Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Atlantic City Airport (ACY), New Jersey. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Collect your keys right at the terminal then cruise the Atlantic City Expressway to the Boardwalk, nearby shore towns or Philadelphia in under an hour, with live pricing from Hertz, Avis, Budget and other major brands at your fingertips.
ACY Airport offers on-site car rental services, which have several advantages over city locations:
Rental Location | Pros | Cons | Hours (Typical) |
---|---|---|---|
ACY Airport | On-site convenience; No transportation needed after landing; Quick pickup process; Rarely has long lines | Higher rates than city locations (around 18% premium); Fewer agencies than major airports | 9am-midnight (varies by company) |
Atlantic City (City) | Lower rates; Near hotels and casinos; Good if arriving by train or bus | Requires transportation from airport; Limited hours; Smaller selection | 8am-5pm (Mon-Fri; limited Sat) |
Nearby Hotels | Some casino hotels host rental desks; Convenient if staying there | Very limited selection; Often higher rates | Varies by location |
On average, car rentals at Atlantic City Airport cost around $72 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $46 per day.
Shop both airport and city branches. ACY on-site rentals run about 18 % higher. If your flight time lines up with downtown hours (8 am-5 pm), a short rideshare to a city desk can beat airport pricing even after the transfer cost.
Peak summer = book early, shoulder season = wait and watch. For June-Aug the limited fleet at ACY sells out, so grab a refundable rate early. In September or winter you can often snag last-minute markdowns.
Run the numbers on weekly pricing. Staying 5+ days? A 7-day "weekly" rate is often cheaper than 6 individual days. Plug both options into the comparison tool before you click pay.
Fuel up on Delilah Road or at the first station off the AC Expressway. You'll dodge airport pump mark-ups and the rental company's refuel charge. Keep the receipt just in case.
Skip the toll transponder if you're sticking to Atlantic City and nearby beaches. Cash lanes on the Expressway and Garden State Parkway cost less than the $3-$5 daily device fee.
Mind the extras. Extra driver, under-25 and one-way fees add up fast. Only add what you truly need and compare total cost, not just the headline daily rate.
Understanding where to park and local driving rules will make your rental experience better:
Airport Parking (if returning to fly out):
Atlantic City Options:
Surface Lots: Available near the Boardwalk and outlet areas
Street Parking: Metered in commercial zones; some free spots may be found in residential neighborhoods
Local Driving Rules:
Right on Red: Allowed after a complete stop unless signage prohibits it
Jughandles: Many New Jersey highways use right-turn ramps (jughandles) for left turns
School Buses: You must stop when their red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended
Cell Phones: Hands-free use only; mount your phone for GPS navigation
Tolls:
Garden State Parkway: Provides north-south access through periodic toll plazas
Payment Methods: Cash is accepted at most toll plazas and E-ZPass offers electronic payment for faster passage
Get a car rental to see:
Ocean City – beaches, amusement pier
Cape May – lighthouse, wineries, ferry
Pine Barrens – forests, wildlife refuges
Wildwood – boardwalk, waterparks
Is it necessary to reserve a car in advance at ACY Airport?
Yes, we highly recommend booking your car ahead of time, especially during summer months and weekends when cars are in high demand. ACY is a smaller airport and doesn't have as many rental cars as major airports.
How far is ACY Airport from Atlantic City's Boardwalk and casinos?
The airport is about 12 miles (19 km) from Atlantic City's Boardwalk and casino area. The drive takes around 20 to 25 minutes on the Atlantic City Expressway.
Are there any alternative transportation options from ACY to Atlantic City?
There isn't much public transportation from the airport. Some hotels offer a shuttle for their guests and you can find taxis or rideshares. However, a rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the area.
What documents do I need to rent a car at ACY?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. If you want to use your own car insurance, be ready to show proof of your policy. If you are visiting from another country, you should bring your passport. You will also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.
Can I return my rental car outside of business hours at ACY?
Some companies let you return cars after they close using a key drop box. Always ask your rental company about their specific process for after-hours returns and take photos of the car's condition and fuel level when you drop it off.