Car Rental at San Jose Airport

Airport travel guide

San Jose International Airport serves the third-largest city in California and the southern Bay Area as a whole. This includes most of Silicon Valley. Those seeking to visit tech companies such as Google or Apple for business or as a tourist are best served using San Jose International.  In fact, the airport’s tagline is that it is  Silicon Valley’s Airport.

Flying into San Jose Airport also gives visitors easy access to some of northern California’s best beach cities. Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Big Sur are all within easy driving distance to the south of San Jose. 

The airport’s official name is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Norman Mineta is a former plication and the longest serving Secretary in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. He served in the administrations of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton after he was mayor of San Jose.

Here are the top attractions in and around San Jose:

• San Francisco - Of course, no trip to northern California would be complete without spending some time in San Francisco. The city features iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. The city is also known for its diverse neighborhoods, each wititsir own distinct character and culture, such as Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, and the Mission District. Visitors can also explore Golden Gate Park, home to museums, gardens, and an aquarium, or catch a Giants game at Oracle Park. Enjoy t   vibrant culinary scene, including famous sourdough bread, seafood, and Ghirardelli chocolates. 
• Santa Cruz - A popular destination for tourists seeking a laid-back beach town vibe. The iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit, with its vintage rides, arcade games, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. For nature enthusiasts, a hike in the nearby redwood forests or a stroll along West Cliff Drive will not disappoint. The town's eclectic downtown area boasts unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, making it a fun spot to explore. Other notable activities include visiting the Santa Cruz Wharf, surfing at one of the many world-renowned surf breaks, or exploring the local wineries and breweries.
• Winchester Mystery House - Often called one of the “most haunted places in the world,” the mansion is known for its eccentric architecture and unusual features, such as staircases that lead to nowhere and doors that open onto walls. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house, exploring the many rooms and learning about its mysterious history. The beautiful gardens and impressive architecture make for a memorable experience for those interested in history, architecture, and the supernatural.

 And if you rent a car, you can make some day trips to these interesting places which aren't too far away: 

• Monterey Bay - A beautiful destination for those seeking natural beauty and marine life. Visitors can explore the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to over 35,000 animals and plants, including sea otters, sharks, and jellyfish. The scenic coastline also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, surfing, and hiking. The historic Cannery Row, once home to sardine canning factories, has been transformed into a lively district with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options. 
• Big Sur - Home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in all of California, Big Sur is a nature lover's paradise. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1, including the iconic Bixby Bridge. The area is home to several state parks, including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where visitors can hike to see the McWay Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto the beach below. Big Sur is also home to several luxury resorts, spas, and world-renowned restaurants, making it a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil and upscale retreat. 
• Sacramento - Located just under 2 hours to the north of San Jose, a visit to the state’s capital is a must for history lovers. Visitors can explore the California State Capitol, home to the governor's office and the state legislature, or take a stroll through Old Sacramento, a historic district with preserved buildings from the Gold Rush era. The city also boasts several museums, such as the Crocker Art Museum and the California State Railroad Museum, as well as outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking along the American River Parkway. Sacramento is also known for its diverse culinary scene, offering a variety of farm-to-fork restaurants and local breweries. 

Top international routes

• San Diego
• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• Las Vegas
• Phoenix
• Denver
• Portland
• Santa Ana
• Burbank
• Salt Lake City

Main airlines

Southwest is the largest airline serving San Jose International with about half of the airport’s total passenger volume.

Alaska Airlines is the second-largest airline at the airport. It provides service between San Jose and many cities in the Western United States, Hawaii, and cities in Mexico.

American Airlines provides service to Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix.

Delta flies to and from its hub in Atlanta in addition to a few other cities including New York City.

Jetblue provides transcontinental flights to and from New York and Boston in addition to flights to Long Beach.

Terminals

There are two terminals at San Jose International, Terminal A, and Terminal B.The international arrivals area is located in a separate area of Terminal A. It is possible to walk between the gates of the two terminals as they are connected airside.

Location

The airport is located just a few miles north of downtown San Jose which itself lies at the southern end of the Bay Area.

The airport is around 50 miles south of downtown San Francisco and roughly the same distance from Oakland. The airport is located around 350 miles from Los Angeles (slightly farther if you take the more scenic 101 as opposed to I-5).

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $53 per day
• Medium cars - from $54 per day
• Large cars - from $50 per day
• Premium cars - from $87 per day
• SUVs - from $61 per day
• Vans - from $104 per day
• Convertibles - from $90 per day

Car rental desks

The Rental Car Center at San Jose International is located across the street from Terminal B. If you arrive at Terminal B, you can walk across the street to the center. If you arrive at Terminal A, you can take the inter-terminal bus which stops in front of the rental car center.

Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar, and National all have desks in the Rental Car Center. Renters renting a van from Airport Van Rental (through Ace) are provided shuttle service to the company’s location west of the airport (the ride takes about ten minutes).

Services and facilities

San Jose International has all of the services and facilities one would expect an international airport to have. Both terminals have numerous options for dining or having coffee. There are restaurants, bars, fast food, and cafes. There is also a wide range of shops and kiosks. The airport also provides passengers with free wifi in both terminals. Terminal A, where the international arrivals area is, has a currency exchange. As usual, though, it is best to use an ATM or pay with your card as much as possible as your bank will almost always give you a better exchange rate than the airport exchanges.

Nearest gas station

The nearest gas station for those returning rental cars depends on which highway you are approaching and from which direction.

For those with Costco memberships, a Costco behind the airport is the best option even if it is not the closest station to the airport. Its prices are significantly lower than other stations in the area.

Those without a Costco membership coming from the north along the 101 are best served by a Chevron station on North 1st Street. From the station, you can head south along N. 1st Street to Skyport Drive from which entrance to the Rental Car Center is simple.

Those coming from I-280 or the 101 from the south, are best served by a Shell Station located just south of I-880 or a Phillips 66 located just north of I-880. Though the Phillips 66 station is located close to the airport, the side of the road it is on requires drivers to pass the Shell station too. Therefore, either is preferable.

If returning a van from Ace (serviced by Airport Van Rental), you have a choice of three stations. If you have a Costco membership, then the Costco right buy the rental office is not only the best choice based on price but also location.

If you do not have a Costco membership, then a Chevron station located just off of I-880 is the best station for filling up. It is only about a mile from the rental office. If coming from the north along the 101, then a Philips 66 on De La Cruz Blvd. is the best station.

Popular one-way rentals

• San Francisco (47 miles / 76 km)
• Sacramento (115 miles / 185 km)
• Monterey (74 miles / 119 km)
• Oakland (39 miles / 63 km)
• Santa Rosa (98 miles / 158 km)
• Los Angeles (342 miles / 550 km)
• Las Vegas (529 miles / 851 km)
• Portland (662 miles / 1,065 km)