Hertz Car Hire
Atlantic City

On arrival at Atlantic City International Airport and after collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs to the Rental Car Center. The Hertz desk is located within this dedicated area, typically just a short walk from the baggage reclaim carousel. All rental agencies are grouped together, making the process straightforward for arriving passengers. Once you have completed the paperwork at the desk, an agent will direct you to the adjacent lot where your vehicle will be waiting.

For a smooth late-night pick-up with a group, it’s best to designate one person as the driver to handle the rental process. While that person heads to the Hertz desk, the rest of the group can wait with the luggage in the designated passenger pick-up area inside the terminal. This avoids everyone crowding the rental desk or the active kerbside loading zones. Once the driver has the car, they can loop around to the passenger pick-up kerb to collect everyone and their bags in an organised fashion.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Atlantic City International Airport to the Boardwalk hotels typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The most direct route is the Atlantic City Expressway, which leads you straight into the heart of the city. Bear in mind that during peak summer weekends or major events this travel time can increase due to heavier congestion on the Expressway and local streets near the casinos. It’s wise to allow a little extra time if you’re travelling on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.

The most efficient way to reach the Marina District from ACY is by taking the Atlantic City Expressway east. As you approach the city, instead of continuing straight towards the Boardwalk, watch for signs for the Brigantine Connector. This dedicated roadway and tunnel system is designed to bypass the downtown street grid and will lead you directly to the Marina District. This route helps you avoid the complex one-way streets and traffic lights common in the older parts of the city.

Most Boardwalk hotels and casinos have a designated short-term area or valet lane right at their main entrance specifically for arriving guests. The most practical approach is to pull into this area first to check in and unload your luggage with the help of a bellhop. This allows you to handle your bags and get your room key without the stress of immediately navigating a large parking garage. After you’ve checked in, you can then move the car to the long-term self-parking garage at your leisure.

For first-time visitors, the biggest challenge is the grid of one-way streets, particularly Pacific and Atlantic Avenues which run parallel to the Boardwalk. Be aware that turn restrictions are common, and what looks like a simple turn on a map may not be permitted. The area around the Tanger Outlets can also be tricky, as it’s integrated into the city grid. Using a satnav is highly recommended, as it will help you navigate these complexities and avoid making an improper turn on a busy street.

Traffic patterns change dramatically on summer weekends. Expect significant congestion on the Atlantic City Expressway and Garden State Parkway, especially on Friday afternoons and evenings as visitors arrive. On Sundays, outbound traffic heading west on the Expressway can be very heavy from late morning through the evening. Within the city, the roads around the Boardwalk and Marina districts will be much busier, and finding parking can take longer than on a typical weekday.

The most reliable and direct route between the Boardwalk and the Marina District is the Atlantic City–Brigantine Connector. This roadway was specifically built to link the end of the Atlantic City Expressway with the marina casinos, bypassing all the local surface streets. Accessing the connector from either district allows you to avoid the traffic lights and congestion that can build up on roads like Atlantic or Pacific Avenues. It is by far the quickest way to travel between the two main entertainment zones.

For a more relaxed beach experience, consider a short drive to the neighbouring shore towns just south of Atlantic City. Ventnor City, Margate and Longport offer wide, attractive beaches that are typically less crowded and have a more residential feel. These towns are easily accessible by driving down Atlantic Avenue and are perfect for a half-day trip. Another excellent option is Brigantine, located just across the bridge from the Marina District, which offers a serene shoreline and even areas where you can drive on the beach with the proper permit.

Driving during a major event can be challenging, with significant gridlock developing around the host venue. If the event is at Boardwalk Hall, the streets immediately surrounding it and main arteries like Pacific and Arkansas Avenues will become heavily congested. Similarly, for events in the Marina District, the Brigantine Connector and surrounding roads can back up quickly. The final exits of the Atlantic City Expressway leading into the city are often the first places where traffic slows to a crawl, so plan to arrive extra early.

When driving from the downbeach towns of Ventnor, Margate or Longport into Atlantic City, the primary routes are Atlantic and Ventnor Avenues. During peak times, such as weekend evenings or sunny summer afternoons, these roads can become quite slow-moving with frequent stops. Traffic is often heaviest heading into Atlantic City in the evening and heading back south late at night. It’s a relatively short distance, but it’s wise to budget extra travel time to account for potential delays.

During the busy summer season, it’s prudent to plan for extra time when returning your rental car for a morning flight. A good rule of thumb is to leave your Boardwalk hotel at least 90 minutes before you need to be at the airport terminal. This buffer accounts for potential delays exiting the hotel garage, morning traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway, and the time required to complete the vehicle return process at the airport. It’s always better to have extra time at the gate than to be rushing.

Refuelling your rental car before returning it to ACY is quite convenient. There are several petrol stations located along the main roads leading directly to the airport, so you won’t need to take a major detour. As you exit the Atlantic City Expressway, you’ll find options on Tilton Road and the Black Horse Pike (Route 40/322). These stations are just a few minutes from the airport entrance, making it easy to top up the tank right before you head to the rental car return area.

Missing the rental return entrance at ACY is an easy mistake to fix. Don’t panic or attempt an unsafe turn. Simply continue following the main airport roadway as it loops around the terminal and parking areas. The airport’s road system is designed as a one‑way circle, so following the signs for Departures or Arrivals will naturally bring you back around to the main entrance road. From there, you can carefully follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' on your second approach.

The most straightforward route for a day trip to Cape May is to take the Garden State Parkway South. The drive is scenic and direct, typically taking about 45 to 60 minutes without heavy traffic. The main slowdowns during the summer occur near the exits for other popular shore towns like Ocean City and the Wildwoods. The final stretch on local roads leading into historic Cape May can also become congested, especially at weekends, so it’s best to start your trip early in the day.

A day trip to Ocean City is very feasible and a popular choice from Atlantic City. The drive is relatively short, usually around 25–35 minutes via the Garden State Parkway. To avoid the worst of the beach‑hour traffic, plan to head south before 10am and consider returning either in the mid‑afternoon before the dinner rush or later in the evening. Visiting on a weekday rather than a Saturday or Sunday will also result in a much smoother and less congested driving experience.

The easiest way to drive to the Wildwoods is by taking the Garden State Parkway South. It’s a direct route that takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes in light traffic. The most significant bottleneck is typically the bridge that takes you from the mainland onto the island of the Wildwoods. This approach can get very backed up on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings during the summer season as visitors check into their hotels. Leaving early in the morning is the best strategy to avoid long waits.

The drive to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is generally straightforward, with the main entrance located right off Route 9 in Galloway. The primary driving experience is the eight‑mile loop known as Wildlife Drive within the refuge itself. This is a gravel road designed for very slow speeds to allow wildlife viewing, so the pace is intentionally relaxed. The entrance can be easy to miss, so using a satnav and keeping an eye out for the official sign is recommended.

The Atlantic City Expressway is the main highway connecting the region to Atlantic City. It’s a well‑maintained toll road with clear signage. As you approach the city, the exits are well marked for Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), the Tourist Welcome Centre, and the routes leading to the Boardwalk and Marina districts. The key is to pay attention to the overhead signs to ensure you are in the correct lane for your destination, as the road splits to direct traffic to different parts of the city.

When driving in any new area, it’s always important to be mindful of posted speed limits. Visitors should pay particular attention on the local highways that connect the Atlantic City Expressway to the city itself, such as the Black Horse Pike (Route 40/322) and the White Horse Pike (Route 30). Speed limits can change as you pass through different townships like Egg Harbor and Absecon. Adhering to the posted limits is the best way to ensure a safe and uneventful drive.

Route 40 (Black Horse Pike) is generally the more direct connector from the end of the Atlantic City Expressway into the city. It has fewer traffic lights and feels more like a highway approach. Route 30 (White Horse Pike) runs parallel to it and serves more local communities, meaning it has significantly more traffic lights, businesses, and local traffic. While Route 30 can be a viable alternative if there’s an issue on Route 40, it is typically the slower of the two options.

For a large group arrival, coordination is key to avoiding congestion. The easiest method is to use the hotel’s main entrance and valet service. Have the driver pull up and let the group unload the luggage with the bell staff. While one or two people handle the check‑in process, the driver can then take the car to the self‑parking garage. This prevents the entire group from waiting at the kerb and keeps traffic flowing smoothly at the hotel entrance.

After picking up your rental car, a great low‑stress spot to get organised is one of the large shopping centre car parks in Egg Harbor Township, just a few minutes from the airport. These car parks offer ample space to pull over safely, away from the flow of traffic. Here you can take your time installing car seats correctly, setting up your satnav for the hotel, and getting snacks and drinks ready for the kids before you merge onto the main highway toward Atlantic City.

Managing gear between a parking garage and a hotel can be streamlined with a simple plan. The best approach is for the driver to first drop off the family, luggage and all the bulky beach gear at the hotel’s main entrance. While one adult begins the check‑in process, the driver can then proceed to park the car in the garage. This leaves the driver with only a short walk back to the hotel, unburdened by pushchairs, coolers and bags.

When driving between Atlantic City and Philadelphia, you will encounter tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway and potentially on bridges like the Walt Whitman or Ben Franklin. Rental vehicles are typically equipped with an electronic tolling transponder for your convenience. This system allows you to drive through designated electronic tolling lanes without needing to stop and pay with cash. The process for how these tolls are handled is a standard part of the rental agreement, which you can review at the desk.

To avoid the heaviest traffic on a drive to New York City, timing is crucial. The most realistic drive window is mid‑day, between approximately 10am and 2pm, after the morning rush has subsided and before the evening commute begins. Alternatively, leaving Atlantic City very early, before 6am, can also help you get ahead of the congestion. The drive typically takes about two and a half hours, but can easily stretch to four hours or more if you hit peak traffic.

A same‑day round trip to Washington, D.C. is ambitious but possible, though it makes for a very long day. The drive is typically three and a half to four hours each way without major traffic. The most mentally taxing parts of the journey are navigating the heavy traffic on I‑95 through the Baltimore–Washington corridor and dealing with city driving once you arrive in D.C. To make it more manageable, leave Atlantic City very early in the morning to maximise your time in the capital.

The most direct route to the Convention Centre is to take the Atlantic City Expressway all the way to its end. The expressway feeds directly into the city, and you should follow the signs for 'Convention Centre' or 'Midtown.' Drivers most commonly get turned around by the network of one‑way streets immediately surrounding the centre, such as Michigan and Arkansas Avenues. Keeping your satnav active for the final few blocks is highly advisable to navigate this part of the drive successfully.

Staying in mainland towns like Absecon or Galloway typically adds a 15 to 25‑minute drive each way to reach the Boardwalk. While hotels there often offer free and easy parking, your strategy for visiting the city will change. You’ll need to account for the daily cost and time associated with parking in a casino or public garage each time you visit. This trade‑off means more driving but can sometimes offer a quieter stay away from the main tourist hub.

On summer afternoons, the biggest parking bottlenecks are the entrances to the large casino garages closest to the central Boardwalk, such as those at Resorts, Hard Rock and Ocean Casino. Traffic often backs up onto the surface streets as cars wait to enter these garages. Nearby public and private surface lots also fill up quickly, leading to slow‑moving traffic as drivers circle the blocks looking for an open spot. Arriving earlier in the day is the best way to avoid the peak congestion.

During periods of heavy rain, some of the low‑lying roads connecting the mainland to the island are prone to flooding. The Black Horse Pike (Route 40/322) and the White Horse Pike (Route 30) can experience significant water pooling in certain sections. While the elevated Atlantic City Expressway is generally the most reliable route, the city’s surface streets, especially those in the back bay areas, can become slow‑moving or impassable. It’s always best to drive with caution in these conditions.

Driving in Atlantic City during a winter storm presents unique challenges. Strong winds coming off the ocean can make handling your vehicle more difficult, especially on exposed roads and bridges. Blowing snow or heavy rain can severely reduce visibility, requiring much slower speeds. Bridges and overpasses, like those on the Atlantic City Expressway, can become icy before other road surfaces, so exercising extreme caution and allowing for much greater stopping distances is essential for a safe journey.

Early morning is the absolute easiest time to drive and park in Atlantic City. Before 7am, the roads are virtually empty, allowing for a stress‑free drive to any destination. For a sunrise view, you can typically find ample street parking right near the Boardwalk, often before metered hours begin. This allows you to park close to your desired beach access point without the hassle of navigating a garage or searching for a spot, making it ideal for an early start.

To plan an efficient split stay, structure your trip in a linear path down the coast. Enjoy your time in Atlantic City first. On your checkout day, pack up and drive directly south on the Garden State Parkway to Cape May to begin the second part of your holiday. This approach turns your travel day into a simple, one‑way drive of under an hour. It completely eliminates the need to backtrack, saving you several hours of driving time compared with using one location as a base.

The best strategy for visiting the Tanger Outlets is to park your car once and explore on foot. Use your satnav to navigate to one of the dedicated car parks within the outlet complex, such as the one accessible from Arkansas or Michigan Avenue. Drivers often get tripped up trying to drive from one section of the outlets to another, getting caught in the one‑way street grid. By parking in a central garage, you can easily walk between all the different blocks of stores without moving your vehicle.

Visiting Lucy the Elephant involves driving into a residential neighbourhood in Margate. The main access is via Atlantic Avenue, which is a wide, straightforward road. However, the streets immediately surrounding the landmark are narrower residential roads. Parking is primarily on‑street and can be competitive during the peak summer season. Be prepared to park a block or two away and enjoy a short walk, and be sure to drive slowly and watch for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

The drive to Brigantine from Atlantic City is very easy and direct, thanks to the Brigantine Connector which you can access from the Marina District. The drive itself is short and scenic as you cross over the water. The causeway can feel congested during peak beach‑going hours, especially on summer weekend afternoons when many people are leaving the beach at the same time. However, outside of those specific windows, it is generally a quick and hassle‑free trip.

The most effective strategy is to adopt a 'park once' mentality. Drive to your hotel or a central casino parking garage and leave your car there for the day and night. The Atlantic City Boardwalk is very walkable, allowing you to easily get between the beach, restaurants and casinos. For longer distances, such as travelling between the Boardwalk and the Marina District, you can use the city’s Jitney service or a ride‑share, which is far more convenient than repeatedly navigating traffic and searching for parking.

If you are driving a taller vehicle like a large SUV or van, it is crucial to pay attention to the clearance signs posted at the entrance of every parking garage. While many modern garages can accommodate larger vehicles, some of the older casino garages may have lower height restrictions. If you are ever in doubt about your vehicle’s clearance, the safest option is to seek out a surface parking lot, which eliminates any height concerns and ensures you can park without any issues.

On a busy checkout morning, such as a Sunday in the summer, you should plan for a generous timeline. Allow at least 15–20 minutes just to get out of a crowded casino parking garage, as lines can form at the exit. The drive to ACY can take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes depending on outbound traffic on the Expressway. Factoring in time for the car return process itself, a realistic total timeline from getting in your car to being at the terminal is about 90 minutes.