Between the Jersey Shore and Essex County: Navigating the Drive from Atlantic City to Montclair
If you're thinking about escaping the glitz and glam of Atlantic City for a quieter alternative like Montclair, New Jersey, you might be wondering about the logistics of a road trip in between the two. Despite the two locations being separated by a decent distance, the journey can be smooth and relatively painless if you know your routes and timings, which is where I come in!
The Fastest Route
First things first, let's talk about the quickest way to get to Montclair from Atlantic City. If you're in the mood for some highway action and want to cut through the state, then hop onto Garden State Parkway northbound and follow it for around 110 miles. Then take exit 154 towards Clifton/Montclair, and follow signs for Montclair. It might take you a bit of time to familiarize with the zig-zags and roundabouts, but you'll reach your destination in around 2 hours, given there isn't too much traffic on the road.
The Most Scenic Route
If scenic drives are your cup of tea, then why not take a slight detour and drive up to the Hudson County side of town? To do this, you can cross the bay from Atlantic City to Ocean City and leave your car behind. Take a ferry ride across the bay and then take the light rail from Jersey City to Montclair. The experience will take you approximately 3 hours but it's worth the leisurely sightseeing it provides!
Timing is Everything
Now let's talk about some of the finer details and math. If you're timing the drive from Atlantic City to Montclair, it largely depends on the traffic. If you're driving during peak hours on weekdays (7AM-9AM and 4PM-6PM), Garden State Parkway is no place to be! It's likely to take you an extra half-hour or even an hour to reach your destination. Also, if there are any delays on the routes, it might add some extra time. On the other hand, if you're driving in low traffic hours (i.e. weekends or weekday nights), the journey won't take you longer than 2 hours.
In conclusion, there isn't just one approach to driving from Atlantic City to Montclair — there are several! Speed and scenic routes are both great options, and when it comes to timing, flexibility is key. So why not embark on an adventure and try it all out? Good luck and happy driving!