Car Rental Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)

Reasons to book a car rental at Monterey Airport

Renting a car at Monterey Airport is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the scenic attractions around the area. With a rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to visit popular destinations at your own pace without the hassle of public transportation. Managing your luggage becomes easier, allowing you to transition smoothly from the airport to your adventures. Nearby attractions include Cannery Row, just 5 km away, where you can enjoy vibrant city experiences. For a relaxing day at the beach, Carmel Beach is located 8 km from the airport, offering beautiful views and a chance to unwind. Additionally, Fisherman's Wharf is a mere 4 km away, providing a unique jetty experience. Not only does a rental car facilitate visits to these local hot spots, but it also allows you to explore the charming cities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove. Each city is within easy driving distance, with Carmel featuring attractions like the 17-Mile Drive and Pacific Grove offering the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. For those seeking a friendly and engaging travel experience, renting a car at Monterey Airport enhances your journey and ensures a flexible itinerary.

Most popular car rentals near Monterey Airport

• Midsize SUV: This option is a favourite among travellers, accommodating up to 5 people along with 3 large suitcases. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, a midsize SUV provides ample space for passengers and luggage. With its versatility, it’s perfect for those needing a bit more room while exploring the scenic areas around Monterey airport at your own pace.
• Compact: A compact car is another popular choice, suitable for up to 5 travellers and accommodating 3 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a practical and efficient vehicle. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate through Monterey's streets and parking, allowing for a hassle-free experience during your trip.
• Economy: The economy option is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, seating up to 5 individuals with space for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families, providing a balance of affordability and functionality. With an economy car, you can enjoy flexibility in your travel plans while exploring the lovely surroundings of Monterey airport.

Top rated car suppliers near Monterey Airport

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice among travellers with 1 rental location situated less than 1 km away from Monterey airport. Known for its reliability, Budget provides a selection of vehicles that cater to various needs, with the Midsize SUV and Compact being the most booked options. This supplier is ideal for those seeking flexibility during their stay, allowing for easy exploration of the beautiful surroundings.
• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with 2 rental locations, the nearest being less than 1 km from Monterey airport. This supplier is particularly noted for its excellent customer service and a diverse range of vehicles. The Midsize SUV and Luxury cars are the most popular choices, making Enterprise a great option for both family trips and premium experiences. Their accessibility and dedication to customer satisfaction contribute to a smooth rental experience.
• Hertz: Hertz offers a convenient rental location situated 1 km away from Monterey airport. With a focus on providing well-maintained vehicles, Hertz's most booked options include Midsize and Compact cars. This supplier is a solid choice for travellers looking for efficient service and a straightforward rental process, allowing them to enjoy the sights around Monterey with ease.

Where to stay near Monterey Airport

• Monterey: Staying in Monterey puts you in the heart of the city, known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and vibrant beach culture. Close to the airport, you can easily access attractions like Cannery Row, a popular street for shopping and dining, as well as Fisherman's Wharf, a lovely jetty perfect for leisurely strolls. Enjoy the local restaurants and wineries that offer delightful culinary experiences.
• Carmel: Just 8 km from Monterey, Carmel is an enchanting city known for its scenic beaches and recreational areas. Stay here to enjoy the stunning views at Carmel Beach and explore the renowned 17-Mile Drive. The area is home to charming restaurants and wineries, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. Its proximity to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers great outdoor adventures.
• Pacific Grove: Located 7 km from Monterey, Pacific Grove boasts beautiful beaches and a quaint atmosphere. This neighbourhood is perfect for outdoor lovers, with attractions like the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse and the serene Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary nearby. You can indulge in local dining options and enjoy the scenic beauty of the bay and national parks that surround this charming city.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Monterey

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s generally advisable to reserve your MRY car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months ahead is optimal, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might have limited availability. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements prior to finalizing your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles like economy or compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals provide a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals may require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies stipulate that a credit card in the driver's name is necessary for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Monterey Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Monterey Airport is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February and March also offer similar conditions, making them good options for budget-conscious travellers. As the year progresses, demand and prices tend to rise, with August being the most expensive month due to high demand. Meanwhile, June through August see slightly high prices and average to moderately low demand, which can still be a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
June	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
July	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average