Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. You get to take advantage of savings at Hertz, up to 20% off the base rate, when you include your designated AAA Discount code (CDP#) in your reservation. From $179.20 per night. Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and land near the heart of the City by the Bay. Includes cafes in Monterey with the best views and vibes. They are both moderate hikes (very doable) that will leave you enough time in the afternoon to continue driving and exploring the coast. The drive from San Francisco to Monterey takes about 2.5 hours on the quickest route, usually the Highway 101 route. Carmel is a great town to grab a bite to eat and go wine tasting. ), or taking a quick coastal stroll. We love a good road trip any darn time of the year. From there, you have to transfer to the Yellow Line to SFO, where you can catch the Monterey Airbus. Our scheduled shuttles for SFO international flights have routes that run all throughout the day with stops at San Jose and Monterey Bay. Read More: Best Things To Do In Santa Cruz, CA. Regardless of which rental car company you decide to go with, make sure you have the appropriate car rental coverage. 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 Francisco to Monterey Bay Aquarium - Rome2rio The cheapest ride to or from San Francisco Airport will usually be shared shuttle van . This drive typically takes two hours, depending on traffic. There is no direct shuttle from OAK to Monterey. Admission is $10.75 per vehicle. Regardless of when you go, the coast can always get breezy, misty, or foggy, so be sure to bring a light jacket. For the rest of the year, visitors are free to take self-guided walking tours, but will still need to obtain free permits. San Francisco, CASFO. This gives you the most flexibility with your time and travel plans. The Top 7 Private Jet Airports in San Francisco We absolutely love ourAAA Auto Club membership. Read More 27 Best Things to Do in Monterey and Carmel 2023 [2-Day Itinerary]Continue. 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 The US 101 is another road linking the city to the San Francisco Bay Area. Definitely my go to for Transportation for Monterey/SF Bay Area. Then find the blue posts post on the center island that is clearly labeled "Airporters". Davenport Pier is located at the beach below the bluff, but it is not easy to get to. Crushing waves are the best lullaby. During low tide, the saltwater pools are filled with sea creatures such as sea anemones, mussels, hermit crabs, purple shore crabs, and even starfish! The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. Monterey airbus is a great way to save on your SFO airport shuttle costs. United Airlines flies from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey once daily. From SFO, you can choose between renting a car or hopping on a shuttle to get to Monterey. The Perfect Day Trip to Monterey from San Francisco Find all the travel essentials you'll need in my Amazon storefront. 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. For international travel start with a Monterey Airbus in San Francisco. 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! Boarding time and security checks are quick and efficient and long-term parking is just a few steps away. Get the best rates at RentalCars.com. Alternatively, you can take a train from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) via Millbrae . There are also 45+ airlines and flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide, making this the best option if you are traveling internationally. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The drive from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA is approximately 120 miles. 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. If youre flying into SFO, youll be a bit further away, but perfectly situated for the road trip route listed in this post! Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 25 miles from downtown San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay. In fact, because whales are so prevalent in this region, tours are offered year-round in Monterey! 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. Its got an amazing grip and popping your phone in and out of the mount could not be easier. 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. 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. 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. 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. If youre renting a rental car and youre not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. There are two routes that you can take to get to Monterey from SJC. 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. But the catch? Driving is the best option for travelers who would like explore at their own pace and perhaps stop along the way. 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. Click here for more information on SFO Airlines or book a SFO shuttle with Monterey Airbus for your next domestic flight! There are a lot of airports for Monterey, CA you can choose from, but each of them has its own pros and cons, depending on your preference and circumstances. Our limousine fleet is perfect for executive transportation, student transportation, and private shuttles in Monterey. Got a little bit of extra time and want to hop off the beaten path? From Santa Cruz, the route continues along the spectacular Highway One until Monterey. Monterey has a small airport that receives some commercial flights (MRY), but the nearest big airport is in San Jose (SJC). Driving from Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) is not the quickest and most convenient way to get to Monterey as it is 158 miles away and will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive there. For over 30 years, Hudson has met the needs and wants of travelers in more than 1,000 duty-free, duty-paid, and food . San Francisco to Monterey Drive [Best Stops on Pacific Coast Highway] Inside the market, youll find goods like olallieberry pie, strawberry shortcake, berry jams, freshly squeezed strawberry lemonade, and even t-shirts for sale. For instance, it's just steps away from the Monterey Museum of Art and only a 10-minute walk to the Monterey State Historic Park. Swanton Berry Farm really is a strawberry lovers dream come true! 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. Not only is it a lifesaver when we actually do encounter car troubles, but its great to have (for peace of mind) even if we dont. 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! Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck's Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Our driver will be waiting for you with a welcome sign upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport and will take you directly to Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay. Chef Travel Guide is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program. 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. . Though its very possible to do the drive from San Francisco to Monterey in 2 hours, youd be missing out on all the fun along the way. Besides the shared ride airport shuttles, we can also provide door-to-door shuttle services from SFO to Monterey. Great online booking system! We recommend three different ways to get from San Francisco to Monterey, plus the considerations to keep in mind with each transportation option. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. TEXT us at (831) 373-7777. Another international airport near Monterey Bay is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). During peak travel season, Amtrak provides one route per day from San Francisco, departing at 7am and arriving in Monterey at 1pm. Villa Franca Inn Located 10 minutes walk from Monterey town center, the Villa Franca Inn offers bright, clean and modern guest rooms which include free WiFi, a microwave and fridge, and TV. It is also the second-busiest on the Western Coast of North America and the seventh busiest airport in the United States. Monterey Airbus can provide transportation to landmarks and sites across Monterey Bay. We offer a full array of Sedans, SUV's, Limousines, Vans and Mini-Coaches in Monterery all meticulously maintained to exceed your expectations! At Monterey, you will have 2 hours on your own to explore. Another airport you can fly into for Monterey is Oakland 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. We offer the best transportation, stress-free and on time available to or from the SFO intentional terminal. BEST 17-Mile Drive, Carmel and Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco. Monterey & Carmel Explorer. From MRY: Car Rental: This is your best option when arriving at Monterey Regional Airport. Monterey to SFO | SFO International | Monterey Airbus Such close distance makes Monterey the perfect coastal town for a day trip from San Francisco. Excellent customer service even though I had to cancel my trip. Monterey Transportation: Tips to Get Around the Bay Area - SF Tourism Tips The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is only an eight-minute drive from downtown. Or review the pickup and drop off videos above for more information. 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. 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. The Half Moon Bay coastline is made up of multiple state beaches, including Surfers Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. You can either book before or after you arrive. Here are some basic driving times from notable California cities: Of course, well be focusing on the Highway 1 route here! Rental Cars: Take the rental car shuttle buses that operate between terminals and the rental car center every ten minutes or less, 24 hours a day. If youre not looking for a shuttle van or airbus, private sedans and limousines from SFO are also available. 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. Maybe you could stop in Santa Cruz and stroll the Boardwalk (if it's open). Ride some coasters, stroll around (walking around is admission-free), and eat some funnel cake! However, if youre planning on doing multiple stops, this airport is the best one to fly into. Book A Shuttle To San Francisco Airport (SFO) From Monterey Bay Depending on the time of year you hike it, you can very well spot dozens of banana slugs on the ground during the hike! 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. California Shuttle Bus - Rates & Policies | Monterey Airbus Offering direct beach access and a year-round outdoor heated pool, Monterey Tides, is 3 mi from Monterey Bay Aquarium. Show more. That's how we provide the best airport shuttle service to SFO and SJC! 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. You can find their pick-up and drop-off locations at SJC here. Get from SFO to Monterey and back with our affordable domestic shuttle service! 4 hours 50 minutes. The best way to get to Monterey is by driving. From San Francisco to Monterey by Train. 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. At best, youll have time to visit 5-7 stops before making it to Monterey in the late afternoon. 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! One of the main attractions of Davenport is the famous Shark Fin Cove, one of the coolest-looking beaches in all of California. 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). 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. During springtime, look out into the distance! HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP? 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. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the second nearest airport to Monterey, and it would take about 1:25 hours to get there. Because of its stable weather conditions, theres always a variety of activities you can do when you visit, no matter the time of year. The distance from Monterey to San Francisco is about 120 miles. 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! 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 They are road trip essentials! Though membership does not cover car rental insurance, there are some awesome, exclusive car rental perks. Ideally, youd have 2-3 full days to embark on this coastal adventure! 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. San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey - Rome2rio 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. From there, head to Pleasure Point to enjoy some of the best breakfast burritos in maybe all of California at Point Market (an unsuspecting convenience store that just so happens to serve some huge and yummy breakfast burritos). At times, youll find a random swing anchored to one of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf. Even though this is a smaller airport compared to SFO, there are over 42 nonstop destinations serviced by 11 airlines. Monterey Regional Airport - Welcome to MRY Regardless of if youre starting a road trip in San Francisco or not, this amazing city is worth exploring for a few days. TheiOttieattaches by suction, so its easy to transport from car to car. Recommended Stops on the Highway 280 + Highway 17 Route: There are two recommended stops: the rustic-chic town of Woodside, which has a Michelin-starred restaurant (The Village Pub), a gourmet grocery store, and other foodie destinations; and the bustling town of Los Gatos, with its charming downtown; mountain views; and great selection of boutiques, cafs, bakeries, and restaurants. You do have to pay an entrance fee just to drive on it. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from downtown Monterey to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or about 15 minutes by bus. 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. Welcome to Californias most photographed lighthouse! Yes. Book flights from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO) - Air Canada Trust me when I tell you, their strawberry shortcake is absolutely delightful. Tips For Finding The Cheapest Flights Possible. Park here instead and save that $25 for a second round of drinks! At Prunedale go west 5 miles on State Highway 156, then merge onto southbound Highway 1. . Find the best ocean view hotels in Carmel, CA for a perfect romantic getaway. Read more about Roaring Camp and see the train scheduleshere. 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. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided (on a silver tray if youd like). Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. The best way to get from San Jose airport to Monterey is by renting a car. Re: Things to do between San Francisco and Monterey. Plan your arrival | California State University Monterey Bay Rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished, and some rooms even provide ocean views. Head to the lush Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Start planning your trip from San Francisco to Monterey with our list of transportation options. Heres the address to help you out: 2080 CA-1, Pescadero, CA 94060. 6 Best Coffee Shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea [2023], 11 Best Breweries in Monterey 2023 [For Craft Beer Lovers], 16 Best Ocean View Hotels in Carmel CA 2023 [Budget to Luxury], 10 Best Coffee Shops in Monterey 2023 [For Coffee Lovers], 27 Best Things to Do in Monterey and Carmel 2023 [2-Day Itinerary]. Follow it up with a meal at Duartes Tavern. Photos can also be taken from the bluff which is much safer. Ao Nuevo State Park is a nature reserve featuring wetland marshes, dune fields, coastal scrub, and beaches. Local Tip: Looking for the closest airport to Carmel, CA? Another option is to take the Monterey Airbus, but this will definitely take much longer than driving yourself. This hike is only 1.6 miles long. Its located at the mouth ofElkhorn Slough, one of Californias largest wetland areas and home to hundreds of animal species. Probably one of the cutest hotels Ive ever laid eyes on! Depending on where youll be flying from, Southwest Airlines has some great deals on select routes from time to time, so keep an eye out for them. San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium - Rome2rio