Getting to Monterey

TRANSPORTATION

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located 110 miles to the north, is the most common and largest international airport to reach Monterey. Visitors can fly to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) via international and domestic connecting routes on Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines and United Express. Fly direct to MRY via airports including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN) and Dallas (DFW).

Another option to use is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located 60 minutes from downtown Monterey. However, there are no direct connecting flights to Monterey Regional Airport.

We recommend flying to MRY, or taking the airport shuttle - Monterey Airbus - from SFO or SJC to the Monterey Marriott Hotel. The shuttle offers convenient door-to-door service to and from SFO and SJC. A one-way trip from SFO to the Monterey Marriott Hotel will cost about $52.

Those who would like to take the scenic route can drive from SFO to Monterey. Rental car companies are located together near the airport train at SFO. However, we want to caution against driving while tired after a long flight. Please also be aware that traffic can be heavy on the San Francisco Peninsula during rush hours. Parking in Monterey will be at your own expense.

PARKING

If you arrive by private or rental car, parking in downtown Monterey will be at your own expense. The Monterey Marriott hotel offers valet parking for $25/day or nearby public parking garages and lots are approximately $7-10/day (rates subject to change).

WEATHER

May is a pleasant month for the central California coast. The average May low is 48 F (8 C) and the average high is 63 F (17 C). We recommend you dress in layers and bring a warm sweater or jacket.

Travel to the USA from other countries

If you are a citizen or national of a Visa Waiver Program country and are staying in the United States for less than 90 days, you likely can travel without a Visa. You must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval prior to travel.

If you require a Visa and need a letter of invitation, please contact us after you've registered for the SPEC 2020 conference at SPEC2020@lbl.gov Visa applicants should apply at least 3 months in advance of the meeting. Security-related policies have greatly increased the processing time for visa applications.