Seastreak is exploring high-speed passenger service to Farley State Marina, with a proposed pilot program, tentative $145 round-trip fare and questions remaining about ridership and financial support.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A proposed high-speed ferry connecting New York City and Atlantic City could begin operating as early as Memorial Day weekend 2027, potentially giving visitors a new way to reach the resort without driving.
But significant questions remain about passenger demand, operating costs and whether the service can become financially viable.
Atlantic City development consultant Jim Rutala said discussions with New Jersey-based ferry operator Seastreak are advancing toward a possible pilot program next summer.
During an October 22 appearance on The AC Mike Lopez Show on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Rutala revealed that he and others had met with Seastreak representatives the previous day.
"What we're working towards is a pilot project, pilot program that would start next summer around Memorial Day," Rutala said.
The proposed service would connect the New York metropolitan area with Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City.
Rutala said the marina already has facilities capable of accommodating the operation, although the ferry company has separately indicated that minor modifications could be necessary.
"They would dock at the Farley Marina at Golden Nugget," Rutala said. "They would use their existing boats, their ferries to serve this."
A Two-and-a-Half-Hour Trip From Manhattan
Under the concept being explored, passengers could board a ferry in Lower Manhattan and arrive in Atlantic City's Marina District in approximately two-and-a-half to two-and-three-quarter hours.
Published reports have identified the Battery in Lower Manhattan as a possible departure point.
A tentative round-trip fare of approximately $145 has also been discussed.
Neither the fare nor the schedule has been finalized.
Seastreak President James Barker has confirmed the company's interest in the route but cautioned that the proposal remains in its exploratory stages.
Among the challenges are the availability of vessels during the busy summer season and whether enough passengers would use the service to justify the expense.
The company already operates commuter ferry routes between New Jersey and Manhattan, along with seasonal service to destinations including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
Atlantic City would represent a significant expansion of its recreational travel offerings.
Ridership and Subsidies Could Determine Success
Rutala offered a particularly revealing detail about the economics of the proposed service.
He said the operation would need approximately 140 passengers on each round trip to meet the conditions being discussed.
"They would need to guarantee about 140 passengers on each round trip," Rutala said.
"And so we're looking at ways that we may be able to subsidize that and promote it to make sure it's a success."
Rutala did not identify a specific public agency, private business or funding source that would provide a subsidy.
He also did not explain whether the 140-passenger threshold represents a contractual minimum, a preliminary financial projection or another operating requirement.
Those details could become important as discussions advance.
A subsidy arrangement could potentially involve tourism organizations, casino operators, private developers or government agencies, but no such agreement has been announced.
The need for financial support highlights the challenge of operating a passenger ferry over a relatively long coastal route.
Fuel, staffing, vessel availability and weather conditions all affect operating costs.
The service would also need to compete with existing bus transportation and automobile travel between New York and Atlantic City.
Ferry Could Bring Visitors Directly to Marina District
Farley State Marina is located beside Golden Nugget Atlantic City, placing arriving passengers near one of the city's major casino properties.
Borgata and Harrah's Resort are also located in the Marina District.
Visitors heading to Boardwalk casinos, beaches, restaurants and entertainment venues would need additional transportation.
Existing jitney services and possible shuttle arrangements could help connect passengers to other destinations.
Rutala said the proposed ferry could help Atlantic City reach travelers who might otherwise avoid the trip because of traffic or transportation difficulties.
The service could also provide South Jersey residents with another option for visiting Manhattan, depending on the eventual schedule.
For casino operators and other businesses, the potential appeal is a new source of visitors who could arrive without bringing vehicles into the city.
Midweek or Weekend Service?
Rutala said a midweek schedule is among the possibilities under discussion.
"It would probably be during the midweek and round trips," he told Lopez.
Other published accounts indicate that weekend service has also been considered.
No final operating days, departure times or number of weekly trips have been announced.
Rutala said existing Seastreak vessels could accommodate the proposed route, describing boats capable of carrying hundreds of passengers.
The company has larger vessels with more than 500 passenger seats, although which boats would be assigned to Atlantic City has not been determined.
The potential route also faces seasonal scheduling challenges because Seastreak already uses its fleet extensively during summer months.
Another Opportunity for Atlantic City's Tourism Industry
The ferry discussions come as Atlantic City officials and developers look for ways to attract additional visitors beyond traditional casino customers.
New investments in housing, entertainment and commercial properties are also being discussed throughout the resort.
Rutala believes improved transportation could help support that broader development activity.
For decades, Atlantic City's tourism economy has depended heavily on visitors arriving by automobile or bus.
A regular ferry connection from Manhattan could offer a different experience, particularly for visitors interested in weekend getaways, casino entertainment or the Jersey Shore.
However, the project remains a proposal rather than a scheduled transportation service.
Seastreak has not announced ticket sales, a final fare, a confirmed launch date or a formal operating agreement for an Atlantic City route.
Whether the pilot begins next summer will depend on the outcome of continuing discussions, financial considerations and operational planning.
For now, Memorial Day 2027 is a target — not a guarantee.
If the plan advances, it could represent a significant new transportation link between Atlantic City and one of its most important visitor markets.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
