✈️ Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

MRY is the closest airport to Carmel by the Sea, about 15 minutes away. Flights often include a layover, but it’s the easiest and most convenient choice if you want the shortest drive to town. Most accessible for rideshare options. We highly encourage using this airport.

✈️ San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

SJC is an alternative option, about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on traffic) from Carmel by the Sea. Most flights are direct, which is a plus. We highly recommend renting a car, since rideshare options can be expensive and less reliable. When booking, please be sure to select San Jose, California (SJC) and not San Jose, Costa Rica 🙂

✈️ San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

We generally don’t recommend flying into SFO unless you’re planning an extended stay in the area. If it’s the best option for your travel plans, please allow extra time and plan transportation in advance. Depending on traffic, the drive to Carmel can take 2 to 3 hours, and weekday traffic can be heavy and unpredictable.

Rideshares from SFO to Carmel may also be limited and expensive, so the trip can be a bit tricky. We don’t want anyone stressing, so we recommend flying into Monterey (MRY) or San Jose (SJC) when possible.

🚕 Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are available and generally reliable around Carmel and Monterey

If you need an early morning pickup, an airport ride, or a longer trip, we recommend scheduling in advance when possible. For remote destinations or very early flights, local taxi services, pre booked private cars, or airport shuttles tend to be the most dependable.

🚗 Rental Cars

We definitely recommend renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the Monterey Peninsula, especially places like Big Sur. Cell service can be limited in some areas, and rideshare can be hard to find once you are outside the main towns.