Destination:
New Jersey

Overview

One of the Mid-Atlantic States, the tiny state of New Jersey is often overshadowed by neighbouring New York City. Travelling south on the New Jersey Turnpike toll road from New York, visitors will be stuck with the picture of popular imagination that has been the brunt of jokes with many an on-stage comedian. The ugly highway, traversing an industrial landscape of grey, smoking chimneys and factories, and passing bleak cities like Newark and the state capital of Trenton, does little to encourage visitors, while even the songs of Bruce Springsteen describe his birthplace in disparaging terms.

But surprisingly there is more to New Jersey than grey factories and industrial estates. One of the state's most treasured prizes is its 127 miles (204km) of sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, lined with many holiday resorts, bustling boardwalks and quaint seaside towns that draw thousands of tourists to enjoy the sun, surf and excitement of the famous Jersey Shore. The world's first boardwalk has its home in Atlantic City, famous for its 24-hour gambling entertainment and casino hotels redolent of Las Vegas, while the old-world charm of Cape May takes one back to the Victorian age with beautifully restored 19th-century buildings home to some of the finest bed and breakfast Inns anywhere. In between are miles of fun and entertainment, from water parks and zoos to Ferris wheels, roller coasters, shopping and nightlife, along with surf and sand.

Nature lovers can enjoy wilderness hiking trails in the scenic hills of the Skylands that also offers perfect conditions for skiing in winter. Historically this region is known as the Military Capital of the Revolution and visitors can trace the movements of General George Washington and his troops during the winter of 1779 at the Morristown National Historic Park. The state's rich history also includes some of America's greatest inventors and physicists such as Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein, and the Liberty State Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island that was one of the country's main immigration stations from 1892 to 1954.

Attractions

Airports

Atlantic City International Airport

Website: www.acairport.com

Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) from Atlantic City.

Contacts: Tel: +1 609 645 7895.

Time Zone: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).

Departure tax: None.

Facilities: The airport has limited facilities. There is a restaurant, bar, grill and sandwich shop. On the lower level there is an ATM, there is also a gift shop, information desk and WiFi on the second floor.

Parking: A multi-level parking garage and surface parking lot are located next to the terminal. Short-term parking is charged at $1 per hour, and daily parking is $12. There is also an economy lot ($9 per day) connected to the terminal by a free shuttle service.

Transfer to the city: A regular Yellow Van Shuttle Service runs to the city centre. Taxis are also available.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget and Hertz, all located in the baggage reclaim area.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Website: www.newarkairport.com

Location: The airport is located two miles (3km) south of Newark, 16 miles (26km) southwest of New York.

Contacts: Tel: +1 973 961 6000.

Time Zone: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).

Departure tax: None.

Transfer between terminals: The AirTrain provides a free connection between the three terminals, which are also within easy walking distance.

Facilities: All terminals have ATMs and bureaux de change, a wide selection of bars, shops and restaurants and business facilities including fax, photocopying and courier services. Data ports can be found next to most public telephones in all terminals. Wireless Internet is also available at all terminals. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should ideally contact their airline or travel agent in advance.

Parking: There is Short-Term Parking next to the terminals. Daily Parking is a few minutes away on the Free AirTrain and Economy Parking is 20 minutes from the terminals via a free shuttle bus. In addition to the on-airport parking lots listed above, there are a number of privately operated parking lots located near the airport. Valet Parking is also available. Signs to the parking facilities are colour coded to indicate their proximity to the terminals. Short-term parking at Newark liberty International Airport starts at $3 per half hour up to $33 per day. Long-term parking is $18 for the first day and $6 per day thereafter.

Transfer to the city: Newark Liberty International Airport offers travellers a wide range of Ground Transportation services. There are taxis, buses, shuttles and limousines available in front of and beside all three terminals. Ground Transportation Information counters, located on the lower baggage claim level of all three terminals provide information and reservations for buses, shared-ride vans and limousines. The AirTrain connects to NJ Transit or Amtrak trains, which service New Jersey and New York destinations. New Jersey Transit buses follow a number of routes to destinations in New Jersey and to Penn Station in Newark; bus 107 provides a daily service to New York City. The Olympic Airport Shuttle leaves regularly for Ocean and Monmouth counties in New Jersey. SuperShuttle Manhattan is a shared minibus service, which goes to all areas of Manhattan, Queens and Bronx, including hotels. The Newark Liberty Airport Express services New York City.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National. The AirTrain transports passengers to the rental car company offices, and further courtesy vans service the off-airport facilities for Enterprise and Alamo.