$379 Cheap Flights from Madison (MSN) to Monterey (MRY)

Madison (MSN) to Monterey (MRY) at a glance

Travel from Madison (MSN) to Monterey (MRY) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare various options from full-service carriers to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you visit Monterey's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Discover essential information for flights from Dane County Regional Airport to Monterey Peninsula Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,800 miles (2,900 km)
• Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$680, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, we've compiled a list of the top airlines flying from Madison to Monterey, generally favored for their one-stop services. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with around a 45-minute layover, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offering about a 2-hour layover. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, capturing around 55% of the departures on this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $145 and $425. The flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, with the total travel time, including layover, being around 7 hours.
• United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop service and accounts for about 45% of the flights on this route. One-way fares typically range from $225 to $1080. Expect an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, with a complete journey lasting roughly 7 hours, including layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Madison to Monterey, with United offering first-class service on this route for a more luxurious experience.

Alternative routes from Madison (MSN) to Monterey (MRY)

• Madison to Salinas (MSN-SNS): Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) is located approximately 14 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY).
• Rockford to Monterey (RFD-MRY): Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) is about 66 miles away from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN).
• Appleton to Monterey (ATW-MRY): Appleton International Airport (ATW) is situated nearly 88 miles from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN).

How to find the best prices for flights from Madison (MSN) to Monterey (MRY)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are generally found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times, while flying on Friday also provides cheaper rates and is the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find Monterey hotel and flight deals.
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Monterey Peninsula Airport from Dane County Regional Airport

Monterey welcomes travelers from Madison with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Monterey efficiently:

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

Madison to Monterey Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Madison to Monterey

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Madison to Monterey are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Madison to Monterey with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Madison to Monterey

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Madison to Monterey: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Madison to Monterey

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Madison to Monterey in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $379 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Madison to Monterey flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Madison to Monterey airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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