Forget the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Garden State Parkway or Atlantic City Expressway. Traveling from NYC to Atlantic City without a car could become a reality as soon as summer 2027!
A proposed high-speed ferry may soon take passengers from Lower Manhattan directly to Atlantic City in just about two hours and 45 minutes. The drive time from NYC to Atlantic City typically takes about two to two-and-a-half hours under normal conditions, but heavy rush hour congestion or summer shore traffic can easily push the trip up to five hours or more.
And considering many New Yorkers don’t own a car—or even have a license—a direct ferry route would be a game-changing transportation option for weekend getaways.
A new era of Atlantic City travel
Seastreak ferry President James D. Barker told NJ.com that the Highlands-based ferry company is in preliminary talks to create a high-speed ferry route straight to the Jersey Shore.
The service would depart from the Battery at the lower tip of Manhattan and terminate at the Farley State Marina near the Golden Nugget casino in Atlantic City.
Seastreak currently runs commuter and leisure ferries between New York City and Atlantic Highlands, though that Monmouth County destination is still roughly a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlantic City.
What could the journey look like?
According to details shared with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the proposed trip would be a breeze for city dwellers:
- Travel Time: ~2 hours and 45 minutes
- Estimated Fare: $145
- The Route: Lower Manhattan to Farley State Marina (a 5- to 10-minute walk to nearby casinos, with potential shuttles to others)
Seastreak operates two massive 600-person ferries–the Courageous and the Commodore–which Barker noted are “some of the best commuter boats in the country.” These are the exact same workhorse vessels Seastreak currently uses for its popular summer runs from NYC to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Because these boats are already in high demand during peak season, organizers are currently figuring out the logistics of freeing them up for an Atlantic City trial run.
But if they do, expect a highly comfortable ride. They come equipped with Wi-Fi, plush seating, and a fully stocked bar.
Travelers could literally take their last Zoom call of the day with a cocktail in hand, and by the end of it, step off right into Atlantic City!
What this means for New Yorkers
If the ferry comes to fruition, New Yorkers would have unprecedented, direct access to Atlantic City’s casinos, world-class restaurants, and entertainment—all without having to navigate the stressful travel themselves.
The ferry talks are running parallel to a massive $4 billion luxury development proposed for Atlantic City’s former municipal airport, Bader Field. Tommy Carr, a partner in Deem Development, told the Inquirer that the ferry is a key piece in leveling up the city’s tourism and drawing in New Yorkers looking for accessible oceanfront luxury.
When would the high-speed ferry be completed?
It’s important to note that the idea is still very much in its early stages, with no schedules or plans officially set in stone. Barker stated:
This isn’t a sure thing. We’re really just exploring the idea. Obviously, groups there are very excited. The casinos and developers, everybody wants to have a ferry service.
If all goes according to plan and a trial program is approved, though, the ferry could be up and running as early as Memorial Day weekend 2027.
Even more, if the route proves highly successful, Seastreak may eventually look into acquiring a custom ocean-going vessel with wave-piercing technology that could cut the trip down even further.
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