Getting Around Monterey. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation: The MST Bus System

Monterey's public transportation system, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), has an efficient way to explore the area without a car.

Popular Tourist Routes

The Wave Transit System (Route 15): A seasonal electric shuttle connecting Cannery Row, Aquarium, Wharf, and downtown. Often free or very low fare.
Route 1: Connects Monterey's main tourist areas, including Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, and Carmel.
Route 20: Offers limited seasonal service connecting Monterey to parts of Big Sur.
Route 59: Directly links downtown Monterey to the Salinas Amtrak station for train travelers.

MST Ticketing & Info

Route Maps: Detailed maps and schedules are available on the MST website and at Monterey Transit Plaza.
Cash Fare: Pay exact fare ($2.50 for adult ride) upon boarding; drivers do not carry change.
Day Pass: $5.00 for unlimited rides for the entire day, a cost-effective option for multiple trips.
GoPass App: MST offers a mobile ticketing app for convenient purchase of rides or passes.

Operating Hours

Hours vary by route, generally from early morning (around 5-6 AM) to late evening (10-11 PM).

Frequency

Main routes run every 20-30 minutes during peak hours. Less popular routes may have less frequent schedules.

Accessibility

All MST buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps or lifts. They also feature bike racks on the front.

Navigating MST Efficiently

Digital Tools

Use the MST website or apps like Google Maps for real-time tracking.
The Transit App or Moovit can provide accurate arrival times and route planning.
Have exact change or your pass ready before boarding to speed up the process.

Planning Tips

Plan trips in advance, especially for less frequent routes or connections.
The regional Clipper Card transit card is accepted on MST buses if you are also visiting the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
Combine bus travel with cycling; all buses feature bike racks on the front.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing: On-Demand Transport

Taxi Hailing

Call for a taxi or find them at designated stands (airport, hotels, Fisherman's Wharf).

Typical Fares

Metered fares, typically $10-$25 for short trips within Monterey.

Payment

Most taxis accept cash and major credit cards. Confirm payment methods.

Ride-Share Apps

Uber and Lyft are widely available. Set up accounts before arrival.

Rental Options: Explore at Your Pace

Rent a vehicle for ultimate flexibility and independent exploration of Monterey and the surrounding coastal areas.

Car Rental Requirements

Valid driver's license from your home country.
International Driving Permit (IDP) legally required if your license is not in English.
Major credit card in the renter's name.
Minimum age for rental is typically 21, with surcharges for drivers aged 21-24.

Major Rental Companies & Insurance

Companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, and Thrifty have offices at MRY and downtown Monterey.
Booking: Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred vehicle type and better rates. Use DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.
Insurance: Rental car insurance (Collision Damage Waiver, Liability) is highly recommended. Confirm existing coverage.
Fuel: Gasoline prices can be higher in California than the national average.

Motorcycle, Scooter, & Bicycle Rentals

Motorcycle/Scooter: Limited options in Monterey itself; more common in larger cities.
Bicycle Rentals: Several shops along Cannery Row and near Fisherman's Wharf offer hourly or daily rentals, including electric bikes.
Popular for riding along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

Bike Share Programs: While some local programs may exist, Monterey does not have large-scale, city-wide systems.
Specialty Vehicles: Tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not common for general tourist rentals.
Golf Carts: Found at golf courses, but not for general street use.

Driving Laws & Parking Information

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Cell phone use illegal unless hands-free. Speed limits are enforced. Strict laws against driving under influence.

Road Conditions

Roads are generally excellent. Highway 1 can be winding; check Caltrans for conditions, especially south of Carmel (Big Sur mudslides/closures).

Parking Options

Public garages (e.g., Cannery Row Parking Garage, Waterfront Parking Garage) and metered street parking. Rates vary, often $1-$2 per hour, daily max $15-$25. Hotel parking often costs extra.

Walking & Cycling: Scenic Exploration

Monterey and its surroundings present excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, a great way to experience the area's beauty and wildlife.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Paved path connecting Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and south to Seaside.
Downtown Monterey: Compact and walkable with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Cannery Row & Fisherman's Wharf: Very pedestrian-friendly areas with boardwalks and sidewalks.
Pacific Grove: Charming, walkable streets with Victorian homes and coastal paths (Lover's Point).

Walking Tour Options

Guided Tours: Local companies offer historical walking tours of Old Monterey, Cannery Row, or ghost tours.
Self-Guided Tours: Maps for historic walking tours are available at the Monterey History & Art Association or visitor centers.
These tours explore the rich history and local stories of the area.
Explore at your own pace and learn about Monterey's past.

Bicycle Infrastructure and Safety

Dedicated Paths

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail provides a dedicated, safe path for cyclists, mostly separated from vehicle traffic.

Excellent infrastructure for safe rides.

Bike Lanes

Many local roads also feature marked bike lanes, further enhancing safety for cyclists.

Roads are shared with clear markings.

Safety Practice

Wearing a Helmet is recommended. Use lights at night, follow traffic laws, and be aware of pedestrians on multi-use paths.

Follow local traffic regulations.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists

General Safety

Generally, all tourist areas in Monterey and its immediate surroundings are safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
Avoid walking or cycling alone in poorly lit industrial areas or deserted residential streets late at night.
Stick to well-trafficked paths and lighted areas for personal security.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Hop-On-Hop-Off: The Monterey Trolley (seasonal, free/low fare) connects major attractions. Big Bus Tours may operate seasonally.
Private Tour Companies: Many local operators conduct small group tours by van or bus to scenic areas like Big Sur or wine country, often with commentary.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems operate in Monterey.

Boat Taxis and Water Transportation

No formal boat taxi services operate within Monterey Bay for general point-to-point transportation.
Whale watching and sightseeing tours are readily available from Fisherman's Wharf.
These tours present an unique perspective of the coastline and marine life.
Accessibility Services: MST buses are fully accessible. Many attractions, hotels, and restaurants are ADA compliant.

Some older historical buildings or natural trails may have limited accessibility.
Check specific venue websites or call ahead for details on ramps, elevators, or accessible routes.
Resources are available for travelers with visual or hearing impairments; inquire with attractions or the visitor center.
River transportation is not applicable for Monterey, as it is a coastal city on a bay, not a river.

Final Transportation Tips

Always check current schedules and conditions for public transport or road travel before setting out, especially during off-peak seasons or adverse weather.

For taxi and ride-share services, confirm details for safety and fair pricing.

Getting Around Monterey