Getting Around San Jose
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
San Jose Airport information
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is super close—only about 4 miles from downtown San Jose, making it easy to reach quickly. This airport handles over 10 million travelers every year with around 360 flights coming in and out daily. It has 31 gates across Terminal A, Terminal B, and the International Arrivals area, offering nonstop flights across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and some international destinations like London and Shanghai. For event planners and travelers, this airport is convenient for business trips and events because it has lots of amenities, free Wi-Fi in many areas, and both short- and long-term parking options. The airport was recently renovated, adding a new terminal and a big rental car center making it easy to rent vehicles for event transport or travel.
Just 4 miles from downtown San Jose, taxi rides cost around $18
Offers direct flights to key cities including London, Vancouver, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Washington D.C., and Salt Lake City
Free Wi-Fi available throughout Terminals A, C, and International Arrivals
Plenty of retail shops and restaurants in terminals for quick meals or last-minute shopping
New Terminal B and expanded rental car facility with 3,000+ spaces
Served by many major airlines including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United, British Airways, Lufthansa
San Francisco International Airport Information
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 36 miles from San Jose and is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 33 million passengers annually. It's known for showcasing local flavors, with cafes and restaurants at the airport mainly run by San Francisco-based businesses, so even if you’re stuck at the airport, you get a taste of the city. The airport has great shopping options, including bookstores, boutiques, and gift shops with local products. It also features the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, which is free and welcoming for groups up to 250 people, a perfect spot for special event experiences. For convenience, SFO offers multiple parking options and easy transfers through a 24/7 automated people mover system called AirTrain for travel between terminals and to public transit like BART and samTrans buses. It’s an excellent choice if you want a big international airport with great public transit connections and event venue possibilities onsite.
36 miles from San Jose; taxi fare around $125
Direct AirTrain service links all terminals and nearby BART station
Offers parking options from hourly to long-term
Home to the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum (free admission, group events allowed)
Many local San Francisco cafes and restaurants inside the airport
Major airlines include Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic
Just 4 miles from downtown San Jose, taxi rides cost around $18
Offers direct flights to key cities including London, Vancouver, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Washington D.C., and Salt Lake City
Free Wi-Fi available throughout Terminals A, C, and International Arrivals
Plenty of retail shops and restaurants in terminals for quick meals or last-minute shopping
New Terminal B and expanded rental car facility with 3,000+ spaces
Served by many major airlines including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United, British Airways, Lufthansa
San Francisco International Airport Information
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 36 miles from San Jose and is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 33 million passengers annually. It's known for showcasing local flavors, with cafes and restaurants at the airport mainly run by San Francisco-based businesses, so even if you’re stuck at the airport, you get a taste of the city. The airport has great shopping options, including bookstores, boutiques, and gift shops with local products. It also features the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, which is free and welcoming for groups up to 250 people, a perfect spot for special event experiences. For convenience, SFO offers multiple parking options and easy transfers through a 24/7 automated people mover system called AirTrain for travel between terminals and to public transit like BART and samTrans buses. It’s an excellent choice if you want a big international airport with great public transit connections and event venue possibilities onsite.
36 miles from San Jose; taxi fare around $125
Direct AirTrain service links all terminals and nearby BART station
Offers parking options from hourly to long-term
Home to the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum (free admission, group events allowed)
Many local San Francisco cafes and restaurants inside the airport
Major airlines include Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, Southwest, United, Virgin Atlantic
San Jose Rail Information
San Jose’s main Amtrak station is located at 65 Cahill Street and serves popular routes like the Capitol Corridor and Coast Starlight. The Capitol Corridor is perfect if you want to travel within California, running daily from Auburn to San Jose. The Coast Starlight connects you to cities all the way from Seattle to Los Angeles, passing through big cities like Portland and San Francisco. The station runs from early morning (5:30 a.m.) until late at night (11:00 p.m.), making it flexible for event attendees or business travelers arriving or departing at different times.
Address: 65 Cahill Street, San Jose
Capitol Corridor: Daily service Auburn to San Jose
Coast Starlight: Daily service Seattle to Los Angeles, passing San Francisco
Operating hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
Address: 65 Cahill Street, San Jose
Capitol Corridor: Daily service Auburn to San Jose
Coast Starlight: Daily service Seattle to Los Angeles, passing San Francisco
Operating hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
San Jose Public Transportation Information
San Jose’s public transportation is run by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which has clean, reliable buses and a light rail system covering a wide area including San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View. The bus system has more than 4,300 stops with 70 routes, including local and express services. The VTA Airport Flyer bus connects downtown San Jose to Mineta San Jose Airport frequently, great for travelers and event participants without cars. The light rail system travels 42 miles and serves 62 stations, with lines that conveniently reach the San Jose Convention Center, making it easy for event attendees to access venues by public transit.
Bus fares: $1.25 for adults per ride, $1.75 for youth single rides; free for kids under 5
Light rail fares: $2 single adult ride; all-day passes and eight-hour passes available
Light rail runs 365 days a year with varying intervals (15, 30, 60 minutes)
Rental car agencies at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and others, with counters outside baggage claim in Terminals A and C
Taxi rides from the airport to downtown San Jose typically cost $20 to $25
Bus fares: $1.25 for adults per ride, $1.75 for youth single rides; free for kids under 5
Light rail fares: $2 single adult ride; all-day passes and eight-hour passes available
Light rail runs 365 days a year with varying intervals (15, 30, 60 minutes)
Rental car agencies at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and others, with counters outside baggage claim in Terminals A and C
Taxi rides from the airport to downtown San Jose typically cost $20 to $25
