around town.

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