Rental Cars: Take the AirTrain Blue Line from the airport terminals, which will take you directly to the rental car center. As many as 10,000 seals will pay a visit to the dunes and beaches of Ao Nuevo State Park to breed and give birth to their pups. List of the Best Breweries in Monterey to find the best craft beers in Monterey. Monterey airport is a regional airport that is quite small, with limited direct flights, making it a bit inaccessible for international and other domestic travelers. From Santa Cruz, the route continues along the spectacular Highway One until Monterey. If youre planning on skipping on the desserts, dont! With no traffic, it takes less than 3 hours to get from the big city to the seaside village town of Monterey via Highway 1, so youll have plenty of time to make a handful of stops in a short period of time. Theyve got some really cool stuff in there, including an old Macintosh computer from decades ago! It passes through Gilroy and San Jose. We always enjoy taking a peek inside vintage/consignment stores like Moon Zooom and Crossroads Trading Co. before grabbing a midday pick-me-up at Verve Coffee Roasters nearby. Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay: 120 miles. From gnarly waves to beachside boardwalks to redwood forests, Santa Cruz, CA is the iconic coastal town that youre probably picturing when someone utters the word California. Then find the blue posts post on the center island that is clearly labeled "Airporters". There are also little ponies here, serving up fun pony rides to small children. Please do yourself a favor and get a slice of pie or shortcake per personitll be so good that you wont want to share! Finding the nearest airport to Monterey, CA may not necessarily be the best, as some offer cheaper airfare prices and others have better options for transportation. 11 hours 30 minutes. Start planning your trip from San Francisco to Monterey with our list of transportation options. The best time to take a road trip from San Francisco Bay Area to Monterey is either in the springtime, late summer, or early fall. Offering direct beach access and a year-round outdoor heated pool, Monterey Tides, is 3 mi from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey Airbus provides daily shuttles to and from Monterey to SOF and SJC airports, as well as, private charters to Pebble Beach, CA. The parking lot for Pie Ranch comes up quickly, so be sure to slow down and veer into the lot when you get your chance! It is also a year-round stopping point for orcas. There is one main draw that makes this state park stand out. In this post, I want to show you why its worth taking the longer route to get from San Fransisco to Monterey, California and beyond. At times, youll find a random swing anchored to one of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf. Without traffic, travelers can easily complete the drive point-to-point in just under 2 hours by taking the US-101 S. While this route may get you there the fastest, the route we recommend for this road trip is Highway 1. Views are. It sure is beautiful! Find all the travel essentials you'll need in my Amazon storefront. Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Monterey (MRY) SFO - MRY $108 - $390 Shuttle 3h 51m Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Internation Arrivals to Reservation / Marina Landing Monterey Airbus from airport $53 - $65 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Questions & Answers Dont forget to pack a jacket! There are five airlines that fly out of Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) with direct flights to ten destinations in the United States. If you or your children have a love for farm animals, dont miss the opportunity to play with goats at Harley Farms Goat Dairy, conveniently located in Pescadero! Begin your tour by traveling south on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1. They have a self-checkout system, but usually, someone is around to help if you need it. Every winter, from December through April, a must-see-for-yourself event occurs herethousands of enormous elephant seals arrive on the shores for their breeding season. Then, grab a pint or two at Dust Bowl Brewing. Theres literally so much to do in Santa Cruz, so much that we dedicated an entire post to the best things to do in Santa Cruz, CA! That's how we provide the best airport shuttle service to SFO and SJC! Carmel / Monterey Hwy 1 tour. Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. Our scheduled shuttles for SFO domestic flights run all day with additional stops at San Jose and throughout the Monterey Bay area. Besides San Jose and San Francisco Airport shuttles, we also offer door-to-door service throughout the Monterey peninsula to local hotels, businesses, residences, train stations, and even coastal marinas! To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP? San Francisco Bay is a large tidal estuary in the U.S. state of California, and gives its name to the San Francisco Bay Area.It is dominated by the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland.. San Francisco Bay drains water from approximately 40 percent of California. Chef Travel Guide is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program. This post may contain affiliate links. Text us any questions. Find the best ocean view hotels in Carmel, CA for a perfect romantic getaway. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. Moss Landing, located 20 miles north of Monterey, is a little fishing village thats popular for antiquing, surfing, and nature watching. Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and land near the heart of the City by the Bay. Santa Cruz is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Monterey and 1 hour from San Francisco. San Jose. Old Fisherman's Wharf is 10 minutes' drive away. The most convenient way is to rent a car, especially with the affordable options available from this airport. Will definitely use this company in the future. Incredible location - right at the beach. It's west of Salinas and 72 miles from San Jose, 113 miles south of San Francisco, 186 miles from Sacramento and 322 miles north of Los Angeles. The sheltered slough is one of the calmest spots on the Pacific Coast to begin your kayaking adventure! Yes. San Francisco, CASFO. TCP385565 Justin Court, Monterey, CA 93940, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). For over 30 years, Hudson has met the needs and wants of travelers in more than 1,000 duty-free, duty-paid, and food . But some of the towns youll encounter like Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel, CA deserve way more than a fraction of a day! Planning a visit in the summer? This hike is only 1.6 miles long. The best way to get there depends on your vacation itinerary, budget, and other travel preferences. Great online booking system! Click to find out more about all of Monterey Airbus's pickup and drop-offs locations at San Francisco International Airport and San Jos International Airport! If you want to go a more scenic way along the CA Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH), then plan that to take you about 2.25-2.5 hours. Got a few more days to spare? Theyre too cute to miss! For a scenic drive, Highway 17-S to Hwy 1 is the best choice, but some sections are pretty windy. Looking for private transportation or luxury sedan? Here, youll find coves filled with some of the clearest waters in all of Big Sur. The cheapest ride to or from San Francisco Airport will usually be shared shuttle van . Depending on the time of year, you might see gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, or killer whales. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. There are various pullouts where you can stop to photograph and admire the sweeping coastal views. They are both moderate hikes (very doable) that will leave you enough time in the afternoon to continue driving and exploring the coast. If youre traveling with younger children, Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay, CA is a popular attraction that families cant miss. We absolutely love ourAAA Auto Club membership. Spare Tire| In addition to carrying a spare tire with you, dont forget to check your current tire conditions before you set off as well. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable powerall in one! For the rest of the year, visitors are free to take self-guided walking tours, but will still need to obtain free permits. One of the most unique things to do near Santa Cruz is to head to Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where you can take an authentic steam train ride through the redwoods! Our scheduled shuttles for SFO international flights have routes that run all throughout the day with stops at San Jose and Monterey Bay. Another international airport near Monterey Bay is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Request a ride to and from MRY at the tap of a button. Spindrift Inn Located directly on the beach, the Spindrift Inn offers elegant accommodations in the heart of Monterey. To get you started, visit The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn all about the citys significant surf history with artifacts, photographs, and plenty of old-school boards. This route includes highway roads much of the way, but you may encounter traffic in the San Jose area and, unfortunately, the ride is not scenic until you reach Santa Cruz. There are two routes to Monterey by car:Highway 1, which runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the Pacific coastline, andUS Route 101, which runs through the rich valley. You can find their pick-up and drop-off locations at SJC here. As it is a small airport, dining options are limited, and the check-in process could take a long time, especially during peak season. From San Francisco to Monterey by Car. This all-day (11-hour) guided tour takes participants on Highway One, the scenic coastal route, from San Francisco to Monterey. Limos. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. The Ultimate San Francisco To Portland Road Trip: 50+ Stops You Need To Make In Between, Complete Guide to Revealing The Priceline Express Deals Hotel Before You Book, The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel, Patagonia Outlet: Everything You Need To Know About The Shopping Experience, The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation, The Nike Employee Store: How To Get In and What To Expect (Beaverton, Oregon). To help you make the best decision for your upcoming trip, we created this comprehensive guide on the closest airports to Monterey, CA. At Prunedale go west 5 miles on State Highway 156, then merge onto southbound Highway 1. . If you love pie, keep an eye out, because this one is easy to miss. See the best things to do in Monterey and Carmel for the perfect 2-day itinerary. Whether you're headed to Monterey or San Francisco Airport, Monterey Airbus provides timely and stress-free transportation, the perfect way to start or end any trip. Arrival times in the early morning, mid-day, and late evening are best if you want to avoid spending a significant amount of time making the transit. Monterey Airbus can provide transportation to landmarks and sites across Monterey Bay. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey via Mission St & 1st St, San Francisco, Salinas, and Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7 in around 5h 38m. Other rental car benefits include free child safety seat, no additional driver fee, no young driver fee, Youll also get great discounts on flights, hotels, and cruises, For the epitome of luxury, look no other than, For a more romantic bed and breakfast experience, consider, And if youre looking for a B&B experience. However, if youre planning on doing multiple stops, this airport is the best one to fly into. Our airport shuttles, SUVs, and sedans are perfect for everything from executive travel to student transportation to heading to Monterey attractions with friends and family. It only takes about an hour and a half to drive into downtown Monterey, and the airfare is not as expensive as flying into MRY. Looking for flights from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO)? Jumper Cables / Car Jump Starter | A must-have for any road trip! Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. You can get to downtown Monterey without driving by taking the Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) at MRY to most destinations in the city. 10 hours. Whether you're headed to Monterey or San Francisco Airport, Monterey Airbus provides timely and stress-free transportation, the perfect way to start or end any trip. Its sometimes possible to spot California gray whales just offshore. The tour includes free time in Monterey to visit Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and/or the Monterey Bay Aquarium (purchase your tickets in advance), as well as a stop in the charming seaside village of Carmel, reached via the famous 17-Mile Drive. The next morning, start your day off with a jog by the beach or at a hip breakfast joint! If youd like to get a bit closer to the wildlife, head to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, a unique ecosystem home to seals, sea otters, sea lions, herons, egrets, and other wildlife. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. The Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive Full-Day Tour from San Francisco allows travelers to easily visit Monterey, while leaving the hassle of driving to someone else. The full price is $48. Definitely my go to for Transportation for Monterey/SF Bay Area. But the catch? While it is more convenient and faster to fly into SJC, the airfare usually costs a bit more than in OAK. Why? The closest major airport to Monterey is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for those doing a cross-country flight or flying in from international destinations. Grab some coffee atCoffee Mia, head to the beach for a stroll, and take a minute to catch the paragliders in the air at Sand City! He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. iOttie car mount| This is my partner in crime on any road trip. Our Monterey shuttle services are perfect for business travelers and families alike, book your Monterey Airbus today! For international travel start with a Monterey Airbus in San Francisco. The Monterey Transit Plaza is in downtown Monterey, near many shops and restaurants. Number of FBOs: 2. For those who prefer not to drive, and plan to spend at least a few days in Monterey, it makes sense to take the train from San Francisco to Monterey. Shuttle Schedule:San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). When in HMB, you cant ignore the pristine beaches. We also make it our professional promise to never incorporate surge pricing like our competitors during high volume times in Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel-by-the-Sea. Here youll find sustainable and locally grown produce, preserves, coffee, flour, local goods, and (wait for it) homemade pies and pastries! This beautiful coastal town makes for an easy day trip from the city. 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco. As the West Coasts oldest beach resort, Capitola, CA sure is worth a visit. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the closest Southwest airport to Monterey. Aside from the normal clothing and toiletries youd pack for any regular trip, here are the things Id recommend you not leave home without: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to the TWE newsletter get first dibs on travel tips, updates, and exclusive deals! Recommended Stops on Highway One: The Highway One route also offers the possibility to stop in several picturesque seaside towns: Pacifica, a little oceanfront town just 15 miles south of San Francisco; Half Moon Bay; and rural Pescadero, which has a famous restaurant called Duarte's. To get the most out of the stops from San Francisco to Monterey, and have enough time to do all the things in Monterey, I recommend spending a night or two down there. San Francisco, CA. We have the right option for all your shuttle and limousine needs. The 17-Mile Drive is an exclusive stretch of road that takes you from Monterey to Carmel (longer, scenic route), full of dramatic coastal cliffs, peaceful beaches and forests, and world-class golf courses. Ask any one of the 75,000 passengers we carry each year and theyll tell you: Our Monterey shuttle is unparalleled in terms of value and simplicity. Monterey Airbus Accepts All Major Credit Cards. Find out more about our Monterery limousine options at Main Event Transportation. Even though this is a smaller airport compared to SFO, there are over 42 nonstop destinations serviced by 11 airlines. Well with their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program (completely free to join), youll get counter-free pickup at select locations, and even mobile alerts with yourexactrental carandits location before you arrive. At each of the towns, you can also browse local stores and art galleries. You can also catch a steam train from Roaring Camp all the way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the high season. Ive lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years now, and have only recently discovered this hidden gem of a spot, playing host to some of the best hiking in all of the Bay! The best way to get to Monterey is by driving. SF & Monterey are only 110 miles apart. Even if its just a quick weekend trip (or day trip) down the coast of California! This is the perfect place to rent a kayak and get out on the water. Distance from downtown Santa Rosa: 7 miles. Its got an amazing grip and popping your phone in and out of the mount could not be easier. Without traffic, travelers can easily complete the drive point-to-point in just under 2 hours by taking the US-101 S. While this route may get you there the fastest, the route we recommend for this road trip is Highway 1. We like to rent fromHertz. Do not miss your opportunity to pick up their locally famous homemade artichoke garlic bread. It's no wonder we are the #1 Monterey shuttle service around! Head to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Rental Cars: The in-terminal car rental centers are conveniently located across from baggage claim. With over 75 nonstop destinations within the US, theres no doubt that SFO is the largest airport in the Bay Area. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. Rental Cars: Take the rental car shuttle that arrives at designated stops on ground-level curbs outside both terminals every ten minutes. We have great rates across the board, whether you need a transfer from SJC to SFO or just a ride from Monterey to the airport. If youre not looking for a shuttle van or airbus, private sedans and limousines from SFO are also available. Head over toMarina State Beachto explore the sand dunes, which reach heights rarely seen on the California coast! Our scheduled shuttles for SFO domestic flights run all day with additional stops at San Jose and throughout the Monterey Bay area. Airlines United Airlines Train operators Caltrain Amtrak Bus operators Amtrak Rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished, and some rooms even provide ocean views. San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium by subway, train, bus and walk The journey time between San Francisco Airport (SFO) and Monterey Bay Aquarium is around 5h 28m and covers a distance of around 118 miles. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in Boulder Creek, is another beloved state park and hiking spot that offers easy access to towering ancient sequoia groves. Due to its many expansive beaches and some of the worlds best off-shore breaks, Santa Cruz is really famous for its laidback surf culture. If youre renting a rental car and youre not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. Recommended option Fly 2h 14m Fly from Monterey (MRY) to San Francisco (SFO) MRY - SFO $112 - $382 Unsubscribe at any time. Our highly trained Chauffeurs get you to your destination in Monterey in comfort and absolute style. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Monterey Regional Airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience. 1. What sets us apart from other airport shuttles at SJC and SFO? Visit Monterey on your schedule with a private Monterey shuttle van or SFO ground transportation service. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Just be sure to bring layers and prepare for some unpredictable wind and fog! Families can also enjoy train rides through the farms small western town. Roadside Emergency Kit| You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. From MRY: Car Rental: This is your best option when arriving at Monterey Regional Airport. Must-stop points along the route include the famousLone Cypress, Bird Rock, Fan Shell Beach, and the Cypresses of Crocker Grove. San Francisco $ 13 Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monterey Also for Monterey, here are a few examples of actual transportation services: Private transfer from Monterey to SFO: $370 Monterey Peninsula Airport One Way Transfer: $43 More Options Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco Distance to downtown San Francisco: A 30-minute taxi will cost about $60. Foodies should also pay a visit to the Harley Farms to purchase award-winning cheese and locally produced jams or to attend one of the special Farm Dinners, which are candlelit meals held in the restored Victorian barn. Alternatively, you can take a train from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) via Millbrae . Regardless of when you go, the coast can always get breezy, misty, or foggy, so be sure to bring a light jacket. Maybe you could stop in Santa Cruz and stroll the Boardwalk (if it's open). This little resort town located just minutes from Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of trendy beachfront stores, restaurants, and museums. BEST 17-Mile Drive, Carmel and Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco. It's time to grab a ride with Monterey Airbus! The carrier options include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United Airlines, and JSX, which offer flights to different cities in California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. You do have to pay an entrance fee just to drive on it. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA. After youve done some strolling, head toPhils Fish Market and Eatery, a super well-known food joint featured on Food NetworksRoad TestedandThrowdown with Bobby Flay.