Getting around Atlantic City from Showboat Hotel

Showboat Hotel sits at 801 Boardwalk, directly on the Atlantic City Boardwalk and a short walk to the beach and Steel Pier. You can get around the city from the hotel by walking the Boardwalk, using the Boardwalk Tram or Atlantic City Jitney, or by taxi/ride-share for late-night or faster trips.
In this guide
- Where the hotel is and what’s within walking distance
- Boardwalk Tram, Jitney and local transit options
- Taxis, ride-shares and airport access
- Getting around on foot — Boardwalk and beach access
- On-site mobility: Island Waterpark, arcade and hotel layout
- Parking, fees and practical tips for drivers
- Rooms and getting to key spots from different room types
Where the hotel is and what’s within walking distance
Showboat Hotel is located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, on the Boardwalk with direct beach access. The property opens onto the Boardwalk and is described as a beachfront, non-gaming resort.
Nearby attractions within easy walking distance include Steel Pier (about a five-minute walk), Ocean Casino Resort (roughly a 5–10 minute walk), Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City (about 10 minutes’ walk), and Absecon Lighthouse (about an 11-minute walk).
- Atlantic City Beach — approximately a 3-minute walk (beach chairs and loungers provided per hotel info).
- Steel Pier — about a 5-minute walk.
- Absecon Lighthouse — about an 11-minute walk.
- Atlantic City Convention Center — roughly 1.1 miles from the hotel.
| Place | Approximate walk time |
|---|---|
| Steel Pier | 5 min |
| Absecon Lighthouse | 11 min |
| Atlantic City Convention Center | ~1.1 miles |

Boardwalk Tram, Jitney and local transit options
The Boardwalk Tram runs up and down the boardwalk between Ocean Casino and Tropicana; it is a card-only service (no cash) with typical hours around late morning to mid-afternoon and fares posted by local sources. Tram hours and exact fare windows vary seasonally.
The Atlantic City Jitney Association operates round-the-clock minibus service connecting the rail terminal, casinos, and boardwalk stops. Jitney service is historic and frequent; fares and exact routes change, so check current schedules locally.
- Boardwalk Tram — card-only fare, daytime hours (seasonal); useful for short boardwalk trips.
- Atlantic City Jitney — 24/7 minibus service connecting rail, casinos and boardwalk stops.
- NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Terminal — about 1–1.6 miles from the hotel; use Jitney or cab to connect.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Boardwalk Tram | Card-only; daytime/seasonal hours |
| Atlantic City Jitney | Round-the-clock minibus service; connects rail, boardwalk, casinos |
| Taxi / Ride-share | Available any time; handy after tram hours |
Taxis, ride-shares and airport access
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) are plentiful in Atlantic City and a practical choice for door-to-door trips, late-night travel, or when you want a faster connection to attractions off the Boardwalk.
The nearest airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), cited as roughly a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic. There is no dedicated hotel airport shuttle listed in the hotel dossier; travelers typically use taxis, ride-share, or private transfer services.
- Cab fares within the city are commonly reported around $13 plus tip between typical points; trips to or from ACY are longer and cost more.
- ACY to Showboat is frequently described as about a 10–15 minute drive.
- If arriving by rail, the Atlantic City Rail Terminal is roughly 1–1.6 miles from the hotel—use a jitney, taxi, or ride-share to connect.
| Origin / Service | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City Intl. (ACY) | About 10–15 minutes by car |
| Atlantic City Rail Terminal | About 1–1.6 miles; connect via jitney or cab |
| Taxi / Uber / Lyft | Available citywide; useful after tram hours |
Getting around on foot — Boardwalk and beach access
Showboat sits on the Boardwalk, so walking is often the easiest way to reach nearby piers, arcades, beach entrances and many restaurants. The hotel advertises direct Boardwalk and beach access and says beach chairs and sun loungers are provided.
Plan for exposed sun and wind on summer days; comfortable shoes and a windbreaker are useful in spring and fall. The Boardwalk is a straightforward, level route to Steel Pier and neighboring casino resorts.
- Boardwalk walking is best for short trips to Steel Pier, nearby casinos and shore attractions.
- Allow 5–15 minutes to walk between Showboat and major boardwalk sites depending on your destination.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated in summer; evenings can be breezy.
| Destination | Walking time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Steel Pier | 5 minutes |
| Ocean Casino Resort | 5–10 minutes |
| Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City | 10 minutes |

On-site mobility: Island Waterpark, arcade and hotel layout
Showboat Hotel guests have direct access to the Island Waterpark, which includes slides, a lazy river and a wave pool; hotel guests typically get one hour of early access via the 'Rise 'N Shine' program. The waterpark also includes a 21-and-up adults-only section called Paradise Adult Island that may require an extra fee.
The property also houses the Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar, a large non-gaming entertainment space. For moving around the property, the hotel has two towers and a 24-hour front desk and concierge to assist with directions and bookings.
- Island Waterpark — hotel guests receive early-access perks; park hours vary seasonally.
- Paradise Adult Island — adults-only area within the waterpark; separate fee typically applies.
- Lucky Snake Arcade — large indoor arcade and sports bar occupying a former casino floor.
| Facility | Guest notes |
|---|---|
| Island Waterpark | Early-access perk for hotel guests; hours vary |
| Paradise Adult Island | 21+ area; extra fee |
| Lucky Snake Arcade | Large indoor arcade and sports bar on-site |

Parking, fees and practical tips for drivers
Showboat Hotel offers both self-parking and valet parking for a surcharge; both typically include in/out privileges. Documented rates in research show self-parking and valet fees but amounts can vary, so confirm current charges with the hotel before arrival.
The hotel also applies a mandatory resort fee per room, per night that covers fitness center access, housekeeping, an in-room safe and internet access. A deposit per room, per stay is commonly required at check-in.
- Self-parking and valet are both available; confirm current nightly fees with the hotel.
- Mandatory resort fee covers fitness center, housekeeping, in-room safe and internet access.
- A cash or card deposit is normally required at check-in.
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Self-parking / Valet | Current nightly cost and in/out privileges |
| Resort fee | What is covered and current amount |
| Deposit | Amount required at check-in |
Rooms and getting to key spots from different room types
Showboat offers a variety of room types, including Standard Room, Standard 2 Queens, Ocean View Room, Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony, Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony, House of Blues Junior Suite and apartment-style rooms such as One Bedroom Apartment with Kitchen and Two Bedroom Apartment with Kitchen.
Rooms on higher floors and ocean-view room types place you closer to Atlantic views and the Boardwalk exits; if proximity to the Boardwalk or quick beach access matters, ask the front desk or reservations about specific room locations and the Bourbon Tower elevator access.
- Example room names to reference when requesting location: Standard Room, Standard 2 Queens, Ocean View Room, Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony, Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony, House of Blues Junior Suite.
- If you need assistance with luggage or directions to transit, the hotel offers 24-hour front desk, porter assistance and concierge services.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is until 11:00 AM; minimum check-in age is 21 (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian).
| Room Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | Typical non-ocean view option |
| Ocean View Room | Ocean-facing with boardwalk/beach outlook |
| Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony | Larger suite with balcony and oceanfront views |


