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Monterey, CA, USA to Santa Rosa, CA, USA from $13: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Monterey, United States of America
to
Santa Rosa, United States of America

How to Get from Monterey to Santa Rosa: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$13 by trainBest price
274 kmDistance
2h 59m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Monterey to Santa Rosa with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  14m
Estimated price
$13-102
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 274 km
Duration: 2h 59m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Drive
Train
Average Duration
7h  41m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Drive
Average Duration
8h  43m
Estimated price
$15-108
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  59m
Estimated price
$30-45
Company
various
Drive
Bus
Average Duration
5h  43m
Estimated price
$101-109
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
3h  47m
Estimated price
$155-397
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Traveling From Monterey to Santa Rosa

Traveling from Monterey to Santa Rosa offers a striking contrast between the serene coastal beauty of Monterey and the rustic wine country charm of Santa Rosa.

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences that cater to every traveler.

Downtown Santa Rosa
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.
• Variety of dining options from casual to upscale.
Juliana
• Charming historic homes with lush gardens.
• Proximity to parks and outdoor activities.
Fountaingrove
• Scenic views and spacious homes.
• Easy access to wineries and hiking trails.

Best Times To Visit Santa Rosa's Attractions

To fully enjoy what Santa Rosa has to offer, timing your visits can make all the difference.

Charles M. Schulz Museum
Visiting on weekdays offers a quieter experience with smaller crowds.
Jack London State Historic Park
Early mornings in spring provide beautiful weather and fewer hikers.
Santa Rosa Farmers Market
Fridays are less crowded, allowing a more relaxed shopping experience.

Santa Rosa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Rosa enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Late spring and early fall are ideal for visiting, as the weather is typically comfortable, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Rosa

Visit John Ash & Co. for a delightful farm-to-table dining experience, where you can savor their signature dish, the Sonoma County roasted chicken, which features local ingredients and bold flavors. This vibrant atmosphere, combined with the emphasis on regional wines, contrasts beautifully with Monterey’s seafood focus, offering a fresh perspective on California cuisine.

Monterey - Santa Rosa operators

Explore transport companies operating between Monterey and Santa Rosa, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Salinas Amtrak Station to San Francisco Salesforce Plaza

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$134-135

Bus from Mission St & 2nd St to Santa Rosa Transit Mall

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$15-15
Train
Contact phone
+1 707-794-3330
Website
https://sonomamarintrain.org

Train from Larkspur to Santa Rosa Downtown SMART

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$132-133

Train from Salinas to Oakland

Average Duration
2h 53m
Estimated price
$134-135
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$130-131
Ferry
Contact phone
+1 415-455-2000
Website
https://www.goldengate.org

Ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminal

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$10-15
Shuttle
Contact phone
707-837-8700
Website
https://groometransportation.com/sonoma-county/?&sd_client_id=96f3523b-d43b-4413-95b5-8039977b529d

Shuttle from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$45-1024

Shuttle from San Francisco Airport to Santa Rosa

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$10-10
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Other from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to San Francisco Airport Domestic

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$45-1024

Monterey to Santa Rosa: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Monterey and Santa Rosa offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Monterey to Santa Rosa, spanning 170 miles of picturesque California landscape. Enjoy a leisurely drive that typically takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete. 💸 Indulge in an affordable journey with car rental prices ranging from $30 to $45 for the trip from Monterey to Santa Rosa. Experience the freedom of the open road while exploring the charming towns and vineyard-dotted countryside along the way.
Average price
$30 - $45
🛫 Flying from Monterey to Santa Rosa involves taking a quick direct flight from Monterey Airport to San Francisco Airport, which only lasts about 56 minutes. 🚗 Once you land at San Francisco Airport, you can easily rent a car or take a shuttle to continue your journey to Santa Rosa, which is approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco.
Departure Point
Monterey Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from Monterey to Santa Rosa, a journey with transfers is possible. The overall travel time, including transfers, takes approximately 7 hours and 14 minutes. 🛣️ The routes available for this journey range from 7 hours to just over 8 hours. These routes involve two transfers, with varying durations for each leg of the trip.
Departure Point
Salinas Amtrak Station
Arrival Point
Santa Rosa Transit Mall station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Monterey to Santa Rosa.

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The distance between Monterey and Santa Rosa is 136 miles or 170 miles by road. The typical travel time from Monterey to Santa Rosa by train and then bus is approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes. However, the journey from Santa Rosa to Monterey by car takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes, while the bus journey takes about 7 hours and 3 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Monterey to Santa Rosa is by driving. It takes approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes to drive the distance of 136 miles, and the cost is estimated to be around $30 to $45 in fuel expenses. Taking a train and then a bus can also be an affordable option, but it takes a longer time, around 8 hours and 50 minutes. Therefore, driving is the recommended choice for both cost and time savings.
To get from Monterey to Santa Rosa without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 170 miles, and it typically takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete the journey by car. The prices for a car rental or using your own vehicle may vary, but they generally range from $30 to $45, depending on factors such as gas prices and rental fees.
To travel from Monterey to Santa Rosa without a car, the best option is to take the Amtrak Thruway and bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes. The exact cost may vary, so it is advisable to check with the transportation provider for current fares. This route allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way without the hassle of driving.
Yes, there is a link between Monterey and Santa Rosa but there is no direct bus service between the two cities. However, you can take a bus from Monterey to Salinas Amtrak Station, then transfer to another bus that goes to Santa Rosa Transit Mall. The total travel time for this journey, including transfers, is approximately 7 hours and 3 minutes. Please note that these bus services are operated by Amtrak and Golden Gate Transit.
The flight between Monterey and Santa Rosa typically takes around 50 minutes on a direct flight from Monterey Airport to San Francisco Airport. However, please note that there are no direct flights between Monterey and Santa Rosa, so you would need to make a connection in San Francisco. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but it generally ranges from $200 to $300. It is recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the most affordable option for your travel.
There are over 275 hotels to choose from in Santa Rosa. Prices for accommodations in the area start at $74 per night. Some popular options for staying near Santa Rosa include hotels such as the Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, and the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa. Visitors can choose from a range of options to find a hotel that suits their budget and preferences.

Trips from Monterey

Trips to Santa Rosa