Compare rental cars from leading providers in Atlantic City, NJ with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Atlantic City International Airport or a downtown desk by the Boardwalk, then hit the Atlantic City Expressway or Garden State Parkway for quick drives to Cape May, Philadelphia or the Pine Barrens. Book early for summer weekends to lock in the best selection.
When renting a car in Atlantic City, you have several location options, each offering distinct advantages:
Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Hours (Typical) |
---|---|---|---|
Atlantic City (City) | Lowest rates; Near hotels and casinos; Convenient if arriving by train or bus | Limited hours; Smaller fleet selection; Requires transport from ACY | 8am-5pm (Mon-Fri; limited Sat) |
Atlantic City Airport (ACY) | On-site convenience for ACY arrivals; Usually no long lines | Higher rates than city locations; Fewer rental agencies | 9am-midnight (varies by company) |
Casino Hotels | Convenient pickup if staying at the property; No transportation needed | Limited vehicle selection; May have higher rates | Varies by casino and rental partner |
On average, car rentals in Atlantic City cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $46 per day.
Compare pickup spots: City desks near the Boardwalk usually beat ACY Airport by 10-20%, though you'll need a quick rideshare or hotel shuttle to get there.
Play with dates: Mid-week rentals (Tue-Thu) often drop $20-$30 per day compared with Friday-Monday. Shift your pickup/return by a day when possible.
Seasonal smart-booking: Lock in early for peak summer weekends when cars vanish fast, but in fall or winter watch for last-minute flash deals instead of prepaying months out.
Leverage casino perks: Many hotels give guests or players-club members parking waivers and occasional rental discounts—flash that free membership number at the desk.
Skip pricey tolls: On day trips south, use scenic Route 9 or Ocean Drive and pocket the Garden State Parkway fees—adds maybe 15 extra minutes, saves a few bucks each way.
Fuel up inland: Stations a mile off the Atlantic City Expressway are often 20-30¢/gal cheaper than those right by the ramps—tell the attendant "regular, fill it."
Atlantic City offers relatively accessible parking compared to larger urban areas, with options to suit various budgets.
Parking Options:
Surface Lots: Available near the Boardwalk and outlets
Street Parking: Metered in commercial areas; some free spots available in residential areas a few blocks inland
Local Driving Rules:
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signed otherwise
Beach Driving: Prohibited on Atlantic City beaches
Jitney Shuttles: Watch for frequent stops of these mini-buses on Pacific Avenue
One-Way Streets: Many streets in the downtown grid are one-way; follow signage carefully
Toll Information:
Garden State Parkway: Used for north-south travel along the coast, with periodic toll plazas
Payment Methods: Cash is accepted at most toll plazas; E-ZPass lanes are available for electronic payment
Get a car so you can drive to:
Cape May – beach, lighthouse
Philadelphia – museums, Liberty Bell
Wildwood & Ocean City – boardwalks, amusement piers
Pine Barrens – forest, trails
Where is the best place to rent a car in Atlantic City?
If you're flying in, renting a car at ACY Airport is the easiest option. If you're staying at a casino hotel, you can check if they have a car rental desk right there. For the best prices, you'll usually find better deals at rental places in the city near the convention center or casinos, compared to the airport.
Do I need a car in Atlantic City if I'm only visiting the casinos?
If you're staying on the Boardwalk and just visiting casinos, you might not need a car. The Jitney shuttle runs often along Pacific Avenue and you can walk to many casinos from each other. However, we recommend a car if you want to explore beyond the main tourist area.
What type of car is best for Atlantic City and the surrounding area?
A standard or midsize car will work for most visitors. If you plan beach trips or need to carry equipment, you might want an SUV for extra space. In the winter, you'll only need an all-wheel drive car if you're traveling to rural areas, because crews clear snow from the main roads quickly.
Is it easy to find parking in Atlantic City?
Yes, it's pretty easy to find parking compared to bigger cities. Casino garages have plenty of spots and are often free if you have a players card. You can also find many parking lots near the Boardwalk. You can park on the street in residential areas, but you should always check the signs for any rules.
Can I drive on the beach in Atlantic City?
No, you cannot drive on the beaches in Atlantic City. Some nearby towns like Brigantine have areas where they allow beach driving, but you need a special permit. You usually cannot get these permits for a rental car.