How to Get from San Francisco Airport to San Jose

Maria Papakonstantinou

Seasoned travel writer

June 16, 2025

San Francisco Airport is about 60 km northwest of San Jose. After landing, you have four main transportation options from SFO to San Jose: taxi, private transfer, shuttle bus, or train.

If you value speed and comfort, a San Francisco Airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer is the best option. You can secure a ride 24/7 and enjoy reliable door-to-door service directly to your accommodation in San Jose.

If you’re traveling on a budget and want to spend less on transportation, you can take the shuttle bus operated by Groome Transportation or travel by train using the BART and Caltrain services. These are slower options, but cheaper than taxis and private transfers.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Francisco at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€112	45min	24/7
Shuttle Bus	€50	75min	05:45–00:05
Train	€24	60min	05:16–00:26
Welcome Airport Transfer	€107	45min	24/7

How to get from SFO to San Jose by taxi

Taking a San Francisco Airport taxi is a great option to travel from the San Francisco Airport to San Jose. Taxis are available around the clock and offer reliable door-to-door services, taking you to Downtown San Jose in about 45 minutes.

Most taxis can accommodate up to 5 passengers. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also available. You can request one from the taxi coordinator stationed at the taxi rank or call *1107 from any airport courtesy phone.

How much is a taxi from San Francisco Airport to San Jose?

Taxis operating at San Francisco Airport calculate their fares using a taximeter, based on the total distance traveled to your exact destination. Trips beyond the city limits, like the one to San Jose, are charged at 150% of the metered rate. A $6 (€5.30) airport surcharge is also added to the total fare for rides originating from SFO Airport.

With that in mind, the average SFO to San Jose taxi cost is between $100 (€86) and $130 (€112), excluding tips. Although they have been known to go higher in periods of heavy traffic, high demand, etc.

Photos (1)

Yellow San Francisco taxi

Cost

$130 (€112)

Trip Duration

45 Min

During peak hours, waiting times at the taxi ranks are usually longer.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Francisco Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Official taxis at SFO Airport depart from the designated taxi zones located at the roadway center islands, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. There are signs inside and outside the passenger terminals guiding you there, so you can’t miss them.

Convenience

Having to find your way around San Francisco’s public transportation after a long flight with heavy luggage, is not the best way to start your trip. Plus, it’s unlikely for the bus or train to leave you right outside your accommodation. That is why taking a taxi from the San Francisco Airport to San Jose is always a better option for comfortable door-to-door transportation.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are a good choice if you’re looking for direct transportation but don’t want to make any plans in advance.

Useful Tips

Make sure that the taximeter has been reset and turned on before starting your journey to San Jose.

All San Francisco taxis accept cash and bank card payments, but it's best to tell the driver if you plan to pay by card.

It is customary to tip your taxi driver in San Francisco around 15% to 20% of the total fare based on the level of service.

If you're in a smaller group, sharing the ride with other travelers heading to San Jose is a great way to save money.

How to get from SFO to San Jose by shuttle bus

A budget-friendly alternative to airport taxis is the shuttle to SFO from San Jose operated by Groome Transportation (ex Monterey Airbus). It’s a shared shuttle bus that provides easy and direct transportation to San Jose Airport in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.

From San Jose Airport, you can reach Downtown San Jose by taxi in only 10 minutes. Stops are pre-determined, so you may have to walk or catch a cab to your final destination.

How much is a ticket on the Monterey Airport Shuttle bus?

A one-way ticket for the SFO shuttle to San Jose costs $28 (€25). Children up to 3 years old travel free of charge.

*A tip of appreciation is always welcome for the shuttle drivers.

You can purchase your ticket on the day of your arrival from the driver or online via the official Groome Transportation website (link provided below).

Keep in mind that there will likely be additional costs for transferring from San Jose Airport, where the shuttle will drop you off, to your end destination.

Cost

$28 (€25)

Trip Duration

1 H 15 Min

The shuttle bus runs every 90 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The airport shuttle bus is available from 05:45 to 00:05.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

You can find the SFO International shuttle stop across the street from the airport’s exit (door 2); find the center island labeled ‘Airporters’.

From SFO Domestic, you can find the shuttle bus stop at Terminals 1, 2, and 3, across the street from the lower level baggage claim at SFO; again, look for the center island, also labeled ‘Airporters’.

Convenience

Choosing the shuttle to SFO from San Jose is not the cheapest option, but it’s a much better value-for-money option for small groups and solo travelers. However, don’t forget that the stops are pre-determined, so you may have to walk or catch a cab to your hotel address.

Timetables

Shuttle bus timetable and cost

SFO >> SJC

Editor’s Note

The shuttle bus is best for up to 2 travelers with some time to spare.

Useful Tips

Pre-booking your ticket online is recommended to secure a seat onboard.

Each passenger is allowed 1 large suitcase or 2 small suitcases and one small carry-on.

Pets are not allowed on the shuttle bus.

Please note that the shuttle holiday schedule is subject to change; you can always call customer service for more information.

How to get from SFO to San Jose by train

Traveling from SFO to San Jose by train is the best option for budget travelers. You can make the entire journey by train with a combination of BART and Caltrain services.

The BART Red Line will take you from SFO to “Millbrae Station”, southwest of the airport. There, you can switch to a Caltrain service, taking you to “Diridon Station” in San Jose, near the downtown area. The total trip duration is around 1 hour, excluding waiting times.

How much is the train from SFO to San Jose?

A one-way ticket for the BART line costs $5.50 (€4.80), and for the Caltrain it costs $8.25 (€7.20). This brings the total cost for the trip from SFO to San Jose by train to $13.75 (€12).

You can take advantage of several discounts, like the 50% discount for seniors over 65 years old, and the reduced fare if you use a Clipper card.

Children 4 and under, accompanied by a paying adult, ride BART and Caltrain free of charge.

The Clipper app is available on Apple Pay and Google Pay. Otherwise, you can purchase a physical card at the Clipper vending machines at all stations for $3 (€2.60). The Clipper card is valid on both BART and Caltrain.

Photos (2)

BART and Caltrain services

Cost

$13.75 (€12)

Trip Duration

1 H

The BART Red Line runs every 20 minutes. The Caltrain runs every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The BART Red Line operates Monday to Friday from 06:03 to 20:43 and on weekends from 07:03 to 20:43. The Caltrain operates Monday to Friday from 05:16 to 00:26 and on weekends from 08:16 to 00:26.

Where do I get the train from?

You can take the BART train at the Garage G AirTrain/BART Station at SFO Airport to reach Millbrae. Follow the relevant signage guiding you there. To reach the train station, you can use the AirTrain Red Line, which travels in a clockwise loop and connects all terminals to the BART Station.

Once you reach Millbrae Station, go up the stairs/escalators and exit through the fare gates. Then go west or southwest to the last set of stairs/escalators down to reach the southbound Caltrain platform for trains headed to San Jose.

Convenience

Taking the train from SFO to San Jose is the cheapest option, making it the best value-for-money choice if you’re traveling on a tight budget. Also, the trip duration is shorter compared to the shuttle bus, and you don’t need to worry about traffic.

The only downside is that you need to use two different train services; going up and down to reach the platforms can be challenging if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage or you’re traveling with young children.

Timetables

BART schedules

Service for Richmond to Millbrae + SFO (Red) Line.

Caltrain schedules

Southbound - Millbrae to San Jose Diridon

Editor’s Note

The train is the best option for budget-consious travelers.

Useful Tips

Caltrain has a proof of purchase system, meaning passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding the train and must show their paper ticket to a conductor or fare inspector upon request.

If you're using a physical or digital Clipper card, don't forget to tap on before boarding the train and off after disembarking the train.

Make sure to store your luggage in the designated areas and don't block aisles or seats.

All BART trains have level boarding, priority seats, and a wheelchair area.

All of Caltrain's trains are accessible; wait for the conductor to assist you at the blue access symbol painted on the platform.

How to get from SFO to San Jose by taxi by private transfer

Pre-booking a San Francisco Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups is the most convenient way to reach your accommodation in San Jose. You can arrange everything in advance and ensure a seamless start to your trip with reliable door-to-door transportation.

Through personalized services and perks like meet and greets, vetted drivers, flight monitoring, 24/7 customer support, and more, you can enjoy complete peace of mind after landing.

During the ride to your hotel or apartment in San Jose, your driver can provide tips and recommendations on places to visit to help you make your stay even more memorable.

What's the cost of a private transfer from SFO to San Jose?

By pre-booking your Welcome transfer from San Francisco Airport to San Jose, you can secure a fixed fare and pay in advance. This ensures a much smoother experience compared to taking a metered taxi.

After filling out the booking form with your drop-off location, the number of passengers, and luggage, you will get a final quote that includes all taxes and airport surcharges

That said, a sedan transfer from SFO to San Jose costs $122 (€107) and can accommodate up to 3 passengers. If you’re in a larger group, you can book a minivan for up to 5 passengers for $193 (€169) or a minibus for up to 12 passengers for $429 (€376).

Photos (2)

Sedan and Minivan Welcome transfer

Cost

$122 (€107)

Trip Duration

45 Min

Pre-booking a private transfer is the best way to avoid the long queue at the taxi rank during peak hours.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can pre-book a private transfer from SFO Airport 24/7.

Where do I meet my driver?

Instead of joining other travelers looking for an airport taxi, you can enjoy a personalized meet and greet inside the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will have your flight number, so they will know which terminal to come to. Before your transfer, you will receive an email with your driver’s photo and contact information, so you can get in touch via WhatsApp if needed.

After clearing baggage claim, head toward the exit, and you’ll see your driver waiting for you in the public area, holding a sign with your name. Following a friendly introduction, your driver will help with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

A pre-booked transfer from San Francisco Airport to San Jose is the best choice to enjoy a comfortable ride in a private, modern vehicle. No matter what time your flight lands at SFO Airport, your professional driver will be waiting for you as soon as you land, saving you valuable time. That way, you can enjoy reliable door-to-door service at a competitive price and ensure a hassle-free arrival.

Editor’s Note

A private transfer is the best option for families with young children and travelers carrying multiple pieces of luggage.

Useful Tips

You can fit your own baby/child seat on all vehicles, or request one during the booking, and your driver will provide one for you.

Welcome Pickups transfers aren't fully accessible to wheelchair users, but you can safely store a foldable wheelchair in the trunk of any vehicle.

Flight monitoring guarantees your pickup time will be adjusted accordingly in case there is an unexpected flight delay.

You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup time to meet your driver.

You can use Whatsapp or in-app messaging to speak with you driver.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San francisco. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€156.0

NIGHTTIME

€187.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

Is there a train from SFO to San Jose?

There is no direct train line from SFO to San Jose. However, you can take a BART service and then a Caltrain service to get to Diridon Station in San Jose.

What is the best transportation from SFO to San Jose?

The best transportation options to travel from SFO to San Jose in terms of convenience are an airport taxi from the taxi ranks or a pre-booked private transfer.

How to take a train from SFO to San Jose?

To travel from SFO to San Jose by train, you can combine the BART and Caltrain services. First, take the BART from SFO to Millbrae and there switch to Caltrain to reach Diridon Station in San Jose.

Is SFO AirTrain free?

Yes, the AirTrain Red and Blue Lines at SFO Airport are free of charge and operate 24/7, connecting all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO.

How to get to San Jose from the airport?

You can easily cover the distance from San Francisco Airport to San Jose by taxi or private transfer if you want a direct ride. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus from SFO to San Jose Airport operated by Groome Transportation, or combine the BART and Caltrain services to reach Diridon Station in San Jose via Millbrae Station.

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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How to get from SFO to San Jose by taxi

How much is a taxi from San Francisco Airport to San Jose?

Photos (1)

Cost

$130 (€112)

Trip Duration

45 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Francisco Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from SFO to San Jose by shuttle bus

How much is a ticket on the Monterey Airport Shuttle bus?

Cost

$28 (€25)

Trip Duration

1 H 15 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The airport shuttle bus is available from 05:45 to 00:05.

Where do I get the shuttle from?

Convenience

Timetables

Shuttle bus timetable and cost

SFO >> SJC

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from SFO to San Jose by train

How much is the train from SFO to San Jose?

Photos (2)

Cost

$13.75 (€12)

Trip Duration

1 H

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The BART Red Line operates Monday to Friday from 06:03 to 20:43 and on weekends from 07:03 to 20:43. The Caltrain operates Monday to Friday from 05:16 to 00:26 and on weekends from 08:16 to 00:26.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

BART schedules

Service for Richmond to Millbrae + SFO (Red) Line.

Caltrain schedules

Southbound - Millbrae to San Jose Diridon

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from SFO to San Jose by taxi by private transfer

What's the cost of a private transfer from SFO to San Jose?

Photos (2)

Cost

$122 (€107)

Trip Duration

45 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

You can pre-book a private transfer from SFO Airport 24/7.

Where do I meet my driver?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

Is there a train from SFO to San Jose?

What is the best transportation from SFO to San Jose?