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. Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco. Maybe you could stop in Santa Cruz and stroll the Boardwalk (if it's open). Airport Shuttles. Great online booking system! 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. If you want to get to Monterey on a budget, you should definitely consider flying into SJC. 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. Once you are all souped up on caffeine, head to Arcangeli Grocery (aka Norms Market). 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. 1. 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 If youre lucky, youll get some sun! You can also take the BARTa 40-minute ride costs about $10. Grab coffee and pastries atDowntown Local, an adorable coffee shop on the main street. Monterey Airbus is proud to announce we now provide wheelchair transportation, following an agreement with the United States DOJ. 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. 1. Book Main Event for Luxury Limousines and Car Services. There are also a lot of rental car companies that you can choose from and 38 non-stop destinations within the US. Copyright 2023 Monterey Airbus. 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! This all-day (11-hour) guided tour takes participants on Highway One, the scenic coastal route, from San Francisco 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! You can take the Monterey Airbus, an airport shuttle that will take you directly to San Jose Airport. If you love pie, keep an eye out, because this one is easy to miss. Most importantly, with any SFO airport shuttle you want stress-free travel and we offer just that. Rental Cars: Take the rental car shuttle that arrives at designated stops on ground-level curbs outside both terminals every ten minutes. Its 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. Fortunately, it's also easy to get from San Francisco to Monterey, with a variety of options available for travelers. Welcome to MRY. What sets us apart from other airport shuttles at SJC and SFO? Take a few moments to browse through all the local gift shops, clothing boutiques, bookstores, and home decor shops. 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. Request a ride to and from MRY at the tap of a button. Read more about Roaring Camp and see the train scheduleshere. Land area: 1125 acres. The drive from San Francisco to Monterey takes about 2.5 hours on the quickest route, usually the Highway 101 route. The drive from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA is approximately 120 miles. Shuttle Schedule:San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). Probably one of the cutest hotels Ive ever laid eyes on! There are different options that you can take to get to Monterey from OAK. Bull elephant seals can be up to 16 feet wide and weigh an average of three tons each! If youre lucky, you might even catch a mother seal giving birth. For the most scenic route, take Highway One the entire way. Is there a shuttle from SFO to SJC? and the town of Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center. Recommended option Fly 2h 14m Fly from Monterey (MRY) to San Francisco (SFO) MRY - SFO $112 - $382 Looking for flights from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO)? If youre flying into SFO, youll be a bit further away, but perfectly situated for the road trip route listed in this post! 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. 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. Author Lisa Alexander is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and returns regularly. 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). 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). This hike is only 1.6 miles long. Town Car Service. The Monterey Regional Airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience. It passes through Gilroy and San Jose. 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. 316. 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. The tidepools at this reserve are probably one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. SFO is the largest airport in Northern California. Visit Monterey on your schedule with a private Monterey shuttle van or SFO ground transportation service. Please do yourself a favor and get a slice of pie or shortcake per personitll be so good that you wont want to share! Use this guide to find the best airports to fly into for Carmel-by-the-Sea. For a scenic drive, Highway 17-S to Hwy 1 is the best choice, but some sections are pretty windy. All Rights Reserved. Monterey Airbus Accepts All Major Credit Cards. Youve finally made it to Montereygive yourself a pat on the back! Got a little bit of extra time and want to hop off the beaten path? The sunsets here are excellent, making it the ideal place to call it a night. However, travelers should keep in mind that the multi-leg train journey takes six hours and requires two connections. Portable Cooler| Coolers are a must for any road trip. If you need an SFO airport ride to or from Monterey Bay we can help you find and book quality ground transportation options from trusted partners. You want friendly drivers, comfortable vehicles, and reasonable rates. Enjoy the ease of flying to and from MRY on more than 40 flights in and out of Monterey Airport daily. Even though this is a smaller airport compared to SFO, there are over 42 nonstop destinations serviced by 11 airlines. Rated excellent by real customers Raphael B. For dinner, we highly recommend Jacks Hamburgers or Lillians Italian Kitchen! Aside from enjoying the warm sand and sun at Capitola Beach, take some time to stroll through Capitola Village, being sure to enjoy the ambiance, eateries, and shops. 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. Our credit card benefits typically cover car rental insurance, so we usually stick with that as our primary insurance. 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. The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is only an eight-minute drive from downtown. In this local favorite natural reserve, you will find a few hiking trails, hidden beaches, and many viewpoints to keep you busy for 1-2 hours. For the latest information, please visit their website here. 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. 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! 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 provides daily shuttles to and from Monterey to SOF and SJC airports, as well as, private charters to Pebble Beach, CA. Rental Cars: Take the AirTrain Blue Line from the airport terminals, which will take you directly to the rental car center. Monterey Airbus offers many locations in the Monterey area as well as SFO and SJC! At Monterey, you will have 2 hours on your own to explore. Rental Cars: The in-terminal car rental centers are conveniently located across from baggage claim. Either bring your own car, or rent one! 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. To have easy access to all the best things to do in Monterey, you should base yourself in the downtown area. You can either pick your own berries or browse the store for already picked berries and other goods. Next stop: Pescadero, CA! Southwest Airlines has amazing deals for this airport, depending on the departure city. Get from SFO to Monterey and back with our affordable domestic shuttle service! United Airlines flies from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey once daily. When you ride with Monterey Airbus, you ride with the best! 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. Having a car allows for flexibility in trip planning. At your first rest stop in Davenport, you will have a chance to take a selfie with the whole Pacific as your backdrop. 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. 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. Another international airport near Monterey Bay is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). This convenient little kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags. Davenport Pier is located at the beach below the bluff, but it is not easy to get to. From lighthouses to tide pools, world-renowned aquariums to nostalgic roller coasters, I guarantee you will love what Highway 1 on the Northern California coast has to offer! There are 6 ways to get from Monterey to San Francisco Airport (SFO) by plane, bus, train, car, towncar or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. 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. Though membership does not cover car rental insurance, there are some awesome, exclusive car rental perks. ), or taking a quick coastal stroll. It's time to grab a ride with Monterey Airbus! Traveling from the airport to downtown Monterey takes about an hour and 50 minutes. 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. Do not miss your opportunity to pick up their locally famous homemade artichoke garlic bread. Another totally Instagram-worthy spot is Davenport Pier, a frequently photographed landmark. They are road trip essentials! 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. Not only does the tool allow you to compare rental car prices, but most of the time you can book with no prepayment and no cancellation fees. It is also the second-busiest on the Western Coast of North America and the seventh busiest airport in the United States. Discover the best cafes in for the best coffee in Carmel. 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. ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? 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. Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. Find all the travel essentials you'll need in my Amazon storefront. To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! Start planning your trip from San Francisco to Monterey with our list of transportation options. Was this page helpful? Our Monterey to San Francisco shuttles are great for anyone visiting Monterey or leaving through San Francisco. The service departs from San Francisco by bus; connects to a train service in Emeryville, which continues on to Salinas; and finally connects to a bus in Salinas that drops off travelers at Monterey Transit Plaza. 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 He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. 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 coastal route takes about 30 minutes longer, but rewards with sweeping ocean views as the road curves around hillsides that overlook the Pacific. Because of its postcard-perfect setting, historic charm, and wide array of tourist attractions, Monterey is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco. Youll need sturdy shoes and should only attempt if a rope to guide you down the bluff is present (or, bring your own ropes). SF & Monterey are only 110 miles apart. Once you get past the winding two-lane road, youll be greeted by a variety of charming shops, restaurants, world-class golf courses, and quaint bed-and-breakfasts. Ive lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years now, and have only recently discovered this hidden gem of a spot, playing host to some of the best hiking in all of the Bay! 9. 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. Many travelers prefer to enjoy a weekend getaway from San Francisco rather than a day trip, because the drive is quite long for just one day of sightseeing. Check the Uber app for current prices and travel options available. It is also a year-round stopping point for orcas. Even if its just a quick weekend trip (or day trip) down the coast of California! In Pescadero during the afternoon or evening? The views are stunning and the rock formation really does look just like a shark fin! From the San Francisco Bay Area, take US 101 south to Prunedale (in inland Monterey Bay). 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. From Santa Cruz, the route continues along the spectacular Highway One until Monterey. Monterey, CA is 116 miles away from San Francisco, which is about a 2-hour drive. 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. 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. Whale-watching toursare also all the rage here. TEXT us at (831) 373-7777. The best way to get to Monterey is by driving. 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. Read More 27 Best Things to Do in Monterey and Carmel 2023 [2-Day Itinerary]Continue. We like to rent fromHertz. Number of FBOs: 2. We respect your privacy. Looking for a place to stay for the night in Capitola, CA? But some of the towns youll encounter like Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel, CA deserve way more than a fraction of a day! 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. For the best rates, see RentalCars.com. San Jose Airport is about 90 minutes north of Pebble Beach and San Francisco Airport is 2 hours north. Depending on the time of year, you might see gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, or killer whales. Be warned that State Highway 156 often gets congested on the weekends with tourists. Los Gatos is an ideal stopping point, since it is almost exactly halfway between San Francisco and Monterey. We offer the best transportation, stress-free and on time available to or from the SFO intentional terminal. Incredible location - right at the beach. Crushing waves are the best lullaby. 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. Follow it up with a meal at Duartes Tavern. As a matter of fact, pick up a loaf for someone you love, too! If I had to pick thebesttime to visit, Id recommendlate September to early October. TCP385565 Justin Court, Monterey, CA 93940. During the summer months, a variety of special events are hosted at the beach, including free family movies, art shows, and a twilight concert series. Ride some coasters, stroll around (walking around is admission-free), and eat some funnel cake! Regardless of if youre starting a road trip in San Francisco or not, this amazing city is worth exploring for a few days. Rental Cars: The rental car center is located directly across from Terminal B. 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. The Ultimate San Francisco To Portland Road Trip: 50+ Stops You Need To Make In Between, Complete Guide to Revealing The Priceline Express Deals Hotel Before You Book, The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel, Patagonia Outlet: Everything You Need To Know About The Shopping Experience, The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation, The Nike Employee Store: How To Get In and What To Expect (Beaverton, Oregon). Grab some refreshing tiki drinks at Hulas Island Grill, then stroll around downtown Santa Cruz, being sure to enjoy all the restaurants, coffee shops, surf shops, and vintage shops in the area. At best, youll have time to visit 5-7 stops before making it to Monterey in the late afternoon. Heres the address to help you out: 2080 CA-1, Pescadero, CA 94060. The shuttle costs $59 for a one-way ticket to Monterey, which will take around 2:45 hours, depending on traffic. Photos can also be taken from the bluff which is much safer. At times, youll find a random swing anchored to one of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf. Save. As many as 10,000 seals will pay a visit to the dunes and beaches of Ao Nuevo State Park to breed and give birth to their pups. The classic train redwood forest route takes you up Bear Mountain. Followthis driving mapas you wind through and admire the beauty along the way. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 25 miles from downtown San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay. Distance to downtown San Francisco: A 30-minute taxi will cost about $60. With traffic, we made it to SFO timely and he tried to hurry to get me to my flight on time. TCP385565 Justin Court, Monterey, CA 93940, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). Car Rental: Driving from SJC to Monterey takes about an hour to an hour and a half. The sheer number of seals is certainly impressive, but so is their size. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from downtown Monterey to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or about 15 minutes by bus. HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP? That should give you enough time to explore roadside attractions, visit farms, and hike in the daytime, then relax in a larger city in the evening before continuing on your road trip. Position: Airport Shop Team Leader - Located in San Francisco International Airport<br>Location: Ashland<br>Located in San Francisco International Airport $300 HIRING BONUS FOR JOINING OUR TEAM!<br><br>GROW With US!<br><br>Hudson is North America's leading travel retailer. Berry Creek Falls is by far the most popular destination in Big Basin. While the entire reserve is beautiful and worth exploring, dont missChina CoveandBird Island Lookout(on the south end of the park). It connects to State Highway 156 and allows access to Prunedale and Castroville in the west. Limos. Local Tip: Looking for the closest airport to Carmel, CA? Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a . Will definitely use this company in the future. Our limousine fleet is perfect for executive transportation, student transportation, and private shuttles in Monterey. 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. Looking for private transportation or luxury sedan? 17-Mile Drive . Now that youve figured out the pros and cons of each airport, all thats left to do is to book your flight and pack your bags for your adventure to beautiful Monterey. Our scheduled shuttles for SFO international flights have routes that run all throughout the day with stops at San Jose and Monterey Bay. We absolutely love ourAAA Auto Club membership. Book your Montreal to San Francisco flight today.