San Jose is a major city in the San Francisco Bay Area and it’s worth a visit if you’re travelling through the west coast. It’s a major technology hub and has a lot to offer, combining impressive architectural landmarks, innovation, cultural diversity, and sunny weather.
If you’re arriving at San Jose SJC Airport, then you can very easily reach downtown San Jose either by taking an airport taxi or by taking the local bus. Taxis are available all day long at SJC Airport for on-demand service but you can pre-book your San Jose airport to San Jose shuttle and skip the line at the rank. If you’re travelling on a budget and you’re looking for a convenient but cheaper option, then the bus is a great choice. There is no direct connection between San Jose SJC Airport to San Jose but you can get there by taking line 60 and then switching to line 22; it will take you right downtown.
3 options to go from San Jose (CA) Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €79 | 12min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
Taxi | €20 | 12min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| The fare for an airport taxi in San Jose is definitely worth it to reach your destination quickly and in comfort. Even if you're travelling on a budget, it's still a good option, especially if you're travelling in a larger group. | ||||||
Bus | €10 | 35min | 05:24–23:50 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're a solo traveller and carrying only light luggage, then taking the bus is a good option to stay within budget. For more than 2 travellers, the price will be the same as taking an airport taxi so you're better off taking one in the first place; it's faster, private, and much more comfortable. | ||||||
Getting a pre-booked or on-demand airport taxi to reach downtown San Jose is definitely the fastest and most comfortable transportation option. The distance from SJC Airport to San Jose is only 6.5 kilometres and a taxi will get you there in only 12 minutes in light traffic.
How much does a taxi from San Jose SJC Airport to downtown cost?
Official taxis in San Jose are metered and regulated by the state but you can come across different rates among operators. The average fare for a standard taxi from San Jose SJC Airport to downtown is $20 (€19) for up to 4 passengers.
Where do I get a taxi from?
You’ll find official taxis at San Jose Airport 24/7, lined up for on-demand service. The rank is located outside Terminal A at Stop 2 and Terminal B at Stop 1.
Convenience
Choosing San Jose Airport to San Jose taxi is the most convenient transportation option to reach your accommodation downtown quickly and comfortably. No matter what time your flight arrives, you can simply hop in a taxi and relax instead of checking timetables and looking for the correct bus stop. To save more time and avoid waiting in line for a taxi, you can pre-book your San Jose airport shuttle and have a driver wait for you as soon as you land.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreGetting from San Jose Airport to San Jose by bus is a budget-friendly option, available from early in the morning until late at night. You’ll need to use two different buses; first VTA bus line 60 from San Jose Airport Terminal A/B to El Camino & Lafayette and then VTA bus line 22 from El Camino & Lafayette to Santa Clara & 6th or whichever bus stop is closer to your final destination.
How much does the bus ticket from San Jose Airport to San Jose cost?
A single adult ticket for VTA buses costs $2.50 (€2.30). Since you’ll need to take two different buses, the total cost for the trip from San Jose SJC Airport to downtown amounts to $5 (€4.60) per traveller.
VTA bus line 60 runs every 30 minutes from 05:24 until 23:50 and 22; bus line 22 passes through El Camino & Lafayette every 30 minutes from 04:30 until 02:00.
Where do I get the bus from?
You can catch bus line 60 from both Terminals A and B. The bus stop is located on Airport Blvd in front of each Terminal. Then you’ll need to disembark at El Camino & Lafayette and switch to bus line 22 until you reach downtown San Jose.
Convenience
Taking the bus from San Jose Airport to the San Jose downtown area is a good option if you’re travelling on a budget. The total travel time is longer than taking a taxi but it’s still worth it if you’re not in a hurry. Keep in mind that these are public buses, meaning they can get rather crowded during peak hours. Also, if your flight arrives after midnight, buses aren’t available so getting a taxi will be your only option.
Timetables
Trip Planner
From SJC Airport to San Jose
Bus line 60
Stops & Timetable
Bus line 22
Stops & Timetable
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€61Starting from 20.3 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 6 passengers
€82Starting from 13.7 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€122Starting from 10.2 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cost of a taxi from San Jose airport to downtown?
Official San Jose taxis are metred but you can come across different rates among operators. The average fare for a standard taxi from San Jose SJC Airport to downtown is $20 (€19) for up to 4 passengers.
How do I get from San Jose SJC airport to downtown San Jose?
There are two different options to get from San Jose Airport to San Jose; either by taxi or by bus. Choosing an airport taxi will get you to your destination in about 15 minutes and it will cost you about $20 (€19) for up to 4 passengers. The bus is a cheaper alternative at about $5 (€4.60) per traveller. You’ll need to take bus line 60 from the airport and switch to line 22 at El Camino & Lafayette and you’ll reach downtown San Jose in about 35 minutes in light traffic.
What's the distance from SJC airport to San Jose?
San Jose Airport is within city limits and it’s located about 6.5 kilometres northwest of downtown San Jose. The trip by car or taxi should take about 12 minutes in light traffic.
Maria Papakonstantinou
Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.
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