Overview
Atlantic City sits on the New Jersey shore, a spirited seaside resort famous for its four-mile Boardwalk, broad sandy beaches, big-name casinos and old-fashioned pier amusements. For UK travellers it slots neatly into a wider East Coast trip alongside Philadelphia or New York. There are no direct flights to Atlantic City from the UK, so most travellers fly into Philadelphia and continue by road or rail – more on that below. A search for cheap flights to Atlantic City from the UK almost always means a Philadelphia routing.
Best time to fly to Atlantic City
The resort is at its best from late May to early October, when the beach and Boardwalk are in full swing and daytime temperatures sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius, edging towards 30°C in July and August. Summer is peak season, so flights and hotels cost the most, especially during the school holidays. For warm weather with smaller crowds and better value, aim for June or September. Winters are cold and quiet, with January highs around 4°C. The When to book chart above shows how fares move through the year.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies direct from the UK to Atlantic City International (ACY), which is served mainly by Spirit Airlines on domestic US routes. The practical choice is a direct flight from London Heathrow to Philadelphia with British Airways or American Airlines, taking roughly eight hours; Aer Lingus also connects via Dublin, where you clear US immigration before boarding. From Philadelphia it is about an hour on to Atlantic City. Travellers from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh will usually connect through a US or Dublin hub.
Things to do in Atlantic City
A quick tour of the highlights:
- The Boardwalk: the oldest boardwalk in the United States, lined with shops, arcades, rolling chairs and sea views.
- Steel Pier: a classic amusement pier with fairground rides and a giant observation wheel over the Atlantic.
- Absecon Lighthouse: New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, with 228 steps up to a panoramic gallery.
- Lucy the Elephant: a six-storey elephant-shaped landmark in nearby Margate, one of America’s oldest roadside attractions.
- Casinos and Boardwalk Hall: resorts such as Borgata and Hard Rock for shows, dining and gaming, plus concerts at historic Boardwalk Hall.
At Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
ACY lies about 10 miles (16 km) north-west of the city centre, near Egg Harbor Township. Taxis and ride-hailing reach the Boardwalk hotels in around 20 minutes, and NJ Transit buses serve the route. If you arrive via Philadelphia, the NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line runs from Philadelphia to Atlantic City in about 90 minutes, frequent coaches connect the two cities, and hire cars take the Atlantic City Expressway for a drive of roughly an hour.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Atlantic City
- Book transatlantic fares around two to six months ahead; last-minute prices to Philadelphia are rarely kind.
- Fly midweek and avoid July, August and UK school holidays, when demand peaks.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departures.
- Compare British Airways, American Airlines and Aer Lingus, and price up Newark or New York as alternative gateways.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need an approved ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Programme – apply online at least 72 hours before travel; it is valid for two years. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. The local currency is the US dollar, so budget your pounds accordingly; cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping of around 15–20% is expected in restaurants and bars. No special vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential, as US healthcare is expensive.