National Car Hire
Atlantic City

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, simply follow the clear signs to the Car Hire Centre. The National Car Rental desk is conveniently located within the main terminal building, making it very easy to find. Once you have completed the hire process at the desk, staff will direct you to the adjacent multi-storey car park where the vehicles are staged. The airport's compact layout and clear signage provide a straightforward route from the terminal to your car.

Navigating a late arrival at ACY with family is fairly straightforward thanks to the airport's design. The car hire desks are inside the terminal, just a short walk from the baggage reclaim area, so you won't need a shuttle bus. To make things easier, use the luggage trolleys available near the carousels to consolidate your bags and carry-ons. This lets you manage everything in one trip, keeping a hand free to guide your children to the desk and then to the nearby vehicle pickup area.

The time to get on the road can vary on a busy summer weekend, but ACY's smaller size generally works in your favour. Key factors affecting your wait include how quickly your checked luggage arrives and how many other travellers are picking up cars at the same time. To help speed things up, have your driving licence and reservation details ready when you approach the hire desk. Being prepared can help ensure a more efficient experience so you can start your trip promptly.

The most direct and well-signposted route from the airport to the Boardwalk is the Atlantic City Expressway eastbound. As you leave the airport, clear signs will guide you onto this main thoroughfare, which is designed to carry visitor traffic directly into the city. The Expressway minimises complex interchanges and provides a straight run towards the coast. As you approach the end of the road, signs will clearly direct you to key streets like Atlantic Avenue or Pacific Avenue, which run parallel to the Boardwalk and give easy access to hotels and casinos.

Before tackling the often hectic final approach to a casino hotel, it's sensible to find a calm spot to pause. A good tactic is to use a public car park or a large retail centre's parking area just before you enter the main tourist district. Areas in nearby Pleasantville or along the White Horse Pike (US-30) offer ample space to pull over safely. This gives you a moment to confirm your satnav route, note the hotel's entrance location, and prepare for the denser traffic ahead.

Driving into Atlantic City at night is visually striking, with the bright casino lights serving as a helpful guide. However, satnav can sometimes be confusing around the large casino properties, which often have complex entrances with separate lanes for self-parking, valet and drop-off. It helps to know the specific name of the car park you're aiming for, not just the hotel. Also be mindful of the one-way street grid, as a missed turn can cause your navigation system to recalculate in a dense, busy area.

For drivers new to the area, Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue are often the most challenging. These are the main one-way arteries running the length of the resort, and they feature constant activity, including frequent stops for jitney buses and a high volume of pedestrian crossings. People often cross mid-block between casinos, requiring drivers to be extra vigilant. The area where the Atlantic City Expressway feeds into the city's street grid can also feel intense, so it's best to know which lane you need ahead of time.

Attempting to load or unload luggage directly on the main streets near the Boardwalk is generally not feasible due to the lack of kerb space and constant traffic. The best and safest method is to use your hotel's designated check-in area or valet lane. These entrances are specifically designed to allow guests to pull out of traffic temporarily to handle their bags. If you plan to self-park, it's often easiest for one person to manage the luggage at the entrance while the other takes the car to the garage.

The most convenient solution for a full day of exploring is to park in one of the large multi-level car parks attached to a major casino. These structures are centrally located and provide direct, often weather-protected, access to the casino, the Boardwalk and the beach. By parking in one of these car parks, you can leave your car for the day and comfortably walk to numerous attractions, restaurants and shops. This strategy removes the stress and cost of finding new parking spots as you move around the city.

The most direct path from the airport to the Convention Centre is via the Atlantic City Expressway eastbound. This route is designed to accommodate event traffic and leads you right into the city. As you near the end of the Expressway, make sure you are in the left-hand lanes and follow the large, clear signs for the Atlantic City Convention Centre. This dedicated exit ramp takes you directly to the centre and its attached parking facilities, allowing you to avoid much of the tourist traffic heading towards the Boardwalk.

During major events, traffic volume increases substantially, particularly on key routes. Expect significant slowdowns on the Atlantic City Expressway heading into the city on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector, which serves the Marina District, also becomes heavily congested. On the ground, streets surrounding the event venue will be very slow-moving. It's always advisable to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your anticipated travel time when driving just before or after a large scheduled event.

The drive to Absecon Lighthouse takes you to the city's Inlet section, which is primarily a residential neighbourhood and much quieter than the casino district. Driving is generally low-stress on these streets. For parking, the lighthouse has its own small, dedicated lot for visitors, which is very convenient. If that lot happens to be full, free on-street parking is typically available on the surrounding blocks, but be sure to check for any posted time limits or restrictions.

Reaching Gardner's Basin is straightforward, as you'll follow signs towards the Marina District, typically via Huron Avenue (Route 87). This area is set apart from the Boardwalk's main traffic flow, making for a more relaxed drive. Once you arrive at the basin, you will find several large, dedicated surface car parks specifically for visitors to the aquarium, waterfront restaurants and sightseeing cruises. The signage is very clear, guiding you directly to these ample parking areas, which makes it a very car-friendly destination.

Brigantine is a very popular local beach, and parking becomes scarce on prime summer weekends. To secure a convenient spot and avoid frustration, it is highly recommended to arrive before 10:00 am, especially on a Saturday. Most parking is on-street in residential areas, so you will need to pay close attention to any posted signs regarding permits or time limits. Arriving early not only gets you a better parking space but also helps you miss the peak traffic that builds up on the bridge leading onto the island.

The easiest route for a day trip to Ocean City is to take the Atlantic City Expressway west from the airport area for a few miles to the Garden State Parkway south. Follow the Parkway to Exit 30, which puts you on Route 52, the main causeway that leads directly into Ocean City. When you arrive, you'll find a bustling family resort town. On-street parking near the boardwalk is metered and in high demand, so consider using one of the municipal or private car parks for a more predictable and less stressful parking experience.

The key to a smooth day trip to Cape May is strategic timing. The most direct route is the Garden State Parkway south, which you'll take all the way to its end at Exit 0. To avoid the heaviest traffic, it's best to travel on a weekday. If a weekend trip is your only option, plan to leave Atlantic City very early in the morning, ideally before 09:00, and plan your return for later in the evening, after 19:00, to miss the peak congestion of departing visitors.

For a pleasant drive through the Hammonton area's wine country, you should favour local roads over the major highways. From the Atlantic City area, take the White Horse Pike (US-30) or the Black Horse Pike (US-322/40) west to get into the region. Once near Hammonton, scenic county roads like Route 54 (Bellevue Avenue) will take you on a relaxed tour past many of the area's well-known wineries and farm stands. These routes offer a slower pace perfect for enjoying the countryside.

The drive to Historic Smithville is quite pleasant, primarily using well-maintained local roads like Route 9. While the drive itself is usually free of heavy traffic, the village can become very popular, particularly on weekends and during its many seasonal festivals. Smithville provides ample free parking in several large lots, but these can fill up during peak hours. To ensure a good spot and a more relaxed visit, it's a good idea to plan your arrival for earlier in the day.

To make a quicker exit after a show, choose the self-park garage over valet service. Inside the garage, try to find a spot near an exit ramp or on a lower level, even if it means a slightly longer walk to the casino. This can save you significant time when everyone is leaving at once. Another effective strategy is to park in the garage of a neighbouring casino and enjoy a short walk to the venue, as this can sometimes provide an easier route out onto the main roads after the event.

While the physical distance between the Marina and Boardwalk districts is short, the drive can be slow during busy evenings. The primary route is the Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector, a dedicated roadway that can get congested with cars moving between the two major casino hubs. Once you exit the connector, you'll be on city streets with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings that can add to your travel time. It's wise to budget an extra 15–20 minutes for the trip during peak times.

For a short-term visit, finding and deciphering street parking regulations can be more hassle than it's worth, as spaces are limited and rules can be confusing. A much simpler and more secure approach is to use one of the many paid surface lots or a casino's self-park garage. The rates for a few hours are generally reasonable and it completely removes the stress of searching for a spot or worrying about a parking ticket. This allows you to fully enjoy your evening out.

Coordinating a large group directly on the crowded Boardwalk can be difficult. A more effective plan is to choose a less congested landmark as your initial meeting point. Gardner's Basin is an excellent choice, as it offers large car parks and open spaces away from the casino bustle. Another option is to select a large, easily identifiable retail centre in a nearby town like Pleasantville or Egg Harbor Township, allowing everyone to gather before heading into the city as a group.

Yes, the Atlantic City Expressway has very predictable peak traffic periods, especially in the summer. The eastbound lanes heading into Atlantic City become most congested on Friday afternoons and early evenings as weekend visitors arrive. In the other direction, the westbound lanes heading away from the city and towards the airport experience the heaviest traffic on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Travelling outside these peak windows will almost always result in a quicker, more pleasant drive.

When driving from Atlantic City to other major metropolitan areas, you will encounter tolls on most main routes. The Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway are both toll roads. Additionally, bridges crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, as well as the bridges and tunnels into New York City, are tolled. Most hire vehicles are fitted with an electronic toll transponder, and it's a good idea to ask at the hire desk how that system works for convenient payment.

An excellent park-and-ride strategy for a Philadelphia day trip is to use the PATCO Speedline train service. You can drive from the Atlantic City area to a PATCO station in a New Jersey suburb, such as Lindenwold or Woodcrest, which have large, secure car parks. From there, you can take a direct and comfortable train ride into the heart of Centre City Philadelphia. This approach allows you to completely avoid the stress of city driving, navigating one-way streets, and finding expensive downtown parking.

The most direct route to Long Beach Island (LBI) is to take the Garden State Parkway north from the Atlantic City area to Exit 63 (Route 72 east). Route 72 is the only road onto the island, taking you across a large causeway bridge. Be prepared for major parking challenges on LBI in the summer, as on-street parking is extremely limited and fills up very early. To find a spot without a long search, you should plan to arrive on the island before 09:00 on a weekend.

For an early-morning departure from ACY, a safe and realistic plan is to arrive at the hire car return lot approximately two hours before your scheduled flight time. The return process itself is usually very efficient, and the lot is located right next to the terminal building, making for a very short walk. Since Atlantic City is a smaller airport, security lines are typically much shorter than at a major hub. This two-hour window provides a comfortable cushion for a stress-free departure.

One of the most common mistakes visitors make is not following the airport signage carefully on approach. It's easy to miss the specific exit for the airport if you're travelling at motorway speeds. Once on airport property, another frequent error is following the signs for "Departures" instead of the specific signs for "Rental Car Return." This can lead to having to circle the terminal loop, so it's important to slow down and read the signs to ensure you're in the correct lane for a smooth return.

A convenient spot for a final clean-out is the airport's cell-phone waiting lot. These lots are usually quiet and provide plenty of space to park for a few minutes while you reorganise your luggage and shake the sand from your beach towels. Alternatively, many petrol stations located on the main roads leading to the airport, like Tilton Road, have rubbish bins and vacuums available. This allows you to tidy up the car and get your bags ready for check-in just before you drop off the vehicle.

Winter driving along the coast requires extra caution. Strong winds are common and can be particularly noticeable when driving over high bridges and causeways, so it's important to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. After rain or snow when temperatures drop, be alert for the possibility of black ice, especially on overpasses. During major coastal storms, known as nor'easters, some low-lying roads near the bay can experience tidal flooding, so it's always a good idea to check local weather alerts before you drive.

In heavy downpours, low-lying areas of Atlantic City are susceptible to flooding, especially roads near the back bays. The Albany Avenue traffic circle and the nearby underpass that leads into the city are known to collect water. Parts of the Black Horse Pike (US 40/322) can also experience flooding. As a rule, it is always best to avoid driving through standing water if you cannot tell how deep it is; turning around and finding an alternate route is the safest choice.

The best way to navigate around event-related road closures is to plan ahead. Before you leave, check the official event website or local news sources for detailed traffic plans and recommended routes for attendees. A highly effective strategy is to arrive early and park in a garage or lot that is a comfortable walking distance from the event. This allows you to approach the venue on foot, avoiding the immediate closures, and often provides an easier exit path when the event is over.

Visiting Lucy the Elephant is a very easy and pleasant drive south from the main Atlantic City casino district. The most direct route is to simply take Atlantic Avenue south through the town of Ventnor and into Margate. Lucy is a large landmark located right on Atlantic Avenue, so you cannot miss her. Parking is generally available on the street in the residential areas surrounding the attraction; just be sure to check any posted signs for time limits or other restrictions.

A great strategy for exploring both Ventnor and Margate is to park once in a central location and explore on foot. You could find a parking spot near the border of the two towns and walk along the boardwalk, which connects them seamlessly. Another option is to drive down Atlantic Avenue, find a spot in Ventnor to explore, then get back in the car for the very short drive to Margate to find another spot near your next point of interest. Since the towns are adjacent, moving between them is quick and easy.

Driving in the core tourist areas of Atlantic City requires heightened awareness due to very heavy pedestrian traffic. Visitors are often excited or distracted and may step into the street unexpectedly, frequently outside marked crosswalks. It is essential to maintain a slow speed, especially on Atlantic and Pacific Avenues, and be prepared to stop at a moment's notice. Be particularly cautious near casino entrances and boardwalk access points, as these are areas of constant movement for both people and vehicles.

For the easiest beach access with gear like pushchairs and chairs, your best bet is to park in a casino car park that offers direct access to the Boardwalk. Many of these car parks have lifts that take you right to Boardwalk level, from which you can take a ramp down to the sand. This eliminates steps and long walks. Alternatively, the neighbouring towns of Ventnor and Margate often have on-street parking that is closer to the beach, providing a shorter and flatter path to your spot on the sand.

Refuelling before your hire return is simple, as there are several petrol stations conveniently located on the main local roads leading to the airport. You will find multiple options along Tilton Road and Delilah Road, just a few minutes' drive from the airport entrance. These stations are easy to access without having to get on the Atlantic City Expressway or drive toward the city. A quick search on your satnav for petrol stations as you approach the airport will show you the closest and most convenient choices.

To minimise traffic on a multi-stop trip, timing is everything. The Garden State Parkway will be your primary route for travelling north from Atlantic City. The best way to avoid congestion is to schedule your drive for a weekday. If you must travel on a Friday or Sunday, plan to be on the road very early in the morning (before 09:00) or later in the evening (after 19:00) to avoid the heaviest waves of weekend shore traffic.

The most convenient way to stock up on supplies is to stop on your way from the airport into Atlantic City. The main roads between ACY and the city, such as the Black Horse Pike (US 40/322) and Tilton Road, are lined with major supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box stores. Suburban towns like Egg Harbor Township and Pleasantville have numerous shopping centres with easy-in, easy-out access. This allows you to get all your shopping done before you have to navigate the denser traffic closer to the Boardwalk.

For a low-stress and scenic first drive, consider a trip to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, located a short distance north of the airport. The route there uses quiet local roads instead of the busy expressway. The main attraction is the Wildlife Drive, an eight-mile, one-way loop through beautiful coastal marshlands where you can drive at a very slow pace. It's a perfect way to get comfortable with the car and see some local nature before heading into the busier environment of Atlantic City.