Monterey, California, a picturesque coastal city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, beckons travelers with its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're escaping for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, planning your travel to Monterey requires understanding the nearest airports. This comprehensive guide reveals the closest airports to Monterey, helping you choose the best option for your trip.
What are the closest airports to Monterey?
The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). However, its limited flight options and sometimes higher fares might lead you to consider alternatives. Therefore, understanding the proximity and advantages of other nearby airports is crucial for smooth travel planning. This often depends on your origination point and preferred airline.
Is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) the best option?
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) offers the most convenient option for those seeking a direct route. However, it's a smaller airport with fewer flight options and potentially higher ticket prices compared to larger airports further away. This is especially true during peak seasons. If your flight options are limited from MRY or if cost is a primary concern, exploring alternative airports becomes necessary.
What airlines fly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)?
Airlines serving MRY vary seasonally, but typically include a mix of major and regional carriers. Checking directly with airlines or using flight comparison websites is the best way to determine current flight availability and pricing.
What are the alternative airports near Monterey?
If MRY doesn't meet your needs, several alternative airports offer more flight options and potentially better prices, albeit requiring a longer drive to Monterey.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Monterey, San Jose International Airport (SJC) offers a wider selection of airlines and flight frequencies than MRY. This makes it a popular choice for travelers, particularly those flying from destinations with limited direct flights to MRY. Rental cars are readily available at SJC, making the drive to Monterey straightforward.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
While further away at about 2 hours, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) boasts the most extensive range of domestic and international flights. This is ideal for travelers arriving from various locations across the globe or connecting through a major hub. The drive from SFO to Monterey is scenic, although longer than from SJC.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located approximately 2 hours away, Oakland International Airport (OAK) provides a similar range of flight options to SFO but often at slightly lower prices. It's a strong contender for budget-conscious travelers. The drive from OAK to Monterey is comparable to the drive from SFO.
Which airport is cheapest to fly into near Monterey?
The cheapest airport to fly into near Monterey varies depending on your origination point, time of year, and airline. Flight comparison websites are invaluable tools to check prices across all these airports before booking your trip. Generally, OAK and SJC often offer more competitive pricing than MRY and SFO, especially for domestic flights.
Which airport is closest to Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea, located just south of Monterey, is equally accessible from all the airports mentioned above. MRY remains the closest, but the added convenience of SJC's larger selection of flights often makes it the preferred option for many travelers heading to Carmel.
How far is each airport from Monterey?
- MRY (Monterey Regional Airport): Approximately 5-10 minutes.
- SJC (San Jose International Airport): Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- SFO (San Francisco International Airport): Approximately 2 hours.
- OAK (Oakland International Airport): Approximately 2 hours.
This information should assist in planning your trip to the beautiful Monterey area. Remember to factor in drive time and potential traffic when making your decision. Happy travels!
