Long Branch: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Long Branch links directly to Manhattan by coastal rail, but anyone staying past the summer quickly discovers that life off the boardwalk requires a car.

Long Branch, New Jersey · CC BY-SA 4.0

About the place

Now in the cityLong Branch+9°CClear · sunset 04:51 PMupdated 08:00 AM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Exchange rate$1.00per 1 $USD — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Language on siteEnglishPrimary language

What fits initineraries

1 day: Pier Village, Boardwalk, Ocean Avenue
3 days: + Avenue Restaurant, MC Loone's Pier House, Bungalow Hotel
7 days: + Avenue Beach Club, Bungalounge, Long Branch Train Station

Updated September 9, 2026

About the place

Long Branch operates as an Atlantic coastal town shaped by its active boardwalk and rail connection to New York City.

Commuters reach the town directly from New York City aboard the North Jersey Coast Line, while drivers arrive via the Garden State Parkway and state highways. Once in town, public transit sees little daily use from residents. Daily movement around the coastal strip relies strictly on bicycles or foot travel, as cars cannot enter the boardwalk or the central paths of Pier Village.

Read on

Coastal dining and beachfront nightlife drive seasonal business along Ocean Avenue. Establishments range from casual burger joints to French-inspired dining rooms with patios facing the Atlantic. Lounges and hotel bars along the boardwalk attract regional weekend crowds, making the waterfront bustling while inland residential areas remain quiet. Life here shifts sharply between the active shore and the quiet interior.

Associations

Pier VillageThe beachfront development bans motor vehicles and relies on cycling or walking.
North Jersey Coast LineDirect rail service connects the town station to New York City for commuters.
Ocean Avenue NightlifeBeachfront bars and restaurants with Atlantic views draw weekend visitors.
Car DependencyPublic transit is rarely used locally, forcing residents to drive for daily errands.

Facts

Passenger rail connects the local station directly to New York City via the North Jersey Coast Line.
Transit along the ocean boardwalk and within Pier Village is restricted exclusively to walking and bicycles.
Ocean Avenue dining includes French-inspired cuisine and seafood restaurants overlooking the water.
Nightlife venues and bars stretching along the beachfront serve as major attractions for visitors.

Updated September 9, 2026Source: Wikivoyage

Visa and practicalities

Choose a passport

Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.

Internships, au pair and study programmes have a different visa category and a different set of documents. Applications go through CMO International Programmes.

IEC international programmes

Good to know

Transit along the boardwalk and throughout Pier Village is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists.

Frequently asked

How can travelers reach Long Branch by train from New York City?

Direct rail service connects New York City to Long Branch Train Station via the North Jersey Coast Line. Passengers arrive directly in town without transferring.

Source: Wikivoyage

How do people get around Pier Village and the boardwalk?

Walking and bicycle riding serve as the exclusive methods of travel along the boardwalk and Pier Village. Local public transit exists across the broader city but sees limited use.

Source: Wikivoyage

Where does the city concentrate its nightlife?

Evening venues cluster primarily along the oceanfront. Bars and social spots line the boardwalk and Ocean Avenue.

Source: Wikivoyage

What dining options are available along Ocean Avenue?

Dining options along the oceanfront range from casual burgers to French-inspired cuisine. Several restaurants provide open ocean views and seasonal patio seating.

Source: Wikivoyage

What amenities are available at Bungalow Hotel?

Bungalow Hotel in Pier Village features rooms with fireplaces. The lobby provides entertainment facilities including billiards and table football, as well as an on-site lounge serving cocktails.

Source: Wikivoyage

Stay longer on a programme

Work and Travel, internships, au pair and volunteering in United States: visa, invitation and on-site support are handled by CMO International Programmes.