NJ Transit 551 is the lowest-cost round-trip Philadelphia–Atlantic City bus; private buses can be cheaper one-way.
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Plan the Bus from Philadelphia to Atlantic City, NJ around one decision: NJ Transit route 551 wins most same-week returns, while Greyhound and FlixBus can beat it on one-way sale fares. The ride is usually about 1 hour 35 minutes to a little over 2 hours, depending on the carrier, stops, and traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway.
The simplest public option is NJ Transit 551 from Center City Philadelphia to Atlantic City Bus Terminal. For a round trip, NJ Transit’s excursion fare is the number to know: $24.35, valid for up to 10 days from the day of sale. For one-way travel, check private bus fares too, since Greyhound and FlixBus list advance fares from $17.48 on this route.
How Do You Take The Bus From Philadelphia To Atlantic City?
The public bus from Philadelphia to Atlantic City is NJ Transit route 551, which runs from Center City Philadelphia and Camden to Atlantic City Bus Terminal. Board in Philadelphia if you want the cleanest one-seat ride, or use Camden’s Walter Rand Transportation Center if you are already across the river.
For most travelers, the move is simple:
- Check NJ Transit 551 for your travel date and return date.
- Compare Greyhound and FlixBus if you need a cheaper one-way fare or a reserved intercity coach seat.
- Arrive early at the stop, especially on summer Fridays, holiday weekends, and casino-event days.
- Keep your return plan ready before you leave Philadelphia, since late-night choices can be thinner.
Run the route once before you buy, since private carrier fares and departure times change by date:
Philadelphia To Atlantic City Bus Options: What Each One Costs
Philadelphia to Atlantic City bus prices split into two groups: fixed public-transit fares on NJ Transit 551 and demand-priced intercity fares on Greyhound or FlixBus. NJ Transit is more predictable; private buses can be cheaper when the low fare is still available.
| Route Choice | Typical Time | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit 551 one-way bus | About 1 hr 35 min to 2 hr 10 min | $21.90 adult cash fare to Philadelphia zone |
| NJ Transit 551 round-trip excursion | Same bus, return within 10 days | $24.35 round trip |
| Greyhound or FlixBus coach | From 1 hr 35 min | From $17.48 when low fares remain |
| Atlantic City Rail Line train | About 1 hr 35 min to 1 hr 45 min | About $19 one-way |
| Drive your own car | About 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 40 min | Gas, Atlantic City Expressway tolls, and parking |
| Rideshare or taxi | Close to driving time | Often far above the bus fare, before tip |
| PATCO or SEPTA to Camden, then 551 | Usually 2 hr or more with transfers | Local transit fare plus the NJ Transit bus fare |
NJ Transit’s current NJ Transit 551 timetable lists the Philadelphia fare zone at 6th Street at Race Street and the Atlantic City fare zone at Atlantic City Bus Terminal. The same timetable shows the $21.90 adult cash fare to or from Philadelphia and the $24.35 round-trip excursion fare.
Fare Note: NJ Transit drivers can make change for smaller bills, but exact fare helps boarding move faster. Private bus tickets are digital in most cases and change by date, demand, and how early you buy.
Where Do Buses Leave From In Philadelphia?
Philadelphia departures for NJ Transit 551 are centered on 6th Street at Race Street and Broad Street at Cherry Street, with Camden’s Walter Rand Transportation Center as the main New Jersey transfer point. Greyhound and FlixBus stops can differ by date, so use the address shown on your ticket rather than assuming every coach uses the same curb.
NJ Transit 551 is handy if you are staying near Old City, Chinatown, Center City, or a PATCO connection. The Atlantic City Rail Line is handier if you are already near 30th Street Station and want a train seat instead of a highway bus.
| Stop Or Station | Use It When | Arrival Area |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Street at Race Street | You want the main Philadelphia NJ Transit 551 boarding point | Atlantic City Bus Terminal |
| Broad Street at Cherry Street | You are closer to central Broad Street | Atlantic City Bus Terminal |
| Walter Rand Transportation Center | You are connecting from PATCO or Camden | Atlantic City Bus Terminal |
| 30th Street Station | You prefer the Atlantic City Rail Line | Atlantic City Rail Terminal |
| Private coach stop on your ticket | You buy Greyhound or FlixBus | Often Atlantic City or a casino-area stop |
What The Ride Is Like On Route 551
Route 551 feels like an express regional bus more than a short city bus, since the Philadelphia-to-Atlantic City stretch uses long highway segments. The bus makes selected stops, then runs toward Atlantic City, so traffic near Philadelphia, Camden, and the shore can shape the real arrival time.
For a day trip, leave earlier than you think you need to. A morning departure gives you more room for beach time, casino check-in lines, restaurant waits, or a show. For a late return, check the last departure before your outbound trip; do not plan the return from memory.
- Pick NJ Transit 551 for predictable public fares and a strong round-trip price.
- Pick Greyhound or FlixBus if the one-way fare is low and the departure time fits.
- Pick the train if you are starting near 30th Street Station or dislike highway traffic.
- Skip rideshare unless your group needs door-to-door travel and accepts the higher fare.
Where To Stay After Arriving In Atlantic City
Atlantic City is easiest when your hotel is close to your final stop, the Boardwalk, or the casino where you plan to spend the evening. A cheap hotel far from your plans can cost more once you add late-night taxis or long walks in bad weather.
Atlantic City Bus Terminal works well for central casino hotels, Boardwalk stays, and quick taxi rides to the marina area. Use the map before choosing a room so the bus savings do not disappear after arrival:
Choose The Route That Fits Your Trip
The right Philadelphia to Atlantic City route depends on whether price, timing, or comfort matters most. NJ Transit 551 is the safe default for round trips, while Greyhound or FlixBus is worth checking for a cheap one-way ride.
- Cheapest same-week round trip: NJ Transit 551 excursion fare at $24.35.
- Cheapest one-way if available: Greyhound or FlixBus sale fares from $17.48.
- Most flexible public option: NJ Transit 551, since fares are fixed and the route is built for local travel.
- Most comfortable non-car backup: Atlantic City Rail Line from 30th Street Station.
- Least useful for budget travelers: rideshare, unless split across a group with luggage.
Check the bus and train choices side by side for your exact date before paying, since the lowest one-way fare may disappear while the NJ Transit round-trip fare stays fixed:
References & Sources
- NJ Transit.“551 Philadelphia–Atlantic City Timetable.”Supports route 551 stops, fare zones, one-way fares, and the round-trip excursion fare.