How to get to Monterey

When planning a trip along the sunny coast of California, many tourists wonder how to get to Monterey — a historic city and popular resort in the USA. This picturesque destination, renowned for its seascapes and rich cultural heritage, is accessible in various ways. You can fly here by plane, travel on a comfortable bus, or enjoy an exciting drive by car along famous American highways.

The fastest way to reach the coast is to take a flight to the regional Monterey Airport (MRY), which receives aircraft from major transit hubs and is located just a few kilometers from the center. This allows you to begin exploring the city almost immediately after landing, avoiding long transfers.

Alternatively, travelers often choose the international airport in the city of San Jose (SJC), located approximately 82 km from the resort. It serves a significantly larger number of commercial flights, and you can reach your final destination from there by renting a car or booking a transfer.

There is no direct rail service to Monterey itself, as the city does not have its own train station. Tourists preferring trains will need to transfer to another mode of transport to cover the final leg of the journey.

The nearest major hub is San Jose (about 82 km away), where long-distance trains arrive. You can also travel to stations in the cities of Mountain View or Hayward, from where it is convenient to continue the journey by bus or rental car.

Bus transportation remains a popular and budget-friendly option for traveling to the ocean. Regular trips from the city of San Jose allow you to cover the distance of 109 km in approximately 2.4 hours, enjoying the views from the window.

If you are departing from Mountain View, the road will take about 2.9 hours (almost 120 km). The journey from the city of Hayward will last slightly longer — roughly 3.1 hours, during which the bus covers about 143 km.

Traveling by car is an excellent way to independently explore the picturesque roads of California on the way to Monterey. The 115 km drive from San Jose usually takes just 1.2 hours in the absence of traffic jams.

The route from Mountain View (123 km) will require about 1.4 hours of travel time. If you are driving from the city of Hayward, expect to spend approximately 1.8 hours behind the wheel covering a distance of 158 km; taxis are also available for these routes, though they will cost significantly more than renting a car.

To ensure your trip to this Californian city is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth considering several local features. Here is a list of useful recommendations for preparing for your trip.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate here is moderate, but it is often foggy and windy. It is recommended to dress in "layers": bring a t-shirt, a warm sweater, and a windproof jacket to easily adapt to weather changes throughout the day.
2. Transport. The city center is compact and convenient for walking, but to visit the scenic surroundings and drive along the coast, it is better to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted everywhere, however, keeping some cash in small denominations is useful for paying for parking or tips.
4. Health and Safety. The city is considered safe for tourists. In emergencies, call 911; pharmacies and medical facilities are easy to find in central districts.
5. Communication. The primary language of communication is English. Staff at tourist sites are usually very friendly and ready to assist, even if your language proficiency is basic.
6. Local Etiquette. In restaurants and taxis, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% of the bill amount, as this constitutes a significant part of the staff's earnings.
7. What to Avoid. It is strictly prohibited to feed wild animals (seals, otters, squirrels) or approach them too closely — this is dangerous and punishable by high fines.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to visit the historic Cannery Row district early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town in silence.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid unforeseen situations and fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Pacific coast.