North America > United States > Atlantic City (ACY)

The Car or no Car advice for  Atlantic City can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Atlantic City ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Atlantic City ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

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💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Atlantic City?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

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Atlantic City is all about casinos, beaches, and the long wooden boardwalk. Hotels cluster together, and most visitors spend their time between resorts, restaurants, and the shore. Public transport exists, but walking and jitneys cover most of what tourists need. Parking at casinos is easy, yet roads into the city can be busy in summer. So, should you rent a car in Atlantic City? The answer depends on whether you plan to stay on the boardwalk or explore the wider Jersey Shore. Because AC is compact, many visitors skip driving.

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🚶 Why Lots of Travellers Don’t Need a Car

First of all, the boardwalk is walkable. You can move between casinos, shops, beaches, and piers without ever touching a steering wheel.

➡ In short: no car needed for a boardwalk-based stay.

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🚕 Jitneys and Taxis Handle Short Trips

Atlantic City’s jitneys run frequently and connect:

• The boardwalk

• Marina District casinos

• The bus terminal

• Some inland hotels

Taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps easily.

➡ Public transport works well inside the resort zone.

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🚗 When Renting a Car Helps

A car becomes useful if you want to go beyond AC itself.

A car helps if you plan to visit:

• Cape May

• Wildwood

• Ocean City

• Brigantine

• Outer beaches and state parks

These areas are beautiful but poorly served by public transport.

➡ For Jersey Shore exploration, a car is handy.

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🛬 Arriving Without a Car

Most visitors come via:

• Atlantic City Rail Line from Philadelphia

• Coaches from New York and Philly

• Long-distance buses

• Parking-shuttle packages from resorts

You can enjoy a full weekend without ever renting a car.

➡ AC is designed for car-free tourism.

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🧭 Quick Decision Table

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🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Atlantic City?

• ❌ Skip the car if you are staying on or near the boardwalk and relying on jitneys, taxis, or walking.

• ❔ Consider a car if you want to explore Cape May, Wildwood, or other Jersey Shore towns, because public transport is limited outside the resort zone.

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🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.  This site is planned for full launch on 1st March 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow.