San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Considered one of the busiest airports in California, San Jose International Airport is situated about 6 kilometers northwest of the city of Downtown San Jose.

In 2018, it served more than 14.3 million passengers surpassing its previous record of 14.2 million passengers set in 2001.

The airport consisted of terminals A and B, which opened in 1990 and 2010, respectively.

It used to have a Terminal C, which opened in 1965, but it was demolished in 2010 to make way for more parking spaces.

Today, San Jose International Airport covers 420 hectares and has two active runways. Its Terminal A and B, both serve international and domestic flights, but International Arrivals are only hosted in Terminal A.

In 1939, the city’s future mayor, Ernie Renzel, led a group that negotiated to buy part of the Stockton Ranch. The deal was completed in 1940.

In 1945, James M. Nissen and two partners leased about 6.5 hectares of this land to build a runway, hangar, and office building for a flight school. Renzel and Nissen were instrumental in the development of San Jose Municipal Airport over the next few decades.

In the early 1980s, the airport was one of the first in the country to participate in the noise regulation program enacted by the U.S. Congress for the delineation of airport noise contours and the development of residential sound insulation.

In 1988, American Airlines opened a hub in San Jose. In 1990, Terminal A was opened to help accommodate the American operation. Eleven years later, Americans served Paris, Taipei, and Tokyo nonstop from San Jose and had domestic flights to Austin, Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Maui, Orange County, Portland, Phoenix, San Diego, and Seattle.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York, the city lost much of its service, including Air Canada (for flights to Toronto and Ottawa, Canada) and American Airlines (for nonstop flights to Taipei, Vancouver, and Paris.)

But it slowly recovered shortly thereafter, when in 2005, Hawaiian Airlines began daily nonstops to Honolulu. A year later, American Airlines ended the San Jose-Tokyo-Narita route, San Jose's last nonstop beyond North America and Hawaii.

In 2015, Hainan Airlines began nonstop flights from Beijing, and British Airways commenced daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner service from London-Heathrow a year later.

Air Canada returned, providing flights from Vancouver operated by Air Canada Express. Flights to Mexico were restored, and several domestic and international destinations.

In 2021, the busiest domestic routes from SJC were San Diego, California, Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Arizona, Los Angeles, California, Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada, Orange County, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, Portland, Oregon, and Kahului, Hawaii.

In 2019, its busiest international routes were Guadalajara, Mexico, London-Heathrow, United Kingdom, San José del Cabo, Mexico, Vancouver, Canada, Tokyo-Narita, Japan, Beijing-Capital, China, Morelia, Mexico, Guanajuato, Mexico, and Zacatecas, Mexico.

Transfer Services at San Jose International Airport

Services to/from SJC, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center of Terminal A and B.

Terminals A and B are home to both international and domestic flights. However, international arrivals are hosted in Terminal A only.

Rental Car Services at San Jose International Airport

All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs occur at the SJC Rental Car Center across from Terminal B.

If your plane is arriving at Terminal B, all you must do is walk to the other side of the road that is across from the baggage claim.

For those arriving in Terminal A, you can go to the rental car area by taking a complimentary blue shuttle bus. Once you leave the airport, you can drive to the city’s downtown in approximately 5 minutes. See and compare all rental car companies at San Jose International Airport.

The rental facility is open 24/7. Please inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found at +1 408-392-3559.

Ride Shares at San Jose International Airport

Rideshare designated pick-up and drop-off areas are at Terminal A and Terminal B Ground Transportation Center.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at San Jose International Airport

From the Baggage Claim area, taxi passengers can proceed to the Airport Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal building.

One-way fare to Downtown is about $25.00.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. See more information about taxis at San Jose International Airport.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at San Jose International Airport

There are no train stations at the airport but there are several nearby train connections from downtown. More information about train services near San Jose International Airport.

You can get to the train station in San Clara for less than $25.00 by taxi.

Buses at San Jose International Airport

VTA Route 60 serves the Milpitas BART Station and Winchester VTA Station at Terminal A (Stop 7) and Terminal B (Stop 5). Passengers at SJC may board the line in either direction free of charge.

Connect to the VTA Blue and Green light rail lines at the Metro/Airport Station (fare applies) by boarding the Route 60 bus to Milpitas BART. More information about buses to and from San Jose International Airport.

A one-way fare costs less than $5.00, depending on the distance.

Hotel Shuttle Services at San Jose International Airport

Many hotels in San Jose provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Airport Ground Transportation Center in front of Terminals A and B.

Parking at San Jose International Airport

San Jose International Airport provides safe, modern, and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available at the facility, 24/7. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at San Jose International Airport.

Hotels

Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, our San Jose, California hotel and accommodation listings include all the information you need to book the ideal room for your trip.

Attractions

San Jose is a city that offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and mountain climbing in the nearby mountains, while those who prefer a more urban environment can enjoy the city's many restaurants, shops, nightlife, and many more. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around San Jose, California.