Monterey Regional Airport

Monterey Regional Airport is not merely a transit hub, but an atmospheric beginning to a journey through one of California's most beautiful regions. There are no endless queues or the hustle and bustle of giant hubs here: travellers are welcomed by the relaxed rhythm of the coast and a fresh ocean breeze. The compact terminal allows you to complete all formalities in a matter of minutes, so you can swap your aircraft seat for a stroll along the legendary Highway 1 or the beaches of Carmel as soon as possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Comfort and Speed. The main feature of MRY is its intimate scale. The journey from the entrance doors to the boarding gate takes very little time here, sparing passengers from tiresome walks. This makes flights as stress-free and convenient as possible, especially for families with children.

Dining with a Panoramic View. The terminal's calling card is the restaurant Woody’s at the Airport. It is located before the security checkpoint, allowing both departing passengers and those seeing them off to enjoy excellent local cuisine with a view of the runway and picturesque hills.

Atmospheric Boarding. In Monterey, boarding and disembarking via ramps directly onto the tarmac is often practised, without the use of enclosed jet bridges. This adds a touch of retro charm to the trip: descending the ramp, you immediately feel the California sun and see the surrounding beauty.

Strategic Location. The airport is located just a 10–15 minute drive from major attractions: the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row waterfront, and the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It is an ideal starting point for a journey towards Big Sur.

• Official Website: www.montereyairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (831) 648-7000
• Airport Address: 200 Fred Kane Dr, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on its official pages on networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For items left in the terminal or car park, please contact the airport's Lost and Found service. If you have lost luggage or personal items on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Customer Support Contacts: For general information, consultations, and assistance, you can call the main airport information desk number.

Getting to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), located just a few kilometres southeast of the centre of Monterey, is quite simple. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus system serves the airport. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 20-30 minutes, and the ticket cost will be just a few dollars. This is an excellent choice for light travellers wishing to save money. Be sure to check the current bus schedule on the MST website, as flight frequency may vary.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a faster and more comfortable way to get to the airport. The trip from the city centre will take only 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip usually varies from 15 to 25 dollars. This option is ideal if you have a lot of luggage or value your time. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for groups.

Car Rental is a wonderful solution for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Monterey, for example, to embark on a journey along the famous Big Sur highway. Offices of all major rental companies operate at and near the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking facilities are provided: there are both short-term and long-term options with daily payment rates. This is convenient if you are flying away for a few days and want to leave your car in a secure place.

It is worth noting that many travellers heading to this part of California fly into larger international airports offering more flights. Among the nearest hubs are Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located approximately 86 km away, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 124 km away. From these airports, you can reach Monterey by rental car or use shuttle services; the trip will take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Monterey Airport (MRY) is a compact and convenient regional airport serving the city of the same name and the surrounding picturesque areas of the USA. Its key feature is simplicity and efficiency, making it extremely convenient for travellers who do not wish to waste time navigating through huge terminal complexes.

The Monterey airport has only one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights. This completely eliminates the need for transfers between terminals, or the use of shuttles or trains. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to boarding gates — is located in one building, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. The ground floor houses the Arrivals zones, including baggage claim belts, car rental company counters, and exits to taxis and shuttles. Airline check-in counters are also located here. After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where the Departures zone is located. It includes the security checkpoint and several boarding gates. Since all gates are located in one hall, you will easily find yours by following the signs.

Due to the airport's small size, completing all pre-flight procedures typically takes significantly less time than in major hubs. Check-in and security screening usually proceed quickly and without long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure to calmly check in luggage, pass through control, and reach your gate.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs. It is practically impossible to get lost at MRY airport. All key zones are within walking distance of each other, ensuring a calm and comfortable start or end to your journey.

The history of Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) begins in 1936 when it was opened as a small airfield to serve local needs. Its humble beginnings laid the foundation for future development, which was closely linked to key events of the 20th century and the growing popularity of the Monterey Peninsula as a tourist destination.

The airport received a significant boost in development during World War II. During this period, it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the US Navy and used as an auxiliary airbase for pilot training and coastal patrolling. It was during the war years that the first hard-surface runway was built, marking a crucial stage in infrastructure modernisation.

After the war ended, the airport returned to civil use and was named Monterey Peninsula Airport. In subsequent decades, it gradually expanded to meet growing passenger traffic. Key terminal renovations were carried out in the 1970s and 1990s, allowing for improved service quality and increased capacity. These updates helped the airport cope with the influx of guests arriving for world-famous events, such as the Jazz Festival and Monterey Car Week.

In 2011, the airport was officially renamed Monterey Regional Airport to better reflect its importance to the entire Central Coast of California. Among interesting facts from its history, it is worth noting that it became one of the first airports in the US to install its own solar power station to reduce environmental impact. Today, MRY is a modern aerial gateway that has retained a cosy atmosphere and continues to play an important role in the region's life, connecting it with major cities across the country.

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-thought-out to ensure your journey begins and ends with pleasant impressions. Here you will find several options for a snack — from cosy cafes where you can have coffee with fresh pastries, to restaurants offering full meals. There are also souvenir and newsstand kiosks where you can buy something to remember your trip to Monterey or items for the road.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in rest zones and at boarding gates. Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges in the airport, the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable. Banking services are represented by ATMs; however, currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with special needs. Services are provided for people with disabilities, including accessible restrooms and special assistance during boarding and disembarking. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms are provided. In case of necessity, one can seek basic medical assistance from airport staff.

If you need to stay overnight near the airport, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity, many of which offer free transfers for their guests. For business travellers, conditions for work have been created in the terminal: comfortable seating, access to power outlets, and internet. There are no specialised conference rooms within the airport itself, but they can be found in nearby hotel complexes.

Despite its compact size, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) offers passengers several cosy places where one can have a snack or a full lunch before departure. The main dining establishments are located in the sterile area (airside), after passing security control, allowing travellers to relax whilst waiting for their flight.

For those with time to spare, the Golden Poppy Cafe restaurant operates in the departure zone. Here you can order classic American dishes: burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, and hot appetisers. Given the coastal location, the menu sometimes features seafood dishes, such as the famous clam chowder. This is an excellent spot for a leisurely lunch with a view of the runway. Prices here are moderately high, which is standard for airports.

If you are in a hurry, the ideal choice would be the Coastal Peaks Coffee Bar, located both in the main lobby (landside) and as a small kiosk after security. Here you will be offered freshly brewed coffee, tea, pastries, as well as ready-made sandwiches, yoghurts, and fruit salads. This is a wonderful option for a quick breakfast or a light snack. Also, bottled drinks and packaged snacks can be purchased at newsstands.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find salads and some meat-free sandwiches. Passengers adhering to a gluten-free or vegan diet are recommended to check the composition of dishes with restaurant staff. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Monterey Airport goes smoothly and without stress, take advantage of these useful tips. Planning is the key to a successful trip, especially when it comes to air travel.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control. During holidays or peak tourist periods, it is better to arrive a little earlier.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This way, you can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, head straight to the security checkpoint. Security screening here follows standard US regulations, so prepare your documents in advance and be ready to remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that breathtaking views open up from Monterey. A window seat can gift you unforgettable shots of the California coast during takeoff or landing. If comfort and the ability to move freely around the cabin are important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects and other dangerous substances in the cabin. Before the trip, it is always useful to check your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

Monterey is a compact airport, so transfers here happen quite quickly. If you have a connecting flight, check the information board immediately after landing to find your next boarding gate. Distances between gates are small, making navigation very convenient.

If you are arriving in the USA from abroad and flying to Monterey via another major airport, you will have to pass customs and border control at the first point of entry. Have your passport and visa ready and be prepared to answer the officer's standard questions about the purpose of your trip.

To save time and money, book flight tickets and airport parking in advance. Take an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security, and light snacks — this will help avoid extra expenses while waiting for the flight.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline's representative for current information and to clarify your next steps. Monitor updates on information boards and use the waiting time to rest in a cafe or the waiting lounge.