Getting to San Jose

San Jose International Airport operates both international and domestic flights and is the gateway to the city. Flights come in from all over the US and from overseas, and ground transportation options to the city and beyond are excellent. Amtrak trains arrive in San Jose from Seattle, Sacramento and Los Angeles; Caltrains frequently arrive from San Francisco and Greyhound buses from numerous other cities. Major highways provide access from other destination in the region and further afield.

By car

Getting to San Jose by car is made easy by the influx of interstates and state highways. Interstate 5 runs from Seattle in the north through Sacramento and past the east of San Jose to Los Angeles in the south, and is directly linked to San Jose via I-580 and I-680. For those coming from the east via I-80, head south on I-680 to San Jose. As well as interstate highways I-280, I-680 and I-880, highways CA-85, CA-87, CA-17, CA-237 and CA-101 also provide access, and San Francisco is only an hour away via US-101 and I-880.

By rail

Rail services also run to San Jose, with trains coming from the east coast via Sacramento. Amtraks San Jose Capitol Corridor runs between Sacramento and San Jose throughout the day. The Seattle to Los Angeles Coast Starlight service also provides access to San Jose, while the Caltrain commuter rail service also runs to San Francisco in 80 minutes.

One of the best ways to get about San Jose is on the 21-mile light-rail system which covers a lot of San Joses attractions and out to many suburbs as far as Paramount's Great America, in the north.

By bus

Greyhound buses run direct to San Jose from San Francisco and Los Angeles, and also from further afield via these cities. Those coming from the east will route via Sacramento. Other options from San Francisco include the BART government operated buses that run through San Jose and onto Fremont, while VTA buses also serve San Jose, as does the Highway 17 Express bus line from Santa Cruz.

By air

Mineta San Jose International Airport is just a few miles to the northwest of downtown San Jose and even though its the smallest of the airports in the bay area, flights come in from destinations around the world with major airlines. Destinations covered include the UK and many Asian cities with services operated by the likes of: American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Southwest and United.

Facilities at the airport are good and include cash machines, bureau de change, lost property, postal facilities and many shops, cafs and restaurants. Ground transportation to San Jose is comprehensive and includes local buses, shuttles, taxis and limousines, while highway 87 provides direct access to downtown (three miles away).

Taxis

Although the combination of San Joses light-rail system, the local bus network and extensive road coverage is excellent, you may want more convenience in getting between attractions. There are several reputable taxi firms in the city, with cabs bookable by phone or through your hotel. You can of course hail a cab in the street.