Monterey. California is one of the most beautiful coastal cities that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you want to enjoy and explore the downtown area or visit the infamous Monterey Bay Aquarium, you must find a way to get to Monterey from the closest airports. This article pertains to the closest airport to Monterey, CA, and will help you find flight schedules to and from the city and how to get there by different modes of transportation. We will also provide you with some tips on how to make your trip to Monterey more enjoyable and hassle-free.
Closest Airports to Monterey, CA- California
The six closest airports to Monterey, California, are the below-mentioned airports that help operate numerous airlines to and from the location.
| Airports closest to Monterey, CA | Distance | Travelling Time |
| Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) | 03 Miles | 7 Minutes |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) | 76 Miles | 1 Hour 14 Minutes |
| Oakland International Airport (OAK) | 106 Miles | 1 Hour 40 Minutes |
| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | 107 Miles | 1 Hour 42 Minutes |
| Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) | 157 Miles | 2 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Sacramento International Airport (SMF) | 190 Miles | 3 Hours |
1. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Located approximately three miles Southeast, Monterey Regional Airport is the closest airport to Monterey, CA. Being the most comparable to Monterey, MRY offers travelers convenient services and facilities. At the location, passengers can experience expedited security checks and boarding. There are efficient long-term parking options. Most importantly, some leading airlines operate regular flights from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY).
| Airlines | Terminals used at MRY |
| Alaska Airlines MRY Terminal | Main Terminal |
| Allegiant Air MRY Terminal | Main Terminal |
| JSX MRY Terminal | Main Terminal |
| United Express MRY Terminal | Main Terminal |
2. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
The next closest international Airport to Monterey, CA, is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, the second busiest after San Francisco International Airport. It is located approximately three miles from downtown San Jose and 76 miles from Monterey, CA, providing easy access to Monterey and San Jose’s attractions. With multiple airport facilities and many airlines flying to and from this airport, passengers can expect various flight options from this point.
| Airlines | Terminals used at SJC |
| Alaska Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal B |
| Delta Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
| Hawaiian Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
| Jetblue SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
| Southwest Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal B |
| Spirit Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
| United Airlines SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
| Volaris SJC Terminal | Terminal A |
3. Oakland International Airport (OAK)
The closest major airport to Monterey, CA, is Oakland International Airport in Oakland, California, United States. The Airport is approximately 106 miles from Monterey and 10 miles from Downtown Oakland. It serves the East Bay region perfectly. Passengers who want to travel domestically or internationally can use this airport to transfer. It operates flights to several destinations. Travelers can find several ground transportation options to and from the airport. In addition, there are tons of in-flight amenities available at the airport.
| Airlines | Terminals used at OAK |
| Alaska Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Allegiant Air OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 and 2 |
| Avianca El Salvador OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Azores Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Contour Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Delta Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Hawaiian Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Southwest Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| Spirit Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Sun Country Airlines OAK Terminal | Terminal 5 |
| Viva Aerobus OAK Terminal | Terminal 5 |
| Volaris OAK Terminal | Terminal 1 |
4. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the closest airports to Monterey, but it may be the most convenient for some travelers. SFO is a major international airport that offers more flight options, connections, and destinations. It is well-connected to Monterey by various modes of transportation, such as car, bus, train, or shuttle. The driving distance from Monterey to SFO is about 101 miles, and the travel time by car is about 2 hours. Some of the major airlines that operate flights to and from SFO are as follows:
| Airlines | Terminals used at SFO |
| Aer Lingus SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Aeroméxico SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 and 2 |
| Air China SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Air France SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Air Transat SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Alaska Airlines SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Breeze Airways SFO Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| British Airways SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Cathay Pacific SFO Terminal | Terminal A |
| Condor SFO Terminal | Terminal A |
| Copa Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal A |
| Delta Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| Emirates SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| EVA Air SFO Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| Fiji Airways SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Flair Airlines SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| French Bee SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Jetblue SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Lufthansa SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Philippine Airlines SFO Terminal | International Terminal A |
| Qatar Airways SFO Terminal | Terminal 2 |
| Scandinavian Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Singapore Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 4 |
| Southwest Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Turkish Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| United Airlines SFO Terminal | Terminal 2, 3, and International Terminal |
| WestJet SFO Terminal | Terminal 2 |
5. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
The next closest international Airport to Monterey, CA, is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, a joint military-public airport in Fresno, California, United States. It is the primary commercial airport for the San Joaquin Valley and Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon. The airport provides numerous public transportation services and a variety of amenities, such as free Wi-Fi. It is a convenient and comfortable gateway for passengers wanting to access Monterey and its surrounding regions. Here are some of the airlines which operate flights to and from this airport:
| Airlines | Terminals used at FAT |
| Aeroméxico FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Alaska Airlines FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Allegiant Air FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Delta Airlines FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Southwest Airlines FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| United Airlines FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Volaris FAT Terminal | Terminal 1 |
6. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Lastly, Sacramento International Airport is the next airport closest to Monterey, CA, serving the Greater Sacramento Area and some national parks in California. It is located about 10.5 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento. SMF provides passengers with a diverse range of services and facilities to add charm to the travelers ‘ airport experience. Passengers looking for a wide range of flight options can use this airport as it also offers flights to various destinations in the United States and Mexico.
| Airlines | Terminals used at SMF |
| Aeroméxico SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Air Canada SMF Terminal | Terminal A |
| Alaska Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Delta Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal A |
| Frontier Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Hawaiian Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Jetblue SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Southwest Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| Spirit Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal B |
| United Airlines SMF Terminal | Terminal A |
Alternative Airports Closest to Monterey, CA
Apart from the six closest airports to Monterey, California. Travelers have some other options as well. While these are the local airports in the area, they can still provide easy access to nearby travelers. Here are your options:
- Marina Municipal Airport
- Carmel Valley Airport
- Salinas Municipal Airport
- Watsonville Municipal Airport
- Hollister Municipal Airport
- Mesa Del Rey Airport
The closest airport to Monterey Park, CA
Burbank (BUR) is the closest airport to Monterey Park, but there are better ways to get there. A better option is to take a bus from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to Pomona Transit Center and then to Monterey Park. This will take about one h 44m. The closest airports to Monterey Park, CA, are as follows:
Nearest Airports to Monterey Park, CA
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Hotel Accommodations in Monterey, CA
Several affordable hotel accommodation options offer a safe place to stay in Monterey, California. Some of the most convenient options include the following:
- Colton Inn
- Holiday Inn Express
- The Monterey Hotel
- Monterey Bay Lodge
- Inn by the Bay Monterey
- Red Lion Hotel Monterey
- Hilton Garden Inn Monterey
- Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay
Top Tourist Attractions in Monterey, California
Monterey, CA, is filled with numerous tourist attractions that are worth paying a visit to. Some of the infamous locations include the following:
- McAbee Beach
- Lovers Point Park
- Old Fisherman’s Wharf
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Museum of Art
- Monterey State Historic Park
- Dennis The Menace Playground
Ground Transportation at the Closest Airports to Monterey, CA
Several car rental agencies operate transportation to and from the closest airports to Monterey. CA. Travelers who want to access the airport from Monterey or vice versa can choose their preferred transit and head to the location. The car rental companies have offices outside the terminals of the closest airport.
In addition, there are other transportation options also available, such as taxi services, rideshare services, uber, lyft, bus service, public transportation, private transportation, etc.
Wind-Up
Overall, this blog details the closest airports to Monterey, California, and how visitors or travelers can access flights to and from these airports. As several airlines operate from the location, passengers can contact their preferred airlines to get the best deals, offers, and discounts on their airfare. In addition, when you reach Monterey, you can access many accommodations, activities, and locations to visit. Have a safe, secure, and happy trip to Monterey, CA.
Answers to Questions!
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest airport to Monterey, CA.
The closest airports to Monterey, CA, are:
1) Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
2) Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
3) Oakland International Airport (OAK)
4) San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
5) Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
6) Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the closest international airport to Monterey, CA.
Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Delta Airlines, Copa Airlines, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Volaris, Westjet, Jetblue, etc are some of the airlines that operate from the closest airports to Monterey, CA.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are the two closest international airports to Monterey, California.
Several ground transportation options are available to and from the closest airports to Monterey, CA. Some of the options include:
1) Taxi Service
2) Bus Service
3) Rideshare Service
4) Public Transportation
5) Private Transportation
The distance from Monterey to San Francisco is about 120 miles.
It’s about 300 miles away or roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from the bustling metropolis.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the closest airport to Monterey Park, CA. However, travelers have a few alternative options as well, which are as follows:
1) John Wayne Airport (SNA)
2) Long Beach Airport (LGB)
3) Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, JSX Airlines, and United Airlines operate flights to and from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). You can either fly directly or have a connecting flight with these airlines.
