$149 Cheap Flights to Big Sur, CA

Flights to Big Sur at a glance

Traveling to Big Sur is easy, with various airlines providing a range of flight options. Take the time to compare travel times to find the cheapest flight to Big Sur that aligns with your itinerary and allows you to discover the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Big Sur: Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)
• Flights per week: 750+ flights arriving at Big Sur airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Big Sur: around 4 carriers

Popular airport near Big Sur

Big Sur is a captivating destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. With its stunning scenery and adventurous activities, it attracts families and travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. The city is conveniently served by a major California airport, making it easy to find accessible flights.

• Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY): Situated in Monterey County, California, approximately 23 miles from Big Sur, this airport offers both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to over 100 domestic locations and 3 international spots. For a more luxurious travel experience, passengers can opt for first class or business class service, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers at this airport include United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Top routes to Big Sur

• San Diego (SAN) to Big Sur (MRY), with one-way flights starting at around $70
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Big Sur (MRY), with one-way fares starting at around $90
• Phoenix (PHX) to Big Sur (MRY), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Big Sur (MRY), with one-way flights starting at around $80
• Denver (DEN) to Big Sur (MRY), with one-way flight options from around $120

Cheapest routes to Big Sur

• San Diego (SAN) to Big Sur (MRY), with low one-way fares from around $70
• Seattle (SEA) to Big Sur (MRY), with cheap one-way fares from around $80
• San Francisco (SFO) to Big Sur (MRY), with cheap one-way fares from around $80
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Big Sur (MRY), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Big Sur (MRY), with affordable one-way prices from around $90

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Big Sur

• United: Operating flights to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), United represents about 42% of arrivals to Big Sur. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $320, with premium service potentially including first class depending on the route.
• American Airlines: Providing service to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), American Airlines accounts for approximately 41% of arrivals in Big Sur. One-way fares typically hover around $270, with premium seating options possibly including first class based on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Serving Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Alaska Airlines makes up about 17% of the arrivals to Big Sur. The average one-way fare is around $250, featuring premium cabin options that may encompass both business class and first class depending on the route.
• Hawaiian Airlines: Flying into Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Hawaiian Airlines offers one-way fares averaging about $210, providing a convenient travel option for visitors heading to Big Sur.

Best time to fly to Big Sur

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Big Sur are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Big Sur can reach up to 53.4°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 61.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $249, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? June, August, and October offer average one-way fares of around $264, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Big Sur

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Big Sur is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Big Sur hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Big Sur flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Big Sur

Big Sur welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Big Sur efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Monterey Peninsula Airport, Monterey Transit Plaza, a bus station, is located about 2.9 miles from the airport by car, while Monterey Seaport, a seaport, is about 3.1 miles away by car. Additionally, Monterey Station, a train station, is situated approximately 4.7 miles from the airport by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Big Sur, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Big Sur is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Big Sur on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Big Sur

• Carmel Valley: Located 31 miles drive away from Big Sur, Carmel Valley offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this charming city is perfect for those seeking a beach experience or a round of golf at the renowned Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course. Families can enjoy time at the Carmel Valley Community Park, while the nearby Monterey County Fairgrounds hosts various seasonal events. Whether you're hiking in the national state park or relaxing on the beach, Carmel Valley provides a rejuvenating escape.
• Carmel Highlands: Situated 18 miles drive away from Big Sur, Carmel Highlands is a picturesque neighborhood that captivates visitors with its stunning coastal views and outdoor adventures. The area is ideal for beachgoers, with the beautiful Carmel Beach and the serene Point Lobos State Natural Reserve nearby. For those who appreciate scenic drives, the famous 17-Mile Drive offers breathtaking vistas along the coastline. This charming spot is perfect for nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind amidst breathtaking scenery.
• Posts: Posts is located around the area of Big Sur, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. With access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, visitors can explore lush trails and experience the beauty of nature. Don't miss Pfeiffer Beach, known for its unique purple sands, or the enchanting McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall ideal for romantic getaways and adventure seekers. This neighborhood is a hidden gem for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Big Sur.

Tips for short-haul flights to Big Sur

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more cost-effective. Maximize your space by packing travel-sized toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and coordinating outfits wisely. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Big Sur

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even provide seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate time for check-in, security, and immigration.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to either sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Big Sur

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Big Sur on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Big Sur. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Big Sur. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Big Sur, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Big Sur

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Big Sur in 2026 starts from $215, while one-way tickets start from from $149. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Big Sur. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Big Sur

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Big Sur. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Big Sur and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Big Sur, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Big Sur. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Big Sur plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Big Sur

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Big Sur.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Big Sur are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Big Sur. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Big Sur for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Big Sur. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Big Sur flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Big Sur. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.