- Must visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
Flights from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA depart on average 33 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €134 but you can travel from only €50 by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:48. The fastest flight covers the 380 miles (612 km) distance in 1h 32m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 380 miles (612 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €134 |
Flights per day 33 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 1h 32m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€235
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€235
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 h 29 m
Flights on Sep 20
1
Distance
612 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA will cost around €235 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €235.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 flights from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct flights cover the 612 km distance in an average of 1 h 29 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the longest flights will take 1 h 29 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €117 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €117, while a flight costs an average of €566.
Distance: 380 miles (612 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€566 Average price | €117 Average price Cheapest | €74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 19m Average total duration Fastest 5h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 8m Average total duration 12h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA:
A bus is €448 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA costing on average €566.
Other travel options to Monterey, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 38m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA flights for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA5520 · UA1822 | 8:40 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 12h30 | 9:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2476 · UA1822 | 8:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h25 | 9:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA1791 · UA5920 | 9:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 5h16 | 3:01 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2793 · UA1822 | 11:00 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h10 | 9:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2309 · UA5920 | 11:19 AM San Diego International Airport | 3h42 | 3:01 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2309 · UA5627 | 11:19 AM San Diego International Airport | 5h57 | 5:16 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA1565 · UA1822 | 12:37 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h33 | 9:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA1835 · UA5627 | 12:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h35 | 5:16 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA1822 | 12:45 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 8h25 | 9:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA1763 · UA5627 | 1:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 3h52 | 5:16 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA5670 | 1:45 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 8h14 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA5627 | 1:45 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 3h31 | 5:16 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2175 · UA233 · UA5670 | 2:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h35 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 2 transfers | |
UA2175 · UA1918 | 2:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 3h34 | 5:58 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2175 · UA2019 · UA5670 | 2:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h35 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 2 transfers | |
UA2175 · UA2681 · UA5670 | 2:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h35 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 2 transfers | |
UA2117 · UA5670 | 3:56 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h03 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA2234 · UA2681 · UA5670 | 5:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h59 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 2 transfers | |
UA2234 · UA5613 | 5:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 18h53 | 11:53 AM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA1302 · UA5670 | 6:28 PM San Diego International Airport | 3h31 | 9:59 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
UA519 · UA5438 | 6:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 18h15 | 1:10 PM Monterey Peninsula | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
![]() | 6:14 AM San Diego, CA | 1h29 | 7:43 AM Monterey, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Monterey, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Monterey, CA trip today.
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
History museum inside Colton Hall with exhibitions on Monterey’s civic past, statehood era, and local cultural development.
Downtown art museum presenting California art, changing exhibitions, and an accessible stop near Monterey’s historic center.
Scenic coastal recreation trail linking beaches, the harbor, and Cannery Row, popular for walking, cycling, and bay views.
Historic waterfront area around the wharf with harbor activity, sea views, and easy access to walking routes and boat tours.
Rocky peninsula park with cypress trees, tide pools, and dramatic ocean scenery, excellent for short walks and sunset views.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Monterey, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Monterey, CA flights use the San Diego International Airport to Monterey Peninsula airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Monterey, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
San Diego International Airport is 4 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance..
McClellan-Palomar Airport has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at McClellan-Palomar Airport: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Monterey Peninsula is 4 km from Monterey city centre. Public transport options include:
Monterey Peninsula has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and cafes available inside the terminal.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are available at Monterey Peninsula.
Ticket office support is available at Monterey Peninsula.
Available at Monterey Peninsula: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Monterey Peninsula: Mobility assistance available upon request.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need