Monterey Peninsula Airport provides convenient access to California's stunning Central Coast region, making a rental car essential for exploring the scenic Monterey Peninsula and surrounding areas. Having your own rental car allows you to visit iconic destinations like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur at your own pace without relying on limited public transportation. The airport's compact size ensures quick pickup of your rental car, getting you on the road faster to experience the region's world-famous coastal drives and attractions.

California requires all passengers to wear seat belts, and children under specific age requirements must use appropriate car seats or booster seats. Keep your driver's license, car registration, and insurance documentation easily accessible during your travels around the Monterey area. Be aware that many coastal roads feature winding sections and steep grades, so maintain safe following distances and adjust your speed accordingly for optimal safety.

Several gas stations are located along Highway 68 and in nearby Monterey, providing convenient fuel options for your rental car. Electric vehicle charging stations can be found at various locations throughout Monterey, including shopping centers, hotels, and public parking areas. Many businesses in the Monterey Peninsula area have installed EV charging infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles visiting California's Central Coast.

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

The legendary 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach offers breathtaking ocean views and famous golf courses, making it a must-do route for any Monterey visitor. Highway 1 south toward Big Sur provides one of California's most spectacular coastal drives, featuring dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches. The scenic route north to Santa Cruz takes you through charming coastal towns and offers access to beautiful beaches and redwood forests perfect for day trips.

The Monterey Peninsula area does not have toll roads, allowing you to explore the region's scenic routes without additional fees. Highway 1, Highway 68, and other major roads around Monterey, Carmel, and the surrounding coastal areas are free to use. This makes road trips throughout the Central Coast region more budget-friendly as you won't encounter toll booths during your California adventure.

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of cars. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

From Monterey Peninsula Airport, head northwest on Fred Kane Drive toward Highway 68 West, which leads directly into downtown Monterey. The route takes you through residential areas before connecting to major streets that provide easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. Follow the signs for downtown Monterey once you reach the main commercial district to find parking near the waterfront attractions.

To help prevent unexpected fees, return the car on time and in the same condition you received it. Follow the pickup and drop-off instructions provided for Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Always review your trip details and the host’s instructions in the Turo app before your arrival. All applicable fees will be clearly displayed in the Turo app.

Some hosts may offer one-way trips as an Extra. When you search on Turo, you can filter for one-way trips to see what’s available in your area. Be sure to confirm with your host before booking.

After booking, refer to the Turo app for information about pickup at Monterey Peninsula Airport. Vehicle pickup occurs at the Upper Short Term and Long Term lots. Check for vehicle location information from your host in the app; if they haven't yet been in touch, you can contact them after booking to learn where the vehicle is parked.