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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental cars from top brands at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. With counters inside the terminal and the lot just steps away, you can land and hit Highway 1 toward Monterey, Carmel or Big Sur in minutes. Road Genius scans Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and more to lock in low prices before summer crowds arrive.
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Available Companies at MRY:
Additional Notes: Rental car counters are located on the first floor of the terminal next to baggage claim. The rental car lot is a short walk outside the terminal – no shuttle buses are needed. This convenience is a major advantage of MRY compared to larger airports.
On average, car rentals at Monterey Airport cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown Monterey pick-ups. Airport counters add about $10-15 per day in fees. If your schedule allows, price an off-airport location and factor in a quick rideshare—sometimes the math works out cheaper.
Skip convertible FOMO. Standard economy cars handle Highway 1 just fine, cost less to rent and sip less of Monterey's pricey gas. You can always ask about free upgrades at the desk.
Play with dates and lengths. Mid-week pick-ups or a 7-day rental often drop the daily rate 10-15 percent compared with a 4-5 day booking. Use a comparison tool and tweak times to see the break points.
Watch the calendar. Rates skyrocket during Car Week and Pebble Beach tournaments. For those peak weeks, booking a couple of months out locks in a better price. Off-season (Dec–Feb) you can sometimes score a last-minute deal instead.
Fill up two miles out. Top off at the Chevron or Valero on Highway 68 before returning the car to dodge the rental company's refuel charge.
Stack your discounts. Memberships like AAA or warehouse clubs often knock 10-20 percent off. Enter every code you have when you compare rates—those little cuts add up fast.
Airport Parking (for reference):
Local Driving Rules from MRY:
Get a car to visit:
Downtown Monterey – Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Carmel-by-the-Sea – Carmel Beach, Ocean Avenue
17-Mile Drive – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Lone Cypress
Big Sur – Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach
Salinas – National Steinbeck Center, Salinas Valley
Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
How much time should I allow for picking up a rental car at MRY?
Because MRY is a small airport, you can usually get your rental car in 15–20 minutes after you reach the counter. During busy times like summer weekends and special events, plan for 30 minutes.
Are there any special considerations when returning a rental car to MRY?
Return your car to the clearly marked rental area next to the terminal. Allow 15 minutes to check it in during business hours. If you have an early morning flight, ask your rental company how to return the car after hours.
What vehicles are most popular for renting at MRY?
People often rent convertibles to enjoy the scenic coastal drives. For longer trips, they choose mid-size and full-size cars for more comfort. Many visitors also rent premium or luxury cars for special events.
Is there a grace period for returns at MRY?
Most companies offer a 29-minute to one-hour grace period for returns, but the exact time can vary. Check your rental agreement and call ahead if you think you will be late to avoid extra charges.
Can I pick up at MRY and return to another location?
Yes, you can do a one-way rental, but there are extra fees for distant drop-offs. Returning your car to San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC) airports is a common option, but rental companies usually charge a one-way fee of $50–150, depending on the company and vehicle.
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