Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

San Jose is served by the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, located 2 miles northwest of Downtown San Jose. For ground transportation, SJC offers door-to-door shuttles, hotel courtesy shuttles, inter-terminal shuttles, limousines, charters, public transportation, rental cars, taxis and scheduled buses.

Information

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Jose is also served by the San Francisco International Airport, located 35 miles northwest of Downtown San Jose. Traveling between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose is straightforward. You can take the Caltrain from Millbrae Station, which connects to SFO via BART, offering a scenic ride to San Jose Diridon Station. Alternatively, the BART to Caltrain transfer offers a budget-friendly option, or you can opt for a direct shuttle or rideshare for convenience. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and transit times.

Passport/Visa

Citizens of the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the Kingdom of Brunei can visit the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa (as well as citizens of Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco and San Marino). Citizens of these countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. All other travelers must obtain a visa before visiting the United States. International travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the country.

Best Time to Visit

San Jose is a great destination year-round due to its consistently warm climate, with only a few cooler weeks in the winter. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities almost anytime. For those who enjoy higher temperatures, July and August are the hottest months, perfect for enjoying the city's parks and outdoor attractions. If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer tourists, November is a good time to visit. During this time, you can explore the city’s museums and shopping malls at a more relaxed pace without the usual crowds.

Public Transport

The San Jose area is served by the Amtrak rail service, Caltrain, ACE commuter rail, BART and the local Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The VTA connects downtown San Jose to Mountain View, Milpitas, Campbell, and Almaden Valley. There are also streetcars in operation from History Park that run during holidays.

Taxi

Taxis are easily available outside shopping malls, hotels and the airport. Cesar Chavez Park, located near the Signia by Hilton, and San Pedro Square Market are both convenient areas offering regular taxi cab services throughout the day and night. Other options for lower fares are the rideshare companies Curb, Uber, Lyft and Wingz.

Post

Sending parcels and letters in the US is a relatively straightforward process. The most common method is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a variety of services for sending mail, including First-Class Mail for letters and postcards, Priority Mail for packages, and Priority Mail Express for overnight delivery. To send a parcel or letter, you will need to take it to a USPS post office or use a USPS blue collection box. If you are in San Jose, you can use the USPS website to find the nearest post office or collection box to your location. Additionally, you can also use private couriers such as FedEx and UPS, which often provide a wider range of services and faster delivery times, but generally at a higher cost.

Pharmacy

Chain pharmacies — CVS Pharmacy, Safeway, Walmart, Costco etc. — as well as smaller neighborhood stores operate in California, and while working hours may greatly vary, a few are open 24/7. Pharmacy signs are often in red and white, and they are often located inside department stores. Most of the pharmacies sell both prescription as well as over the counter medicine.