NYC to the Jersey Shore

Everything you need to know about getting from New York City to the Jersey Shore beaches.

40-165

Miles

1-3.5

Hours Drive

$12-50

Transit Cost

Counties

Destinations from NYC

Destination	Distance	Drive Time	Transit Option
Sandy Hook	40 miles	1-1.5 hours	SeaStreak Ferry or NJ Transit train to Red Bank + taxi
Long Branch	45 miles	1-1.5 hours	NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line (direct)
Asbury Park	55 miles	1.5-2 hours	NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line (direct)
Point Pleasant Beach	65 miles	1.5-2 hours	NJ Transit train to Point Pleasant
Seaside Heights	75 miles	1.5-2.5 hours	Train to Toms River + bus
Long Beach Island	85 miles	2-2.5 hours	Bus from Port Authority
Atlantic City	125 miles	2.5-3 hours	NJ Transit Bus 319 (direct from Port Authority)
Cape May	165 miles	3-3.5 hours	No direct transit. Bus to AC, then bus to Cape May

* Drive times assume normal traffic. Add 1-2 hours for summer weekend travel.

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🚗 Driving from NYC

Recommended Route

1.Take the Lincoln Tunnel from Midtown Manhattan
2.Follow signs to NJ-17 South
3.Merge onto Garden State Parkway South
4.Exit at your destination (see table above for exit numbers)

Best Times to Drive

• Early morning (before 7am)
• Late evening (after 7pm)
• Weekdays are much easier than weekends

Worst Times to Drive

• Friday afternoons (4pm-8pm)
• Saturday mornings (9am-12pm)
• Sunday evenings returning to NYC

💰 Tolls & EZ-Pass

Expect $15-25 in tolls each way (tunnel + parkway). EZ-Pass discounts save 30% and speeds you through toll plazas. Get EZ-Pass before your trip.

🚂 Public Transit from NYC

NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line

From: NY Penn Station

Train

Serves:

Long Branch, Asbury Park, Belmar, Point Pleasant, Bay Head

Travel Time:

1.5-2.5 hours depending on destination

Cost:

$12-20 one way

Frequency:

Hourly (more on summer weekends)

💡 Buy tickets before boarding to avoid surcharge. Summer beach trains run express.

Bus 319 to Atlantic City

From: Port Authority Bus Terminal

Bus

Serves:

Atlantic City

Travel Time:

2.5-3 hours

Cost:

$20-35 one way

Frequency:

Multiple daily departures

💡 WiFi and outlets available on most buses. Make reservation for weekend travel.

SeaStreak Ferry

From: East 35th Street, Wall Street

Ferry

Serves:

Sandy Hook, Highlands

Travel Time:

40 minutes

Cost:

$40-50 round trip

Frequency:

Summer weekends only

💡 Scenic ride with views of NYC skyline. Book in advance for summer weekends.

Ready to Pick a Destination?

Explore our guides to find the perfect shore town for your trip.

Explore Shore Towns