Flights to San Jose (SJC)
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San Jose travel information
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley and the tenth largest city in the United States. Famous for being a tech hub, this is the home to global companies such as Facebook, Google, Apple and IBM. San Jose is also a popular city to visit, and while it doesn’t attract the same crowds as neighbouring San Francisco, you’ll be surprised by the standard of attractions and culture on offer. Explore the Tech Museum of Modern Innovation, Winchester Mystery House and the San Jose Museum of Art, walk through one of the city’s famous rose gardens or indulge in retail therapy at one of the upmarket shopping precincts. When it comes to food and nightlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice – sample authentic Japanese or Hispanic cuisine, drop into the late night food hall at San Pedro Square Market, wine and dine in upmarket restaurants and steak houses, take a tour to Napa Valley or relax in a craft brewery and enjoy all that San Jose has to offer.
When to visit
The best time to visit San Jose is between May and September, which is considered the dry season and is when several events are held including the San Jose Jazz Festival in August and the Metro Fountain Blues Festival in May. The busiest months are July and August when high temperatures reach around 24°C (17°F) on average and rainfall is rare, but even in the peak season, the city doesn’t attract large crowds so it won’t be difficult to take your pick of hotels and activities. Despite more frequent rainfall in winter, even in the colder months the temperatures rarely drop below zero and so a trip will still be enjoyable, with plenty of activities on offer.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, commonly referred to as SJC or San Jose International Airport. Despite San Jose being the largest city in the region, this is the second largest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area, behind San Francisco International Airport. The airport services the entire Silicon Valley region and is located approximately 4.8 km (3 miles) from downtown San Jose in California, USA.
Arriving in San Jose
The staff at San Jose Airport will greet you when you land and assist with your needs. Once you collect your bags from the arrivals area, there are various transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into San Jose from San Jose Airport
Getting to and from San Jose Airport is easy, with many different transport options to choose from including public transport and app-based rideshare services. If you’re looking for a public transport option, the free VTA Airport Flyer bus service operates every 15 minutes and can take you between Terminal A or B to the Metro/Airport Light Railway Station and Santa Clara Caltrain Station, where you can find services directly to the city centre and other areas. To reach the airport from downtown, just board any light rail service that takes you to Metro/Airport to catch the shuttle bus. Taxi ranks operate just outside each terminal building and app-based rideshare services offer pick-up points at both terminal A (at the arrivals curbside, stop 1) and terminal 2 (at the ground transportation island, stops 8 and 9). Hotel shuttles and private door-to-door shuttles are also available by prior arrangement. Rental cars are a great mode of transport to explore the city and region, and major rental car operators have desks in the airport terminal.
Getting around San Jose
Getting around San Jose is relatively easy, but we recommend that you plan your trip ahead as public transport isn’t as sophisticated as bigger cities such as neighbouring San Francisco. The city has an extensive light rail and bus service operated primarily by VTA and linking major tourist destinations, parks and commercial centres. Downtown San Jose is relatively compact and walking is a great way to explore, or you can take a guided tour or rent a bike and use the downtown network of bike paths. Caltrain operates rail services linking San Jose with other towns in Santa Clara, or rent a car for more freedom to move around both San Jose city and the broader region.
Important information
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