Enterprise Car Hire
Atlantic City

After collecting your luggage at the ACY baggage reclaim, look for prominent overhead signs pointing to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." The Enterprise rental counter is conveniently located inside the airport terminal, making the process very straightforward. Once you complete your paperwork at the desk, staff will direct you to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are kept. The walk is short and covered, so you can easily manage your luggage without needing a shuttle bus.

Arriving on a late flight at Atlantic City Airport is generally a smooth experience for rental car pick-ups. The Enterprise desk is inside the terminal and its opening hours are often aligned with the final flight arrivals of the day. To ensure a swift process, have your driving licence and reservation confirmation ready when you approach the desk. As the rental cars are parked in a car park directly next to the terminal, there is no need to wait for a shuttle, which helps save valuable time late at night.

During a busy weekend, it’s sensible to budget approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive away in your hire car. This allows for time to disembark, walk to baggage reclaim and wait for your luggage. The rental counter may have a queue, and completing the vehicle inspection can add a few more minutes. Planning for this time cushion helps set a realistic schedule and reduces stress as you begin your Atlantic City trip.

The most direct and least confusing route is to take the Atlantic City Expressway eastbound. As you exit the airport, follow the clear signage for the Expressway, which leads you straight into the heart of the city. This primary road is designed for visitor traffic and minimises the need to navigate complex local streets immediately after you’ve collected your car. Simply stay on the Expressway until you see the exits for your specific hotel or the Boardwalk area, which are well signed.

When parking at a casino hotel, pay close attention to signs that differentiate between "Hotel Guest Self-Parking" and valet entrances. Most rental saloons and standard SUVs will have no issue with clearance heights, but be mindful if you’ve hired a larger van. Once inside the car park, make a point of taking a photo of the painted number or symbol on the nearest pillar that indicates your level and section. This simple trick can save you a lot of time and confusion when finding your car later.

Driving in Atlantic City on a summer Saturday can be quite congested, especially between 14:00 and 18:00 when hotel check-in traffic peaks. Main arteries like the Atlantic City Expressway connector and the streets around the casinos experience the heaviest delays. For a more relaxed arrival, plan to get into town either before midday or after 19:00. Arriving during these calmer windows makes navigating to your hotel and finding parking much less stressful.

The key to navigating Atlantic City's street grid is to trust your GPS but also stay alert to your surroundings. The main thoroughfares, Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, are one-way, which your navigation app will account for. Keep your GPS volume on and try to look ahead at the overhead and street-side signs, as turn-only lanes can appear with little warning. Having a passenger act as a co-pilot can be extremely helpful, allowing the driver to focus on traffic while the navigator provides upcoming turn information.

For visiting casinos that are close together on the Boardwalk, the most practical approach is to park your hire car once at a central location. You can then easily walk or take the famous Rolling Chairs between adjacent properties like Caesars, Bally's and Tropicana. If your plans include a trip to the Marina District to visit Borgata or Harrah's, driving is necessary. In that case, retrieve your car and drive the short distance, parking again at your destination casino.

A day trip to Cape May from Atlantic City is absolutely realistic and highly recommended. The drive is scenic and typically takes about an hour via the Garden State Parkway south. During the summer, particularly at weekends, expect increased shore traffic, so it’s best to leave early in the morning to maximise your time there. You will encounter some toll bridges along the Parkway and potentially on local routes, so having your hire car’s toll transponder active or cash on hand is advisable.

Driving to Ocean City is a quick and easy trip, usually taking only about 20–30 minutes from Atlantic City. The drive itself is much less complex than navigating the dense casino district. The main challenge in Ocean City is parking, which is significantly different from the large car parks in AC. Expect metered street parking or paid public lots, which fill up quickly on summer days. Be sure to read all posted signs carefully to avoid a ticket, as enforcement is strict.

A day trip to Long Beach Island (LBI) is a great option, but it requires some strategic planning. The drive north takes about an hour, but the critical point is the single causeway bridge onto the island, which can get very backed up on summer weekends. To avoid the worst of it, plan to leave Atlantic City very early, arriving on LBI before 10:00. Similarly, plan your return for either before the evening rush or later at night to miss the exodus of day-trippers.

A round trip to Philadelphia in a day is very feasible and a popular choice for visitors. The drive is straightforward, taking about an hour each way on the Atlantic City Expressway. To avoid stressful traffic, schedule your trip to miss standard commuter rush hours. That means avoiding driving into Philadelphia between 07:00 and 09:30 and leaving the city before 16:00 or after 18:30 for a much smoother journey.

While ambitious, a day trip to New York City is possible with some smart planning. Driving directly into Manhattan is not recommended due to heavy traffic and parking costs. The best strategy is to drive your hire car to a transport hub in New Jersey, such as Secaucus Junction or a PATH station in Jersey City. You can park your car there for the day and take a quick train or ferry into the city, giving you a much more comfortable and efficient experience.

The most efficient route from the airport to the Borgata and the Marina District involves bypassing the Boardwalk area entirely. After taking the Atlantic City Expressway from ACY, watch for signs for the Brigantine Connector Tunnel. This dedicated roadway is designed to funnel traffic directly to the marina casinos, including Borgata, Harrah's and Golden Nugget. Using this route will save you considerable time and help you avoid the congestion common on the city's main avenues.

After a major event at a casino, expect significant traffic delays as everyone leaves at once. The car parks can become bottlenecks, and it can sometimes take 30 minutes or more just to exit onto the main road. To avoid the worst of the gridlock, you have two good options: either leave the event a few minutes before it ends or plan to linger afterwards. Grabbing a post-show drink or snack for an hour will allow the initial traffic surge to clear.

First-time visitors often find the end of the Atlantic City Expressway confusing because it splits into multiple tunnels and ramps serving different parts of the city. A common mistake is being in the wrong lane for your specific destination, whether it's the Convention Centre, the Marina District, or the downbeach casinos. The best way to avoid this is to have your GPS set to your specific hotel address before you start driving, and listen carefully to the lane guidance as you approach the end of the Expressway.

Planning a sunrise drive is one of the best ways to experience the shore without the crowds. The key is to arrive very early, ideally before 06:30. At that hour traffic is non-existent and you will find plenty of available street parking right near the Boardwalk. Many of the parking meters are not active until later in the morning, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise and a peaceful walk for free before the city wakes up.

A trip to historic Smithville is an easy and relaxing drive from Atlantic City, typically taking only about 20 minutes. The route is straightforward, primarily using local roads through quieter suburban areas. Once you arrive, you'll find the parking situation very convenient and stress-free. Smithville offers several large, complimentary car parks situated right next to the village, making it simple to park your hire car and start exploring the shops and scenery on foot.

To create an efficient itinerary, plan your stops in a logical geographic order. A great approach is to start at the Absecon Lighthouse, located at the northern end of the city. From there, it's a very short drive to the Marina District to see the casinos in that area. Afterwards, you can drive south along Atlantic or Pacific Avenue to reach the central Boardwalk for your beach stop, creating a smooth north-to-south progression that avoids unnecessary backtracking.

When driving at night, it's best to stick to the main, well-lit thoroughfares. To get from the Marina District to a hotel in the central tourist area, use the Brigantine Connector and the Atlantic City Expressway access roads. These routes are designed for visitor traffic and are generally the most direct and well-travelled paths. While your GPS might suggest a shortcut through a residential neighbourhood, staying on the primary roads is the most prudent choice for unfamiliar drivers after dark.

Finding a petrol station near Atlantic City Airport is quite easy if you plan ahead. Several major brand stations are located along Tilton Road and the Black Horse Pike (Route 322), which are the main roads leading to the airport. The best strategy is to use your phone's map app to locate a station about five miles out from the airport. This allows you to refuel without the stress of a last-minute search right before you need to return the vehicle.

For an early morning flight, it's wise to plan on arriving at the rental car return area at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This gives you a comfortable cushion of about 15–20 minutes for the vehicle return process and inspection. Since the rental lot is adjacent to the terminal, the walk is short, but this buffer ensures you have plenty of time to check your bags and get through the TSA security line without feeling rushed.

A frequent mistake is missing the dedicated "Rental Car Return" signs and accidentally following the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals." As you approach the airport, slow down and stay in the correct lane, looking specifically for your rental company's name. Another common error is leaving personal belongings behind, so always do a final sweep of the glovebox, centre console and boot. Taking a moment to double-check can save you a major headache later.

When travelling with bulky items like golf clubs, vehicle size is a key consideration. While a full-size saloon might accommodate one or two bags in the boot, it's often a tight fit. For a more comfortable and secure experience, consider hiring an intermediate or standard SUV. This will provide ample cargo space for your clubs, luggage and any other gear, ensuring you don't have to sacrifice passenger space or visibility.

To keep your hire car clean after a beach day, a little preparation goes a long way. Bring along an old sheet or a large tarp to line the boot before you load in sandy chairs, umbrellas and coolers. Most public beaches have outdoor showers or foot-washing stations near the entrance; use these to rinse off as much sand as possible before getting in the car. A small, stiff brush is also great for quickly sweeping off seats and floor mats.

Winter driving in the Atlantic City area presents unique coastal challenges. Strong winds, especially on bridges and causeways, can affect vehicle stability, so it's important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Freezing rain can create hazardous black ice conditions, requiring much slower speeds and greater following distances. Additionally, road salt can create a film on your windscreen, so be sure your hire car's washer fluid is full to maintain clear visibility.

Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly and create dangerous driving conditions on the Expressway, including hydroplaning and sudden drops in visibility. If you encounter a heavy downpour, reduce your speed significantly and turn on your headlights. If visibility becomes too poor to proceed safely, the best plan is to pull off at the next exit or rest area. Never stop in a live lane; find a safe, well-lit place to wait for the storm to pass.

The main toll roads you'll encounter are the Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway. Most hire vehicles come equipped with an electronic tolling device, which is the most convenient way to pay. The system automatically records your tolls, and the rental company will have a straightforward process for billing them to you after your trip. Be sure to ask at the rental desk how the specific transponder in your vehicle works to ensure a seamless driving experience.

The drive from Atlantic City to the cruise ports in North Jersey or New York is straightforward but requires careful time management. The biggest pitfall is underestimating the traffic congestion as you get closer to New York City, especially near bridges and tunnels. Plan to leave Atlantic City with a significant time buffer, aiming to arrive at the port at least four to five hours before your cruise departure. This accounts for potential gridlock and ensures a low-stress start to your holiday.

The Atlantic City Rail Terminal is located next to the Convention Centre, away from the most intense Boardwalk traffic. The easiest place for a pick-up is the designated passenger loading zone directly in front of the station's main entrance. Have your friends call you once they have their bags and are walking outside. This allows you to time your arrival and use the convenient short-term waiting lane without having to circle the block.

The most convenient strategy for shopping at the outlets is to park your hire car in one of the central car parks, such as the one connected to the Convention Centre. This allows you to walk freely between the various blocks of stores without moving your car. Once you've finished shopping, you can retrieve your car and drive to one of the short-term street-level spots near your final stores to easily load your purchases into the boot.

Driving to the neighbouring towns of Ventnor and Margate for dining is incredibly easy and a great way to explore the local food scene. Atlantic Avenue provides a direct route from Atlantic City, and the drive is only about 10–15 minutes. Parking is generally much simpler than in the casino district, consisting mostly of metered street parking and some free spots on side streets. Even on a busy evening, you can typically find a spot within a short walk of your chosen restaurant.

The drive between Atlantic City's Marina District and Brigantine is short and generally safe at night. The main connector bridge is well-lit, but once on Brigantine Island some of the residential side streets can be darker. The primary thing to be aware of is the potential for wildlife, such as deer, to be near the roadside, especially in the less developed areas. Always drive attentively and be prepared for animals that might dart into the road.

A fantastic lighthouse tour can be done comfortably in a day. Start your morning at the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City. Next, drive south on the Garden State Parkway to Cape May to visit the iconic Cape May Lighthouse and the nearby Second World War lookout tower. On your way back north, take the scenic Ocean Drive route to stop at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. This creates a beautiful coastal loop with plenty of time for photos and exploration.

Parking enforcement in Atlantic City and all Jersey Shore towns is very strict, especially during the peak season. Meters, time limits and permit-only zones are closely monitored, and tickets are issued frequently. When using a hire car, it's crucial to be diligent about paying meters and reading all posted signs carefully at each stop. A parking ticket can lead to additional administrative fees from the rental company, so it's best to be cautious.

To minimise walking for your parents, make strategic use of drop-off zones and premium parking options. Nearly every casino has a well-signed passenger drop-off area right at the main entrance, allowing you to let them off before you go to self-park. For Boardwalk attractions, look for surface lots located directly opposite your destination, which significantly reduce walking distance compared with large car parks. Using valet parking is also an excellent, convenient option for direct access to casino interiors.

The most efficient way to handle staggered arrivals is for the first person to land to go straight to the Enterprise desk and complete the rental process. Once they have the car, they can drive to the airport's nearby cell phone waiting lot, which is a designated area for just this purpose. The second person can then call for pickup after they have collected their luggage, allowing for a quick and seamless curbside meeting at the arrivals level.

To make loading luggage easy, one person in your group should wait with the bags in the terminal's ground transportation area while the other goes to the desk to get the keys. After confirming the vehicle's location in the adjacent car park, the driver can retrieve the car and bring it to the passenger pickup curb. This strategy avoids the need to haul all your luggage through the parking garage and allows for a more organised and unhurried loading process.

For a split stay, timing your travel between the two locations is key to avoiding traffic. A smart plan is to drive from Atlantic City south to Cape May on a Saturday morning, as most of the heavy traffic will be heading north into AC. For your return trip or departure home from Cape May, avoid Sunday afternoons at all costs. Instead, plan to leave either early on Sunday morning or extend your stay and travel back on Monday morning for a much more relaxed drive.