How to Get to Monterey. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel: Flying to Monterey

Monterey Regional Airport MRY

MRY is the closest airport, located just 3 miles (5 km) southeast of downtown Monterey. It mainly serves domestic connections.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines: Alaska Airlines (Seattle, San Diego, Portland), American Airlines (Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth), United Express (San Francisco, Denver, Los Angeles), and Allegiant Air (Las Vegas).
Most direct access to the Monterey Peninsula.
Generally smaller and easier to navigate with shorter security lines.

San Jose SJC & San Francisco SFO

SJC (70 miles north) and SFO (100 miles north) are larger airports with more flight options and potentially better pricing.

Larger Hub Options

SJC and SFO serve a vast array of domestic and international airlines and routes.
SFO offers direct flights from major global cities, a common entry point for international visitors.
Often more competitive pricing than MRY due to higher volume.

MRY Facilities

A smaller, easy-to-navigate airport with basic amenities, including car rental counters, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

SJC/SFO Facilities

These airports feature a full range of international airport facilities, with numerous dining, shopping, and lounge options.

Airport Transfers

From MRY, taxis/ride-shares are $10-$20. From SJC/SFO, rental cars are common, or use shuttle services like Monterey Airbus.

Transfer Options from Airports to City

From Monterey Regional Airport MRY

Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Approximately $10-$20 to downtown Monterey (10-15 minutes).
Rental Car: Major car rental agencies are located at the airport for convenient pick-up.
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Bus: Route 93 provides service to downtown Monterey, a budget-friendly option.
Book transfers in advance, especially for late arrivals or groups.

From San Jose SJC & San Francisco SFO

Rental Car: Most common and flexible. Driving time ~1.5-2 hrs (SJC) / ~2-2.5 hrs (SFO), without heavy traffic. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.
Shuttle Services: Companies like Monterey Airbus offer direct shared-ride shuttles. Pre-booking is recommended.
Public Transit: Complex and time-consuming (BART/Caltrain/MST bus). Not generally recommended for most travelers with luggage.
Find potential flight deals with services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Availability and Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Pricing

Flight prices are highest during peak summer (June-August) and fall (September-October) seasons, as well as around major holidays. Book well in advance for these periods.

Off-Peak Savings

Lower prices are often found during the winter (December-February, excluding holidays) and the spring shoulder season (March-May).

Flexibility Benefits

Flexibility with travel dates helps secure better deals. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.

Land Transportation: Getting to Monterey by Road or Rail

Train Connections and Services

The closest Amtrak station is in Salinas (SNC), about 20 miles (32 km) east of Monterey. This route offers scenic views.

Amtrak Routes & Connections

The Coast Starlight route serves Salinas, connecting to destinations north (e.g., San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle) and south (e.g., Los Angeles).
From Salinas Amtrak, use MST Route 59 (Amtrak Connector) to reach Monterey, or take a taxi/ride-share.
The bus ride from Salinas to Monterey typically takes about 30-40 minutes.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus travel is generally a budget-friendly option for those traveling within California, though sometimes less direct than driving.

Bus Companies & Routes

Greyhound operates routes to Salinas and some direct to Monterey (check specific schedules).
FlixBus and other intercity buses may serve Salinas or San Jose, requiring further connection.
This method can be a cost-effective alternative for travel within California.

Self-Driving Considerations and Requirements

Monterey is easily accessible via scenic Highway 1 and inland Highway 101.

Driving Rules & Documents

Highways: Accessible via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) and Highway 101.
Requirements: Valid driver's license. If not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required.
Insurance: Rental car insurance (Collision Damage Waiver, Liability) is highly recommended.

Road Conditions and Parking

Roads in and around Monterey are generally in excellent condition, but be aware of traffic and parking challenges.

Navigating Roads & Parking

Road Conditions: Generally excellent. Highway 1 can be winding and narrow in parts.
Traffic: Can be heavy on weekends and holidays, especially on Highway 1 and near popular attractions.
Parking: Can be challenging and expensive in popular areas. Public garages and metered street parking are available.

Driving Safety Reminders

Lock car doors and do not leave valuables in plain sight to reduce property crime.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less populated areas.
Drive defensively and watch for sudden stops on scenic routes.

Gasoline prices are typically higher in California than the national average.
Familiarize yourself with parking options near your accommodation and planned attractions.
Download offline maps if driving in areas with limited cell service (e.g., parts of Big Sur).

Sea Arrivals & Departure Information

Sea Arrivals: Cruising to Monterey

Monterey's coastal location makes it a stop for some cruise lines, presenting an unique arrival experience.

Cruise Port & Procedures

Cruise Port: Monterey has a small cruise ship terminal at Old Fisherman's Wharf.
Mainly serves smaller cruise lines or acts as a stop for larger coastal cruises.
International cruise arrivals undergo standard U.S. Immigration procedures at the first port of entry.

Connections & Considerations

From Fisherman's Wharf, downtown Monterey and Cannery Row are within easy walking distance. No river transportation is applicable.

Land Connections & River Note

Downtown and Cannery Row are within easy walking distance from the wharf.
Taxis and ride-shares are readily available at the wharf.
The Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) system also has stops nearby.

MRY Departures

Arrive 1-1.5 hours before domestic flights at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Security lines are generally short.

SJC/SFO Departures

For domestic flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours prior; for international, 2.5-3 hours prior. Security lines can be long during peak times.

Train/Bus Departures

Arrive at least 30 minutes before Amtrak departure (Salinas) and 30-45 minutes before bus departure (Greyhound).

Departure Information: Leaving Monterey

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Different airports cater to departing travelers with varying levels of amenities.

MRY vs. SJC/SFO

MRY (Monterey Regional Airport) offers limited dining and retail options post-security.
SJC (San Jose International) and SFO (San Francisco International) provide extensive dining, shopping, and airline lounge facilities.
You will find a wide range of amenities for pre-flight comfort at the larger airports.

Departure Timing Recommendations

Allow sufficient time for check-in and security, especially from larger airports.

Plan Ahead

For domestic flights from MRY, arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before departure.
For SJC/SFO, allocate 1.5-2 hours for domestic, 2.5-3 hours for international flights.
Arrive 30-45 minutes before train or bus departures.

Exit Fees or Taxes

No Direct Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged when departing the U.S. By air, land, or sea, beyond what is included in your ticket price.

Airline Ticket Inclusions

Airline tickets typically include various taxes and fees from the outset, so no separate payment is needed at departure.

Allocate Travel Time

Allow extra time for travel to the airport, especially if departing from SJC or SFO during peak traffic hours (weekday mornings and afternoons).

How to Get to Monterey