Big Sur travel guide

Big Sur Tourism | Big Sur Guide

You're Going to Love Big Sur

With a population of 1,000, Big Sur is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Sur to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Big Sur

If you’re looking for affordable options, Sierra Mar - Post Ranch Inn (47900 State Highway 1) and The Sur House (48123 California One) are great picks.

When to visit Big Sur

Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
AED 4358
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Sur in February
Estimated hotel price
AED 4358
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Sur in August, when the average temperature is 18 °C, and the highest can go up to 25 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 6 °C, with an average temperature of 11 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 216 mm. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Big Sur, with an average rainfall of 0 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Big Sur

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 76 miles from Big Sur. The shortest flight to Big Sur from the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 15h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around AED 59 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about AED 62 for a 1h 41m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car hire from San Francisco, which is about 110 miles from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 295 miles and will cost you around AED 250. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about AED 316 for a journey of 425 miles.

Plane

Although Big Sur doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Mineta San Jose Airport (SJC), which is located 76 miles from Big Sur. The shortest flight to Big Sur from the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 15h 50m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Sur. The train journey from Big Sur to Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around AED 59 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about AED 62 for a 1h 41m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Sur is to pick up a car hire from San Francisco, which is about 110 miles from Big Sur. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Sur, including FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to Big Sur takes 295 miles and will cost you around AED 250. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about AED 316 for a journey of 425 miles.

Airports near Big Sur

Airlines serving Big Sur

Lufthansa
Good (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,451 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,282 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Big Sur

Hiring a car in Big Sur

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53.

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Big Sur (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53.