Welcome to San José: Your First Stop in the Bay Area
Flying into SJC? You’re just minutes away from everything San José has to offer! From great food to exciting events, San José is the perfect place to start your Bay Area adventure.
What Makes San José Special?
San José is more than just the capital of Silicon Valley — it’s a city full of vibrant neighborhoods, incredible food and exciting things to do while being your gateway to Northern California. Whether you're here for a quick stop or a longer stay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore premier shopping destinations like Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair, offering everything from luxury brands to local boutiques. Catch live music and shows at iconic venues like the SAP Center, The Ritz or San José Civic, where concerts and events bring the city to life year-round.
Explore San José’s Neighborhoods
Our wonderful city is full of unique neighborhoods … each with its own vibe, flavors and attractions — there’s something special to explore around every corner.
- Downtown San José
Located less than 10 minutes from SJC, Downtown is the city’s hub for entertainment, culture and nightlife. Visit the San José Museum of Art or catch a concert at the SAP Center. - Japantown
One of the last three historic Japantowns in the U.S. Try authentic Japanese food, pick up a souvenir from a local shop and explore cultural landmarks. - Little Italy
A historic neighborhood in Downtown San José, offering authentic Italian dining, cultural experiences and the Little Italy Cultural Center and Museum. - Little Saigon
A vibrant neighborhood in San José, blending traditional Vietnamese and modern American culture, featuring authentic restaurants, unique shopping experiences and cultural sites like the Viet Museum.
We’ve got 14 more neighborhoods to discover … check them out here.
What’s Happening in San José?
From exciting events to unforgettable experiences, San José is always buzzing with something to do. View upcoming events here.
Where to Eat in San José
Hungry? San José’s food scene is as spirited and diverse as its neighborhoods, offering incredible Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian and so much more. Explore more dining options here.
Shopping in San José
Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, local boutiques or unique gifts, San José has a shopping scene that caters to every style.
- San José Flea Market
A vibrant marketplace with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to unique treasures, plus live music and family-friendly fun. - Santana Row
A lively outdoor shopping and dining destination with stylish boutiques, luxury brands and great restaurants, all in a beautiful, walkable setting. - Westfield Valley Fair
A premier shopping mall with a huge selection of popular brands, luxury stores and great dining options all under one roof.
Find more shopping options here.
Getting Around is Easy
Exploring San José is a breeze! With convenient transit options, ride-shares and car rentals, you can get where you need to go hassle-free.
- Public Transit: Take the VTA Light Rail or buses to get around town. SJC provides a free shuttle bus to the nearby Santa Clara CalTrain station, offering direct rail service through Silicon Valley and into San Francisco.
- Ride-Share Friendly: Lyft, Uber, Wingz and YRide are just a few taps (and a curb) away!
- Car Rentals: Our rental car center is just across the street from Terminal B and a 60-second shuttle ride from Terminal A, making rental-car pick-up significantly faster and easier than other airports.
Where to Stay
Explore nearby hotels that offer direct shuttle service and transportation to and from SJC, making your arrival and departure smooth and convenient. (Please contact individual hotels for shuttle availability and details.)
- Sonesta Select San José Airport
0.4 miles from SJC - DoubleTree by Hilton San José
0.4 miles from SJC - Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott San José Airport
0.6 miles from SJC - SpringHill Suites San José Airport
0.6 miles from SJC - Hyatt Place San José Airport
0.7 miles from SJC - Hyatt House San José Airport
0.7 miles from SJC - Courtyard San José Airport
0.9 miles from SJC - Hilton Garden Inn San José Airport
0.9 miles from SJC - Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San José International Airport
1.1 miles from SJC - Sonesta San Jose - Milpitas
4 miles from SJC - Courtyard by Marriott San José North/ Silicon Valley
4 miles from SJC - DoubleTree by Hilton Newark-Fremont
11.4 miles from SJC
Explore more hotel options on Visit San José’s website.
Plan Your Visit
Looking for more ideas? Download Visit San José’s "48 Hours in San José” itinerary to plan your trip. Visit their website for more tips.
Did you know SJC is the closest airport to:
- Levi’s Stadium, frequent site of major international soccer matches, huge concert events and home to American football’s famous San Francisco 49ers
- Monterey, Santa Cruz and whale watching in Monterey Bay
- Pebble Beach / Carmel
- Yosemite National Park
- Redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains
- Santa Cruz Mountain wineries and Paso Robles Central Coast wineries
- Corporate headquarters for some of the world’s best-known technology companies like Google, Apple and Facebook
Transit Connections to Key San José Destinations:
- To SAP Center:
Take VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer) from either terminal to Santa Clara Transit Center. Transfer to VTA Bus 22 or use Caltrain/ACE/Amtrak from there to reach San José Diridon Station, which is right across from SAP Center. Travel time: 30-40 minutes. - To Downtown San José (City Hall, Convention Center, etc.):
Take VTA Route 60 from either terminal to Metro/Airport station. Then board the VTA Blue or Green light rail heading into downtown. Stations such as Saint James or Convention Center will get you close to your desired location. Travel time: 25-35 minutes. - To Levi’s Stadium:
Take VTA Route 60 from either terminal towards Milpitas BART, then transfer to VTA light rail (Green Line) at the Metro/Airport station to the Great America station, which is adjacent to Levi’s Stadium. Travel time: 45-60 minutes. - To PayPal Park:
Take VTA Route 60 from either terminal directly to Coleman Ave & Earthquakes Way (right in front of PayPal Park). Travel time: 20-30 minutes.
App-Based Rideshares is also available at specified pickup locations at the Airport.
San José welcomes you with open arms and endless possibilities. Enjoy your time in the heart of Silicon Valley … happy exploring!
SJC features nonstop flights from major international airline hubs including:
