Our Monterey to San Francisco shuttles are great for anyone visiting Monterey or leaving through San Francisco. Because California coastal weather is weird. 12 years ago. If youre flying into SFO, youll be a bit further away, but perfectly situated for the road trip route listed in this post! Read More: Best Things To Do In Santa Cruz, CA. No matter what you decide to do here, youre sure to have a wonderful time. Save. San Jose Airport (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO), Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty. Two worthwhile detours near Monterey on the Highway 101 route include the Mission San Juan Bautista with its elaborate building complex, gorgeous manicured grounds, and the original Spanish plaza, all of which is designated as a National Historic Landmark, as well as a California State Historic Park. Travel from Monterey to Carmel and see the best in both towns. One of the main attractions of Davenport is the famous Shark Fin Cove, one of the coolest-looking beaches in all of California. Not only will you see Berry Creek Falls in all its glory, but you will also get a chance to visit Silver Falls and Cascade Falls. Once youre ready to pay, head to the counter and weigh your berries. The drive to Monterey from San Francisco is a scenic one that you shouldnt miss. 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. Monterey Airbus offers MORE pickup times at MORE convenient locations than any other provider in our area. Even though this is a smaller airport compared to SFO, there are over 42 nonstop destinations serviced by 11 airlines. A visit to Swanton Berry Farm will grant you the classic u-pick experience in the summertime! Another option is to take the Monterey Airbus, but this will definitely take much longer than driving yourself. Santa Cruz is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Monterey and 1 hour from San Francisco. Book your Montreal to San Francisco flight today. We provide scheduled airport shuttles from SFO and SJC airports to locations in Monterey, Marina, and Prunedale. Recommended Stops along the Highway 101 Route: If you love classic beach towns, you will want to stop in Santa Cruz on your way to Monterey. Definitely my go to for Transportation for Monterey/SF Bay Area. Car Rental: Driving from SJC to Monterey takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Although Monterey Regional Airport is the closest, the best airport to fly into for Monterey is either San Jose Airport (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO). Driving is the best option for travelers who would like explore at their own pace and perhaps stop along the way. These 19th-century trains were once used to haul giant redwood logs out of the mountains, but nowadays, theyre dedicated to transporting passengers curious to see the beauty of the redwoods. List of the best coffee shops in Monterey to find the best coffee. If youre lucky, youll get some sun! As it is a small airport, dining options are limited, and the check-in process could take a long time, especially during peak season. They have a self-checkout system, but usually, someone is around to help if you need it. The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport, but the best one to take will depend on where you are coming from and your travel plans. Read More 27 Best Things to Do in Monterey and Carmel 2023 [2-Day Itinerary]Continue. You may like: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, CA is one of my all-time favorite places to go tide pooling. Welcome to Californias most photographed lighthouse! Built in 1907 as the Coney Island of the West, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk oozes nostalgic California vibes. The easiest and most cost-effective airport shuttle service to and from the airport from your home, office, or hotel. From SJC, the fare for a one-way ticket to Monterey is $48. We recommend three different ways to get from San Francisco to Monterey, plus the considerations to keep in mind with each transportation option. The pier deck has been gone for years, but that makes this spot even more photogenic. 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. Driving is the best option for travelers who would like explore at their own pace and perhaps stop along the way. The quaint little seaside town of Half Moon Bay, CA may sit only a few miles from San Francisco, yet has a completely different feel from what the big city offers. Head to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It connects to State Highway 156 and allows access to Prunedale and Castroville in the west. ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? 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. For the latest information, please visit their website here. Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco. What sets us apart from other airport shuttles at SJC and SFO? Tips For Finding The Cheapest Flights Possible. Theres a small parking area about a 5-minute walk away, right before you get to the Ritz property. There is no direct shuttle from OAK to Monterey. Youve finally made it to Montereygive yourself a pat on the back! Such close distance makes Monterey the perfect coastal town for a day trip from San Francisco. Los Gatos is an ideal stopping point, since it is almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and Monterey. California Coast - San Francisco to Los Angeles 2 Bus Tours from $404.27 per adult Private Tour to Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, & Carmel Bus Tours from $1,199.00 per group (up to 6) Two-day Los Angeles & San Francisco Private Tour Bus Tours from $2,899.95 per group (up to 10) The Legendary Loop: Southwest USA 11 Day Adventure Bus Tours Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 25 miles from downtown San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay. If you like nature, stunning architecture, shopping, museums, kitschy/hipster bars, and exceptional food in a city with a laidback vibe, San Francisco is a must. After your tide pool exploration, take the trail that begins at the sandy cove on the southern end of the reserve for a scenic walk through a grove of Monterey cypress trees. Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. Must-stop points along the route include the famousLone Cypress, Bird Rock, Fan Shell Beach, and the Cypresses of Crocker Grove. Call (831)-373-7777 or Book ONLINE. From San Francisco to Monterey by Train. BEST 17-Mile Drive, Carmel and Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco. Not interested in the surf? And if you happen to be visiting during the early spring (March-April), dont miss the teensy weensy baby goats! I wont go too in-depth there, but some major highlights include the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the historic district of Cannery Row where all the cute shops and restaurants are located. San Francisco International Airport is an international airport 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, California. The drive from Carmel to Big Sur is one of the best coastal drives in California. Views are. Then, get in line for Barbaras Fishtrap (serving up the freshest fish in the area) or Sams Chowder House (known for their lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder). 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! 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California, 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco, 17 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco, Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Areas & Hotels, From San Francisco to Redwood National & State Parks: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 20 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco, 14 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco with Kids: 12 Top Things to Do, 14 Top-Rated Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA, 15 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in the Bay Area, CA, 11 Top-Rated Beaches in the San Francisco Area, 15 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near San Francisco, CA, San Francisco Walking Tour: 10 Top Sights, From San Francisco to Yosemite: 5 Best Ways to Get There, 1-Day, 2-Day & 3-Day San Francisco Itineraries for Travelers, 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco, 11 Best Hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on Gran Canaria, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, From San Francisco to Monterey by Organized Tour, Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive Full-Day Tour from San. Read More 11 Best Breweries in Monterey 2023 [For Craft Beer Lovers]Continue. While it is more convenient and faster to fly into SJC, the airfare usually costs a bit more than in OAK. (Terminals 1, 2 & 3) - Cross the street from lower level baggage claim to the blue post on the center island labeled "Airporters". Looking for more on SF and the Bay Area? Monterey Airbus offers many locations in the Monterey area as well as SFO and SJC! For another great meal, head to Pasta MoonRistorante, serving up delicious Italian fare. 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. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. You can take the Monterey Airbus, an airport shuttle that will take you directly to San Jose Airport. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is only 3.5 miles and an eight-minute drive from the city, which makes this the closest airport to Monterey. This route is much more scenic than Highway 101, as the stretch along Highway 280 runs parallel to the wooded rolling hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Regardless of if youre starting a road trip in San Francisco or not, this amazing city is worth exploring for a few days. 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. The classic train redwood forest route takes you up Bear Mountain. 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. The only downside is that among all of the airports close to Monterey on this list, SMF is the farthest option and will take about three hours to get to Monterey. One minute, you could experience fog, wind, and mist, and the next minutesunny blue skies! Rated excellent by real customers Raphael B. If youre flying into the Bay Area, the SJC international airport in San Jose, CA will land you closest to Monterey, CA. Then, grab a pint or two at Dust Bowl Brewing. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. Full description. Grab coffee and pastries atDowntown Local, an adorable coffee shop on the main street. Roadside Emergency Kit| You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. Welcome to MRY. Here, youll find coves filled with some of the clearest waters in all of Big Sur. 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. Monterey & Carmel Explorer. 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! Bicycles can get in for free if they enter through the Pacific Grove gate. The remainder of the drive, from Santa Cruz to Monterey, takes about 50 minutes along Highway One, which follows alongside the coastline and affords stunning views. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the closest Southwest airport to Monterey. 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. Portable Cooler| Coolers are a must for any road trip. Dont forget to pack a jacket! YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST: License and registration| This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before its too late and you get too far away from home. At times, youll find a random swing anchored to one of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf. For the best rates, see RentalCars.com. When driving from SF to Monterey, you can choose the more direct route via US-101 S through Silicon Valley (San Jose) or take the scenic option via Highway 1. Thanks a lot! At Monterey, you will have 2 hours on your own to explore. You can certainly do this road trip as a day trip, but with limited time, you wont be able to hit all the stops listed here. Probably one of the cutest hotels Ive ever laid eyes on! He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. Rush hour traffic usually starts from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 4:00-6:00 in the evening, so make sure to keep that in mind while booking your flight. Reserve your next shuttle bus to the San Francisco domestic airport with Monterey Airbus! Looking for a gorgeous hiking spot while in the Half Moon Bay area? There are also a lot of rental car companies that you can choose from and 38 non-stop destinations within the US. 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. Not only will this make it so much easier to find what you need, but it will also lead to more space in your trunk for you to pack other necessities. Got a few more days to spare? The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. If you dont have a car or dont have a reliable car you trust to get you out of The Bay and back in one piece, I suggest you pick up a rental car for your road trip. Driving from San Francisco to Monterey Bay. Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. Check the Ao Nuevo State Park website for more info. Just be sure to bring layers and prepare for some unpredictable wind and fog! All Rights Reserved. It's one of the best airports to fly into for Monterey, and it will only take an hour and 40 minutes to two hours to get to downtown Monterey. 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. Do NOT leave home without them. From San Francisco to Monterey by Car. However, travelers should keep in mind that the multi-leg train journey takes six hours and requires two connections. In this scenic stretch of countryside, youll be met with rolling hills, farmlands, marshlands, and beaches. Rental Cars: Rental car companies are located on the first floor of the terminal building next to the baggage claim. Another major airport near Monterey, CA, is Oakland International Airport (OAK), which takes about 2:20 hours to get there by car. If youre planning on skipping on the desserts, dont! Spindrift Inn Located directly on the beach, the Spindrift Inn offers elegant accommodations in the heart of Monterey. Sand City: Once a factory district where sand was made/processed (hence the name), its industrial areas later became a popular place for artists to work and live (illegally). Text us any questions. Then find the blue posts post on the center island that is clearly labeled "Airporters". List of the Best Breweries in Monterey to find the best craft beers in Monterey. Crushing waves are the best lullaby. For over 30 years, Hudson has met the needs and wants of travelers in more than 1,000 duty-free, duty-paid, and food . You can take a bus from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) via Mission St & 1st St, San Francisco, Salinas, Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7, and Monterey Transit Plaza / Gate 2 Munras in around 6h 2m. Sure, Carmel, CA is slightly past Monterey, but it doesnt deserve to be left out! Excellent on time service, seamless online reservation system, friendly, professional staff. The best way to get there is by renting a car to give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Or review the pickup and drop off videos above for more information. Read More 10 Best Coffee Shops in Monterey 2023 [For Coffee Lovers]Continue. Rather than kicking out these artists, Sand City decided to support them and legalize their live-work lofts, and now the tiny town is packed with resident artists. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA. Hop on Route 1 at Pacifica and drive south to Monterey. Find the best ocean view hotels in Carmel, CA for a perfect romantic getaway. Plan for a visit to theferry building (houses a bunch of artisan shops and restaurants, as well as an awesome farmers market on Saturday mornings), a trip to Alcatrazor asunset bay cruise, and a visit toGolden Gate ParkandSutro Baths. Our scheduled shuttles for SFO domestic flights run all day with additional stops at San Jose and throughout the Monterey Bay area. Head over toMarina State Beachto explore the sand dunes, which reach heights rarely seen on the California coast! Travelers can pick up a rental car at the San Francisco Airport Rental Car Center or in downtown San Francisco at Alamo, Enterprise, SIXT Rent-a-Car, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, and Hertz car rental agencies. Monterey airbus is a great way to save on your SFO airport shuttle costs. 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 have the right option for all your shuttle and limousine needs. We like to rent fromHertz. 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. Central location. Looking for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Montreal (YUL)? Taking the 1 opens you up to a world of coastal bluffs, towns, beaches, and roadside attractions not found anywhere else. From SFO, you can choose between renting a car or hopping on a shuttle to get to Monterey. Once you order your coffee, dont be surprised if you linger a little bit longer to take in all the quaint antiques and memorabilia inside the shop! If you dont want to drive, you can also take the Monterey Airbus shuttle, which drops passengers off at selected hotels in Monterey. Boarding time and security checks are quick and efficient and long-term parking is just a few steps away. These Carmel Ocean view hotels offers stunning views for a relaxing stay. The Monterey Regional Airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience. (If you had to pick just one, Id suggest picking Lillians.). Davenport, CA is a tiny town and a fun, quick stop located along Highway 1. Point Lobos Natural Reserve is home to lots of sea birds, sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, and sea otters. Is there a shuttle from SFO to SJC? Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Review the videos belong to learn more about Monterey Airbus domestic pickup location at SFO. 9. If you only have a few hours to a day to explore, get some good food and see some of the iconic spots like Fishermans Wharf and The Golden Gate Bridge. Keep your road trip essentials organized with atrunk organizer. As youll realize after reading this post, there is so much to see along the way. We offer the best transportation, stress-free and on time available to or from the SFO intentional terminal. When you ride with Monterey Airbus, you ride with the best! The little town of Pescadero offers restaurants, shopping, markets, and farms, and is a great place to pick up produce or local honey. The drive from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA is approximately 120 miles. Pro Tip: If youre heading to the Ritz-Carlton for drinks, avoid their parking (which will set you back $25+). Once you get there 17 mile drive btn Monterey & Carmel is a scenic drive. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Distance to Monterey: 101 miles Drive Time to Monterey: 1:40 hours San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA. Land area: 1125 acres. The views are stunning and the rock formation really does look just like a shark fin! Drive down Highway 1 through the iconic Big Sur coastline! Get from SFO to Monterey and back with our affordable domestic shuttle service! Though membership does not cover car rental insurance, there are some awesome, exclusive car rental perks. Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Passengers at Terminal A can take any airport blue shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center. See the best things to do in Monterey and Carmel for the perfect 2-day itinerary. There is one main draw that makes this state park stand out. We had such a blast picking strawberries on our most recent trip from SF to Santa Cruz! If private car service is more your style, you can choose from one of our private luxury sedans and limousines to transport you throughout the Monterey region in elegance and comfort. Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and land near the heart of the City by the Bay. San Jose Airport Taxi. Because of its proximity to Monterey, cheaper airfare, and access to a direct shuttle, San Jose airport (SJC) is the best airport for Monterey, CA. Scenic Drive via Highway 1 (PCH): 120 miles, 2.5 to 3 hours. Planning a visit in the summer? In fact, Ao Nuevo State Park is the worlds largest mainland breeding colony for the northern elephant seal. San Francisco, CA. All Rights Reserved. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. The next morning, start your day off with a jog by the beach or at a hip breakfast joint! https://www.ada.gov, Want to ask a question? 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. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. 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. 1. United Airlines flies from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey once daily. In fact, because whales are so prevalent in this region, tours are offered year-round in Monterey! However, if youre planning on doing multiple stops, this airport is the best one to fly into. 11 hours 30 minutes.