Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our San Jose Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
If you have a laptop or a WiFi device of any kind…. bring it. I am actually writing this AT the airport. If it was not for my laptop I would have gone insane from the boredom. – Sean
SJC Airport Overviews
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
What to Expect
San Jose Airport (code: SJC) has two modern terminals (A and B) connected on the airside and offers numerous dining and shopping options. WiFi is available, and there are plenty of outlets to charge mobile devices. Additional comfort and services—including showers—can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.
Sleeping in San Jose Airport
According to the airport’s website (November 2023), “Ticketed passengers with a boarding pass for a connecting flight may remain in the terminals overnight.” Travellers say they feel safe sleeping in this airport; however, there aren’t many comfortable seats, with most featuring armrests. Some travellers reported comfortable sleeping on the window sills in the hallway between security and baggage claim, though advised having a travel mat and blanket for additional comfort. One reviewer even tried sleeping in one of the massage chairs! For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read some traveller reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our San Jose Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Remember that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
San Jose Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Within a ten-minute drive
Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
Day Rooms: No
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at San Jose Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you must pass through immigration/security as there is no transit hotel or accommodation on the airside. Several nearby hotels are within a five-minute drive and most offer free airport shuttles.
- Sonesta Select San Jose Airport » Check Rates
- Springhill Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport » Check Rates
- Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose Airport » Check Rates
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose » Check Rates
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport » Check Rates
- Hyatt Place San Jose Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in San Jose, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- The Club At SJC A15 – Location: Terminal A, Airside, Main Level, across from Gate 8. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
- The Club At SJC A8 – Location: Terminal A, Airside, 3rd Level, across from Gate 15. Showers and a designated rest zone are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. Rates: $50/day. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Military Lounges
A military lounge is available for active duty U.S. military travelling on orders on a pre-arranged basis. Services include snacks, beverages, and features, such as comfortable seating, tables and chairs, Wi-Fi, charge stations, books, and a large-screen television. Location: outside between the two terminals, near the U.S. and California flags. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Related Pages: San Jose Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
If you are thirsty, a water fountain and bottle refill stations are available. Location: Landside • Airside, Gates 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 24 and 32.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options; however, multiple cafes are open from 4:00 AM in both terminals. Vending machines are also available in the airport.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Head to the Power Suites, where you will find comfortable seating and workstations with power outlets to charge up. Location: Airside, Gates 9, 18 and 28.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available, and San Jose Airport boasts a fast download speed of 203 Mbps. Connect to ‘sjcfreewifi’ for unlimited internet access.
More Airport Information
Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts (Smarte Carte) are available in the baggage claim area and departures. Rates: $6.00 per cart. Rental fees can be paid by cash, debit or credit card.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms offer privacy airside in both terminals. Rooms also come equipped with power outlets. Locations:
» Terminal A: near Gate 8
» Terminal B: near Gates 18, 21, 24 and 26
» All restrooms throughout the airport also offer baby changing tables. - Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. At Zoom Zone, children (and adults!) can enjoy an interactive play space – even featuring objects that fly – designed by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Location: Terminal B, between Gates 24 and 25.
Information Desk – Location: Landside, both terminals, in the baggage claim area. Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat) • 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Sun). The airport has also introduced robots to provide information and local area assistance. Airside at 11, 21 and 25, you will find Norma, Amelia and Piper ready to help.
Massage Chairs – Located airside in Terminal A (near Gates 10-13) and throughout Terminal B.
Meditation Room – Location: Airside, Terminal B, across from Gate 18.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations:» Terminal A: Airside, Gates 6, 10, 13, 15 • Landside, Baggage Claim and 1st Floor» Terminal B: Airside, Gates 17, 18 and 26 • Landside, 1st Floor
- Currency Exchange – Location: Terminal A, Baggage Claim, Landside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM (Mon – Fri) and afternoons 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Mon, Fri), 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tues, Thurs), 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Wed) • International Building, across from Gate 15, Airside. Hours: according to international flight schedules.
Pet Relief Areas – Travelling with a pet? The airport has a few pet relief areas. Locations:
- Landside – outside Terminal A, north of ticketing • outside Terminal A, south of parking garage • outside Terminal B, north of ticketing.
- Airside – passenger walkway between Gates 16 and 17.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailboxes. Locations: Landside, Terminal A and B Check-in.
Shopping – The Duty-Free Store is located in Terminal A, between Gates 14 and 15. In addition, a small variety of shops are available, including nine Hudson News locations for any last-minute snack and drinks.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – An audio tour of the airport’s Art and Technology Program is now available. The recordings can be found on the San Jose Airport website or by scanning the QR codes in the airport.
- Piano – Time to channel your inner Elton John! SJC has its own pianos, so step right up and share your talent with your fellow travellers and greeters! Locations: Play it again (Sam!) on the upright piano in Terminal A’s “Blue Dot” meet and greet area on the 2nd level opposite the security checkpoint. Or try your hand at a baby grand in Terminal B Baggage Claim. Hours: Open 24 hours.
Bus
SJC airport is well connected to the bus system. Here are a few options that may be of interest:
- Valley Transit Authority (VTA) Route 60 “Airport Flyer” links the airport terminals, the Milpitas BART Station and the Santa Clara Transit Center. Buses depart every 15 – 30 minutes and run from 5:30 AM to 12:16 AM.
- Ace Rail and Caltrain provide onward rail routes from the Santa Clara Transit Center.
For more bus options, visit the San Jose Airport website.
Car Rentals
Car rental services are handled in the Rental Car Center, a designated facility located on airport property, across from Terminal B. On-site car rental agencies include Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • FOX • Hertz • National • Payless • SIXT • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose • Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Airport • La Quinta Inn & Suites San Jose Airport • Staybridge Suites San Jose • Sonesta Silicon Valley San Jose • Wyndham Garden San Jose Airport.
Shuttles stop at the Offsite Courtesy Shuttle Stops located in the Ground Transportation Centers of Terminals A and B.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Shuttles
A free shuttle service operates in a circuit between Terminals A and B, the Rental Car Center and Daily Lot 4. Shuttles run every 7 – 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. A separate free shuttle runs every 7 – 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, between Economy Lot 1 and Terminals A and B.
Ride Apps
Both Uber, Lyft and Wingz operate from San Jose Airport. The pickup points are at the lower level of the Terminal A Parking Garage (stop #1) and at the Terminal B Ground Transportation Center (stops #9 and #9).
Shared-Ride Shuttles
Several companies offer scheduled or on-demand door-to-door shared-ride shuttle service to and from the airport. Reservations are highly recommended and may be required for some shuttle services. Shared-ride shuttle stops are located on the lower level of the Terminal A Parking Garage and at the Terminal B Ground Transportation Center. Contact your service provider of choice for information and reservations.
Taxi
Taxis are available on the lower level of the Terminal A Parking Garage and at the Terminal B Ground Transportation Center. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. At the time of this update, all trips from SJC Airport are a minimum of $15, which includes the first three miles of travel and a $1.50 airport fee. Beyond three miles, the fares are charged by meter at $3.00 per mile.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.