Getting to Cape May, NJ
Most people drive to Cape May, though the harbor is a fine (and traditional) alternative for sailors. Cape May is an island, accessible by one of two main bridges that cross the canal waterway linking the Delaware Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The one most people use is found at mile-marker zero (the end) of the Garden State Parkway.
Flying to Cape May
For most travelers, the closest major airport is the Philadelphia International Airport, which is about a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Cape May. It is an easy drive from Philadelphia to Cape May. Please follow the directions below.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
www.phl.org
Atlantic City International Airport is 45 minutes north of Cape May. Currently, only AirTran, Spirit Airlines, and West Jet fly into Atlantic City. Rental cars, taxis, and shuttles run out of Atlantic City. If you need an alternate form of transportation into Cape May you can take a taxi or a shuttle to the NJ Transit Bus Station in Atlantic City. Buses run from this station directly into Cape May. Taxis are always at the airport and Yellow Van Shuttle can be contacted direct for rates and reservations.
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
www.sjta.com/acairport
For a bus schedule from Atlantic City to Cape May please visit
www.njtransit.com
Yellow Van Shuttle - 1-800-224-9945
The closest airport to Cape May is the Cape May County Airport. You can fly into the Cape May County Airport if you have your own small plane or access to a corporate jet.
Cape May County Airport (WWD)
1108 Lexington Avenue
Erma, NJ 08242
609-886-8652
www.capemayairport.com
Driving to Cape May
From Philadelphia
If you are traveling from Philadelphia, take either the Walt Whitman or the Ben Franklin Bridge to I-676 S. Follow the signs to RT-42 S and Atlantic City Expressway. Once on the Expressway, get off at Exit 7S to the Garden State Parkway. Follow the parkway until it ends and you're in Cape May!
Total driving time: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic
From New York
If you are coming from New York, there are three ways to get to Cape May. Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge. Once you've made it through or over one of the aforementioned, follow the signs to the New Jersey Turnpike South. From the Turnpike, get off at exit 11 and continue to the Garden State Parkway heading south. Follow the Parkway until it ends.
Total driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic
From Baltimore
If you are coming from Baltimore & southern locations, you may want to consider the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (see below). Otherwise, take 95 North and cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Take the bridge to Route 40 East. Follow Route 40 to Route 55 South. Take Route 55 to its end, which is at Route 47 South. Continue along Route 47 South toward the Garden State Parkway. Take the southbound GSP (there is a toll) until its end.
Total driving time: 3 hours from Baltimore, depending on traffic
If traffic is backed up across the main bridge, try the alternative. The West Cape May bridge leads into (what else!) West Cape May. This bridge is most commonly used when coming into town by way of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. But to get to the bridge from the end of the Garden State Parkway, go North on Route 109 (a right turn). Follow 109 (or the signs to the ferry) around a jug handle. At the first light (Route 626 - Seashore Road) turn left and drive straight across the canal into West Cape May. This road becomes "Broadway" and terminates at the Atlantic Ocean in Cape May City.
Cape-May
Lewes Ferry
The Cape May Lewes Ferry is a great option for drivers coming from the South. The ferry will take you from Lewes, Delaware (17 miles or so) over the Delaware to North Cape May. From North Cape May, you are only a 5 minute drive into Cape May. The ferry crossing takes approximately 80 minutes to cross the Delaware Bay. This is another great option for foot passengers or day trippers who want to leave their car behind. There are shuttles on the Cape May side of the ferry terminal to take you into Cape May. Please visit www.cmlf.com for more information about taking the ferry.
If you take the ferry across to Lewes, Delaware and points south, allow yourself 20 minutes to get to the ferry dock from the center of Cape May. You need to cross a bridge and traffic can build up easily.
Public Transportation
The NJ Transit Buses run from Philadelphia, New York and from many locations in New Jersey to Cape May. For a complete bus schedule please visit www.njtransit.com
Private Boats
A popular way to arrive in Cape May is by boat. Let's not forget, we are an island and an easily accessible island, too. Cape May is a popular vacation spot for boaters and numerous marinas here make your visit enjoyable whether you're just passing through or planning an extended visit. The Cape May Inlet Sea Buoy leads to the entrance of Cape May Inlet and is home to a large commercial fishing fleet. The inlet is wide and deep with long jetties on each side allowing these commercial vessels and pleasure craft to pass side by side safely.
Once inside the harbor there's a "No Wake" zone that is strictly enforced. Cape May is home to the United States Coast Guard Training Center and these folks enforce the "No Wake" regulation without hesitation. Upon entering Cape May Harbor you'll find numerous full service marinas that provide first class service, offer transient dockage for the visiting boater and are a short cab or bike ride to downtown Cape May. Canyon Club Resort Marina and South Jersey Marina offer marine service technicians if you require repairs or just want to catch up on routine maintenance during your stay. Other amenities and services available include dockside electric service up to 100 amps, cable TV, high speed fueling with both gas and diesel, laundry services, bait and tackle, picnic areas, swimming pool, boat washing, high-speed wireless Internet and waste removal.