Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport SJC

United States

The two terminals (A, B) handle domestic connections and some international routes to the Asia-Pacific.

Gateway to the heart of Silicon Valley, with San Jose as a base for reaching the headquarters of the world's leading technology companies.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.flysanjose.com

How to get to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

San Jose city center is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 25 minutes combining the free VTA 60 bus and VTA Light Rail.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown San Jose in about 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

The VTA Light Rail (Blue or Green lines), accessible free from the terminal via bus 60, reaches downtown San Jose in approximately 25 minutes total; fare $2.50 per trip, day pass $7.50.

By Bus

VTA Route 60, free in both directions to/from the airport, connects the terminals to Metro/Airport station, from which Valley Metro Light Rail Blue or Green lines continue to downtown.
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Tips Bus 60 to the Metro/Airport station is completely free: you only pay for the Light Rail ticket (2.50 USD) for the final part of the journey.

Average travel time to SJC

TrainNot direct station service (VTA Light Rail via free bus 60)
Shuttle bus25 minutes (2.50 USD, free bus 60 + VTA Light Rail)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (20-30 USD)

Parking near Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Economy Lot 1 costs 19 USD/day; Terminal A Garage 25 USD/day; Daily Lots 4/5 31 USD/day; Terminal B Garage 41 USD/day; off-site affiliated parking starts at 6 USD/day.

How to get to San Jose from SJC

By Train

The VTA Light Rail (Blue or Green), reachable for free by bus 60, brings you to the center in about 25 minutes; fare 2.50 USD.

By Bus

The VTA Route 60 (free) connects to Light Rail tracks (2.50 USD), for a total journey of about 25 minutes to the center.

By Taxi

Uber/Lyft cost approximately 8-14 USD; a taxi costs nearly double, about 16-28 USD, to the center (about 3 miles), with a journey of 8-12 minutes.

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Car rental at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

The major car rental companies are reachable by dedicated shuttle.

Driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient; IDP is not required for short stays if your license is in Latin characters.

 

Hotels near Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

San Jose Mineta is Silicon Valley's airport, just minutes from both downtown and the tech districts. Travelers with an early meeting or a same-day flight find more choice near the terminal, along Skyport Drive. Those who want to visit downtown, between San Pedro Square and the SAP Center, can choose a hotel with more character a few blocks away. Those aiming instead for the shopping and restaurants of Santana Row find the neighborhood's only hotel, among boutiques and art galleries.
Airport area

Airport area

Less than 2 km from the terminal: a free shuttle on request or a 5-10 minute taxi/rideshare ride.

Best for: Travelers with an early morning meeting or a same-day flight who don't want to drive downtown.

Pros
  • Free airport shuttle on request
  • Restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotels
Cons
  • Office district, little nightlife
  • Farther from downtown and Santana Row
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Downtown San Jose

About 5 km from the terminal, 10-15 minutes by taxi, rideshare or your own car.

Best for: To stay within walking distance of San Pedro Square, the SAP Center and downtown nightlife.

Pros
  • San Pedro Square Market and SAP Center on foot
  • Historic buildings instead of yet another glass tower
Cons
  • Expensive parking, often valet only
  • Nightlife concentrated on weekends with SAP Center events
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Santana Row

About 8 km from the terminal, 15 minutes by taxi, rideshare or your own car; no direct connection.

Best for: For shopping, restaurants and evening spots on foot, with no need to drive at night.

Pros
  • Santana Row's shops, restaurants and art galleries on foot
  • Panoramic rooftop pool
Cons
  • Only hotel in the neighborhood, booked up fast on weekends
  • Far from downtown and the airport
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves the heart of Silicon Valley with domestic connections and some international routes to Asia-Pacific.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features California wine, technology products, and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers multiple reserved lounges for business clientele.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal; coverage from major U.S. cellular providers is complete.

Families & Children

Play areas for children and family assistance services are available in all terminals.

Terminal guide

The 2 terminals (A, B) are connected by a pedestrian pathway system.

The suggested buffer before check-in for international flights is 2.5-3 hours.

Map of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Map of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is the bus to downtown San Jose free?

The VTA Route 60 to Metro/Airport station is, free in both directions; you'll only pay for the following Light Rail leg (2.50 USD).

Q. Is San Jose Airport convenient for Silicon Valley?

Yes, it's the main airport for reaching the headquarters of the area's big tech companies.

Q. How much does the VTA Light Rail cost from San Jose Airport?

2.50 USD per ride, or 7.50 USD for a day pass.

Q. How many terminals does San Jose Airport have?

2 terminals (A and B), connected by walkways.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in San Jose

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