Atlantic City International Airport guide
Atlantic City International Airport Guide: Your Complete Travel Companion
Introduction
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) serves as a convenient gateway to the Jersey Shore, offering travelers a stress‑free alternative to the larger hubs in Philadelphia and New York. Whether you’re heading to the famous boardwalk, attending a conference, or embarking on a leisurely getaway, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from transportation and parking to dining options and insider tips.
Overview of Atlantic City International Airport
Located in Egg Harbor Township, just 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlantic City, ACY handles both domestic and seasonal international flights. The airport features a single terminal with two concourses (A and B) and a modest but efficient layout that makes navigation easy for first‑time visitors. Key facts:
- IATA Code: ACY
- Elevation: 66 ft (20 m) above sea level
- Runway: 10,000 ft concrete runway (13/31)
- Annual Passengers: Approximately 1.2 million (pre‑pandemic levels)
Getting There: Transportation Options
Reaching ACY is straightforward thanks to a variety of ground transport choices. The table below summarizes the most common methods, average costs, and typical travel times from major points in the region.
| Transportation Mode | Pick‑up/Drop‑off Points | Approx. Cost (one‑way) | Typical Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit Bus (Route 559) | Atlantic City Bus Terminal, ACY Terminal | $6.00 | 30‑40 min |
| Shuttle Services (e.g., Atlantic City Airporter) | Hotels, Casino Resorts, ACY | $12‑$18 | 20‑30 min |
| Ride‑Share (Uber/Lyft) | Anywhere in Atlantic City/Philadelphia | $25‑$40 | 20‑35 min |
| Taxi | Designated taxi stands at ACY | $30‑$45 | 20‑35 min |
| Rental Car | On‑site counters (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise) | Varies | N/A |
| Private Car | I‑95 & US‑322 via Exit 44 | Fuel + tolls | 15‑25 min |
Tip: If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or a group, pre‑booking a shuttle or ride‑share can save both time and money.
Parking and Ground Services
ACY offers both short‑term and long‑term parking options directly adjacent to the terminal.
- Short‑Term Parking: $2 per hour, max $12 per day (ideal for drop‑offs/pick‑ups).
- Long‑Term Parking: $7 per day, with a weekly cap of $42.
- Valet Service: Available during peak hours for $15 per day.
All lots are well‑lit, monitored by security cameras, and provide complimentary shuttle buses to the terminal every 10‑15 minutes. Additional ground services include:
- Currency Exchange (Travelex kiosk)
- ATMs (multiple locations)
- Lost & Found (located near baggage claim)
- Pet Relief Area (outside the terminal, near Long‑Term Parking)
Terminal Amenities: Food, Shopping, and Lounges
Despite its smaller size, ACY provides a comfortable selection of amenities to make your wait pleasant.
Dining
| Venue | Cuisine | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City Brewing Company | American pub fare, local brews | 5 am‑9 pm | $$ |
| Starbucks | Coffee, pastries, light bites | 4 am‑8 pm | $ |
| Hudson News | Snacks, sandwiches, beverages | 24 hrs | $ |
| Seafood Shack (seasonal) | Fresh catch, salads | 11 am‑7 pm | $$ |
Shopping
- Hudson News: Travel essentials, books, magazines, souvenirs.
- Duty-Free Shop: Limited selection of cosmetics, spirits, and confectionery (available on international departures).
- Local Art Kiosk: Handcrafted jewelry and shore‑themed gifts from regional artisans.
Lounges
ACY does not currently host a dedicated airline lounge, but passengers with priority access (e.g., certain credit card programs) can use the USO Lounge located near Gate B12, offering complimentary snacks, Wi‑Fi, and a quiet workspace.
Flight Information: Airlines and Destinations
ACY serves a mix of legacy carriers, low‑cost airlines, and seasonal charters. The following table outlines the main airlines and their primary nonstop destinations as of the 2024 schedule.
| Airline | Primary Destinations (Nonstop) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Myrtle Beach (MYR) | Daily |
| American Airlines | Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL) | Multiple daily |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW) | Daily (seasonal) |
| United Airlines | Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Newark (EWR) | Several per week |
| Allegiant Air | St. Pete‑Clearwater (PIE), Savannah (SAV) | Seasonal |
| Charters / Seasonal | Nassau (NAS), Punta Cana (PUJ) | Varies |
Note: Flight schedules can shift, especially for seasonal routes. Always verify your itinerary via the airline’s website or the airport’s real‑time departures board.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at ACY
- Arrive Early: For domestic flights, aim to arrive 90 minutes before departure; for international or peak periods, give yourself 2 hours.
- Check Parking Availability: Use the airport’s online parking portal to reserve a spot in advance during busy weekends.
- Take Advantage of Free Wi‑Fi: The network “ACY_Free_WiFi” covers the entire terminal without a password.
- Stay Informed: Monitor flight status via the airport’s mobile app or the flight information display systems (FIDS) near each gate.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: If you have a layover, the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Absecon Lighthouse, and the historic Lucy the Elephant are all within a 20‑minute drive.
- Pet Travelers: Utilize the designated pet relief area and remember to carry a recent health certificate for your animal companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Atlantic City International Airport have customs and immigration facilities?
A: Yes, ACY houses a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for processing international arrivals, primarily serving seasonal charter flights to the Caribbean and Canada.
Q2: Are there any hotels directly connected to the airport?
A: No hotel is physically attached to the terminal, but several hotels (e.g., Resorts Casino Hotel, Sheraton Atlantic City) offer complimentary shuttle services running every 30 minutes.
Q3: Can I rent a car at ACY, and what companies are available?
A: Yes, the rental car center is located in the main parking garage. Major providers include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Q4: Is there a place to store luggage if I have a long layover?
A: ACY does not offer left‑luggage lockers. However, nearby hotels often provide luggage holding services for a fee, and some airlines may allow gate‑checking of bags for short layovers.
Q5: What dining options are open early in the morning for an early flight?
A: Starbucks opens at 4 am, and Hudson News operates 24 hours, offering coffee, pastries, and grab‑and‑go snacks suitable for early departures.
Resources
- Official Airport Website: flyacfy.com – Real‑time flight status, parking reservations, and terminal maps.
- NJ Transit – Route 559 Schedule: njtransit.com/bus/559 – Bus timetables and fares.
- Atlantic City Transportation Authority: actranj.org – Information on shuttles, taxis, and local transit.
- FAA Airport Diagram (ACY): faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dtpp/search/ – Detailed airfield layout for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
- Travel Guide to Atlantic City: visitnj.org/atlantic-city – Attractions, dining, and event calendars for your stay.
Conclusion
Atlantic City International Airport may be smaller than its metropolitan counterparts, but its efficiency, convenient location, and growing list of destinations make it an excellent choice for travelers heading to the Jersey Shore and beyond. By planning your transportation, familiarizing yourself with terminal amenities, and applying the tips outlined above, you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress‑free journey from curb to gate. Safe travels, and enjoy all that Atlantic City has to offer!
