The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Monterey, California

Monterey is a gateway to California’s Central Coast and a convenient hub for air travelers with group transportation needs. Whether you’re planning a school field trip, a conference shuttle, or a private charter for a family reunion, knowing your airport options can save time, money, and stress. Charter Bus Rental Monterey has more than 10 years of experience providing seamless, customizable airport transfers for groups of all sizes. With a fleet ranging from 10-passenger sprinter vans to 56-passenger charter buses, we deliver reliable service tailored to your itinerary. Call 831-747-3980 to get an instant quote on a bus rental to the airport!

Quick Answer: What Airports Serve Monterey?

The closest and most convenient option is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), located just a few miles from downtown. Other nearby airports include San Jose International Airport (SJC) about 75 miles north, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) around 110 miles away, and Oakland International Airport (OAK) at roughly 100 miles. Each offers different flight options and accessibility for groups large and small. Consider your destination, airline preferences, and budget when choosing where to land or depart—and let us handle the ground transportation.

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

Address: 200 Fred Kane Dr, Monterey, CA 93940
Distance from Downtown Monterey: 3 miles (~10 minutes)

MRY is the most convenient choice for travelers staying in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, or Big Sur. The airport serves nonstop flights to major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Phoenix (PHX), and Denver (DEN) on Alaska, American, and United Airlines. While smaller than Bay Area airports, MRY’s size means shorter security lines, minimal congestion, and quick baggage claim—ideal for youth sports teams, wedding parties, or business groups on tight schedules.

Charter Bus Rental Monterey offers easy curbside pickup right outside the terminal. Your group can load up luggage, golf bags, or equipment into the undercarriage storage of a full-size charter bus, or opt for a minibus if you’re traveling light. Onboard amenities like reclining seats, power outlets, and WiFi make even short rides comfortable. If your group arrives early or has a layover, we can arrange a custom tour of attractions like Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or 17-Mile Drive before dropping you off at your hotel or event venue.

San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Address: 1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110
Distance from Monterey: 75 miles (~1.5 hours)

SJC is the nearest major airport with extensive domestic and limited international service. It’s a good alternative if you need specific airlines not available at MRY or want to compare fares. SJC’s two terminals host carriers including Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue, offering nonstop routes across the US and seasonal flights to Mexico and Canada.

Groups flying in or out of SJC often face the challenge of coordinating multiple vehicles for the drive down Highway 101 or over Highway 17. Charter Bus Rental Monterey eliminates the hassle by consolidating everyone in a single vehicle. Our charter buses can accommodate large groups with plenty of legroom and space for checked bags. Smaller teams or families can choose a sprinter van or minibus for a cost-effective shuttle. We’ll monitor your flight status and adjust pickup times for delays or early arrivals, ensuring a smooth transfer between the airport and Monterey hotels, resorts, or meeting sites.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Address: San Francisco, CA 94128
Distance from Monterey: 110 miles (~2 hours)

SFO is California’s second-busiest airport and a global gateway with nonstop flights to Asia, Europe, Australia, and beyond. For international visitors or groups connecting through major hubs, SFO may offer the best schedule and pricing. The downside is distance: traffic on Highway 101 or I-280 can turn the journey into a two-hour-plus ordeal, especially during rush hour.

For groups that value comfort and convenience, our charter bus rentals are the best way to navigate the long haul from SFO to Monterey. Instead of splitting up among taxis, Ubers, or public transit, everyone boards together. Recline your seat, connect to onboard WiFi, and relax while we handle the driving. Large parties can request multiple buses with staggered pickups, or book a dedicated shuttle service if you have attendees arriving on different days for a multi-day conference, festival, or retreat.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Address: 1 Airport Dr, Oakland, CA 94621
Distance from Monterey: 100 miles (~2 hours)

OAK is another Bay Area option, popular for its low-cost carriers like Southwest and Spirit. It’s less congested than SFO and sometimes offers cheaper fares, especially for West Coast destinations. The drive from OAK to Monterey takes about as long as from SFO, but traffic patterns can be more forgiving depending on your arrival time.

If your group is looking to save on airfare without sacrificing ground transportation quality, Charter Bus Rental Monterey provides direct shuttles from OAK to any address in Monterey County. A charter bus allows everyone to travel together, store luggage securely, and avoid the headache of navigating unfamiliar highways or paying tolls. We can also coordinate pickups at both OAK and SFO if your team members are landing at different airports but need to arrive in Monterey as a unit.

Other Regional Airports

Depending on your origin or destination, you might consider smaller airports within a two-hour radius. Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) handles general aviation and some private charters, making it suitable for corporate jets or VIPs. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) are farther afield but could work for groups visiting California’s Central Valley or South Coast before heading to Monterey.

No matter which airport you choose, Charter Bus Rental Monterey can customize a route and schedule to fit your itinerary. Long-distance trips can be made more pleasant with rest stops, meal breaks, or sightseeing detours—just let us know your preferences when you book. Our reservation team will help you select the right vehicle size and features for your group’s comfort and budget.

Why Choose Charter Bus Rental Monterey for Airport Transfers?

When it comes to airport transportation, reliability and flexibility are key. Public transit options like Amtrak, Caltrain, or regional buses can be slow, crowded, and ill-suited for groups with lots of luggage or special needs. Rideshare vans and taxi caravans split up your party and often require multiple trips. Rental cars add parking fees and put navigation responsibilities on someone who should be relaxing.

With Charter Bus Rental Monterey, your entire group travels as one. Our buses are equipped for comfort on journeys of any length, with climate control, reclining seats, onboard restrooms (on larger models), and entertainment systems. Luggage compartments keep aisles clear and overhead bins are available for carry-ons. We offer door-to-door service, meaning you’ll never have to drag suitcases onto a train or wait for a hotel shuttle. If your plans change, our 24/7 support staff can adjust pickup times, add stops, or deploy additional vehicles as needed.

How to Book Airport Transportation in Monterey

Booking a bus rental to the airport with Charter Bus Rental Monterey is fast and straightforward. Start by calling 831-747-3980 or filling out our online quote form with your travel dates, headcount, and flight details. Our reservation specialists will recommend the best bus types for your group size and amenities. You’ll receive a customized quote within minutes—no hidden fees or surprise charges. Once you confirm, we’ll handle all logistics so you can focus on your trip.

For groups with recurring airport needs, such as universities, businesses, or tour operators, we offer long-term shuttle contracts at discounted rates. Whether you need a weekly run to SJC for student-athletes or daily service from MRY hotels to a convention center, our team can design a schedule that maximizes efficiency and minimizes downtime. Our commitment to customer satisfaction has made us Monterey’s top-rated choice for group transportation since 2013.

Ready to Reserve Your Monterey Airport Shuttle?

Don’t leave your group’s arrival or departure to chance. Charter Bus Rental Monterey delivers peace of mind with professional service, modern vehicles, and statewide coverage. From the moment you land to the second you take off, we’ll ensure every ride is safe, punctual, and tailored to your needs. Call 831-747-3980 today for an instant quote and discover why groups trust us for airport transfers in Monterey and beyond.