Hi Fodor’s

I was researching the Phila to Cape May bus for later this month and was wondering if anyone on Fodor’s had any experience with this. I’m having trouble finding basic information on basic things.

Such as how to pay the $28.45 for the bus. Does one need to get the NJ Transit app and pay for a boarding pass to show to the driver? Or is there an easy way like a ticket machine near where the bus leaves Phila?

It says the bus leaves from Market St. and 7th via Google search but on the NJ Transit website it says Market and 125’ W of 10th (does that mean 7th?). Google says the bus arrives at Broadway & Mechanic in Cape May, NJ Transit says the bus arrives at the Cape May welcome center.

Any thoughts on the ferry? As a foot passenger, there is a shuttle from Cape May Welcome Center to the ferry dock for $6. I’m debating if I should book the shuttle (if say the bus is late from Phila) or just taxi at some point after the bus arrives. How much leeway should I give myself: 2 or 3 hours from when the bus is due to arrive to doing the ferry crossing? If I have extra time, that’d be ok; I wouldn’t mind checking out Cape May a bit having never been.

Thanks so much for any thoughts on this,

Daniel

DW,
I have no idea about PHL to Cape May, or details of Cape May in general....
If you are taking Amtrak from points north, another option would be to take a bus from NYC to Cape May.... you can see schedules on ourbus.com. It wouldn't solve your last 1/2 mile problem, but if scheudles work out better it's an alternative...

Daniel,
I looked at the NJTransit site for info on the Philadelphia-Cape May route. You probably have seen it.

it seems that the third stop on the route is at Market and 7th. On the page you will find schedules, a simple map, and a section on Fare Information with notes about paying the driver with cash. Exact amounts preferred, of course.

https://transitprd-content.s3.amazon...ules/T1313.pdf

Sorry. I have no experience taking the ferry.

Thanks J62 and k_marie

Thanks for the NYC suggestion. The plan would have me coming from Philadelphia alas rather than points north.

To specify further, my plan was to take one of the NJ Transit express buses (possibly the 9:40) from Phila to Cape May. The number of the bus I saw was 316.

Ah, now I see it.

https://content.njtransit.com/sites/...nalSerivce.pdf

The page includes info on paying the driver.

Thanks k_marie

That map and schedule was really helpful. I’ll either get the NJ Transit app or maybe buy the ticket from 30th street station. I will give myself a few hours in Cape May in case the bus is delayed but if not it sounds like an interesting place to explore before the ferry.

That bus sounds like it’s providing what you need but there’s a second option to look at in case your first option falls through but it may take more time and be more complicated. You can take NJ transit train from 30th St to Atlantic City and then the bus to Cape May.

You can stay busy in Cape May for hours then once you get to the ferry terminal, there’s a nice bar and restaurant overlooking the water to hang out in. Will you have luggage? Cape May is very bikeable and some of the nicer areas are away from the downtown. Make sure you make a reservation for the ferry. If it’s a beautiful day, grab an outside seat. One side will be windier and cooler than another but the ferry will back out and then proceed across the bay. Watch for dolphins! On a spring trip there were two bald eagles perched at the end of the canal.

Birdie—

Thanks for the suggestion of reserving a place on the ferry, as well as the heads-up about the restaurant & bar right by the dock. I’ll only be a foot passenger but sounds like a good idea to reserve. Hope I get to see some wildlife while on board the boat as you have. Now looking forward to both ferry and Cape May! Alas, I will have luggage so biking would be tricky as much as I love doing that.

Best wishes, Daniel

Hi

Just wanted to thank all again for the advice. The 316 NJ Transit bus worked out. Bought my ticket at a NJ Transit kiosk in Philadelphia 30th Street station when I arrived in the city ($28.45). The bus indeed stopped at Market and 7th in Center City Phila, which I was a bit worried about since the bus stop listed a number of buses that stopped there but not the 316 (perhaps since the 316 is seasonal). It’s a busy intersection and a lot of SEPTA buses stop there too. The bus had storage space for luggage underneath and in racks above, was pretty quiet from Phila to North Wildwood. Go to the bathroom before the journey as there’s none on board (although there was a stop near Ocean City long enough where one woman asked the driver if she could use the bathroom at the rest stop). Bus ride ends at the Welcome Center in Cape May, perfectly located.

I caught an Uber to the ferry terminal several hours later, although there may be better options. A Cape May trip report is upcoming.

Good to know that it all worked out, Daniel. I look forward to reading your report.

Did you do this journey this past weekend, 26-29 July? If so, you had the best weather of the summer!

Thanks k_marie

I did the trip yesterday. Currently enjoying beach home that family rents yearly on the Delaware seashore. Weather is delightful although the water temperature might be a bit chilly for some beach lovers.

Best wishes, Daniel