Imagine leaving the hustle and bustle of Manhattan behind, boarding a ferry and arriving in Atlantic City just in time for an afternoon on the beach, dinner at a casino or a night on the Boardwalk — all without getting behind the wheel.
That possibility could become reality as early as next summer.
Seastreak, a New Jersey-based ferry operator, is exploring plans to launch high-speed passenger service between New York City and Atlantic City.
The proposed route would transport passengers from Lower Manhattan to the Farley State Marina near the Golden Nugget casino in approximately two and a half hours.
Round-trip tickets are tentatively estimated at $145, with service potentially beginning around Memorial Day weekend in 2027.
Although discussions remain preliminary, the proposal has generated excitement among Atlantic City developers and tourism stakeholders who see the ferry as an opportunity to attract new visitors, strengthen the local economy and make the resort more accessible to travelers from the New York metropolitan area.
For decades, visitors traveling from New York City to Atlantic City have largely relied on cars and buses, navigating the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway to reach the Shore.
A passenger ferry could offer a different experience altogether. Rather than sitting in traffic, travelers could enjoy ocean views, onboard refreshments and comfortable seating while making their way down the New Jersey coastline.
According to reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Seastreak has two vessels capable of making the trip: the Courageous and the Commodore. Each can accommodate approximately 600 passengers.
The ferries feature amenities including Wi-Fi and onboard bar service, potentially making the voyage as much a part of the vacation experience as the destination itself.
Seastreak already operates passenger routes connecting Highlands and Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County with several Manhattan terminals, including the Battery Maritime Building, Brookfield Place and East 35th Street.
The company also provides seasonal ferry service to destinations including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, demonstrating its experience transporting passengers to coastal vacation destinations.
The proposed Atlantic City route would expand that concept farther down the Jersey Shore, giving visitors another option for reaching the resort without a car.
However, Seastreak President James Barker has emphasized that the project is still under consideration. “We are in the very early stages of this,” Barker told the media. “This isn’t a sure thing. We’re really just exploring the idea.”
Among the questions still being evaluated are vessel availability, passenger demand and whether the route would be financially sustainable during the busy summer season.
For Atlantic City, the prospect of a high-speed ferry represents more than an alternative means of transportation. It could introduce the resort to a broader audience of travelers who might otherwise choose destinations closer to New York City.
A ferry arriving at Farley State Marina would place visitors near the Golden Nugget, Borgata and Harrah’s Resort, with the city’s Boardwalk, beaches, restaurants and entertainment venues accessible through additional ground transportation.
The service could appeal to casino patrons planning weekend getaways, couples seeking a coastal escape, concertgoers attending major events and visitors interested in experiencing Atlantic City’s dining and entertainment scene.
The proposal comes as Atlantic City continues working to attract investment and diversify its appeal beyond traditional casino gaming. Developers have increasingly expressed interest in residential projects, waterfront amenities and luxury experiences aimed at introducing new audiences to the city.
The ferry proposal is being championed by Tommy Carr, a partner in Deem Development, the company behind the proposed $4 billion Intercoastal Motorcar & Yacht Club development at Bader Field.
The ambitious project would transform Atlantic City’s former municipal airport into a luxury residential and recreational community, complete with waterfront residences, a private driving circuit, a car museum, retail establishments and public recreational spaces.
While the Bader Field redevelopment is expected to take years to complete, supporters believe the ferry could begin bringing additional visitors to Atlantic City much sooner.
Carr has reportedly met with city officials, casino representatives and other stakeholders to discuss the transportation proposal.
Carr said discussions have been encouraging, with local stakeholders expressing support for the concept.
The proposed service could also complement Atlantic City’s broader efforts to position itself as a destination for upscale tourism, entertainment and waterfront living.
Despite the enthusiasm, several important details must be resolved. Seastreak must determine whether it can dedicate vessels to the route during the busy summer months, when its existing commuter and recreational services are already operating.
With an estimated $145 round-trip fare, the ferry would offer convenience and a distinctive travel experience, but its success would depend on attracting enough passengers willing to pay for the service.
Carr implied that subsidies or financial incentives may be necessary to make the operation viable. One possibility under discussion involves casinos offering ferry vouchers to encourage visitors to make the trip.
Other questions, including final schedules, ticket pricing, service frequency and the length of the operating season, remain unanswered.
While the proposed ferry could bring a new wave of visitors to Atlantic City, it could also open the door for South Jersey residents looking to spend a day in New York City without the hassle of driving.
For locals, the service could turn a trip to Manhattan into a scenic adventure, eliminating the stress of navigating city traffic, paying steep parking fees or coordinating multiple forms of transportation.
Imagine boarding a ferry in Atlantic City in the morning and spending the afternoon exploring Times Square, strolling through Central Park, catching a Broadway matinee or enjoying a meal at one of New York City’s countless restaurants.
At an estimated two and a half hours each way, the journey would require some planning, particularly for travelers hoping to return the same evening. Whether same-day round trips would be practical will depend on the ferry’s eventual schedule, which has not yet been announced.
For now, Memorial Day 2027 is a target rather than a confirmed launch date, and no Atlantic City route is currently available for booking through Seastreak.
Still, the proposal offers an intriguing glimpse into Atlantic City’s transportation future. And for New Yorkers dreaming of casino lights, sandy beaches and saltwater air, getting to Atlantic City might someday be as simple as stepping aboard a boat.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
