Have you traveled from the Philly area to ACY?

[mrstomrice]

We have a 10:25 flight out of Atlantic City on a Tuesday morning. We are about 90 miles away, just north of Philly. We are debating on how much time to allow to get there. I would like to get to the parking area by 8:30 so we can catch the shuttle. I hear that since it is a smaller airport and hour and a half to get through security should be ample. We're thinking a 6:30 departure should be good..any thoughts? Also, any experience with ACY that would be helpful? Thanks!

 

[Ed J]

That sounds like plenty of time.

This was a few years ago but it's representative of my trips through ACY. I had missed my original flight and needed to get rebooked on the next flight out. I parked in long term ( this was before the garage was built) and checked my watch, I entered the terminal, got my ticket changed, dropped of my bag, went through security and sat down at my gate. All in 15 minutes.

I like ACY over PHL because it's so small an convenient (+ its 1/2 the distance there than Philly for me) they just can't get you where you want to go a lot of the time.

 

[pipervali]

As long as the SE doesn't get backed up, since that's smack dab in the middle of rush hour, then I think you'll be fine. We're about 50 miles NW of Philly, and it usually takes me about 2 hours to get to ACY, but that's always been after 8pm at night. The Philly rush hour traffic can be a nightmare. And if you're traveling the extent of the SE from beginning to the Walt Whitman, I'd honestly allow an extra hour just to be on the safe side. Once you get through the traffic though you'll be fine. ACY is pretty small, parking isn't that far out and security should take half an hour tops.

 

[mrstomrice]

Thanks! We will take 95 South to the Ben Franklin Bridge....just need to get through that traffice...not sure about the typical am commute on 42 or AC Expressway though

 

[TinkTink78]

We have found the parking lot small enough just to walk to the terminal doors. And security is very simple as it is a small airport. Just be prepared as it seems you will be

 

[NJRRK]

Thanks! We will take 95 South to the Ben Franklin Bridge....just need to get through that traffice...not sure about the typical am commute on 42 or AC Expressway though

Walt Whitman might serve you better, but it really is a toss up. Walt Whitman Bridge will put you closer to the Atlantic City Expy. If you don't have EZ Pass, even if you do you'll just get through a little quicker, expect a tie-up at the $2 toll barrier.

Once you get to NJ42, beyond I-295, you will be going opposite the heaviest traffic.

 

[mrstomrice]

Walt Whitman might serve you better, but it really is a toss up. Walt Whitman Bridge will put you closer to the Atlantic City Expy. If you don't have EZ Pass, even if you do you'll just get through a little quicker, expect a tie-up at the $2 toll barrier.

Once you get to NJ42, beyond I-295, you will be going opposite the heaviest traffic.

Thanks! I guess we can base the bridge based on the traffic that morning

 

[pipervali]

Thanks! I guess we can base the bridge based on the traffic that morning

Honestly, I find the AC Expressway totally palatable, besides the toll plaza. I don't think I've ever gotten stuck in a backup there. 42 on the other hand can get very congested at times. But the worst is usually right as you come off the Walt Whitman, I find at least. I usually breathe a sigh of relief once I hit the AC expressway, simply because compared to the Philly traffic, its a breeze lol

 

[princesspumpkin]

95South am rush hour traffic can be a mess, especially between 7-7:30 and 9ish.
Once you get across the bridge, unless there's an accident, it's EZ peasy. I travel this way every morning, on my way home to South Jersey from work in downtown Philly.

I take the Ben Franklin and have never had an issue. I know that the Walt has construction sometimes, so it could be an issue.

As for the AC expressway, you shouldn't have an issue there either, unless there's construction.

 

[mrstomrice]

Thanks! I figure we will hit 95 by 6:30, just north of Woodhaven. We might hit some traffic (we used to take this every day when we taught in SW Philly) but we will have enough time to get there and park. I have found discount lots...any experience?

 

[TinkTink78]

Discount lots? Parking lots ?

 

[mrstomrice]

Yes, long term parking lots. I found this: Ramada Atlantic City Airport Hotel-Self Parking, 5 mi from the Airport for $44 for the week. Any experience?

 

[TinkTink78]

I just use onsite parking. $9 a day. Less hassle. Parking lot is right there. The airport is 1/8 the size of PHL or EWR, no worries about parking there.

 

[Tess'smom]

I love the AC Airport. I would definitely leave by 6:30 am in case the am traffic is harsh. I find parking in the airport lot is so easy and affordable that I wouldn't bother with the Ramada. I won't fly out of AC anymore to MCO as Spirit it the carrier. I would rather walk to WDW before I take that horrible airline again.