Summer has a way of making every weekend feel like it should include sand, boardwalk fries, ocean air, and at least one questionable sunburn decision. The good news? You do not always need a car to get there.
With OurBus routes connecting travelers to beach towns across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, planning beach trips by bus can be simple, budget-friendly, and far less stressful than driving into shore traffic. Read on for summer beach getaway ideas that are easy to plan with online booking and a little early timing.
Here are some of the best beach trips by bus to consider this summer.
Best Beach Trips by Bus
| Beach Destination | Best For | OurBus Route | Starting Fare Listed |
| Atlantic City, NJ | Boardwalk, nightlife, quick beach trip | Bus from NYC to Atlantic City | From $19 |
| Cape May, NJ | Couples, Victorian charm, slower weekends | Bus from NYC to Cape May | From $115 |
| Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ | Families, classic Jersey Shore | Bus from NYC to Beach Haven/LBI | From $55 |
| Ocean City, NJ | Family-friendly boardwalk and beach | Bus from NYC to Ocean City, NJ | From $75 |
| Avalon, NJ | Quiet shore weekend, groups | Bus from NYC to Avalon | From $105 |
| Dewey Beach, DE | Beach by day, nightlife by night | Bus from NYC to Dewey Beach | From $63.50 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | Longer beach vacation | Bus from NYC to Virginia Beach | From $55 |
Fares and schedules vary by date, demand, and availability. Always check OurBus.com or the OurBus app before booking.
Why Take the Bus to the Beach?
Taking a bus to the beach makes sense when the alternative is summer traffic, tolls, parking fees, and one person stuck driving home after a long day in the sun.
OurBus offers mobile-friendly online booking, multiple routes, and affordable fares across several coastal routes. OurBus also offers low fares, free Wi-Fi, water, and comfortable rides.
Bus-friendly beach travel works well for:
- Weekend travelers
- Students
- Couples
- Friend groups
- Families who want a simpler ride
- Travelers without cars
- Anyone avoiding shore parking chaos
For many short and mid-distance trips, beach trips by bus are not just possible. They are practical.
1. Atlantic City, NJ: Best for a Fast Boardwalk Escape
OurBus Route: NYC to Atlantic City
Best for: boardwalk, beach, dining, nightlife
Starting OurBus fare: from $19
Atlantic City is one of the easiest Jersey Shore bus trips from New York. OurBus offers online booking via ourbus.com and the OurBus app, free Wi-Fi, live tracking, easy rescheduling, and free cancellation included.
What to do:
- Walk the Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Spend time on the beach
- Visit Steel Pier
- Try oceanfront dining
- Plan an overnight with friends
Many travelers also book the Atlantic City to NYC bus in advance for an easier return trip after the weekend.
Why take a trip from NYC to Atlantic City?
It is one of the most convenient buses from NYC to Atlantic City for travelers who want a real beach feel without a long ride.
2. Cape May, NJ: Best for a Romantic or Relaxed Beach Weekend
OurBus Route:: NYC to Cape May
Best for: couples, architecture, beach walks, slower travel
Starting OurBus fare: from $115
Cape May is ideal for travelers who want beach time with charm.
What to do:
- Walk the beachfront promenade
- Explore Washington Street Mall
- Take photos of Victorian homes
- Book a dolphin or whale-watching trip
- Enjoy a slower dinner-and-sunset kind of weekend
Why take a trip from NYC to Cape May, NJ?
Cape May is one of the best beach weekend getaways if you want the coast without the loudest boardwalk energy.
3. Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, NJ: Best for a Classic Jersey Shore Weekend
OurBus Route: NYC to Beach Haven, Long Beach Island
Best for: families, beach houses, relaxed summer traditions
Starting OurBus fare: from $55
Long Beach Island has that classic “summer at the Shore” feeling: beach days, ice cream, bikes, casual restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
Beach Haven also offers attractions like Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which features rides, arcade games, boardwalk games, and family entertainment.
What to do:
- Spend the day on the beach
- Visit Fantasy Island
- Explore Beach Haven shops and restaurants
- Plan a sunset walk
- Add Barnegat Lighthouse if your itinerary allows
Why take a trip from NYC to Long Beach Island?
It is one of the strongest affordable beach trips for families and groups who want a laid-back beach weekend.
4. Ocean City, NJ: Best for Families
OurBus Route: NYC to Ocean City, NJ
Best for: family beach days, boardwalk, classic shore food
Starting OurBus fare: from $75
Ocean City, NJ is built for families. It has clean, protected beaches, an entertaining boardwalk, and family fun. Cape May County notes Ocean City has 8 miles of pristine beaches and more than 2 miles of boardwalk.
What to do:
- Walk the boardwalk
- Plan a beach day
- Eat pizza, fries, or ice cream
- Try mini golf
- Rent bikes in the morning
Why take a trip from NYC to Ocean City, NJ?
Ocean City is one of the most family-friendly summer beach getaways you can reach by bus.
5. Avalon, NJ: Best for a Quieter Shore Weekend
OurBus Route: NYC to Avalon
Best for: couples, groups, quiet beach time
Starting OurBus fare: from $105
Avalon is a good choice when you want a polished, slower Jersey Shore trip.
This is the kind of destination that works well for travelers who want beach time, rentals, seafood, and a calmer weekend rhythm. It is less about cramming the itinerary and more about getting everyone to the shore, unpacking once, and keeping the weekend easy.
What to do:
- Plan long beach days
- Walk or bike around town
- Book dinner early
- Go with a small group
- Keep the itinerary light
Why take a trip from NYC to Avalon, NJ?
Avalon is one of the better beach weekend getaways for travelers who want quieter beach time over big boardwalk crowds.
6. Dewey Beach, DE: Best for Beach Days and Nightlife
OurBus Route: NYC to Dewey Beach
Best for: friend groups, nightlife, beach bars, water views
Starting OurBus fare: from $63.50
Dewey Beach is small, lively, and very summer-forward. You can take a bus trip to this beach via OurBus. Booking is available on the website or through the app.
Visit Delaware describes Dewey Beach as ocean beaches on one side, bay waters on the other, with restaurants and fun-filled spots in between. It sums up the vibe as “sunshine by day and brighter vibes by night.”
What to do:
- Spend the day on the beach
- Try watersports
- Walk to restaurants and bars
- Catch sunset near the bay
- Plan a friends’ weekend
Why take a trip from NYC to Dewey Beach?
Dewey is one of the best affordable beach trips for travelers who want sand during the day and energy after dark.
7. Virginia Beach, VA: Best for a Longer Beach Vacation
OurBus Route: NYC to Virginia Beach
Best for: longer trips, big beach feel, boardwalk vacation
Starting OurBus fare: from $55
Virginia Beach is a better fit for a long weekend or full vacation than a quick day trip. This is a strong choice if you want a larger coastal destination with more space to relax. Plan around the beach, boardwalk, seafood, and a slower multi-day itinerary.
What to do:
- Walk the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Plan a full beach day
- Try local seafood
- Add water activities
- Stay at least two nights
Why take a trip from NYC to Virginia Beach?
It is one of the most practical beach trips by bus for travelers who want a full vacation feeling without booking a flight.
Here’s How to Pick the Best Beach Trip for Summer Season!
The best summer beach trip does not always require a car. By now you have plenty of beach trip by bus ideas that make summer travel easier.
With OurBus, you can compare routes, book online, use a digital ticket, and head toward the coast without dealing with parking, tolls, or the dreaded “Who’s driving back?” conversation.
Pick your beach, pack the sunscreen, and let OurBus handle the road.
FAQs
1. What are the best beach trips by bus from NYC?
Some of the best beach trips by bus from NYC include Atlantic City, Cape May, Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, Ocean City, Avalon, Dewey Beach, and Virginia Beach, depending on how long you want to travel and what kind of beach weekend you want.
2. Is there an NYC to beach bus with OurBus?
Yes. OurBus lists several coastal routes from New York, including New York to Atlantic City, Cape May, Beach Haven/Long Beach Island, Ocean City, Avalon, Dewey Beach, and Virginia Beach.
3. What is the best beach bus trip for families?
Ocean City, NJ and Beach Haven/Long Beach Island are strong family picks because they offer beaches, boardwalk-style fun, and family-friendly attractions.
4. What is the best beach bus trip for nightlife?
Atlantic City and Dewey Beach are excellent choices for travelers who want beach time plus restaurants, bars, and evening energy.
5. How do I find affordable beach trips by bus?
Book early, compare travel dates, avoid peak Friday evening departures when possible, and check return tickets before booking your outbound ride.
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