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All you need to know about San Jose Mineta International Airport
2024-02-02
San Jose Mineta Airport knows one thing: Fly Simple.
Photo via SJC Airport, by Mr. Ken Paul
Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else.
The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful. To help make your time at the San Jose Mineta International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from gates and parking to details on the airport’s 41 nonstop flights .
🔍 What to know
TSA | According to SJC’s website , travelers should arrive two hours prior to their scheduled departure for domestic flights, and three hours prior for international flights.
Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, these maps of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
Food and drink | From local offerings at Sharks Cage Sports Bar & Grill, to innovative food stands like Yo-Kai Express, there’s plenty of options for you to grab a bite or brew before heading out.
Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
You’ve just arrived, now what?
Photo via SJC Airport
🚕 Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. The hourly and daily lots cost $2 per 20 minutes for the first day; beyond that, the price per day is as listed:
Economy lot | $18/day (Pro tip: You can make an online parking reservation for this lot ahead of time.)
Hourly lot 2 | $24/day
Hourly lot 3 | $38/day
Daily lot 4 | $30/day
Hourly & Daily lot 5 | $30/day
Check SJC’s parking map to see each lot’s capacity and which one is closest to your terminal.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a rideshare, taxi service, or peer-to-peer car share that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by SJC:
Rideshares | Uber, Lyft, and Wingz | Pick-up locations can be found at Terminal A, Stop 1 or Terminal B, Stops 8 and 9.
Taxis | American Cab, Checker Cab of Silicon Valley, Green Cab, Rainbow Cab, and Yellow Cab | Taxis can be found at Terminal A, Stop 2 and Terminal B, Stop 1.
Peer-to-peer car share | Turo | Pick up your car north of the Rental Car Center lobby, or in Economy Lot 1 or Hourly Lot 2; contact your car host for more specific information on pickup.
Just like SJC’s nonstop flights, there is nonstop foot traffic through the terminals.
Photo via SJC Airport
🛫 Nonstop flights
SJC offers 41 nonstop flights — 33 domestic, plus 8 international flights to three countries. Here are five nonstop flights to nearby locations.
Bonus: Get lower fares by making a free account on Going . Add San Jose Mineta International Airport to your notification list (you can add up to five airports on the free plan ), and you’ll get emailed when flights are 40-90% cheaper than usual.
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes .
San Diego, CA | Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Seattle, WA | Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines
Honolulu, HI | Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines
Get quick service at the Outpost, or head to the restaurant across the way for a sit-down meal.
Photo via SJC Airport
🍔 Food and drink
SJC is a hub of eateries with dozens of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops for fliers to dine before or between flights, like:
Trader Vics Outpost | Terminal B near Gate 22 | Menu highlights: Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes + tropical cocktails
Yo-Kai Express | Terminal B near Gate 33 | Menu highlights: An autonomous restaurant serving udon, ramen, and pho
San Jose Beer Union | Terminal A across from Gate 7 | Menu highlights: Casual American fare with craft brews, and vegan and vegetarian options
Una Mas Mexican Grill | Terminal B near Gate 22 | Menu highlights: Fresh and healthy tacos, burritos, salads, and quesadillas
Jim Stump’s Taproom + Kitchen | Terminal B between Gates 23 and 24 | Menu highlights: Casual California gastropub serving breakfast, appetizers, and small bites
San Jose Mac + Cheese Kitchen | Terminal B across from Gate 19 | Menu highlights: Gourmet, customizable mac + cheese, and local beer, cocktail, and wine selections
🧳 Fly comfortably
While we may not be able to offer solutions for crying babies or mysterious in-flight meals, we do have some tricks up our sleeves for upping your comfort while flying. Browse some of our favorite travel essentials:
Lights Out Sleep Mask | This eye mask provides optimal comfort and aids restful sleep amidst changing environments and varying light conditions.
The AirFly Pro | Make sure you can always access in-flight entertainment (while avoiding the wired headphones airlines pass out) by using an AirFly. It plugs into your seat’s headphone jack and connects to your earbuds or headphones via Bluetooth.
Trtl travel pillow | The Trtl pillow is scientifically designed to provide a better head position when sleeping upright, thanks to an internal support system comfortably cushioned in cozy fleece.
Leather Dopp Kit | Keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, ensuring hassle-free journeys wherever you go.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones | These headphones are tried-and-true traveling companions, beloved for their crisp sound and ability to block exterior noise.
Cozy Earth joggers | These Oprah-approved joggers are polished enough to navigate the airport in, but comfy and stretchy enough for long flights.
Snacks | Bringing your own snacks ensures dietary preferences are met — plus, you’ll save time and money while traveling.
Anti-nausea wristbands | Some simple anti-nausea wristbands might relieve a nervous stomach or sensitivity to turbulence while flying.
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