Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MRY, drive to Big Sur
Your route
MRY
Monterey Regional Airport
Big Sur
About 1 h 1 min · 33 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to MRY
Compare fares into Monterey Regional Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at MRY
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Big Sur. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Big Sur
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Big Sur
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Big Sur
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Starlightkanab · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Highway 1 Access and State Park Reservations
Overnight stays in Big Sur require booking months in advance through the official state portal or private lodging sites. Day-use at Pfeiffer Beach is managed via a separate fee system and parking is not guaranteed. Always check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, as landslides frequently disrupt through-traffic.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Big Sur?
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MRY to Big Sur?
Roughly 1 h 1 min (about 33 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Big Sur?
Overnight stays in Big Sur require booking months in advance through the official state portal or private lodging sites. Day-use at Pfeiffer Beach is managed via a separate fee system and parking is not guaranteed. Always check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures, as landslides frequently disrupt through-traffic.
