Feeling lucky or just craving a beach getaway? The bus from Wilkes-Barre and Scranton to Atlantic City offers Northeastern Pennsylvania residents a fun, convenient way to enjoy Atlantic City’s casinos, boardwalk, and entertainment without the long drive. Martz Bus operates seasonal excursions from the Wilkes-Barre area to Atlantic City, NJ – a popular trip especially in the summer months. These day tours depart in the morning, spend the day in Atlantic City, and return the same evening. They’re not just transportation; they come with bonus perks like casino slot credits, making it an attractive deal for a day of gambling or seaside relaxation. If you’re in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pittston or White Haven and looking for an easy Atlantic City getaway, hopping on a Martz bus might be your best bet.
Overview: Wilkes-Barre to Atlantic City Service
Atlantic City is approximately 130 miles south of Wilkes-Barre, PA. By car it’s around a 2½ to 3-hour drive, but with traffic, it can be longer – and then there’s the hassle of navigating and parking in a busy resort town. The Martz bus trip eliminates those concerns. Martz offers Saturday round-trip tours to Atlantic City during the summer season . Typically, these buses will pick up at several points in Northeastern PA. For instance, a bus might start at Wilkes-Barre terminal, then stop at Wyoming Valley Mall, Pittston park-and-ride, Scranton, and the Poconos, collecting passengers along the I-80/I-81 corridor . Then it’s express to Atlantic City. The morning departure is usually quite early (to maximize time in AC, perhaps leaving around 6:00 AM). The ride is comfortable and direct, arriving at Atlantic City by late morning. Riders then have several hours to explore – often around 6+ hours of free time. The return bus leaves Atlantic City in the early evening (maybe around 6:30 PM) to get everyone back to Pennsylvania by late night.
One of the key attractions of these trips is that they are organized tours with incentives. Martz commonly partners with a few major casinos in Atlantic City (such as Resorts Casino, Caesars, or Tropicana). As part of the package, your $99 round-trip ticket also includes a casino bonus – for example, upon arrival you might receive $25 in slot play credit to use at a participating casino . Essentially, the casino subsidizes part of your trip, which is a win-win: you get free gambling credit, and the casino gets you in the door. This makes the effective cost of the trip quite reasonable, considering the length of travel. Such promotions can vary by season and year; sometimes different casinos offer different bonus amounts, or you may get a meal voucher instead.
What to Expect in Atlantic City
Once the bus drops you off (usually at one of the big casino hotel bus terminals, like Resorts or Tropicana), you’re on your own to enjoy Atlantic City for the day. Popular ways to spend your time include:
- Casino Gaming: Try your luck at slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette – whatever suits you. With that bonus slot credit in hand , you can play the slots on the house to start. Many people on the bus are there primarily for gambling fun.
- Boardwalk & Beach: Atlantic City’s famous boardwalk is right outside the casinos. You can take a stroll along the ocean, grab some saltwater taffy or ice cream, and even dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean if the weather’s nice. In summer, bring sunscreen and enjoy some time on the beach – it’s free to use.
- Dining: There are plenty of restaurants, from casino buffets to gourmet steakhouses to quick bite eateries. Since it’s a day trip, you might opt for a hearty lunch or early dinner before departure. Some bus packages might come with a meal voucher, but if not, there are affordable options on the boardwalk (think pizza, sub shops, etc.) as well as higher-end choices.
- Shopping and Attractions: The boardwalk has shops selling souvenirs, and there’s also the Tanger Outlets shopping area in AC if you’re into retail therapy. Other attractions include the Steel Pier (amusement rides and an observation wheel) and occasional events or concerts – check AC event calendars, as sometimes people coordinate the bus trip with a show.
Just be mindful of the departure time in the evening. The bus will have a designated pickup location and time for the return (often the same spot you were dropped off). It’s wise to be back a little early – you don’t want to be the one holding up a bus full of people eager to head home with their winnings (or licking their wounds from losses!).
Ticketing and Cost Details
Martz’s Atlantic City trips are typically reservations-based. Because these are special tour departures (not daily scheduled service), you will need to book your seat in advance. You can contact Martz Tours or Martz Trailways to reserve a spot; they may allow online booking for these trips or require a phone reservation. The cost as mentioned is around $99 per person round trip . Considering you get $25 back in slot play, the net cost is about $74 if you value that credit (and potentially more if you win!).
The $99 fare covers your transportation only (plus the casino credit). Any food, entertainment or gambling money in Atlantic City is on you. It’s a good idea to bring some extra cash or have your credit card for spending on meals and gaming beyond the included credit. Tipping the bus driver is customary if you feel they provided a good service (often a few dollars per passenger is collected on the ride back).
Departure points: Make sure when you book that you clarify your boarding location. As noted, the bus sweeps through multiple towns. You want to be at the correct place at the correct time. Common boarding options for the AC trip include: Wilkes-Barre (downtown Martz terminal), Wyoming Valley Mall, Pittston, Scranton (the Scranton bus terminal), and White Haven McDonalds. Confirm with Martz which stops the Atlantic City tour bus will service on your chosen date. They will also tell you the exact departure and return times.
Benefits of the Bus Tour vs. Driving Yourself
- No Driving Stress: It’s a long drive to AC, and if you’re going just for a day, that’s a lot of time behind the wheel. With the bus, you can nap on the way down (early morning) and rest on the way back after a tiring day. No worries about getting drowsy on the late-night drive home – the professional driver has you covered.
- Cost Savings: $99 for transport is likely cheaper than the cost of gas and tolls for ~260 miles round trip (especially if traveling solo or as a couple). Add in the $25 slot credit, and you’re effectively paying about $74. If you drove, you’d also pay for parking in Atlantic City (which can be $20+ at casinos, unless validated, and still $10 or so even in cheaper lots). The bus avoids all those extra costs.
- Social Fun: These buses are often filled with groups of friends or enthusiastic folks ready to have fun. The atmosphere can be festive. It’s not uncommon to see people chatting, laughing, or even enjoying a morning Bloody Mary or coffee together on the way down. Sometimes there are raffles or bingo on the bus (some tour operators do this to warm people up – it’s worth asking if Martz has any on-board games). The shared experience makes the trip enjoyable from the get-go.
- Safety: If you end up enjoying a few cocktails or beers in Atlantic City, you don’t have to worry – you’re not driving. Also, late at night, it’s safer to be in a bus than on the road in your own car if you’re tired.
- One-Day Convenience: The bus tour is perfect for a one-day outing. You don’t need to book a hotel – you go in the morning and come back the same night. It’s a mini-vacation packed into a single day. And if you live in PA, you get to sleep in your own bed that night.
Tips for a Great Atlantic City Bus Trip
- Pack the Essentials: Bring a small backpack or bag with things you might need. On the bus, a travel pillow or neck cushion can make naps comfier. Bring headphones if you want to listen to music. Have a light jacket or sweater – even if it’s hot outside, the bus air conditioning or ocean breeze in AC can be cool. Don’t forget your ID (you’ll need to be 21+ for casino entrance and to redeem slot credits).
- Casino Sign-ups: Atlantic City casinos offer membership cards (players club cards) that can get you additional bonuses. If you’re not a member, sign up at the casino or call in advance to set up your casino rewards membership – often new members get extra free play or match play. This can be on top of the $25 Martz deal. It’s worth the few minutes to register and can enhance your value.
- Time Management: 6 hours can fly by. If you plan to gamble, set a budget and pace yourself. Also, factor in time to eat. Keep an eye on the clock and aim to be back at the bus pickup point at least 15 minutes before departure. The boardwalk is long, and if you wandered far, give yourself time to walk back. The bus will depart on schedule, and you don’t want to be left behind (they won’t hold the entire bus for one person who’s very late).
- Respect the Schedule: On the ride back, everyone’s usually tired. Be back to the bus on time. Also, be considerate – loud behavior on the return trip when people might be trying to rest isn’t ideal. Most folks are happily exhausted and just want a quiet ride home to nap.
- Enjoy Responsibly: If you drink or gamble, do it responsibly. The day is more fun when you don’t overdo it by noon. Since you have a safe ride, a couple of drinks are fine – but remember you have a few hours of trip back, and a bathroom on a bumpy bus is not the most pleasant if you’re feeling ill. Know your limits and you’ll have a great time both in AC and on the way back.
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FAQ: Wilkes-Barre to Atlantic City Bus
Q1: When do the Martz buses to Atlantic City run?
A: Martz’s Atlantic City excursions typically run on Saturdays during the summer months. For example, they may operate every Saturday from June through August facebook.com, giving Northeastern PA residents a weekend option for AC. Occasionally, special trips might be added on other days (if there’s a holiday or a big event in Atlantic City).
Q2: How do I book a seat on the Atlantic City bus trip?
A: You can book online (www.martzbus.com) or by phone (570) 821-3800. Martz often has a dedicated tours page or phone line. You’ll want to reserve in advance since capacity is limited and these trips can sell out, especially in prime summer weekends. It’s advisable to book at least a week or two ahead during summer.
Q3: What casinos are included for the slot credit bonus?
A: The participating casino partners are Resorts Casino Hotel, Tropicana, and Caesars (or another Caesar’s property) for these bonuses . Typically, you’ll be dropped off at one of them (say Resorts), and that’s where you redeem your slot credit.
Q4: Is the Atlantic City trip only for people going to casinos?
A: Not at all. While many folks go for the casinos (and the package is structured with a casino bonus), Atlantic City has more to offer. Passengers include families or individuals who want a beach day or a shopping trip. You are free to do whatever you like during your time there. Some may hit the outlet stores, others enjoy the beach and boardwalk attractions like arcade games and rides. The casino incentive is just an extra – you can use it or not. So if you’re not a gambler, you can still take the bus simply as a means to spend a day by the ocean. It’s an affordable beach trip for someone who doesn’t want to drive 5-6 hours round trip in one day. Just be aware the drop-off and pickup is at a casino (so you’ll be in that area), but you can wander anywhere and just come back to that point to meet the bus.
Q5: Do I need to be a certain age to go on this bus tour?
A: Yes, you generally need to be 21 or older for the Atlantic City casino trips. This is because of the casino component – the $25 slot credit and the fact that the itinerary assumes passengers will enter casinos (which have a minimum age of 21 in New Jersey). Martz likely requires passengers to be 21+ or accompanied by an adult guardian if younger. If a family wanted to go just for the beach, technically minors can ride the bus, but they obviously can’t use the casino bonus or linger on the casino floor. It’s best to confirm with Martz when booking if you plan to bring anyone under 21. For most people, this is an adults’ day trip. Also, you’ll need a valid photo ID to redeem the casino bonus (the casino will check ID to ensure you’re of legal age).