Rome2Rio

How to get fromSanta Monica to Montereyby bus, plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Amtrak), car, shuttle, subway, or tram

Find Transport to Monterey

See all options

There are 10 ways to get from Santa Monica to Monterey by bus, plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Amtrak), car, shuttle, subway, or tram

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Line 3 bus to Los Angeles International Airport, fly to Monterey Regional Airport

    best
    1. Take the bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX/Metro Transit Centerbus bus
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane LAX - MRY
    4h 32m
    $284–706

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles - Pacoima to Gilroybus bus Nogales
    2. Take the bus from Monterey / Gilroy Train Station to Salinas Transit Center / Gate 3bus bus 59
    12h 28m
    $41–66

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Van Nuys to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    12h
    $184–297

  4. Bus via Santa Barbara

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Santa Barbara Bus Stopbus bus FlixBus 2005
    2. Take the bus from Santa Barbara to Salinasbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    12h 24m

  5. Drive  317.3 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to Montereycar car 317.3 mi
    5h 35m
    $58–84

  6. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane LAX - SJC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    5h 30m
    $156–663

  7. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane LAX - SFO
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Terminal 3-Lower Level to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    6h 45m
    $131–263

  8. Fly Burbank Bob Hope Airport to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane BUR - SJC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    6h 41m
    $519–814

  9. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Oakland International Airport, BART, shuttle

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)plane plane LAX - OAK
    2. Take the subway from Coliseum to Milpitassubway subway
    3. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    7h 20m
    $347–1,477

  10. Tram, line 191 bus to Long Beach Airport, fly to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, shuttle

    1. Take the tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Pico Stationtram tram
    2. Take the tram from Pico Station to Del Amo Stationtram tram
    3. Take the bus from Del Amo Station Bay 2 to Del Amo & Lakewood SEbus bus
    4. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane LGB - SJC
    5. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    7h 25m
    $116–496

Santa Monica to Monterey by bus and train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration12hAverage Duration
Ticket$184Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to Monterey.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 282.5 mi
  • Duration: 4h 32m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and Monterey, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Van Nuys to Salinas once daily. Tickets cost $180–290 and the journey takes 7h 52m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Tyler / Franklin via Los Angeles Union Station, Santa Barbara Bus Stop, Santa Barbara, Salinas, and Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7 in around 12h 24m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Booking & Getting There