Downtown San Jose is just 5 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport, making it one of the quickest airport-to-downtown trips in California. The VTA bus or a short rideshare ride gets you there in under 15 minutes.

About Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose is the urban center of Silicon Valley, anchored by the SAP Center (home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks), the Tech Interactive science museum, and the San Jose Museum of Art. San Pedro Square Market serves as the social hub with food halls, craft cocktails, and live music.

As the largest city in the Bay Area by population, San Jose has evolved from its agricultural roots into a diverse metropolitan center. The downtown area features a mix of restored historic buildings and modern developments, with a growing restaurant scene reflecting the city's large Vietnamese, Mexican, and Filipino communities. The Guadalupe River Park provides a green corridor through the urban core.

Nearby Landmarks

SAP Center San Pedro Square Market Tech Interactive Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $15-20
Time 10-15 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $12-18
Time 10-15 minutes

Train (VTA Light Rail (Blue Line))

Cost $3
Time 20-30 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit the terminal and take the free Airport Flyer shuttle (Route 10) to the Metro/Airport light rail station. 2. Board the Blue Line light rail toward downtown. 3. Exit at San Fernando or Convention Center station. 4. Walk to your destination in downtown San Jose.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $15-20 10-15 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $12-18 10-15 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $3 20-30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

VTA buses stop running around midnight. Rideshare services operate 24/7 and cost only $8-12 to downtown at any hour. The light rail (Blue Line) from nearby Metro/Airport station runs until about midnight on weekdays.

Luggage Tips

The trip is short enough that luggage is never an issue. Taxis and rideshares easily accommodate multiple bags. VTA buses have luggage space near the front.

Accessibility

VTA buses and light rail are ADA accessible with ramps and priority seating. The airport has a free ADA-accessible shuttle. Downtown San Jose sidewalks are generally well-maintained and wheelchair friendly.