Carli Brennan 
Visiting the Jersey Shore is a must-do in the summer, but it can get a bit complicated if you don’t have a car. But don’t worry, we are here to help you navigate your way to the best of the Jersey Shore even without a car. Whether you prefer taking a train, bus, or ferry, keep reading for how to get to some of our favorite Jersey Shore towns without a car this summer.
Asbury Park
Train
The NJ Transit North Coast Line has a stop conveniently located just off Main Street in Asbury Park. Whether you’re planning to hit the beach and boardwalk or catch a bite on Cookman Avenue, the train is a reliable option for getting to Asbury Park from New York City in just under two hours. If you’re traveling from the Hoboken or Jersey City area, your best bet is to catch a train to Secaucus Junction and transfer.
Bus
If you prefer to take a bus, there are a few different options for getting to Asbury Park. NJ Transit has multiple routes that connect Asbury Park to places like Philadelphia, Point Pleasant, Freehold, and Long Branch. If you are traveling by bus from New York City, you’ll have to transfer at either Lakewood or Freehold. Keep in mind that traffic may cause significant delays, especially on summer Fridays and holiday weekends.
Read More: 22 Movies That Were Filmed at the Jersey Shore
Belmar
Train
The North Jersey Coast Line drops riders off between 9th + 10th Avenues in Belmar, making it an easy way to get to the shore. While there are a few express trains to Belmar during the week that take just under two hours, you will likely have to transfer at Long Branch, which can add extra time to your trip.
Cape May
Ferry
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry sails year-round between Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, and takes about an hour and a half. This scenic route along the coast is a great way to get to your destination while enjoying beautiful ocean views (many riders even spot dolphins!). Each ferry has a full food court and a bar on deck. While cars can drive onto the ferry, you can also walk on or take a bike that you can then use to explore all that Cape May has to offer.
Bus
NJ Transit has routes to Cape May year-round from Atlantic City and New York City, as well as a seasonal route from Philadelphia. Keep in mind that these routes take significantly longer than traveling by car.
Highlands
Ferry
The Seastreak Ferry is a popular choice for commuters traveling from New York City to the Jersey Shore. The port in Highlands is conveniently located at the Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, a casual beach bar in the sand that has a rotating lineup of food trucks and live music. While you could spend a whole day at the Sandbox, the drop-off location is also conveniently close to beach towns like Sandy Hook, Sea Bright, and Monmouth Beach that could easily be reached by Uber from the ferry dock. The Seastreak Ferry also has a stop directly at Sandy Hook, as well as routes to and from both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Long Branch
Train
Long Branch is a popular destination on the North Jersey Coast Line, making it easy to get to by NJ Transit train in as little as an hour and a half. Once you step off the train, you can bike, walk, or call an Uber to take you to nearby Pier Village or directly to the beach.
Bus
While NJ Transit doesn’t run directly to Long Branch, you can take the Academy bus for reliable weekday service to Long Branch, as well as select Friday services. The Academy Shore Points bus route also makes stops in Point Pleasant, Manasquan, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Belmar, Avon, Bradley Beach, Ocean Grove, Deal, West End, Oceanport, Little Silver, Eatontown, Fort Monmouth, Shrewsbury, Red Bank, Lincroft, and New York City, so you can hop on wherever is most convenient for you.
Point Pleasant
Train
The NJ Transit train to Point Pleasant runs on the North Jersey Coast Line between New York City and Bay Head and usually requires a transfer at Long Branch, except for a few weekday express runs. The total trip takes about two hours from New York City on average.
Bus
Keep going south past Long Branch on the Shore Points Academy bus line, and you’ll find yourself in Point Pleasant. This bus line runs on a limited weekday service and select Friday times, so be sure to check the schedule when planning your trip.
See More: The Best Places to Go For a Walk in Bergen County
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