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Cheap flights to Big Sur

Compare every airline flying into Big Sur, CA, USA and get phone-only deals you won't see on Google Flights.

Big Sur, CA, USA· Airport: MRY
Big Sur — Flights | CheapoTrav travel guide

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Key facts

  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest airport to Big Sur, approximately 30-60 minutes north by car, depending on your exact destination.
  • Larger airports like San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO) offer more flight options but require a 2-3 hour scenic drive south to Big Sur.
  • Direct flights to MRY are limited; expect connections, often through major Western US hubs such as Phoenix (PHX) or Los Angeles (LAX).
  • Rental cars are essential for exploring Big Sur; public transport options are virtually nonexistent for accessing the park's key sites.
  • Big Sur's peak seasons (spring and fall) see higher airfares and rental car demand; consider traveling during the shoulder seasons for value.
  • Weather can impact coastal driving conditions, particularly fog in summer and potential road closures due to heavy winter rains.
  • Booking 6-10 weeks in advance for domestic flights to California airports generally provides better pricing for your Big Sur trip.

While Big Sur itself doesn't have an airport, your primary gateway for air travel to this scenic stretch of California coast is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). It's located just north of Big Sur, offering the most direct access. Flights into MRY often involve connections through larger hubs like San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), or Phoenix (PHX), as direct routes are limited. This makes planning important, especially if you're looking for competitive fares.

Consider your arrival airport carefully. Although MRY is the closest, you might find more flight options and potentially lower prices by flying into San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Both SJC and SFO are larger airports with broader airline service and more direct routes from various cities. From SJC, Big Sur is roughly a 2-hour drive, while from SFO, it's about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your specific Big Sur destination. Factor in the cost and time of a rental car for the scenic drive south from these airports.

For the best chance at securing reasonable airfare, particularly during Big Sur's peak travel seasons—spring and fall—we recommend booking your flights well in advance. Generally, 6-10 weeks out for domestic travel tends to yield better results, but for Big Sur, extending that window, especially if aiming for a specific weekend or event, can be beneficial. Flexibility with your travel dates, even by a day or two, can also make a noticeable difference in prices, particularly if you can fly midweek.

Keep in mind that some of the more secluded lodges and areas in Big Sur are a further drive south from Monterey, so consider the total travel time from your arrival airport to your accommodation. The drive itself is part of the experience, but it’s worth budgeting time for stops and photos. If you're having trouble finding suitable flights or navigating the various options, our agents have access to inventory not always available online and can help piece together a convenient itinerary.

In this guide

  • Average flight prices to Big Sur
  • Best time to book
  • Direct flights and routing options
  • Tips for cheaper fares

Frequently asked questions

What airport should I fly into for Big Sur?
The most convenient airport for Big Sur is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). It's a smaller airport located just north of the region, offering the shortest drive time to most Big Sur attractions and accommodations. However, MRY typically has fewer direct flights and can sometimes be more expensive. For more flight options and potentially lower fares, consider flying into San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). While SJC and SFO are a 2-3 hour drive away, they often have better connections from across the US and internationally, which might balance out the longer drive.
How far is Big Sur from the nearest major airport?
Big Sur is closest to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is about 30-60 miles north, depending on your specific destination within Big Sur. The drive from MRY usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour and a half, offering immediate access to the scenic Highway 1. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is approximately 90-100 miles north, and the drive to Big Sur typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is further, about 120-130 miles north, requiring a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the northern stretches of Big Sur.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
Are there direct flights to Big Sur?
No, there are no direct flights to Big Sur itself, as it does not have an airport. If you're flying into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), you'll likely find direct flights from a limited number of regional hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), depending on the airline and season. If you choose to fly into San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO), you'll have a much wider selection of direct flights from various cities across the US and internationally, followed by a scenic drive down to Big Sur.
What's the best time to book flights to Big Sur?
For flights into Monterey (MRY) or other California airports like SJC or SFO that serve Big Sur, aim to book domestic flights 6 to 10 weeks before your travel date. If your travel plans coincide with popular times such as spring break, summer, or the fall foliage season, extending that booking window to 3-4 months out can be beneficial. Flexibility with your travel dates, particularly flying midweek instead of weekends, can also lead to better fares. Using fare alerts can help you track price drops for your desired routes.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares
Do I need a rental car when flying to Big Sur?
Yes, a rental car is essential when flying to Big Sur. Regardless of whether you arrive at Monterey (MRY), San Jose (SJC), or San Francisco (SFO), you'll need a vehicle to access Big Sur and explore its numerous state parks, viewpoints, and trails. Public transportation is virtually nonexistent within Big Sur, and most accommodations are spread out along Highway 1, requiring personal transport. Ensure you book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as demand can be high.
Which airlines fly to airports near Big Sur?
Several major airlines operate flights to airports near Big Sur. For Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), you'll find service from carriers like American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, United Airlines, and JSX. For larger airports like San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the range of airlines is much broader, including all major US carriers such as Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and international airlines. Availability and specific routes can vary by season and airline network adjustments, so it's advisable to check directly with airlines or use a flight search engine for the most current information.
Call (815) 991-4848 for phone-only fares

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