Getting Around, Monterey Travel, Transport and Car Rental
(Monterey, California - CA, USA)
Most visitors coming from out-of-state can easily travel to Monterey by first flying to a major Californian airport, such as
San Jose,
San Francisco or
Los Angeles. From there, connecting flights to Monterey Airport can be arranged.
Alternatively, you can travel to the city by car from all over California. From San Francisco, the journey into Monterey lasts around two hours by car. You can also reach the city by using Amtrak train transport.
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) / Arriving by Air
Regular flights arrive at the Monterey Regional Airport from San Francisco, Los Angeles,
Phoenix, Denver and Salt Lake City. Four main carriers service the airport, including United and other major world airlines. This is a small and friendly airport, handling around 40 daily flights and coming complete with essential facilities and ground transport. The Monterey-Salinas Transit, or MST, takes visitors into the city for a low fare.
Car Rental
At the Monterey Regional Airport, all major car rental transport companies are represented, including Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National and Hertz. Directions to the city are clearly marked by road signs located along the highway. Most car rental companies provide maps, which can also be purchased at the airport's convenient store.
Buses and Coaches
Greyhound operates a popular coach service from San Francisco to Monterey. Direct bus travel takes some four hours, while the indirect route takes around seven hours. From San Francisco, connections can be easily made to other destinations across the USA.
Trains
Stopping at Salinas, which is located 17 miles / 27 km from Monterey, the Coast Starlight offers reasonable train fares and comfortable surroundings. Starting from either Los Angeles or Seattle, rail travel to and from nearby Salinas is scenic and provides an interesting alternative to flying or driving.
Taxis
There are various taxi companies available in Monterey, which provide a convenient means of transport. Most of the principal attractions are located within the downtown district. However, a few are based outside and taxi travel is an ideal alternative for those who don't wish to hire a car.