Cheap Car Hire & Car Rental at Monterey Peninsula Airport, Monterey

Reasons to book a car hire at Monterey Airport

Renting a car at Monterey airport is a practical choice for visitors looking to explore the beautiful attractions around the area. With a rental vehicle, you gain the freedom to travel at your own pace, which is especially beneficial for families and those with luggage. You can easily visit Cannery Row, a vibrant street located 5 km from the airport, or head to Fisherman's Wharf, which is just 4 km away, for a delightful waterfront experience. For those seeking beach relaxation, Carmel Beach is a short drive of 8 km from Monterey airport, offering a perfect spot for sunbathing and leisurely walks.

In addition to the immediate attractions, a rental car allows you to discover nearby cities such as Carmel, featuring scenic spots like the 17-Mile Drive and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, or Pacific Grove, where you can visit the charming Point Pinos Lighthouse and Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. The convenience of having your own transport opens up a world of exploration, making your trip not only enjoyable but also stress-free. Renting a car enhances your experience by providing flexibility and ease, allowing you to create your own travel itinerary in and around Monterey.

Most popular car hires near Monterey Airport

• Midsize SUV: This car type is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV provides ample space and comfort, making it ideal for those who want to explore the surroundings of Monterey airport while managing their luggage with ease. Enjoy the flexibility of your travel plans with this versatile option, allowing you to venture out at your own pace.
• Compact: The compact car is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, comfortably seating up to 5 individuals and providing room for 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly appealing for those who prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to manoeuvre and park. With its efficient size, the compact car allows you to navigate the charming roads around Monterey airport effortlessly while enjoying a cost-effective rental experience.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it a suitable choice for those who desire a larger vehicle without compromising on ease of driving. The standard SUV offers a comfortable ride, allowing you to explore the area around Monterey airport with confidence and style.

Top rated car suppliers near Monterey Airport

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice among travellers at Monterey Airport, with a rental location situated less than 1 km away. Known for its excellent selection, the most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize SUVs, making it a great option for families or groups seeking space and comfort during their travels.
• Avis: Avis also operates from a location less than 1 km from Monterey Airport, offering convenience and accessibility. This supplier is favoured for its Midsize SUVs and Standard cars, catering to a variety of needs for those looking for reliability and efficiency on the road.
• Hertz: With a rental location located 1 km away from the airport, Hertz is another excellent option for car hire. Customers often choose Midsize and Premium vehicles, which provide a blend of comfort and luxury. Hertz is well-regarded for its customer service and a straightforward rental process, making it a solid choice for your car hire needs.

Where to stay near Monterey Airport

• Monterey: Staying in Monterey places you close to various attractions, such as Cannery Row, a vibrant street perfect for city holidays, and Fisherman's Wharf, a lovely jetty ideal for scenic views. The area is also renowned for its outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and stunning scenery. With numerous nearby restaurants and wineries, you can enjoy delightful dining experiences while soaking in the local atmosphere.
• Carmel: Located just 8 km from Monterey, Carmel offers a charming coastal experience with attractions like Carmel Beach, perfect for beach holidays. The 17-Mile Drive provides breathtaking views and is ideal for leisurely exploration. With its proximity to state parks and golf courses, Carmel caters to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation amid picturesque surroundings.
• Pacific Grove: Situated approximately 7 km from Monterey, Pacific Grove is known for its outdoor and beach experiences. Key highlights include the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse and the serene Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, which are well worth a visit. The area features beautiful recreational spaces and local dining options, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy nature and culture.

9 tips to save on your Airport car hire near Monterey

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for those sunny days, or an economy car to accommodate extra luggage, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It is generally advisable to reserve your MRY car hire as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months in advance is ideal, particularly before peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might have restricted availability. This could also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to finalising your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, including economy or compact cars, are often more affordable to rent and easier to park in congested areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards are not universally accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges on extended journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car from Monterey Airport

The best value time to rent a car from Monterey Airport is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. February follows closely, also offering slightly low prices, although demand rises during this month. For a mid-range option, May tends to have average prices and lower demand. However, June sees a spike in prices and demand, making it the most expensive month for rentals. July also experiences high demand, keeping prices elevated during this peak period.

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