San Jose Layover Guide (SJC)

What are you looking for in SJC?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San Jose Airport (SJC) is an international airport located in San Jose, California. It’s situated about 6 km (4 miles) from downtown San Jose. The airport officially opened in 1949. San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley and one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. It’s known for its innovation, tech industry, and pleasant climate, as well as its proximity to world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Can you leave San Jose Airport (SJC) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
On an international layover at SJC, travelers may exit the airport if they clear U.S. immigration and customs and have sufficient transit time. All visitors must possess valid U.S. entry authorization—either a visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program—based on their nationality. Allow ample time for local ground transportation. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Tech Interactive Explore hands-on science and technology exhibits covering robotics, biotechnology and space exploration at this dynamic museum. Official site (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 10 min via VTA light rail or 8 min by taxi)
• Winchester Mystery House Tour the sprawling Victorian mansion known for its architectural oddities, secret passages and stairways to nowhere. Official site (Time required: 1.5–2.5 hours / Airport to here: 15 min by taxi or 25 min via VTA bus)
• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Discover the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in Western North America, including mummies, statues and hieroglyphics in Egyptian Revival gardens. Official site (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 15 min by taxi or 30 min via VTA bus)
• San Pedro Square Market Enjoy a lively marketplace with local food vendors, craft beers, live music and artisan shopping in the heart of downtown San Jose. Official site (Time required: 45 min–1 hour / Airport to here: 10 min via light rail or 7 min by taxi)
• Santana Row Stroll the upscale outdoor shopping district featuring boutiques, restaurants, rooftop bars and fountains set among Mediterranean-style architecture. Official site (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 15 min by taxi or 20 min via VTA bus/light rail)
• San Jose Japantown Wander through historic Japantown, explore unique shops, traditional eateries, the Japanese American Museum and vibrant public art. Official site (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 15 min by taxi or 30 min via VTA bus)
• Municipal Rose Garden Relax among over 4,000 rose bushes in this serene park boasting seasonal blooms, shaded pathways and picnic spots. Official info (Time required: 30–45 minutes / Airport to here: 10 min by taxi or 20 min via VTA bus)
• Guadalupe River Park Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along riverside trails, visit the Vietnamese American Heritage Garden and enjoy urban green space. Official site (Time required: 30–60 minutes / Airport to here: 8 min by taxi or 15 min via VTA light rail)

Things to Do in San Jose Airport (SJC)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
San Jose Airport’s primary lounge is The Club SJC (Terminal A, Gates 8 & 15). For a day pass (~$55 or discounted AAA rate), relax in a 7,400 sq ft space with complimentary snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, power outlets, Wi-Fi, workstations and a private conference room. Open daily from first flight to last departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although SJC lacks an on-site hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Jose Airport sits one mile away. It provides a complimentary shuttle (5:15 AM–10 PM), free breakfast, indoor pool, pet-friendly rooms, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness center, making it convenient for early arrivals or overnight stays. Check-in begins at 3 PM. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Inside SJC, Minute Suites in Terminal B (near Gate 23) offer rentable private suites by the hour for naps, work or relaxation, complete with sound masking, desks and refreshments. For quick breaks, Power Suites at Gates 9, 18 and 28 provide free seating with built-in charging stations and work surfaces. Massage chairs and nursing rooms are also available.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: San Jose Airport offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout Terminals A and B. Connect to the “SJCFreeWiFi” network, agree to the terms and enjoy seamless internet access for browsing, streaming or work. No password is required, and service is accessible in all public areas and lounges. Hotspot supports multiple devices simultaneously. Speeds may vary.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards at terminal convenience stores like Hudson or at nearby mobile retailers. Alternatively, activate an eSIM from global providers before departure for immediate service. Local carriers (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T) offer data plans; ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with GSM networks. Check plan coverage maps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: SJC’s official taxi stand is located curbside at Terminal A (Stop 3) and Terminal B (Stop 1). Licensed Yellow and Checker cabs serve the airport 24/7, accepting cash and credit cards. Typical fares to downtown San Jose range from $25 to $35, with extra charges for airport surcharges. Ride-share pickups are separate. Expect minimal wait times.

Train: To access regional rail, board the free VTA Bus Route 60 at Terminal A (Stop 7) or Terminal B (Stop 5) to Metro/Airport Station. There, connect to VTA’s Blue and Green light rail lines, or transfer at the Santa Clara Transit Center for ACE, Caltrain and Amtrak services. (more info)

Bus: VTA’s Route 60 Airport Flyer serves SJC curbside at Terminal A (Stop 7) and Terminal B (Stop 5). This free bus runs every 15–20 minutes, linking terminals to Milpitas BART, Winchester and Santa Clara Transit Center for connections, and the Metro/Airport light rail station. (more info)

Shuttle: SJC offers complimentary shuttle buses circulating between Terminal A, Terminal B, Economy Lot 1, Daily Lot 4 and the Rental Car Center. Shuttles run 24/7 every 7–10 minutes, are wheelchair-accessible and board curbside. Simply wait at the marked stops to transfer between terminals or reach your parking or rental car facility.

Car rentals: All major rental agencies operate from the consolidated CONRAC facility across from Terminal B. Free shuttles depart curbside at Terminal A and B every 7–10 minutes, transporting you to the multi-story garage. Reservations are recommended; agencies include Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, National, Alamo and Sixt. On-site fuel, insurance and roadside assistance available. Check rates online. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: SJC provides five parking lots: Economy Lot 1, Hourly Lots 2, 3 and 5, and Daily Lot 4. Short-term parking is curbside and in hourly lots; long-term parking in Daily Lot 4. Rates vary by duration. Free inter-terminal and parking shuttle buses operate 24/7. A complimentary cellphone waiting area is located off Airport Blvd.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SJC does not offer on-site luggage storage or locker facilities. Travellers can use off-airport services such as Bounce or Vertoe, or visit downtown San Jose locations like City Lockers near Diridon Station. Plan ahead and reserve storage online for secure and convenient baggage holding options during layovers. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Jose Airport (SJC) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks