Whether you are a seasoned traveler or visiting for the first time, San Jose Mineta International Airport is not a walk in the park. Don’t worry; we have covered everything in this blog about SJC Airport. Read on to find out all about the airport.
About San Jose Airport
San Jose Mineta International Airport, also known as SJC Airport, is a public airport owned and operated by the City of San Jose. It is the hub for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. In 2023, SJC Airport served over twelve million passengers. Ten airlines operate at SJC and serve over 40 domestic and international destinations.
San Jose Mineta International Airport History
SJC Airport construction started back in the 1940s when test pilot James M. Nissen and his partners decided to build a runway, a hangar, and an office building. Later, the city of San Jose decided to build a municipal airport, and Nissen sold his share and became the first SJC Airport manager. Till 1966, Pacific Air Lines was the only airline at SJC Airport.
Nearly twenty-five years later, American Airlines opened a hub in San Jose. Subsequently, terminal A was opened, and a year later, they began their first Asian flight to Tokyo.
American Airlines launched the airport’s first transatlantic flight to Paris in April 2001. By the summer of that year, the airline operated domestic flights to Austin, Boston, Denver, and Honolulu. It operated nonstop service from San Jose to Paris, Taipei, and Tokyo.
Where Is San Jose International Airport?
San Jose International Airport is in San Jose, CA. The address is 1701 Airport Blvd Ste B-1130, San Jose, CA 95110.
San Jose Airport Map
The San Jose Airport map below will help you locate the terminal, satellite terminals, parking, and other facilities.
San Jose Airport Parking and Transportation
San Jose Airport has onsite parking options like Economy Lot, Hourly Lot, and Daily Lot. The Airport also offers accessible parking. Alternatively, you can get the lowest rates on SJC Airport Parking by booking through Global Airport Parking. There are covered, uncovered, and valet lots offering secure parking. For transportation, there are various options, such as shuttles, bus services, limousines, rental cars, taxis, and app-based ride-sharing.
Directions to San Jose Airport
You can get to SJC Airport by taking public transit or using a shuttle, taxi, ride share, etc. These are the public transit options:
ACE: It is one of the affordable ways to get to the SJC Airport. You can take VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer to Winchester VTA Station) to the Santa Clara Transit Center.
Amtrak: You can take VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer to Milpitas BART) to the Metro/Airport Station and transfer to the VTA Green Line southbound to Diridon Station.
BART: Another way is to take VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer) to the Milpitas BART Station.
Caltrain: You can go by Caltrain by taking VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer to Winchester VTA Station) to the Santa Clara Transit Center.
Bus Service: Connect to Greyhound by taking VTA Route 60 (Airport Flyer to Milpitas BART) to the Metro/Airport Station and transferring to the VTA Green Line to Diridon Station.
Car Rental Service
These are the car rental services at SJC Airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Fox Rent A Car
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt Rent-A-Car
- Thrifty Rental Cars
San Jose Airport Hotels
These are some of the hotels near San Jose Airport:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Address: 1350 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Distance from the Airport: 0.5 mile
DoubleTree by Hilton
Address: 2050 Gateway Pl, San Jose, CA 95110
Distance from the Airport: 0.5 mile
Motel 6
Address: 2081 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131
Distance from the Airport: 1 mile
Extended Stay America Premier Suites
Address: 55 E Brokaw Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
Distance from the Airport: 1.2 miles
Homewood Suites
Address: 10 W Trimble Rd, San Jose, CA 95131
Distance from the Airport: 1.5 miles
Holiday Inn Silicon Valley
Address: 2080 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131
Distance from the Airport: 1.5 miles
Delta Santa Clara
Address: 2151 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Distance from the Airport: 3.8 miles
Days Inn
Address: 270 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035
Distance from the Airport: 3.9 miles
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Address: 2080 N First St, San Jose, CA 95131
Distance from the Airport: 6 miles
Quality Inn Santa Clara
Address: 2930 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Distance from the Airport: 6 miles
SJC Airport Lounges
You can find these lounges at SJC Airport:
The Club
Location: Terminal A near Gate 8 and 15
Military Club
Location: Between Terminals A and B, behind the US and California flags
SJC Airport Food and Dining
San Jose Airport has a wide variety of food and dining options. These are some of the options.
| Restaurants | Location |
| Chick-fil-A | Terminal B Near Gate 25 |
| Dunkin’ | Terminal A Near Gate 7 |
| Euro Café | Terminal A Baggage Claim |
| Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant | Terminal A Near TSA Checkpoint |
| Greenlee’s Bakery | Terminal A Near Gate 14 |
| Island Brews | Terminal B Near Gate 32 |
| Jamba | Terminal B Near Gate 23 |
| Jim Stump’s Taproom + Kitchen | Terminal B Near Gate 24 |
| Peet’s Coffee | Terminal B Near Gate 25 |
| Runway Deli | Terminal B Gate 23 |
| Starbucks Coffee | Terminal A Near Gate 13 |
| Sushi Boat | Terminal B Near Gate 23 |
| Tap & Pour | Terminal B Near Gate 27 |
| The Great American Bagel Bakery | Terminal B Near Gate 28 |
| Trader Vic’s Outpost | Terminal B Near Gate 22 |
SJC Airport Amenities
San Jose International Airport offers several amenities:
- Accessible transportation
- Wi-Fi
- ATM
- Bag storage and luggage carts
- Bicycle resources
- Airport information booth
- Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
- CLEAR
- Drop water
- e-Library access
- Lost and found office
- Massage chairs
- Lounges
- Nursing room
- Pet relief area
- TSA cares
- US mail drop
- Zoom zone
- Water station
- Charging stations and power outlets
- Wheelchair assistance
Destinations near San Jose Airport
There are so many things to do and explore near the SJC Airport. These are some of the places you can explore.
Municipal Rose Garden: The Municipal Rose Garden is located approximately 4 miles from the SJC Airport. If you love nature, this is a must-visit place near the airport.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: If you love Ancient Egyptian History, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is your spot. They have one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts.
Guadalupe River Park: This small city park is the perfect place to relax near the airport.
Alum Rock Park: The Alum Rock Park is California’s oldest municipal park, located nearly 8 miles from the Airport.
San Pedro Square Market: If you want to hang out and enjoy great food, then head to San Pedro Square Market near the SJC Airport.
SJC Airport Fun Areas for Kids and Teens
San Jose Airport has a children’s play area called Zoom Zone located in Terminal B between Gates 24 and 25. Zoom Zone features certain objects that will teach children about air and wings in flight.
Accessible San Jose Airport Facilities
SJC Airport offers many accessibility programs. There are Sunflower Lanyards Program, Wheelchair assistance, and TSA Cares helplines to assist. The Sunflower Lanyards allows airport staff to subtly identify travelers in need of an extra level of customer service. There are also accessible transportation facilities and parking. You can inform your airline beforehand to get accessible options available for you.
Security at SJC Airport
SJC has two checkpoints, and their details are given below:
Checkpoint in Terminal A
Screening Types: Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints
General Screening Operating Hours: 4 am to 11 pm
Checkpoint in Terminal B
Screening Types: Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints
General Screening Operating Hours: 4:15 am to 11 pm
TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck Enrollment centers are located near Terminal A and B checkpoints. San Jose Airport security wait time is 2 to 3 hours before your departure time. SJC TSA wait time is around 12 minutes, but it may differ according to the time of the day.
Global Entry
SJC Airport does not have an onsite Global Entry enrollment center.
Mobile Passport
SJC Airport accepts Mobile Passport Control. Eligible customers can submit their details using the app, which is available on iOS and Android devices. It would help the traveler’s entry process into the US by reducing passport control inspection time and wait time.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at SJC
There is free Wi-Fi at SJC Airport. To access the network, connect to “sjcfreewifi.” Four Power Suites are located at Gate 9 in Terminal A and Gates 18 and 28 in Terminal B. The Power Suites have built-in power outlets.
SJC Airport FAQs
How to get from San Jose Airport to Downtown San Jose?
There are several ways you can get from San Jose Airport to Downtown San Jose. Tram and bus services are available for transportation along with other options like taxis, ride-share, rental cars, etc.
How many airports are there in San Jose?
San Jose has four airports: San Jose International Airport, Reid-Hillview County Airport, Moffett Federal Airfield, and Palo Alto Airport.
How big is San Jose Airport?
San Jose Airport covers an area of 1,050 acres and has two active runways. In terms of passenger traffic, it is the 40th busiest airport in the US.
Why is San Jose Airport called SJC?
The Airport was named after Noman Y. Mineta, a former United States Secretary of Transportation and a former Mayor of San Jose. SJC is the IATA airport code for San Jose Mineta International Airport.
Who owns SJC Airport?
SJC Airport is owned and operated by the city of San Jose.
How many terminals does SJC have?
SJC Airport has two terminals – Terminal A and Terminal B
