6+ Hours at San Jose Airport - Header image

6+ Hours at San Jose Airport

Maeve Power
Have you got 6+ hours to spare at San Jose International Airport? Check out these options to make the most of your airport downtime.
If you have a longer layover at San Jose International Airport, why not take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area?

Head downtown

San Jose International Airport is located just 4.2 miles from downtown San Jose and is well connected via publics transport links. Catch the BART Airport Flyer or the VTA Airport Flyer from the Terminal to the metro Light Rail Station and take the train downtown. Spend your time strolling through the city, soaking up the Texas sunshine but make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and through security before your next flight.

Avoid downtown

If you have a longer layover but don’t want to spend it in the city, take advantage of the beautiful landscape surrounding the airport and go for a hike. There are numerous hiking trails located within 10 miles of the airport. Head to Alviso Marina Country Park on the edge of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and spend your airport downtime enjoying nature and getting some fresh air while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Transport Options

The airport is well connected via bus routes. The BART Airport Flyer and the VTA Airport Flyer take passengers from the airport terminal to the Metro Light Rail Station. From there you an easily catch a train to downtown San Jose or the surrounding areas. The VTA Airport Flyer also connects the airport to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station where you can catch trains to further outlying areas.

Overnight Layover?

If you have an overnight layover at San Jose International Airport and want to get a good night’s rest, there are a number of hotel options available within minutes of the airport. The DoubleTree by Hilton San Jose and the Courtyard San Jose Airport are the closest to the airport and both offer free shuttle services for guests. Unfortunately, there are no sleep options available within the transit area.

Luggage Storage

As with most airport in the US, there are no luggage storage facilities available at San Jose International Airport. If you have a layover at SJC and want to store your luggage try these options:
  • Ask at the airport information desk for recommendations on nearby luggage storage facilities. 
  • If you are heading downtown, check for luggage storage lockers at bus and train terminals.
  • Use Google to find a luggage storage service. There are lots of apps and websites that offer luggage storage options on large cities across the US.
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