How to get to San Jose

When planning a journey to San Jose, you are heading to the heart of Silicon Valley, located in sunny California, USA. This dynamic metropolis attracts travellers from across the globe with its cutting-edge technology, museums, and proximity to the ocean. You can reach the city through various convenient means: by a direct flight, by train, or by enjoying scenic driving routes.

The main air gateway for tourists is Norman Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), which welcomes millions of passengers annually. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the business centre, making arrival exceptionally convenient and swift.

If a direct flight is unavailable, you may consider alternative options in neighbouring cities. A popular hub is the major airport in the city of Oakland (62 km), while for regional flights, the airfields in Mountain View (18 km) or Hayward (41 km) may be suitable.

Travelling by rail is an excellent way to reach San Jose while avoiding traffic congestion. The city's main transport hub is San Jose Diridon Station, which serves Amtrak trains, Caltrain commuter rail, and ACE express trains connecting the city with the rest of the region.

Thanks to a well-developed network, tourists can easily travel here from neighbouring settlements, such as Mountain View (18 km), or via transfer hubs in the cities of Oakland and Hayward. This is a comfortable and scenic option for travelling through California.

Bus services offer a budget-friendly option for travelling to San Jose from surrounding cities. The route from neighbouring Mountain View (about 21 km) will take less than an hour — approximately 0.9 hours, which is convenient for short visits.

For travellers departing from Hayward, the 45 km journey will last about 1.2 hours. Trips from the city of Oakland (67 km) usually take 1.4 hours, allowing you to reach your destination in comfort while enjoying the views from the window.

Travelling by car provides freedom of movement and allows for flexible route planning. The drive from Mountain View to San Jose (21 km) will take only about 0.4 hours, while the road from Hayward (44 km) will require approximately 0.7 hours of your time.

If you are driving from the city of Oakland, expect to cover 65 km in 0.8 hours, although traffic during peak hours may increase this time. Taxis and car-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are widely available and are a popular alternative to private transport.

To ensure your trip to San Jose proceeds smoothly and leaves only delightful memories, it is worth noting a few local specifics in advance. This city combines the business rhythm of Silicon Valley with a relaxed Californian atmosphere.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The weather here is usually sunny and mild, but evenings can be cool. It is recommended to dress in layers to easily adapt to temperature changes.
2. Transport: The city is quite spread out, so renting a car is the most convenient method of movement. Taxi applications like Uber and Lyft also work excellently.
3. Finance: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tipping.
4. Health and Safety: Medical services in the USA are very expensive, so having travel insurance is mandatory. The emergency services number is 911.
5. Communication: The primary language is English, but due to the multinational composition of the population, you may often hear Spanish and other languages.
6. Local Etiquette: It is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% in restaurants and taxis. Americans value personal space and courtesy.
7. What to Avoid: Try not to plan trips on major highways during rush hours (morning and evening on weekdays) to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.
8. Additional Tip: Do not miss the opportunity to visit The Tech Interactive and other technology museums — this is a unique feature of the region.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and secure, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your stay in the capital of innovation.