Monterey Regional Airport

Monterey Regional sits 3 miles east of downtown Monterey, making it the practical choice for the Peninsula over flying into San Jose or San Francisco and driving two-plus hours. The airport handles both commercial and private traffic, but it stays manageable in size. There are no slot requirements, and congestion is rarely an issue compared to SFO or SJC. Signature Flight Support operates the primary FBO with full services including fuel, ramp handling, and crew facilities.

The airport has a noise abatement program that limits certain operations during late evening and early morning hours. Plan arrivals and departures accordingly if you're on a turboprop or a lighter jet with noisier approach profiles. The runway length (7,954 feet on 10R/28L) accommodates large cabin jets without restriction.

Downtown Monterey is about 3 miles and 10 minutes by car. Carmel-by-the-Sea is 6 miles, roughly 15 minutes. Pebble Beach and the Lodge at Pebble Beach are about 8 miles, 20 minutes. Big Sur is 30 miles south, 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic on Highway 1. Car service and black car options are available through the FBO or pre-arranged locally. There is no helicopter transfer infrastructure at KMRY. San Francisco is approximately 120 miles north, a 2-hour drive.