Quick Answer: The Best Way to Get to Monterey

Flying into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) gets you downtown fastest, since the terminal sits just 10 minutes away. Budget-focused travelers often fly into San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO) instead and drive the rest of the way. Three main options cover almost every itinerary: air, car, and rail paired with a bus transfer. Each trades cost against convenience once you land.

• MRY: fastest arrival, 10 minutes from downtown, premium fares
• SJC: about 75 miles away, roughly a 1.5-hour drive
• SFO: about 105 miles away, roughly a 2-hour drive
• Driving: Highway 1 for scenery, Highway 101 for speed
• Rail plus bus: Amtrak Coast Starlight to Salinas, then a shuttle into Monterey

Flying to Monterey: Comparing MRY, SJC, and SFO

Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American, United, and JSX all fly into MRY. JSX adds seasonal semi-private service from Burbank (BUR) and Orange County (SNA), a route many guides skip. Groome Transportation and Main Event Transportation run door-to-door shuttles between Monterey and the larger SFO and SJC terminals. Fares shift by season, so check seasonal travel timing before locking in flights. Where you land also shapes where to sleep, so browse Monterey lodging options near your arrival point.

• Chicago (ORD) via United
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• Denver (DEN) via United
• Las Vegas (LAS) via Allegiant
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Phoenix (PHX) via American
• San Diego (SAN) via Alaska Airlines
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA) via Alaska Airlines

Driving to Monterey: Highway 1 vs. Highway 101

Two routes lead to Monterey, and both are scenic. Highway 1 runs along the Pacific coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Highway 101 threads through the Salinas Valley, known regionally as the Salad Bowl of the World. It usually moves faster than Highway 1, since it skips the coastal curves. Coming from the south, build in extra time and check current road conditions before you commit to the coastal route. That coastal route also passes several worthwhile stops; see coastal day-trip ideas for places to pull off along the way.

• San Jose: about 1 hour
• San Francisco or Oakland: about 2 hours
• Sacramento: about 3 hours
• Los Angeles: about 5 hours, more in heavy traffic

Reaching Monterey by Train or Bus

Amtrak's Coast Starlight stops in downtown Salinas, about 20 miles from Monterey, on its route between Seattle and Los Angeles. Southbound train #11 typically reaches Salinas around midday, and northbound train #14 arrives in the evening. A free Amtrak Thruway bus covers the last stretch, taking about 30 minutes from Salinas into Monterey. Greyhound also serves the Salinas station, with connections onward. Monterey-Salinas Transit runs Line 55 between Monterey and downtown San Jose. The route links to the Capitol Corridor, Caltrain, and VTA, and doubles as the Monterey-to-San-Jose Amtrak Thruway bus. Most of these stops put you within walking distance of wharf-area attractions.

• Monterey Transit Plaza Bus Stop, downtown
• Marriott Bus Stop (MYM)
• Travelodge Bus Stop (MYT)
• Hyatt Regency Bus Stop (MYH)
• Aquarium Bus Stop (MYA)

Arriving by Sea: Monterey Harbor and Marina

Private boaters can dock at the City of Monterey's Harbor and Marina, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Every vessel needs a mooring or berthing assignment from the Harbor Office before arrival. Cruise ships also call at Monterey Bay on select dates for day visitors. Check the harbor's published cruise schedule before planning a shore excursion, since sailings shift year to year. Cruise calls sometimes overlap with peak weekends, so check the local events calendar before booking a harbor day.

MRY Construction and Highway 1 Travel Alerts

MRY is partway through a project known as the MRY Metamorphosis, a federally required safety enhancement program that began in 2020. The plan includes a new roadway entrance and a replacement terminal. As of the July 2026 construction update, a new roundabout at the airport entrance was expected to finish in November 2026. The new terminal itself remains on track for a summer 2027 opening. Because roadwork affects the approach to the airport, MRY asks travelers to arrive 90 minutes before departure for on-time boarding during this construction period. Highway 1 through Big Sur has stayed open as of this writing, but delays and closures happen with little notice. Check See Monterey's travel alerts or Caltrans District 5 before a southbound drive.

Getting Around Monterey After You Arrive

Uber and Lyft operate throughout Monterey and pick up at MRY, downtown, and area hotels. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for day trips toward Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Big Sur. Downtown parking fills fast during summer weekends, so budget extra time if you're driving yourself. Monterey-Salinas Transit covers local routes for travelers who'd rather skip a rental car. Many downtown hotels sit within walking distance of the wharf and local restaurants and cafes. Review arrival and parking tips before you decide whether to rent.

Money-Saving Tips and Sustainable Options

Groups booking mid-week may qualify for an incentive that See Monterey has advertised as $20 back per room, per night, up to $20,000 for qualifying stays. Terms and availability change, so confirm current status directly through See Monterey before counting on it. Every mode of transportation adds carbon emissions along the way. The Central Coast runs a program called the Offset Project, which lets visitors offset trip emissions through a local nonprofit. Travelers weighing flight costs against driving costs can also check Visit California for statewide route and seasonal guidance. Once arrival details are settled, a weekend getaway plan covers what to do first. For a longer stay, a two-day itinerary maps out the rest of the trip.

Getting from SJC or SFO to Monterey Without a Rental Car

If you fly into San Jose or San Francisco, a prebooked shuttle is usually the simplest no-car transfer to Monterey. Groome Transportation and Main Event Transportation serve the Monterey Peninsula from SJC and SFO, with hotel or scheduled-stop options depending on the service.

Reserve before arrival, especially for evening flights or summer weekends. Bay Area traffic can add time on US-101, CA-156, and Highway 1, so leave a wider buffer for return flights from SFO.

• SJC is the easier hub for shuttle transfers because it is closer to Monterey.
• SFO works better for international flights, but the ground transfer is longer.
• Public transit is possible, but it usually requires multiple connections through San Jose or Salinas.

For the lowest-stress arrival, compare the shuttle schedule before buying the flight. A cheaper fare can lose value if the landing time forces a long wait or an overnight near the airport.