Plan your journey to San Jose and discover the easiest ways to explore Silicon Valley, the surrounding Bay Area and Northern California.
San Jose is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, approximately 50 miles south of San Francisco.
The city is accessible by plane, car, train and public transportation, making it a convenient destination for visitors exploring Northern California.
However, Silicon Valley covers a large geographical area, so choosing the right transportation is important.
Flying to San Jose
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the city’s main passenger airport.
Located just a few miles northwest of downtown, it offers domestic and selected international flight connections.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another option, particularly for visitors arriving from overseas.
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) also provides access to the wider Bay Area.
From the airports, you can continue your journey by public transportation, taxi, rideshare service or rental car.
Travelling by Car
San Jose is connected to the surrounding region by several major highways.
US Highway 101 and Interstate 280 provide access to San Francisco and other Silicon Valley destinations.
Interstate 880 connects San Jose with the East Bay.
Driving from San Francisco to San Jose generally takes around one hour without heavy traffic, although rush-hour congestion can increase the journey time considerably.
Getting Around San Jose
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates local bus and light rail services throughout San Jose and neighbouring communities.
Caltrain connects San Jose with destinations along the San Francisco Peninsula, including Palo Alto and San Francisco.
The Berryessa/North San José BART station provides additional rail connections to the East Bay and other parts of the Bay Area.
Walking is pleasant in downtown San Jose, Santana Row and several historic neighbourhoods.
However, distances between attractions can be considerable.
Exploring the Surrounding Region
San Jose is a convenient starting point for day trips to Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby coastal destinations.
You can also visit San Francisco or explore the technology-related attractions of Silicon Valley.
Do You Need a Car?
If you are mainly staying downtown, public transportation and rideshare services may be sufficient.
However, I recommend renting a car if you want to explore the surrounding mountains, coastal areas or several destinations across Silicon Valley.
For a first visit, allow at least two or three days in San Jose, with additional time if you want to explore the wider Bay Area.