Key Highlights
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Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the direct way for people to get to California’s beautiful Central Coast.
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Major airlines such as United, American, Alaska, and Allegiant fly to and from monterey regional airport.
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You can enjoy the ease of direct flights to big cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.
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If you want more flight choices, you can go to San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO). They are good options, and both are just a nice drive from monterey.
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Getting from MRY is easy. There are rental cars, taxis, and public buses just waiting for you.
Introduction
Welcome to Monterey! Planning a trip to this beautiful part of the United States can be very exciting. Getting here is also simple. The Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) puts you close to the stunning coast and nice towns of the Monterey Peninsula. This guide helps you know all about flying into Monterey. You will find info on airport choices, airlines, and how to get around when you land. This will help you make your travel easy and stress-free.
Major Airports Serving Monterey
When you fly to the Monterey Peninsula, the most direct airport to use is the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). It is in Monterey County, so you can get to local places fast. This airport makes it easy for people who want to spend less time traveling on the ground and get to have fun as soon as they land.
But, if you want to find more flights or maybe better prices, there are bigger airports that you can use. San Jose International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are the two large hubs in the area. It will take some time to drive from these airports to Monterey, but for some people, they will be good options. Next, we will look closer at each airport to help you make a choice.
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): Overview and Key Features
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is a public airport run by the Monterey Peninsula Airport District. It serves people in all of Monterey County. The airport sits on 496 acres. There are two asphalt runways, and the air traffic control at the airport helps everything work well. The airport used to have the name Monterey Peninsula Airport, but in 2011 it got a new name to show its bigger role in the area.
The history of the airport goes back quite far. In 1910, planes first landed at a hotel polo field here. The real airport opened in 1936. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the land, and it became the Naval Auxiliary Air Station Monterey in 1943. The Navy stayed at the airport until 1972.
Now, Monterey Regional Airport is a modern and easy place for people to fly in and out. Because the airport is not too big and is in a good spot, many people like using it. They want to save time and enjoy a smooth trip. MRY makes it simple to go from the gate, out to the coast, in just a short time.
Nearby Alternatives: San Jose International (SJC) & San Francisco International (SFO)
While MRY is the airport that is right by Monterey, you can also get there by flying into San Jose International (SJC) or San Francisco International (SFO). SJC is about one hour from Monterey by car. SFO is around two hours away. Both of these bigger airports often have more flights to pick from and airlines that fly to other countries. This is helpful if you want more options in your travel plans.
You can pick MRY, SJC, or SFO by thinking about what is most important to you. If you want to get to Monterey fast, MRY will be the best for you because it is just minutes from your stop. If you want more flight choices or if you hope to save money and don’t mind a pretty drive along the coast of California, then SJC or SFO from san jose or san francisco might be better for your trip.
There are easy shuttle services from san francisco and san jose to monterey. Companies like Groome Transportation and Main Event Transportation can pick you up right at the airport and take you all the way to your spot in monterey. This helps make your trip smooth, even if you don’t rent a car from one of the big airports.
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Options
Getting to the Central Coast is easy with the many airlines and flight choices you have at Monterey Regional Airport. There are direct flights from many big cities in the western United States, so you can get to this area without trouble. If you come for work or fun, the airport’s services help you start your trip in a good way.
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) has many types of airlines. You can pick from well-known companies or ones that help you save money. Now, let’s see which airlines fly out of MRY and what top places they will take you to.
Airlines Operating Out of Monterey Regional Airport
Several well-known airlines operate flights out of Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), providing reliable service to and from key cities. You can fly with major carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, Allegiant Air offers service, giving you more choices for your travel plans.
These airlines connect Monterey to their larger networks, allowing for easy one-stop travel from hundreds of domestic and international destinations. Whether you’re booking a quick getaway or a longer vacation, you’ll find an airline that fits your needs.
Here is a quick look at the airlines and their primary destinations from MRY:
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Airline |
Destinations from Monterey (MRY) |
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Alaska Airlines |
San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma |
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Allegiant Air |
Las Vegas |
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American Airlines |
Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix–Sky Harbor (Seasonal) |
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United Express |
Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco |
Direct Flights to Major U.S. Cities
One of the best things about Monterey Regional Airport is that you can get direct flights to many big cities in the U.S. This makes your travel easy because you spend less time getting from one place to another. You will have more hours to enjoy your stop or vacation. Do you want to know if your city is on the list?
Direct flights help you reach Monterey without any stops in the middle. You can fly straight from big places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Dallas, and more. This makes any weekend trip or longer vacation with family or friends so much simpler.
Here are a few of the main cities with direct flights to Monterey:
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Los Angeles (LAX)
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San Diego (SAN)
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Phoenix (PHX)
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Denver (DEN)
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Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
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Seattle (SEA)
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Las Vegas (LAS)
Facilities and Amenities at Monterey Regional Airport
At Monterey Regional Airport, your comfort and ease come first. The terminal has many things to help make your trip feel good and simple. These things are made to help you have less stress from the time you get here to when you get on your plane. The airport is set up with passengers like you in mind.
If you want to eat, need to pick up some last-minute items, or want to rest before you go, the airport will help you with that. Here’s what you can find and use when you are inside the Monterey Regional Airport terminal.
Passenger Services and Navigational Ease
Monterey Regional Airport is easy to get around, so it’s a good choice for anyone, even if it’s your first time flying. The airport is small, and there are signs everywhere, so you can move from check-in to your gate without much trouble. You will not find the stress or confusion that comes with big airports here. The smart design helps you have a smooth and quick trip.
You can get to everything you need with just a short walk. There is only one terminal at monterey regional airport, and it is easy to follow. This helps you feel good and know where you are going through security and to your flight.
Here are some things that make it easy to get around:
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There is a terminal layout that is simple to use.
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You can find helpful airport staff to answer your questions.
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There are lots of clear signs at mry so you always know where to go.
Because monterey regional airport puts a focus on keeping things simple and easy, many people think it is one of the best airports to fly from in the united states.
Dining, Shopping, and Traveler Conveniences
When you wait for your flight at Monterey Regional Airport, you can find places to eat and shop in the terminal. The airport has many things to make sure you have a nice and easy time as you wait. If you get hungry or want to grab a quick gift, you will find what you need.
You can stop and have a snack, a coffee, or sit down for a meal at the eateries in monterey regional airport. There are also shops in the terminal. You can look for books, souvenirs, or things you might need for travel without leaving the area.
Some of the things that make your time better at the airport are:
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Dining options, so you can get meals or small snacks.
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Retail shops to buy gifts or any travel items.
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Comfortable places to sit and relax in the terminal before your flight.
All these choices help make your trip at the monterey regional airport smooth, simple, and even a little fun.
Ground Transportation and Access
After you get to Monterey Regional Airport, getting where you need to go is easy. The airport gives you many ways to leave that can fit what you want to spend or how you want to travel. You can drive your own car, use a shuttle, or find another way. There are a lot of choices waiting for you.
You will see rental cars, taxis, buses, and rideshare cars right at the airport. Getting to downtown Monterey or the areas near it is simple and quick. Now let’s look at the ways you can go from Monterey Regional Airport to your hotel or your next spot.
Getting From MRY to Downtown Monterey
One big reason people like to fly into Monterey Regional Airport is because it is very close to the city center. The airport sits just three miles southeast of downtown Monterey, CA. This means, after you land at MRY, you can start your trip almost right away.
So, how long does it take to get downtown? In normal traffic, the trip from the airport to downtown Monterey takes about 10 minutes. That is a short drive, and it’s a main part of why many people choose to fly straight into MRY.
You could be seeing Fisherman’s Wharf, going to Cannery Row, or walking into your hotel soon after landing. The quick trip saves your time, so you get more time to see all the great things in Monterey.
Shuttle, Taxi, Rental Cars, and Public Transit Options
Monterey Regional Airport has many ways for you to get where you need to be. If you want to drive yourself, you can pick from the big rental car companies that are right there at the airport. It is easy and quick to get your car.
If you do not want to drive, you can get a taxi from the Monterey County Regional Taxi Authority. There are also rideshare options like Uber and Lyft, which are allowed at the airport, so you have more ways to get a ride.
Here are the main ground transportation choices you will find:
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Rental Cars
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Taxis and Shuttles
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Rideshare Services (Lyft, Uber)
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Public Transit (Monterey-Salinas Transit)
You can also use Monterey-Salinas Transit for public bus rides. This is a good way for you to get around the Monterey area without spending a lot.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Monterey Airports Travel Guide gives you all the key details you need for a good travel experience. It tells you about the main airports in the area and the airlines and flights you can take. The guide also explains what you get at Monterey Regional Airport and the types of ground transport. This helps you get around the central coast without any stress. If this is your first trip to Monterey or you have been here many times, using this guide can help you make plans with ease. If you are set to see the great sights the central coast has to offer, now is a good time to start. If you want help, you can ask for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey Regional Airport easy for first-time travelers?
Yes, Monterey Regional Airport is very easy for people flying for the first time. The monterey regional airport, or MRY, has just one small terminal. Signs are clear so you know where to go. This terminal is not big, so you do not feel lost or stressed like in some other airports. You can go from check-in to your gate with no problem. This makes your trip smooth and nice.
Which airport is most convenient for visiting Monterey and the Central Coast?
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest airport. It is only a few minutes away from downtown Monterey and the Central Coast. But San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have more flights. These airports could be a good pick if you do not mind a one to two-hour drive. The drive can be nice and scenic, with time to enjoy the view.
What is the contact information for Monterey Regional Airport?
If you want the latest news about the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), you should check their main website. You will find details about flight times, parking spots, and things for travelers. Just go to montereyairport.com. This is the best spot to help you plan your trip in and out of Monterey Regional Airport.