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. At best, youll have time to visit 5-7 stops before making it to Monterey in the late afternoon. However, this is the best airport for Monterey if you are planning on stopping by Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Park. If youre looking for a short hike here (since youve got a whole day of exploring still ahead of you), Id recommend theSouth Plateau Trail to Bird Island hike. Rental Cars: The in-terminal car rental centers are conveniently located across from baggage claim. Heres the address to help you out: 2080 CA-1, Pescadero, CA 94060. 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. Regardless of if youre starting a road trip in San Francisco or not, this amazing city is worth exploring for a few days. There are eleven airlines that fly through here, with 41 nonstop destinations within the US. Monterey Peninsula Airport has regular flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas on airlines United, American, US . This includes an average layover time of around 2h 1m. Joining a guided excursion takes the stress out of traveling from San Francisco to Monterey and is the best option for visiting Monterey as a day trip from San Francisco. I needed to get to SFO last week and I remembered the Monterey Airbus from when I lived in the area. Once youre ready to pay, head to the counter and weigh your berries. It's time to grab a ride with Monterey Airbus! The pie menu changes frequently, depending on whats being grown and picked at that time, so you know youre getting the freshest pies possible. TCP385565 Justin Court, Monterey, CA 93940, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). San Francisco International Airport is an international airport 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, California. Show more. If you have the time to spare, Id highly recommend slowing down to explore the hidden courtyards and passageways in this picturesque village! 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. 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). Not interested in the surf? Looking for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Montreal (YUL)? Rated excellent by real customers Raphael B. Passengers at Terminal A can take any airport blue shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center. This all-day (11-hour) guided tour takes participants on Highway One, the scenic coastal route, from San Francisco to Monterey. You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Do not miss your opportunity to pick up their locally famous homemade artichoke garlic bread. As the regions leading shared-ride airport shuttle service, Monterey Airbus knows exactly what our customers want. Number of FBOs: 2. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Please do yourself a favor and get a slice of pie or shortcake per personitll be so good that you wont want to share! This post may contain affiliate links. Alternatively, hop onboard a 37 catamaranon thisElkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour. BEST TIME TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO MONTEREY, CA, MONTEREY ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: RENTAL CARS, MAP OF STOPS: HIGHWAY 1 FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY, CA, SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY VIA HIGHWAY 1: 23 BEST STOPS, SF TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST, NOCO Boost HD Car Battery Jump Starter Box, 58+ Free and Affordable Things To Do In San Francisco, California, 8 Best San Francisco Neighborhoods To Visit (And What To Do Beyond SF! While it is the quickest way to get there, its not necessarily the best one, as the airfare is more expensive here compared to other airports near Monterey, CA. If youre in a rush to get to Monterey and you are not strapped for cash, MRY is the best airport for you. They are both moderate hikes (very doable) that will leave you enough time in the afternoon to continue driving and exploring the coast. https://www.ada.gov, Want to ask a question? 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. 11 hours 30 minutes. From this location, travelers can easily walk to many of Monterey's top attractions. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa This luxury beachfront resort offers traditional room decor, a deluxe rooftop spa, an oceanfront restaurant, and bikes you as a guest can use to explore Monterey. Rental Cars: Take the rental car shuttle that arrives at designated stops on ground-level curbs outside both terminals every ten minutes. Read More 16 Best Ocean View Hotels in Carmel CA 2023 [Budget to Luxury]Continue. This little resort town located just minutes from Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of trendy beachfront stores, restaurants, and museums. You can either book before or after you arrive. Because of its stable weather conditions, theres always a variety of activities you can do when you visit, no matter the time of year. 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. It's no wonder we are the #1 Monterey shuttle service around! There is one main draw that makes this state park stand out. San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium - Rome2rio Monterey to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - 6 ways to travel - Rome2rio List of the Best Breweries in Monterey to find the best craft beers in Monterey. All Rights Reserved. List of the best coffee shops in Monterey to find the best coffee. If youre not in a rush, you can visit other places like Napa Valley, San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz on your way to Monterey. Monterey Airbus provides daily shuttles to and from Monterey to SOF and SJC airports, as well as, private charters to Pebble Beach, CA. Find the best ocean view hotels in Carmel, CA for a perfect romantic getaway. The sunsets here are excellent, making it the ideal place to call it a night. And if you happen to be visiting during the early spring (March-April), dont miss the teensy weensy baby goats! Closest Airport to Monterey, CA [+ How to Get There] For a deeper dive on how you should spend your time in Monterey, check out our Monterey travel guide, dedicated to all the fun things you could do in Monterey, CA. Theyve got some really cool stuff in there, including an old Macintosh computer from decades ago! You may like: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, CA is one of my all-time favorite places to go tide pooling. Admission is $10.75 per vehicle. Click here for more information on SFO Airlines or book a SFO shuttle with Monterey Airbus for your next domestic flight! SF & Monterey are only 110 miles apart. The sheer number of seals is certainly impressive, but so is their size. Monterey Airport Car Service & Transportation | MRY | Uber As this is one of the busiest airports in California, keep in mind the rush hour traffic as it can get really congested in the Bay Area. 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. Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the weather is often overcast and windy in Half Moon Bay, even during the summertime (due to thick fog that often blocks out the sun). Views are. You want friendly drivers, comfortable vehicles, and reasonable rates. The Half Moon Bay coastline is made up of multiple state beaches, including Surfers Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA. Once you get there 17 mile drive btn Monterey & Carmel is a scenic drive. Lemos Farm is a family-run farm featuring resident pigs, goats, sheep, and bunnies, which kids can meet and greet in the petting zoo. 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. There are four entry gates where you will stop to pay the entry fee and pick up a map. Request a ride to and from MRY at the tap of a button. For over 30 years, Hudson has met the needs and wants of travelers in more than 1,000 duty-free, duty-paid, and food . The hotel features an onsite spa, a pool, and a childrens club. You want to spend less time worrying about getting there, and more time just enjoying the ride. As youll realize after reading this post, there is so much to see along the way. Carmel / Monterey Hwy 1 tour. Boarding time and security checks are quick and efficient and long-term parking is just a few steps away. 5 Ways to Get from San Francisco Airport to San Jose Airport 2023 Intercontinental The Clement Monterey Hotel another higher-end hotel option, located right on Cannery Row. 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. Travel from SJC to Monterey CA | Uber While the intensity of the falls varies depending on the time of year (the best season is spring), the entire park is drop-dead gorgeous and worth a visit all year round. There is no direct shuttle from OAK to Monterey. Gabriels passions include trail running and hiking on California's incredible trails, camping in the redwoods, and exploring the golden state from the Eastern Sierras to the rugged North Coast. How to get from SJC to Monterey CA Compare ride options getting from SJC to Monterey CA. 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. Request a ride UberX Affordable rides, all to yourself $113 | 80 minutes Black Luxury rides with professional drivers $330 | 80 minutes Green Eco-Friendly $138 | 89 minutes UberXL SFO is the largest airport in Northern California. This gives you the most flexibility with your time and travel plans. Hardly much of a drive, maybe 1.5 hours is all. This coastal route takes about 30 minutes longer, but rewards with sweeping ocean views as the road curves around hillsides that overlook the Pacific. Looking for private transportation or luxury sedan? 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 little bit of extra time and want to hop off the beaten path? Begin your tour by traveling south on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1. Route: Pick up your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport (or Bay Area Airport of your arrival) and start your drive from SF to LA via Pacific Coast Highway. At Monterey, you will have 2 hours on your own to explore. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided (on a silver tray if youd like). Youve finally made it to Montereygive yourself a pat on the back! There are also 45+ airlines and flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide, making this the best option if you are traveling internationally. Top 10 Best Shuttle From San Jose to San Francisco Airport in - Yelp Author Lisa Alexander is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and returns regularly. 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. Drive down Highway 1 through the iconic Big Sur coastline! Explore Seaside and Sand City, located minutes from each other. Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Monterey (MRY) Take the bus from Fremont / Abrego Street to Foam / Irving 4h $112 - $515 Line 292 bus, shuttle Take the line 292 bus from Mission St & 9th St to SFO Airport Terminal 2-Lower Level Take a shuttle bus from SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage 4h 52m 2 days. There are two routes that you can take to get to Monterey from SJC. Monterey Regional Airport - Welcome to MRY For the rest of the year, visitors are free to take self-guided walking tours, but will still need to obtain free permits. From MRY: Car Rental: This is your best option when arriving at Monterey Regional Airport. Rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished, and some rooms even provide ocean views. Given that theres so much to do in Monterey (as well as around Monterey), you can really have yourself ajam-packed weekend adventurehere! Seaside: The former site of Fort Ord is now an up-and-coming destination complete with two golf courses, an easy entrance toFort Ord National Monument, and some of the best beach access on Californias Central Coast. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. This drive typically takes two hours, depending on traffic. 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. Plan your arrival | California State University Monterey Bay Book flights from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO) - Air Canada 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. BEST 17-Mile Drive, Carmel and Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco. If youre lucky, you might even catch a mother seal giving birth. Monterey Transportation: Tips to Get Around the Bay Area - SF Tourism Tips Will definitely use this company in the future. Alternatively, you can take a train from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) via Millbrae . We absolutely love ourAAA Auto Club membership. One disadvantage of this airport is that there are only twelve nonstop destinations within the US, and there are not a lot of international flights. Monterey lies about 2 hours south from San Francisco driving, depending on the route. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck's Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our scheduled shuttles for SFO domestic flights run all day with additional stops at San Jose and throughout the Monterey Bay area. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. Monterey Airbus can provide transportation to landmarks and sites across Monterey Bay. 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! As it is a small airport, dining options are limited, and the check-in process could take a long time, especially during peak season. The one closest to Monterey is thePacific Grove entrance, though if youre already on Hwy 1, theHighway 1 entrancemay be the most convenient. Check out our list of flat fees for our Monterey and California Shuttle Bus below. Visit Monterey on your schedule with a private Monterey shuttle van or SFO ground transportation service. The Purisima Creek Redwoods North Ridge Trail (4.4-mile RT) and the Grabtown Gulch to Purisima Creek Loop (5.3-mile RT) hikes are among my favorite. During peak travel season, Amtrak provides one route per day from San Francisco, departing at 7am and arriving in Monterey at 1pm. If youre planning on having multiple stops before getting to Monterey, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) are great options to consider, as both take around 3 hours to get to Monterey. Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. The tidepools at this reserve are probably one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. San Francisco, CASFO. Ideally, youd have 2-3 full days to embark on this coastal adventure! 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! 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. Airport Shuttle SFO from $17 | Best SFO Airport Shuttle - ShuttleFare.com Point Lobos Natural Reserve is home to lots of sea birds, sea lions, harbor seals, elephant seals, and sea otters. 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. 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! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Then, stop by the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for drinks and to soak up incredible views from their ocean terrace. Monterey & Carmel Explorer. Hop on Route 1 at Pacifica and drive south to Monterey. Lastly, get a AAA membership! You can take the Monterey Airbus, an airport shuttle that will take you directly to San Jose Airport. From Santa Cruz, the route continues along the spectacular Highway One until Monterey. When looking at flights, be sure to compare all of your options not just in terms of price, but also think about: Time between layovers to navigate a large airport, especially if your flight is delayed 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. 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. The Monterey Regional Airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience. The easiest and most cost-effective airport shuttle service to and from the airport from your home, office, or hotel. After breathing in the fresh air and snapping a few pictures, take a stroll around the grounds of the lighthouse, then onto the nearby trails. Yes. Depending on the time of year, you might see gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, or killer whales. Yes. This will be your best bet for sunshine and clear skies. Definitely my go to for Transportation for Monterey/SF Bay Area. When the Highway 101 route has a lot of traffic, the Highway 280 + Highway 17 route from San Francisco to Santa Cruz may be the faster option. There are a lot of airports close to Monterey, but the best one depends on whether or not youre traveling on a budget or if you need to get there as quickly as possible. Book flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Montreal (YUL) - Air Canada 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 Both airports have access to the Monterey Airbus, a shuttle service that will take you directly to Monterey. So, you're not looking at a very long driving time either. Harley Farms also offers farm tours and picnics! From SJC, the fare for a one-way ticket to Monterey is $48. There are various pullouts where you can stop to photograph and admire the sweeping coastal views. However, travelers should keep in mind that the multi-leg train journey takes six hours and requires two connections. The 10 Best Monterey Hotels (From $79) - Booking.com Such close distance makes Monterey the perfect coastal town for a day trip from San Francisco. Either bring your own car, or rent one! Our Monterey to San Francisco shuttles are great for anyone visiting Monterey or leaving through San Francisco. 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. The views are stunning and the rock formation really does look just like a shark fin!