How to get to Mountain View

Located in the very heart of Silicon Valley, Mountain View attracts travellers with its unique atmosphere of innovation and Californian charm. This city in the USA, renowned as the headquarters of technology giants, offers guests developed infrastructure, making the question of how to get to Mountain View easily solved thanks to its proximity to major transport hubs. You can arrive here via various means: the region boasts a network of airports, railways, and highways.

Although the city itself does not have its own major airport, travellers can utilise one of the aviation hubs serving the Bay Area. The most convenient option is arriving in San Jose (SJC), which is located just 18 km from the destination and receives many domestic flights.

Alternatively, you can consider flying via Hayward (HWD) or the international airport in Oakland (OAK), situated at a distance of 31 km and 49 km respectively. These airports ensure excellent connectivity with the region, allowing you to easily continue your journey to the destination.

Rail transport is one of the most convenient ways to reach Mountain View, as a bustling Caltrain station is located in the city centre. This transport hub provides a direct and comfortable connection with metropolises, including San Francisco and neighbouring San Jose (just 18 km away).

If you are travelling from more distant points, for example via Oakland or Hayward, you can utilise the Amtrak network with a transfer to commuter trains. A journey along the railways of California allows you to avoid traffic congestion and enjoy the urban landscapes of the valley.

Bus services are an affordable option to get to Mountain View, allowing you to save on your budget. The fastest route connects the city with neighbouring San Jose: a trip of about 21 km will take less than an hour (approximately 0.9 h), making this journey easy and convenient.

For those departing from Hayward, the road stretching 47 km will last about 2 hours. The journey from Oakland will take more time — almost 4 hours to cover 74 km, however, comfortable buses allow you to rest en route.

Travelling by car ensures maximum flexibility when planning a route to Mountain View. The drive from San Jose will take just about 25 minutes (0.4 h), as the distance is slightly over 21 km, making a taxi or a rental car an excellent choice.

Routes from other cities are also convenient thanks to quality highways: the path from Hayward (about 50 km) will take approximately 40 minutes. From Oakland, you will reach the destination in less than an hour, covering a distance of 70 km.

A trip to the heart of Silicon Valley promises to be exciting, but for maximum comfort, it is worth considering a few local features. Here is a list of practical recommendations that will help you plan the perfect journey to Mountain View.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate here is mild but changeable. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so be sure to take layered clothing with you: a t-shirt, a light sweater, and a windbreaker.
2. Transport. A car is the most convenient way to move around. If you do not plan to rent a car, actively use ride-hailing apps (Uber or Lyft), as public transport may not cover all the necessary locations.
3. Finance. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants to parking meters, but keeping some cash for tips is useful.
4. Health. Medical care in the USA is very expensive. It is highly recommended to arrange medical insurance before your trip to avoid huge bills in case of unforeseen situations.
5. Tipping. In the local culture, it is customary to leave tips. In restaurants and taxis, the standard is considered to be 15–20% of the bill amount, as this constitutes a significant part of the staff's earnings.
6. Electricity. The mains voltage is 110V, with Type A and B sockets. Take care of an adapter for your gadgets in advance, especially if they were purchased in the UAE.
7. Traffic. Avoid trips on Highway 101 during rush hours (morning and evening), as traffic congestion in the Valley can significantly increase travel time.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the technological attractions and the atmosphere of the city.