ThaMaShane
ThaMaShane
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May 1st, 2019 at 11:14:48 PM permalink
I'll be flying in to Philly on May 19th. I plan to catch a Phillies game and then take the train to AC. I have read the train will be back up and running on the 12th but the website won't show any of the schedules for that time yet. Does the train run a frequent schedule on a Sunday? Also will it be a problem to just score up and grab a ticket a half hour or so before boarding?

The next day I will be taking a bus up to NY to watch a Mets game. Is it a Greyhound that is the cheapest way to make that trek round trip? I've never taken a Greyhound bus so again can I just show up and grab a ticket at the last minute or should I purchase one in advance? Any idea of cost and I've also seen something about getting Freeplay at the casinos. Which ones and how much?

Thanks for any help in advance.
AxelWolf
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May 1st, 2019 at 11:26:51 PM permalink
Quote: ThaMaShane

I'll be flying in to Philly on May 19th. I plan to catch a Phillies game and then take the train to AC. I have read the train will be back up and running on the 12th but the website won't show any of the schedules for that time yet. Does the train run a frequent schedule on a Sunday? Also will it be a problem to just score up and grab a ticket a half hour or so before boarding?

The next day I will be taking a bus up to NY to watch a Mets game. Is it a Greyhound that is the cheapest way to make that trek round trip? I've never taken a Greyhound bus so again can I just show up and grab a ticket at the last minute or should I purchase one in advance? Any idea of cost and I've also seen something about getting Freeplay at the casinos. Which ones and how much?

Thanks for any help in advance.

Our resident bus traveling aficionado should be with you shortly with some advice.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
billryan
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May 1st, 2019 at 11:45:05 PM permalink
It's been years since I did it, but you can take the Philly subway system to the last stop and then pick up NJ transit into NYC. It's cheaper then the bus.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
ThaMaShane
ThaMaShane
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May 2nd, 2019 at 8:10:43 AM permalink
So are you saying take the train from Philly to AC and then take the train from AC to NY when I am ready? Seems like when I looked the train to NY was like 4 times more expensive than the train from Philly to AC but I could easily be wrong.
I think the bus was quoted as being $23 each way.
darkoz
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May 2nd, 2019 at 8:47:37 AM permalink
Go to greyhound bus terminal in Philly which across the street from the 13th street train station.

2 options to AC

Greyhound with casino bus bonus. Its like $20 freeplay. Bus tickets were $30 I think but that was a few years ago.

Or 2nd option is NJ transit to AC bus terminal which is 2 blocks from Ballys. No bus bonus but round trip is maybe $25. They run a solid every 1/2 hour accept nights its every hour. I actually prefer them to go to AC from Philly.

Avoid the trains

AC to NY is probably best NJ transit as well. Greyhound has a new ticketing system that makes it expensive. Definitely get one way on Greyhound and buy the other direction when you return.

For the most part just buy the tickets when you arrive. Especially Greyhound which is now making you pay to change your bus if you dont catch the scheduled time

NYC back to AC there is a $25 freeplay bonus on the Greyhound line
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
ChesterDog
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May 2nd, 2019 at 8:52:42 AM permalink
From Philadelphia Greyhound Station near 11th and Market to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 551. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0551.pdf

From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 319. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf


The fares are $18.00 and $39.00, respectively. For adults age 62 and children (age 5-11) , they are $8.20 and $17.45. (You might save a lot with "round trip excursion fare." Read about it on the 319 schedule above.)

And to get from Philadelphia to Penn Station on 34th Street: the Septa train goes to Trenton. And the NJ Transit train goes to NY from Trenton.
darkoz
darkoz
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May 2nd, 2019 at 9:15:07 AM permalink
Quote: ChesterDog

From Philadelphia Greyhound Station near 11th and Market to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 551. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0551.pdf

From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 319. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf


The fares are $18.00 and $39.00, respectively. For adults age 62 and children (age 5-11) , they are $8.20 and $17.45. (You might save a lot with "round trip excursion fare." Read about it on the 319 schedule above.)

And to get from Philadelphia to Penn Station on 34th Street: the Septa train goes to Trenton. And the NJ Transit train goes to NY from Trenton.



Glad I am not the only one who takes the bus.

Something people on the West coast cant imagine.

The bus, the train, the horror, the horror
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
DRich
DRich
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May 2nd, 2019 at 9:42:04 AM permalink
Quote: darkoz

Quote: ChesterDog

From Philadelphia Greyhound Station near 11th and Market to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 551. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0551.pdf

From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 319. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf


The fares are $18.00 and $39.00, respectively. For adults age 62 and children (age 5-11) , they are $8.20 and $17.45. (You might save a lot with "round trip excursion fare." Read about it on the 319 schedule above.)

And to get from Philadelphia to Penn Station on 34th Street: the Septa train goes to Trenton. And the NJ Transit train goes to NY from Trenton.



Glad I am not the only one who takes the bus.

Something people on the West coast cant imagine.

The bus, the train, the horror, the horror



DarkOz, why don't you just pick him up in your helicopter?
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
darkoz
darkoz
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May 2nd, 2019 at 10:29:38 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

Quote: darkoz

Quote: ChesterDog

From Philadelphia Greyhound Station near 11th and Market to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 551. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0551.pdf

From the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal to Atlantic City, I take the NJ Transit bus 319. See: https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0319.pdf


The fares are $18.00 and $39.00, respectively. For adults age 62 and children (age 5-11) , they are $8.20 and $17.45. (You might save a lot with "round trip excursion fare." Read about it on the 319 schedule above.)

And to get from Philadelphia to Penn Station on 34th Street: the Septa train goes to Trenton. And the NJ Transit train goes to NY from Trenton.



Glad I am not the only one who takes the bus.

Something people on the West coast cant imagine.

The bus, the train, the horror, the horror



DarkOz, why don't you just pick him up in your helicopter?



I cant let him see my secret identity. Thats how I manage to keep AP'ing.

I fly in the Batcopter and no ones knows. Its undetectable.

I have to maintain my secret identity

I am Batman

EDIT: according to Axelwolfs fantasies I also fly in my invisible airplane when dressed as a woman.

I am Wonder Woman
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
billryan
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May 2nd, 2019 at 10:33:07 AM permalink
Quote: ThaMaShane

So are you saying take the train from Philly to AC and then take the train from AC to NY when I am ready? Seems like when I looked the train to NY was like 4 times more expensive than the train from Philly to AC but I could easily be wrong.
I think the bus was quoted as being $23 each way.



No. Take the subway from Philly (Spectra?)to its northernmost point. There you can connect to the southernmost point of the NJ transit train that takes you to NY. You pay two subway fares, maybe $8 total. You don't want to go anywhere near AC, which is east of Philadelphia. You want to go north.
You have two choices- Amtrak or the commuter trains. Commuter trains take about an hour longer but save a good bit.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
darkoz
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May 2nd, 2019 at 10:49:52 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

No. Take the subway from Philly (Spectra?)to its northernmost point. There you can connect to the southernmost point of the NJ transit train that takes you to NY. You pay two subway fares, maybe $8 total. You don't want to go anywhere near AC, which is east of Philadelphia. You want to go north.
You have two choices- Amtrak or the commuter trains. Commuter trains take about an hour longer but save a good bit.



I got the impression he wanted to go to AC first to gamble then head on to NY.

Yes if he is just trying to go from Philly to NYC then there is no need to go thru AC
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
billryan
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May 2nd, 2019 at 11:59:42 AM permalink
Okay, if he is headed to NY from AC, bus is better. There are some non greyhounds that go to AC from Flushing, which is where the Mets play. If you take the greyhound to the Port Authority, you have an hour train ride to get to the game.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
ThaMaShane
ThaMaShane
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May 2nd, 2019 at 12:02:11 PM permalink
Yes AC is part of the plan. I have Harrah's comped for Sunday night after the Philles 1 pm game. I plan to leave AC via bus (i assume) around noon on Monday and stay in NY the night. On Tuesday evening around 7 i plan to take the bus back down to AC where i have 2 nights comped at Ocean Casino and then train or bus back to Philly early afternoon for my flight.
ThaMaShane
ThaMaShane
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May 3rd, 2019 at 1:28:47 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

Okay, if he is headed to NY from AC, bus is better. There are some non greyhounds that go to AC from Flushing, which is where the Mets play. If you take the greyhound to the Port Authority, you have an hour train ride to get to the game.



What would those buses be? Got a name or number? I really have no desire to head into Manhattan an hour. I just plan to stay in Flushing/Brooklyn.
billryan
billryan
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May 3rd, 2019 at 1:35:05 PM permalink
Quote: ThaMaShane

What would those buses be? Got a name or number? I really have no desire to head into Manhattan an hour. I just plan to stay in Flushing/Brooklyn.



We just called them "Chinatown " buses. There were several companies, but it's years since I left. It shouldn't be hard to find Flushing to Atlantic City bus info.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
TigerWu
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May 3rd, 2019 at 1:53:38 PM permalink
Quote: darkoz

Glad I am not the only one who takes the bus.

Something people on the West coast cant imagine.

The bus, the train, the horror, the horror



I love riding on trains. I can't the believe the U.S. doesn't have a more prolific rail infrastructure. I'd do a helluva lot more traveling.
BedWetterBetter
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May 13th, 2019 at 10:08:28 PM permalink
Greyhound Bus is the most efficient way to get to and from AC. Because you get slot dollars back from the casino, you can basically make half or more of your bus fare back on a good slot/VP machine.

NJ Transit is slower, more expensive and has stops along the way. But as Oz said they are running every half hour to an hour, but so does Greyhound. You get no slot Money from NJT and have to buy each ticket separate from a kiosk or agent booth.

If you are only going to AC to gamble, you may also consider cancelling your reservation at Harrahs and going to Parx or Sugar House Casino in Philly. You could probably get an Uber for less than $30 each way or even rent a car for $30/day.

That's the beauty of the tri-state area, there are SO many transportation options, you can't lose!
AxelWolf
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May 13th, 2019 at 11:20:32 PM permalink
Quote: BedWetterBetter

you can't lose!

Where have I heard this before in Atlantic City?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
TinMan
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May 19th, 2019 at 7:38:28 AM permalink
The buses are convenient and relatively cheap. Port Authority is a miserable hellhole. Most of the homeless people are harmless, but still want to be aware. One part of the actual trip itself I hate is there are usually a few people who buy fast food before getting on the bus and you spend the next two hours smelling Big Macs and fries. In slower times, Greyhound will cancel/not bother with some scheduled departures. So, I won't aim for a departure that is several hours away from the next scheduled departure---e.g., if the departure times are 8am, 11am, 11:30am, 12:15pm,, 1:00pm, I'll never aim for the 8am bus because if it's cancelled/etc, I'm stuck there for 3 hours. For the other departures, I have a good chance of getting on a bus within a semi-reasonable amount of time.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
MaxPen
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Boz
May 19th, 2019 at 7:55:22 AM permalink
Quote: TinMan

The buses are convenient and relatively cheap. Port Authority is a miserable hellhole. Most of the homeless people are harmless, but still want to be aware. One part of the actual trip itself I hate is there are usually a few people who buy fast food before getting on the bus and you spend the next two hours smelling Big Macs and fries.


Are you sure the bus companies aren't hiring the homeless in order to add character to the terminal experience? That smell of burgers in the morning could be getting piped into the bus, similar to how some casinos infuse their air with various perfumes. Maybe our resident expert will chime in on the topic.
valku13
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December 7th, 2019 at 9:51:31 AM permalink
Quote: ThaMaShane



I've also seen something about getting Freeplay at the casinos. Which ones and how much?



A lot of casinos give freebets, as well as bonuses on the first cash deposit. As a rule, first deposit bonuses are much higher.
I can’t remember specific casinos, but you can check their official sites, on which they usually post all the information about freebets and first-deposit bonuses. Or on aggregator sites that collect casino information in specific states or cities.
DeMango
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December 7th, 2019 at 10:55:42 AM permalink
This thread is about real casinos. Why am I replying when what I really want to say ends in red ink?
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
darkoz
darkoz
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December 7th, 2019 at 12:13:06 PM permalink
Quote: MaxPen

Are you sure the bus companies aren't hiring the homeless in order to add character to the terminal experience? That smell of burgers in the morning could be getting piped into the bus, similar to how some casinos infuse their air with various perfumes. Maybe our resident expert will chime in on the topic.



well

not Greyhound as far as the homeless go.

However the Asian buses to the Sands from NYC had a very large contingent of homeless who travelled every day and many 2x per day.

they would be sold their tickets on the return trip to NYC so the homeless would retain their presold seats. the bus company had their seats guaranteed sold in advance, of course.

there often would be angry remonstrations that people must keep their shoes on because the sleeping homeless would want to get as comfortable as possible. they were basically using the buses as sleeping domiciles. The foot odor on those buses could be overwhelming at times

that was a 3 month period for me back in 2013, the beginning of my AP days. I have no idea if things are still the same.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
BedWetterBetter
BedWetterBetter
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December 9th, 2019 at 7:24:02 PM permalink
Quote: valku13

A lot of casinos give freebets, as well as bonuses on the first cash deposit. As a rule, first deposit bonuses are much higher.
I can’t remember specific casinos, but you can check their official sites, on which they usually post all the information about freebets and first-deposit bonuses. Or on aggregator sites that collect casino information in specific states or cities.



AC casinos have done away with the match play coupons for bus riders. Here is a breakdown of slot free play offers by bus company and location.

Panorama to AC casinos Caesars, Tropicana and Resorts - $30 Slot play with $40 ticket purchase.
Greyhound to AC casinos Caesars, Tropicana and Resorts - $25 Slot play with $42 (weekday)ticket purchase.

Raritan Valley to PA Sands - $35 slot play with $33 ticket purchase.
Lakeland Bus to PA Sands - $35 slot play with $30 ticket purchase.
Transbridge to PA Sands - $35 slot play with $40 ticket purchase.
Martz to Mt. AIRY - $30 slot play with $30 ticket purchase.
DRich
DRich
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December 10th, 2019 at 10:33:15 AM permalink
I went from Las vegas to Atlantic City 51 straight weeks back in the 1990's. I would leave Las Vegas on a Sunday afternoon arrive into Philadelphia, rent a car and drive to AC. On Thursday evening I would fly back to Las Vegas. Most of the time I stayed at the Showboat. I remember on one of those trips I was sitting at the bar in Showboat around 10am and there was breaking news of the Oklahoma City bombing. I didn't play much or work much that day. The news was too compelling.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
sodawater
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December 10th, 2019 at 6:41:40 PM permalink
Quote: DRich

I went from Las vegas to Atlantic City 51 straight weeks back in the 1990's. I would leave Las Vegas on a Sunday afternoon arrive into Philadelphia, rent a car and drive to AC. On Thursday evening I would fly back to Las Vegas.



why did you do this?
DRich
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December 10th, 2019 at 7:31:52 PM permalink
Quote: sodawater

why did you do this?



Work
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
AxelWolf
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December 10th, 2019 at 8:21:31 PM permalink
Quote: DRich

Work

"Work"
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Rigondeaux
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December 10th, 2019 at 11:47:39 PM permalink
Quote: DRich

I went from Las vegas to Atlantic City 51 straight weeks back in the 1990's. I would leave Las Vegas on a Sunday afternoon arrive into Philadelphia, rent a car and drive to AC. On Thursday evening I would fly back to Las Vegas. Most of the time I stayed at the Showboat. I remember on one of those trips I was sitting at the bar in Showboat around 10am and there was breaking news of the Oklahoma City bombing. I didn't play much or work much that day. The news was too compelling.



Last time I did this, I took the train from Philly to AC.

I enjoyed it, having never been on a proper train before. The guys were wearing conductors hats and everything.

Also, I played dumb games on my phone instead of driving.
DeMango
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December 11th, 2019 at 9:53:32 AM permalink
Can you imagine the revolution in this country if Chinese maglevs at upto 350 mph be installed. Virgin railroad DOA!
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
BedWetterBetter
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December 16th, 2019 at 10:24:08 PM permalink
Quote: Rigondeaux

Last time I did this, I took the train from Philly to AC.

I enjoyed it, having never been on a proper train before. The guys were wearing conductors hats and everything.

Also, I played dumb games on my phone instead of driving.



I still remember the ACES train debacle a few years back. A one way ticket cost MORE than a round trip Bus ticket and took an hour longer to arrive with NO slot play rebate. How did they possibly think that would work for AC players?
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