Dollar Car Hire
Atlantic City

After you collect your luggage at Atlantic City International Airport, follow the overhead signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars. The car hire desks, including the Dollar desk, are located within the terminal building. Once you have completed the paperwork with the agent, they will give you clear instructions on how to proceed to the designated car lot to collect your vehicle. This area is usually a short walk from the terminal, allowing a smooth transition from your flight to driving.

During peak travel times, such as a busy weekend, it’s sensible to allow extra time for the car hire process at ACY. The whole sequence — disembarking, walking to baggage claim, completing paperwork at the desk and collecting the car — can vary depending on how many flights arrive at once. A reasonable estimate is to allow roughly 45 to 60 minutes from the moment you enter the terminal to when you drive off the lot. Having your reservation details ready can help speed things up at the desk.

For a late-evening arrival at ACY, keep your plan straightforward and efficient. First, check the opening hours of the Dollar counter to make sure it’s operating at your arrival time. The drive from the airport to most hotels in Atlantic City is relatively short, typically under 30 minutes without heavy traffic. Head straight to the rental counter after baggage claim, collect your vehicle and use a sat-nav for the direct route to your hotel via the Atlantic City Expressway to minimise delays.

Before leaving the ACY rental lot for the Atlantic City Expressway, do a few quick checks to ensure a smooth start. Adjust your mirrors, seat and steering wheel for comfort and visibility. Familiarise yourself with the headlight controls, windscreen wipers and indicators. Do a brief walk-round of the vehicle to note its condition and check that the tyres look properly inflated. This simple routine will help you feel confident for motorway driving.

For a first-time driver, the most direct and least confusing route from ACY to the Boardwalk is via the Atlantic City Expressway. After leaving the airport, follow the clear signs to join the Expressway heading east. This road leads straight into the heart of Atlantic City with minimal turns. As you approach the end of the Expressway, signs will direct you towards the Marina District or the Boardwalk/Downbeach areas. Using a GPS app will give useful turn-by-turn directions for the final city blocks to your hotel or parking.

Traffic from ACY to the Atlantic City casinos can be quite heavy, especially on Friday afternoons and throughout summer Saturdays. These are peak arrival times for weekend visitors, causing significant congestion on the Atlantic City Expressway and the main roads within the city. While the journey is short, it’s wise to anticipate potential delays and add an extra 20 to 30 minutes to your expected travel time. That way you’re less likely to be rushed if you have dinner reservations or show tickets.

Many of the larger casino resorts in Atlantic City are designed with convenient self-parking. Venues with large multi-storey car parks attached to the main building are generally easiest for travellers with luggage. Look for casinos where signage in the car park directs you to lifts that lead straight to the hotel check-in. This reduces how far you need to carry your bags. Casinos in the Marina District, for example, often have sizeable, accessible parking structures.

The most efficient method is to use the hotel’s designated guest check-in area at the main entrance. Pull into the hotel’s porte-cochère or temporary drop-off lane to unload your bags, with help from a bellman or on your own. Once your luggage is with the hotel staff or inside the lobby, you can move the car to the self-parking garage. This two-step approach is common practice and makes arrival much smoother.

Driving around the Boardwalk area during holiday weekends or major events requires extra patience and planning. Expect heavy congestion, particularly on Pacific and Atlantic Avenues, which run parallel to the Boardwalk. Local authorities often put in place temporary street closures or diversion routes to manage vehicle and pedestrian flows. It’s a good idea to allow plenty of extra time and to rely on your GPS for real-time traffic updates to help you avoid the worst spots.

Driving in Atlantic City at night is generally straightforward as the main casino and entertainment districts are well lit and clearly signed. However, for a first-time visitor the network of one-way streets and intersecting avenues just off the main thoroughfares can be a little confusing. The area where the Atlantic City Expressway feeds into the city can also be tricky with multiple exits. Using a sat-nav is highly recommended to help you with these less intuitive turns and avoid unnecessary circling.

A practical, stress-free way to meet friends at ACY is to use the airport’s cell phone lot. This designated waiting area lets you park for free until your friends have collected their luggage and are at the arrivals curb. Once they call to say they’re ready, you can drive the short distance to the terminal passenger pickup zone. This avoids repeatedly circling the busy terminal roads while you wait.

To ensure a stress-free return for an early morning flight, plan to arrive at the airport slightly earlier than usual. Before you leave your hotel, make sure you have all personal belongings from the rental car. As you approach ACY, follow prominent signs for Rental Car Return, which will guide you to the correct entrance separate from the main departures area. Park in the designated Dollar return lane and a staff member will check you in quickly so you can proceed to the terminal.

As you approach Atlantic City International Airport from the Expressway, pay close attention to the airport signs. Stay in the appropriate lane as you near the terminal complex. Signs for Rental Car Return are distinctive and will direct you to a specific roadway, often before you reach the main passenger drop-off and departure areas. Reduce your speed approaching the airport exit to give yourself time to read the signs and safely move into the correct lane for the return lot.

The drive from ACY to the downbeach communities of Margate and Longport is generally quite manageable. The main route uses local roads such as Tilton Road and the Black Horse Pike before crossing a bridge onto the island. The trickiest parts for visitors can be the roundabouts, or circles, which are common in the area. Some local roads also transition from two lanes to one, so be aware of merging traffic. A sat-nav will help you anticipate these changes and navigate them smoothly.

Driving to Lucy the Elephant in Margate from Atlantic City is a short, pleasant trip down Atlantic Avenue. The route is direct and passes through Ventnor before you reach the landmark. Parking is typically available on the street in the surrounding residential area, but be sure to read any posted signs for time limits or restrictions, especially during the busy summer season. Arriving earlier in the day at weekends increases your chances of finding a convenient spot close to the attraction.

Parking varies significantly between these beach towns. In Atlantic City you’ll find numerous paid lots and car parks, especially near the casinos and outlets, which are convenient but charge a fee. In neighbouring towns like Ventnor, parking is mostly on-street and some areas require permits, with stricter enforcement in summer. Brigantine also relies heavily on street parking, which can be very competitive on peak beach days. Arriving early is the best strategy for securing a good spot.

A day trip to Cape May from Atlantic City is popular and quite easy with a rental car. The usual route is to take the Garden State Parkway south, a scenic, straightforward drive of about 45–50 miles. To avoid the heaviest traffic, especially in summer, aim to leave Atlantic City early in the morning, ideally before 09:00. For the return trip, leaving before 16:00 or after 19:00 will help you miss the worst of the northbound beach traffic.

For a first-time driver, the most straightforward route to Ocean City is to take the Atlantic City Expressway briefly west to join the Garden State Parkway south. Follow the Parkway for about 10 miles and take the exit signed for Ocean City. This keeps you on major highways for most of the journey, avoiding complex local roads and causeways until the end. A sat-nav is still recommended to guide you over the bridge and into the town itself.

Visiting the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is an easy drive from Atlantic City. The main entrance is in Galloway, a few miles off the Garden State Parkway via Route 9. The primary attraction is the eight-mile Wildlife Drive, a well-maintained gravel road suitable for any standard hire car. Plan for at least one to two hours to complete the loop at a leisurely pace. There’s ample parking at the visitor centre and at various trailheads and observation points along the drive.

A day trip to Philadelphia is very manageable: the drive west on the Atlantic City Expressway takes about an hour without traffic. Once in the city, parking can be challenging and costly, particularly in Old City and Centre City. Most visitors find it easiest to use one of the many paid car parks located throughout the city. A good strategy is to pick a car park near the main attractions you plan to visit, such as Independence Hall or Reading Terminal Market, and leave the car there for the day.

Driving to New York City for a day trip is feasible, but driving into Manhattan and parking there is generally not recommended because of heavy traffic and high parking costs. A much smarter plan is to drive to a transit hub in New Jersey, such as Secaucus Junction or Metropark Station. These have large car parks and offer direct, frequent train services into Penn Station in Manhattan. This combines the flexibility of a hire car with the convenience of public transport for the final leg.

For an event at Boardwalk Hall, it’s best to arrive well before the start time, ideally 60 to 90 minutes early. This allows time to navigate event traffic and find parking without rushing. Several large car parks are within a few blocks of the venue, often associated with nearby casinos such as Caesars. Parking in one of these and enjoying a short walk to the hall is usually easier than trying to find street parking right by the venue.

During a busy summer weekend, it’s sensible to add a significant buffer to your travel time to ACY. While the journey itself is short, local traffic leaving the city and joining the Expressway can be very slow, particularly on Sunday check-out times. A prudent plan is to leave your hotel at least two and a half hours before your flight’s departure. This covers potential traffic delays, the car return process and airport security.

The most effective approach is to use your hire car primarily for your day trips and rely on walking or local transport for exploring the main tourist district. Park your car in your hotel’s garage on arrival and leave it there while you explore the casinos and Boardwalk, which are easy to reach by foot, jitney or tram. When you’re ready for a day trip to places like Cape May or Smithville, simply retrieve the car. This avoids repeated parking fees and the hassle of moving the car throughout the day.

Driving near major casinos like The Tropicana, Caesars or Hard Rock during peak nightlife hours at the weekend can be challenging due to heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The streets immediately around these venues become very congested. Parking is generally manageable because each resort has a large dedicated self-parking garage. The best approach is to head straight for the garage entrance rather than hunting for on-street parking.

Several family-friendly attractions near Atlantic City are very accessible by car and offer straightforward parking. Storybook Land, in Egg Harbor Township, has its own large free car park right at the entrance. The Atlantic City Aquarium in Gardner’s Basin has dedicated parking and is usually less congested than the Boardwalk area. Visiting Lucy the Elephant in Margate is also a simple drive, with street parking typically available nearby, especially on weekdays.

A day trip to the historic Towne of Smithville is an easy and enjoyable drive from Atlantic City. The most direct route is via Route 30 (White Horse Pike) to Route 9, taking about 20–25 minutes. Smithville offers ample free parking in several large lots around the village, so it’s very convenient. For a food-focused trip, aim to arrive in the late morning to browse the food shops and have lunch at one of the charming restaurants such as the Smithville Inn or Fred and Ethel’s Lantern Light.

Planning a winery tour in the Hammonton area is straightforward with a hire car. The region, known as the Blueberry Capital of the World, is an easy drive west from Atlantic City via the AC Expressway or Route 30. Choose two or three wineries that are close together to minimise driving time between tastings. Wineries such as Tomasello and Renault Winery Resort are popular choices with clear signage and ample parking. Always designate a driver to ensure a safe experience.

For those unfamiliar with New Jersey highways, the Atlantic City Expressway is relatively straightforward to navigate. It’s a well-maintained multi-lane road with clear signage and a fairly straight route between the Philadelphia area and Atlantic City. The speed limit is consistent and traffic generally flows smoothly outside peak weekend travel times. Be aware of service plazas for rest stops and the toll plazas, which are clearly signed in good time.

A common mistake is underestimating the time it takes to get to Brigantine, especially with traffic. The route requires navigating the Marina District to access the Brigantine Bridge, which can be a bottleneck. First-time visitors sometimes get confused by the series of turns needed to go from the Boardwalk area to the correct connector road. Using a sat-nav is essential to avoid wrong turns in the city grid before you reach the bridge and to ensure a smoother trip to the beach.

If you’re staying off the island in Egg Harbor Township or Absecon, there are several good options for commuting into Atlantic City. The key is to avoid main pinch points during peak hours. Using Route 30 (White Horse Pike) is often a reliable alternative to the Atlantic City Expressway, as it provides access to different parts of the city. To avoid beach traffic, try to travel into the city before 10:00 and leave after 18:00, particularly on sunny summer weekends when day-trippers are arriving and leaving.

A grocery stop after picking up your car at ACY is convenient, as several large supermarkets are located along the main routes into Atlantic City. After collecting the car, you can easily reach stores on the Black Horse Pike (Route 322/40) or Tilton Road. These stores have large car parks, making it easy to park your hire car and load groceries. Doing this before hotel check-in saves you a separate trip later and ensures you arrive with what you need.

When planning drives from ACY that use the Garden State Parkway or the Atlantic City Expressway, be prepared for tolls. These major routes use electronic tolling systems and many hire vehicles are fitted with a transponder service for convenience. It’s a good idea to ask the Dollar agent at the desk about tolling options for your specific hire. That will help you understand the process and ensure you can pass through toll plazas smoothly without needing cash.

The bridges and causeways that connect Absecon Island to the mainland and to other barrier islands like Brigantine are major pinch points. During the summer, especially at weekends, expect significant delays crossing these bridges, particularly during peak morning and late afternoon hours. Some bridges are drawbridges that must open for marine traffic, which can cause unexpected and lengthy stops. When planning a beach-hopping day, factor in extra travel time for bridge crossings and try to travel during off-peak hours if possible.

When heading to a marina in areas such as Gardner’s Basin or Somers Point, parking is generally available but can be limited on busy fishing days. Arrive early to secure a spot close to your charter’s dock. The main challenge is transporting gear, like coolers and fishing equipment, from your car to the boat. Many marinas have trolleys available, but it’s a good idea to pack gear so it can be carried in one or two trips to streamline loading.

A self-guided lighthouse tour makes a great day trip. The simplest plan is to focus on one direction. You could head south to visit the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, then drive down the coast to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood and the Cape May Lighthouse. Alternatively, head north to visit the historic Barnegat Lighthouse. Each route is straightforward and the lighthouses generally have dedicated or nearby public parking for visitors.

During heavy rain or coastal flooding, which can affect this low-lying area, certain roads on Absecon Island may become impassable. Pay attention to local weather alerts and news for information on road closures. Main thoroughfares such as the Black Horse Pike (Route 40/322) and White Horse Pike (Route 30) are generally at higher elevations and tend to remain open longer. If you must drive, allow significantly more time, reduce your speed and be prepared to take alternative routes as directed by authorities or your sat-nav.

When returning your rental to ACY from a downbeach town like Cape May on the day of your flight, time management is crucial. The drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on your start point. In summer you should add at least another 30–45 minutes to allow for shore traffic on the Garden State Parkway. A realistic plan is to leave your location at least four hours before your flight’s departure to comfortably cover the drive, the car return process and airport check-in and security.

For a flexible one- or two-night trip, the easiest approach is to align your hire car pickup and return times as closely as possible with your flight arrival and departure. When you book you’ll set these times, which typically define your rental period in 24‑hour increments. If plans change slightly, contact the rental company to discuss adjustments. That ensures you have the car when needed without incurring unnecessary charges, and lets you coordinate hotel check-out and travel to the airport seamlessly.