SJC Airport Car & Van Rental Deals | Airport Van Rental

Why rent a car at San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Touching down at SJC and ready to hit the road? Renting a car at San Jose Airport is one of the fastest, easiest ways to start your trip. Just plug in your travel dates in the search form above and choose San Jose (SJC) as your pick-up within seconds, you’ll be comparing real-time deals from over a dozen rental companies right at the airport. Whether you need a budget-friendly compact or a spacious SUV, our system lets you filter by car type, features, or rental company to find exactly what fits your needs. Booking is a breeze and flexible too reserve now, pay later at pick-up, and enjoy free cancellation on most bookings if your plans change. By locking in a great rate ahead of time, you’ll have a car ready and waiting when you land at San Jose International, with no last-minute rental counter stress. In short, we make SJC car rental quick, affordable, and hassle-free, so you can get on with enjoying your trip.

Welcome to Silicon Valley! Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is your gateway not just to San Jose, but to the entire tech hub of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area beyond. Having a rental car at SJC gives you the freedom to go anywhere from the corporate campuses of Mountain View and Palo Alto to downtown San Jose’s cultural spots, to scenic getaways like Santa Cruz or Napa Valley on your own schedule. Public transportation in the South Bay can be limited, and rideshares can add up, especially for longer hops between cities. With your own set of wheels, you can cruise between meetings at Cisco or Apple, then detour to In-N-Out for a classic California burger or take a weekend drive to San Francisco (just about an hour north). This page is packed with tips and local advice to make your SJC car rental experience smooth. Whether you’re a business traveler zipping between tech meetings, a family here to visit relatives or hit California’s Great America theme park, or a tourist ready to explore Northern California’s beaches and redwoods, we’re here to help you find the perfect car quickly and cheaply. Get ready to enjoy San Jose and beyond with the convenience of your own vehicle and a little extra cash saved, thanks to our great deals.

SJC Car Rental Quick Info:

• Available Vehicle Types: You’ll find the full spectrum of cars at SJC’s rental center economy cars, compacts, midsize and full-size sedans, SUVs of all sizes, minivans, pickup trucks, luxury models, and even some specialty or exotic cars for those looking to ride in style. Whether you need a small car just for yourself or a 7-passenger van for a group, SJC’s agencies have you covered.
• Lowest Daily Rates: Rental rates at SJC can start as low as $20-$25 per day for an economy car in off-peak times if you book early. We regularly see compact or economy specials around the low $20s per day (before taxes) during weekends or slower seasons. Keep in mind prices fluctuate during busy summer months or holiday weeks, that same economy car might be $40+. Generally, if you budget around $30-$50/day you’ll have plenty of choices for standard cars. Larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans might start around $50-$70/day in off-peak, and higher during peak. Always check our site for your specific dates to get the current best rate sometimes you’ll snag a deal even better than the averages!
• Rental Companies at SJC: San Jose Airport’s Rental Car Center hosts a dozen+ rental companies on-site, including all the big brands and a few regional ones. You’ll find Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Thrifty, Dollar, Sixt, Fox, Payless, and Zipcar all operating at SJC’s facility (Zipcar if you’re a member and need a car by the hour). With so many companies in one spot, it’s a breeze to comparison shop.
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off: SJC makes it pretty easy. The Rental Car Center is located at 1659 Airport Blvd, directly across from Terminal B. If you arrive at Terminal B, just walk across the street from baggage claim and you’re there. If you arrive at Terminal A, look for the blue shuttle buses marked “Rental Car Shuttle” at ground transportation they run continuously and will take you on a 5-minute ride to the Rental Car Center. (During peak times they come every 7-10 minutes; late at night it might be every 15 minutes, but they run 24/7.) When you’re returning your car, follow the signs on the airport roads for “Rental Car Return Economy/Rental Car Lot.” You’ll return it to the same Rental Car Center garage unless directed otherwise. If you’re coming back to Terminal A after drop-off, hop on the shuttle from the Rental Car Center; Terminal B travelers can walk back across the street. It’s wise to allow an extra 10-15 minutes for return procedures, just in case especially if you need to catch the shuttle and it’s a busy time.

Tips for Renting a Car at SJC

• SJC Rental Car Center Basics: All on-airport rentals at San Jose use the consolidated Rental Car Center, which simplifies things no need to hunt for individual company shuttles. Once you get to the Rental Car Center (walking from Terminal B or via shuttle from Terminal A), you’ll find all the rental counters together on the ground level. The process is straightforward: check in at your company’s desk (or automated kiosk if available), then go to the garage area to pick up your car. Keep your driver’s license, credit card, and reservation number handy to speed things up. The Rental Car Center is usually open as long as the major companies have flights (many counters operate from early morning ~6am until around midnight or the last flight). If you have a very late arrival (post-midnight), some companies will either stay open for confirmed reservations or direct you to an after-hours service desk it’s best to provide your flight number when booking so they know if you’re delayed. One more tip: if you’re part of a rental company’s express membership (like Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred, etc.), San Jose does have dedicated areas where you can skip the counter and go straight to your car in the garage. Look for your name on the board or ask a staff member it can save you time, since SJC can get busy during peak hours with business travelers.
• Returning Your Car: When driving back to the airport, follow the signs for “San Jose International Airport” and then “Rental Car Return.” The rental car facility entrance is on Airport Blvd (if coming via CA-87, take the Skyport Drive exit, then follow signs). As you approach, you’ll see gas stations on North First Street or near the airport if you need to refuel, there’s a Chevron about 1.5 miles away and a 76 station ~1.7 miles away from the Rental Car Center. (Tip: Prices at those closest stations might be high; a Costco Gas is ~2.5 miles away on Coleman Ave for cheaper fuel if you have a membership.) When you enter the Rental Car facility, the signs will guide you to the return lanes for your specific company. An agent will usually meet you, do a quick inspection, and print or email your receipt. It’s typically quick, but during very busy times (e.g. Monday mornings), there might be a short wait for an agent budget a few minutes extra. After that, if you’re headed to a flight, just walk over to Terminal B or catch the shuttle to Terminal A from the same facility. Pro tip: Avoid last-minute returns right at your deadline if possible giving yourself even a 30-minute buffer can reduce stress in case of traffic or lines. And if you’re super short on time, you can use the Key Drop box most companies have for after-hours but make sure to take photos of the car’s condition and fuel level if you drop without an agent, just to be safe.
• Plan for Silicon Valley Traffic: The moment you leave the airport area, you’ll likely hit one of the main highways like US-101, CA-87, I-880, or I-280 all of which can get congested, especially during commute hours. Typical rush hour in San Jose/Silicon Valley is 7:00-9:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM on weekdays, and traffic flows in multiple directions (morning traffic heading north towards Mountain View/Palo Alto and south towards San Jose, evening vice versa). If you’re landing in the late afternoon or early evening, don’t be surprised if even the airport exit ramp onto 101 is slow. It’s a good idea to check a traffic app when you get your car to pick the fastest route sometimes surface streets or loops around certain bottlenecks can save you time. If you’re not in a rush, you might even wait it out a bit: grab a coffee or meal near the airport (there’s a cluster of restaurants and cafes on Coleman Ave and N. 1st Street not far away) and let the worst of rush hour subside. By 7:30 PM, freeways usually improve significantly. Also note, Friday afternoons can start getting busy earlier (3 PM onward) as folks head out for weekend trips. And if it’s a holiday weekend, traffic will be heavier than usual. In short: pack some patience and some good tunes or podcasts for the drive. The upside is, outside of rush hour, San Jose’s freeways are pretty efficient you can zip to San Francisco in 50 minutes or be down in Monterey in about an hour and a half when roads are clear.
• Fuel Up Smartly: Most SJC rentals come with a full tank, and you should return full to avoid high refueling charges. Gas in the Bay Area is pricey usually around $4.50 to $5 per gallon for regular as of 2025. Stations right next to the airport often charge a premium. If you can, refuel a few miles away from SJC for better rates. For instance, gas stations a couple of exits down CA-87 or near residential areas will often be cheaper than those on N. 1st Street by the airport. The Costco gas station on Coleman Ave (if you’re a member) is one of the cheapest options and is conveniently on the way if you’re coming from downtown Santa Clara or the 49ers stadium. Also, be aware of station hours not all are 24/7 (the nearby 76 is 24/7, but others may close by 10 or 11 PM). After you fill up, keep the receipt. Occasionally, rental agents ask for proof of refueling (especially if the station is very close to the airport) to ensure you topped off. It’s rare, but it can happen. Showing the receipt will quickly satisfy that requirement.
• Tolls & FasTrak: While there are no toll roads right in San Jose, you might encounter tolls if you drive around the Bay Area. The big ones are the bridges any time you cross to San Francisco or the East Bay via the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate, Dumbarton, San Mateo Bridge, etc., there will be a toll (usually $6-$7 for a regular car). Remember, no cash is accepted it’s all electronic. Rental cars are typically registered with plate reading systems like PlatePass. This means if you go through a toll, the rental company will get the bill and then charge your credit card on file. They often add a small service fee for each day you incur a toll (like ~$5/day you use a toll, on top of the toll itself). If you want to avoid those extra fees, you have a couple options: (1) At the rental desk, ask if you can opt in to a toll program up front for a flat daily rate (some offer this, which can be worth it if you plan to hit a lot of toll roads/bridges). (2) Pay the tolls yourself online. For example, the Golden Gate Bridge has a website where you can pay a one-time toll for your license plate. But you have to do it shortly before or after crossing (within 48 hours for Golden Gate). It’s a bit of a hassle, but doable if you only have one or two tolls just lookup “pay toll invoice online [bridge name]”. Finally, if you want to completely avoid tolls: use routes like 101 through San Jose up the Peninsula (no toll) instead of 680/Bridge, or go around the south end of the Bay (no toll but longer). Carpool/Express lanes: On some highways like 237 or 880, you’ll see designated Express Lanes that charge toll during peak times for solo drivers (free for carpools). These use FasTrak as well. If you accidentally take one solo, it’ll be the same deal you’ll get charged via the rental company. It’s not usually huge ($1-$6 depending on distance/time), but just FYI.
• Young Drivers & Additional Drivers: If you have additional drivers or younger drivers in your group, know the policies to avoid surprises. Additional drivers in California are often free if they are a spouse or domestic partner. Otherwise, some companies charge ~$15/day for an extra driver (though many rentals booked through our OTA platform come with a free additional driver perk check the terms!). As for under-25 drivers, we covered the fees in the San Jose section above roughly $25-$30/day extra, and ages 21-24 can rent most car classes except premium vehicles. If you have someone under 21, standard rental companies won’t allow them to drive at all (they shouldn’t even be behind the wheel in an emergency insurance wouldn’t cover, so just don’t). Make sure all intended drivers are listed on the contract at pickup. It’s important for insurance that everyone who might drive is officially added (yes, even if it costs a bit more). If you’re doing a lot of driving, splitting duties can be nice just factor in those possible fees.

Why Rent a Car in San Jose?

San Jose and the greater Silicon Valley region are much easier to explore with a car of your own. Here’s why having a rental car is a smart move for your visit:

• Cover More Ground in the South Bay: San Jose’s attractions and the surrounding tech corridor are spread out over dozens of miles. You might have a hotel downtown, a meeting in Sunnyvale, and dinner plans in Cupertino that could be 30+ minutes apart each way. While there are buses and a light rail, public transit here is limited in coverage and can be slow. A car transforms this sprawling area into an easily navigable network. You can drive from the San Jose Tech Museum to Stanford University in Palo Alto, then over to Santa Clara for a 49ers game, all in one day if you wanted something virtually impossible on public transport. Essentially, a car lets you see and do more in less time.
• Your Schedule, Your Pace: When you’ve got your own wheels, you set the timetable. No waiting for the Caltrain schedule or calling pricey rideshares. If inspiration strikes, you can detour up Mount Hamilton for a sunset view at Lick Observatory, or pop into that cool-looking cafe you spotted. Perhaps you wrapped up meetings early with a car, you could spontaneously drive to Half Moon Bay for an oceanside dinner. Or if a meeting runs late, you’re not stressed about missing the last train back. The flexibility is especially great for families: need to head back to the hotel for a toddler’s nap? Easy. Want to extend your day trip because everyone’s having fun? Go for it. Freedom to roam is a beautiful thing in a place with as many options as Silicon Valley.
• Access to Nature & Recreation: One of the perks of San Jose’s location is the quick access to nature. Within an hour or two drive, you have beaches, redwood forests, mountains, and even snow in winter. With a rental car, you can spend a morning in meetings and that afternoon hiking among giant redwoods at Big Basin State Park. Or maybe you want to explore Santa Cruz with a car, you can drive down Highway 17 through a scenic mountain pass and be on the Boardwalk or dipping your toes in the Pacific. Without a car, many of these gems (like Henry Cowell Redwoods, Alum Rock Park in East San Jose, or the Monterey Bay area) are very hard to reach. Having a car unlocks the full Bay Area experience, from urban to wild.
• Comfort and Convenience: Let’s face it having a car can make life easier, especially in a city like San Jose that’s built for cars. You can keep your belongings with you securely in the trunk as you go about your day (no lugging that laptop bag into every stop). The weather here can get hot in summer, and winters have rainy spells being able to hop into an air-conditioned (or heated) car is a relief compared to waiting at a bus stop or walking long distances. Also, parking in most of San Jose is relatively easy (and often free outside downtown), which lowers the hassle factor. When you’re driving, you can also discover more: maybe you spot a quirky roadside fruit stand or a new tech campus that offers tours with a car, you can pull over and check it out. In short, a car makes your trip more comfortable, and often, more interesting.
• Beyond Silicon Valley: Renting a car in San Jose doesn’t confine you to the South Bay. It actually positions you nicely to explore all of Northern California if you have the time. Want to spend the weekend in San Francisco? It’s a straightforward drive up 101 or 280 (and you can easily bring back some sourdough bread and Ghirardelli chocolates, no issues carrying stuff in a car vs. on a train). Thinking about heading to Lake Tahoe for skiing or to test your luck in Reno’s casinos? You can drive there in about 4 hours. Even Southern California is within reach the scenic route down Highway 1 to L.A. is an epic trip you won’t soon forget. With a rental car, you’re not limited to the Bay Area’s public transit map. You have the whole state (and beyond) open to you. Many rentals come with unlimited mileage, so as long as you have the time, drive to your heart’s content! You can create a completely custom itinerary, see hidden gems along the way, and truly make the most of your visit out West.

Our SJC Car Rental Benefits

Why book your San Jose Airport car hire through us? Airport Van Rental is an OTA specialist in car rentals, and we strive to make your SJC rental experience top-notch. Here are some advantages we offer:

• Best Rate Guarantee: SJC might not be as large as SFO, but it’s a busy airport with plenty of rental choices and that competition means lower prices for you. We aggregate deals from all the major companies at SJC to ensure you’re seeing the lowest available rate at any given time. From budget brands to premium, we list them all in one dashboard. Our system also highlights special promotions say, a weekend sale or a free upgrade offer so you don’t miss out on extra savings. We’re confident our platform finds you the best price. On the off chance you find a better publicly available rate for the same car and dates, let us know we’ll do our best to match or beat it. Our goal is simple: save you money on your rental so you can spend it on the rest of your trip.
• Wide Selection of Vehicles: When you search SJC with us, you’re tapping into an enormous fleet selection. We partner with 15+ rental suppliers in the Bay Area, which means thousands of cars are at your fingertips. Need an efficient sedan for solo business travel? Got it. An SUV or minivan for the whole family and luggage? Plenty of those. How about trying something fun like a Tesla or a Ford Mustang convertible? Those show up too! By having such a wide network, we make sure you won’t have to compromise you can find the exact type of vehicle you want. And unlike booking direct with one company (where if they’re out of the car you want, you’re out of luck), with us you can instantly see which companies have availability for, say, a standard SUV or a luxury car and pick the best deal. Essentially, you get the entire market’s selection in one search.
• Transparent Pricing No Hidden Fees: We believe in upfront honesty about costs. The price quotes you see on our site for SJC rentals include the base rate plus estimated taxes and mandatory fees, so you’re not blindsided at the counter. San Jose Airport rentals will include an airport concession fee (since rentals at SJC pay the airport a fee), a tourism assessment fee, and sales tax these can add roughly 10-15% to the base price, which we display in the quote. We do not hide or mark up any of these fees what the rental company charges is what you pay. And we don’t add random “OTA fees” or anything like that. Furthermore, we clearly outline the terms like the deposit amount, young driver fee if applicable, etc., before you book. No one likes arriving at the counter and seeing a much higher total than expected. With us, you can book with confidence knowing that the price you agreed to is the price you’ll pay (barring any add-ons you choose at the counter, of course).
• Free Cancellation on Most Rentals: Travel plans can change, we get it. Meetings get rescheduled, flights get canceled, or you might simply decide to extend your stay. That’s why most rentals we offer at SJC come with free cancellation up until 48 hours before pickup (and some even allow canceling up to the pickup time on the same day). We’ll always tell you the cancellation policy during booking, but the majority are flexible. This means you can book early (a smart move for best pricing) without worrying that you’re locked in. If something comes up, you can cancel or modify your reservation easily online or with a quick call no penalty. Just remember to do it before the cutoff (usually 2 days prior) to get a full refund. We think you should have peace of mind when booking secure the car you want now, and if your itinerary shifts, you’re not out of pocket.
• Customer Support & Local Know-How: We’re proud of our customer service. Need help or have a question about your SJC reservation? Our 24/7 support team is here. And unlike some giant agencies, we keep things personal our staff is knowledgeable about California travel. Locked out of your rental car or have a flat tire? We’ll guide you on what to do. Can’t find the rental car shuttle at SJC or the return location? Call us we can direct you because we’ve been there. We also often have reps monitoring flight arrivals if you input your flight number, the rental company typically knows if you’re late, but we like to ensure you’re not left stranded if a delay happens outside of their info. In short, we’ve got your back from the moment you start your booking until you drop the car off. We want your experience to be smooth and enjoyable, and we’ll go the extra mile to make it so.

Top Car Rental Deals at SJC Airport

(Here are a few deals recently found for SJC these will give you an idea of the range of vehicles and prices on offer. Remember, prices fluctuate based on dates and availability, but we work hard to find you the cheapest options.)

• Economy Car from $25/day. Example: Kia Rio or similar. A small 4-door that’s perfect for solo travelers or couples, especially if you’re sticking around city streets. Easy to park in tight spots (useful in downtown Palo Alto or San Jose’s Japantown) and very fuel-efficient for those drives up to San Francisco or out to Berkeley. If you’re looking to save on gas and rental cost, economy cars are the way to go.
• Midsize Sedan from $30/day. Example: Toyota Corolla or similar. A comfortable sedan that balances space, fuel economy, and price. Great if you have a party of 2-4 and a moderate amount of luggage. Taking day trips to Napa or meetings around the Bay? A midsize makes the journey pleasant with a bit more legroom and trunk space but still keeps costs low.
• Convertible from $50/day. Example: Ford Mustang Convertible or similar. Experience the California sun and breeze! This is a fun choice if you want to add a little adventure to your trip. Popular for weekenders heading to Santa Cruz or cruising down to Monterey. Drop the top and drive Highway 1 for an unforgettable coastal experience. (Just don’t forget sunscreen and a light jacket even sunny NorCal can get cool by the water.)
• SUV from $45/day. Example: Nissan Rogue or similar (compact SUV). Ideal for families or groups of up to 5 who want extra room for people and gear. An SUV handles the urban jungle and mountain roads alike. Planning to explore Yosemite or hit the ski slopes in Tahoe? The added cargo space and available AWD options come in handy. Even around town, it’s nice to sit up higher for a comfortable view of traffic.
• Minivan from $75/day. Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar. When you’ve got a bigger crew perhaps colleagues traveling together with equipment, or a family reunion a minivan is a hero. Seats 7-8 passengers with ease. Think a group tech tour of Silicon Valley campuses, or a big family heading to Disneyland down in SoCal (yes, people do drive from SJC to Anaheim for a road trip!). Split the cost and it can be under $15 per person per day way cheaper than multiple cars or other transport. Plus, you get ample space for luggage and sliding doors for easy in-and-out at hotel drop-offs.

(Note: “From” rates are base daily rentals recently found and don’t include taxes/fees roughly add 10-15% for those at checkout. These deals assume a short-term rental; if you rent for a week or more, the average daily rate might drop further. Prices also depend on supply and demand summer and holidays tend to be higher, while winter weekdays can be quite cheap. Book early especially for peak periods, as SJC can get busy when big conferences or events are in town. By booking ahead, you not only lock in a lower price, but also ensure availability of the vehicle type you want.)

Driving in San Jose: What to Expect

Once you’ve picked up your car at SJC and hit the road, here are some local driving tips to help you navigate the area safely and efficiently:

• Silicon Valley Traffic Patterns: San Jose’s roads and freeways are typically well-maintained and modern, but traffic can be heavy during certain times. Rush hour in Silicon Valley runs roughly 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM (morning commute) and 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM (evening commute) on weekdays. Unlike a traditional city with one downtown, traffic here is spread across multiple highways as people travel between various cities (San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, etc.). The Gish that’s local shorthand for the interchange of highways 101, 680, and 280 and the 101 & 880 areas can be bottlenecks. If you’re commuting north toward Palo Alto in the morning, for example, 101 and 85 will have slow spots. Use your map app’s traffic view it might route you on Lawrence Expressway or El Camino Real as alternates. Don’t be alarmed if your navigation suggests side streets through office parks; locals often use parallel routes like Monroe St or San Tomas Expwy to avoid jams. A notable quirk: traffic can also spike around noon on highways near major campuses (like near Google in Mountain View on US-101 or Apple in Cupertino on I-280) as employees head out for lunch, but it’s brief. After about 7 PM, freeways usually move well, and by 8 PM they’re often wide open. Weekends generally have lighter traffic, but if you’re going to popular spots (beach on a Saturday, or SF via 101 on a Friday night) you might still see slowdowns. Overall, plan ahead if you have time-sensitive appointments and if you’re driving to SFO or OAK airports from San Jose during rush hour, give yourself a lot of cushion; those 40 miles can take 1.5+ hours in bad traffic.
• Parking in and around SJC: If you’re just using your rental to get around and then flying out of SJC, you won’t deal with long-term parking at the airport. But if you do need to park at SJC (to pick someone up, for instance), there are hourly lots near each terminal (about $2 per 20 minutes, max $30/day). For general parking in San Jose city: Downtown San Jose has plenty of parking garages, many of which are city-run (look for the blue “P” signs). They’re reasonably priced often the first 2 hours are free on weekends or evenings. Metered street parking downtown is usually $1-2 per hour and free after 6 PM and on Sundays (check the meter for hours, as some areas enforce later). Neighborhoods like Willow Glen or Campbell have free public lots for shopping districts. At popular attractions like Santana Row or Valley Fair Mall, parking is free in large garages, but can fill up on weekends you might have to circle a bit or park a little further out during peak shopping times. If you head up to San Francisco or Oakland, be mindful that parking there is a different ballgame (scarce and expensive) consider using a parking app to find a garage or lot, or use public transit to enter those cities if possible (e.g., park at a BART station). For tech campuses, many have visitor parking but follow instructions for check-in. And a reminder: never leave valuables visible in your car, no matter where you are. While San Jose is generally safe, the Bay Area in general has had issues with car break-ins targeting laptops and luggage. It takes seconds for a thief to smash a window. So put bags in the trunk, and if you have an SUV without a trunk, cover items or take them with you. Better safe than sorry.
• Navigating & Signage: San Jose’s streets are laid out in a mix of grids and winding suburban roads. Major thoroughfares like El Camino Real, Stevens Creek Blvd, Almaden Expressway, and Montague Expressway help you get across town without hopping on the freeway. Know that “Expressway” here (like San Tomas, Lawrence, Capitol Expressway) means a large road with high speed limit and fewer lights than normal, but not a full freeway they’re useful for medium-distance travel within the valley. Signage is generally clear. On the freeways, exits are numbered and indicate which city/neighborhood they serve. One thing to note: HOV lane rules on many highways (101, 280, 680, 880, 237), the far-left lane is a carpool lane during certain hours (posted on signs, e.g. “Mon-Fri 5-9AM, 3-7PM, 2+”). Follow the times outside of those hours, anyone can use them. If you qualify (2 or more people in car, or driving a clean-air vehicle with proper stickers), use them to sail past traffic. If not, don’t get tempted the fines are hefty as mentioned. Also, no cell phone use while driving (unless hands-free) California law, and cops do enforce it with fines around $150 for first offense.
• Local Driving Etiquette: Silicon Valley drivers are moderately polite by big-city standards. You won’t encounter the constant honking of NYC or the ultra-aggressive lane cutting of, say, LA (well, LA can be polite too, but more volume). Here, most folks use turn signals, and many will let you merge if you signal and there’s room. Do the same in return a little “zipper merge” courtesy goes a long way in easing traffic. Yellow lights here last a decent amount of time, but avoid pushing it; there are red light cameras at some intersections (you’ll see signs if so). On multi-lane city streets, faster traffic tends to keep left and people turning right will stay to the right follow that pattern to keep things flowing. Watch for bike lanes San Jose and surrounding cities have quite a few cyclists, especially near Stanford, downtown, and Palo Alto. It’s law to give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing. At some intersections, you’ll see a painted green bike box drivers are supposed to stop behind those to let bikes queue in front at red lights. Pedestrians: California law is to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (marked or unmarked). In downtown areas, people will step out confidently, so be alert and ready to stop. Lastly, school zones: speed limit 25 MPH near schools when kids are present. They often have flashing lights to remind you. Citations for speeding in school zones or road construction zones carry big fines, so just slow down.
• Weather & Driving Conditions: Good news snow or ice are not a concern in San Jose itself (it’s very rare to get snow at ground level here). Rain is the main weather factor, primarily in the winter (November through March). When it rains, roads can be slick, especially after a long dry spell (oil buildup). Locals… well, some are not great at driving in rain since it’s infrequent you’ll see a disproportionate number of accidents on the first rainy day of the season. So if you’re visiting during rain, slow down a bit and keep distance. Fog can occasionally roll in, particularly if you’re near the Bay or heading over the Santa Cruz Mountains early morning/evening use low beam headlights (never high beams in fog). Summers are dry and warm; if you head to places like Gilroy or Morgan Hill, be prepared for very hot temps (90s-100s °F) ensure your rental’s A/C works during the pickup inspection (a quick test). On the flip side, if you drive to the coast (Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay) in summer, it can be 30 degrees cooler and foggy pack a light jacket in the car. If you venture further say a trip to Lake Tahoe in winter keep in mind you may need tire chains if snow is forecast in the mountains. Many rental companies don’t provide chains, and some forbid using them (due to potential damage). If you know you’re going to snow country, consider renting a 4WD/AWD vehicle; it can exempt you from chain requirements in some cases (and make sure to confirm with the rental company if using chains is allowed or not on their vehicle).

Overall, driving in San Jose and the Bay Area is fairly straightforward. With a bit of patience during traffic peaks and attentiveness to the rules, you’ll be fine. And the best part of having a car? When you’re done with work or exploring for the day, you can just relax and drive out to a quiet hilltop (try Sierra Road or Quimby Road in East San Jose hills) and catch a panoramic view of the city lights below a little locals’ secret for unwinding. Enjoy the journey!

Our Most Popular Vehicles

Economy Car Rental

12 Passenger Van Rental

Minivan Rental

Standard SUV Rental