San Jose Airport Guide

sleeping in san jose airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / October 2023)

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.

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. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our San Jose Airport Guide.

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.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by airline and flight schedule. Travellers staying overnight in the public (landside) areas should be aware that access to the secure (airside) areas is typically restricted until early 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.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the 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.

DoubleTree by Hilton (0.4 mi)
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport (0.5 mi)
Hyatt House (0.6 mi)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Jose Airport (0.7 mi)
Sonesta Select San Jose Airport (0.7 mi)

Hampton Inn & Suites (0.7 mi)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (0.7 mi)
Spark by Hilton (0.8 mi)
Courtyard San Jose Airport (1.2 mi)

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.

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.

Drinking Water

Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout both terminals. Known locations include landside areas and airside near Gates 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 24, and 32.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules. At the time of writing, there are no confirmed 24-hour dining options. Several cafés open as early as 4:00 AM in both terminals, and vending machines are available for snacks and drinks outside restaurant hours.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB charging ports are available throughout the terminals, including Power Suite seating areas with workstations. Known locations: Airside near Gates 9, 18, and 28.

Showers

Public showers are not available outside of airline lounges. See Airport Lounges.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to ‘sjcfreewifi’ for unlimited internet access.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Smarte Carte baggage carts are available in baggage claim areas and near departures. Fees apply, and payment by cash or card is accepted.

Family Services

Baby Care Facilities – Private nursing rooms are available airside in both terminals and include power outlets. Baby changing tables are also available in restrooms throughout both terminals.
Children’s Play Areas – Let kids burn off some energy at Zoom Zone, an interactive play space designed by the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Location: Terminal B, between Gates 24 and 25.

Information Desk – Information desks are located landside in the baggage claim areas of both terminals and are staffed daily. In addition, interactive information robots are available airside near Gates 11, 21, and 25 to assist with directions and local tips.
Massage Chairs – Massage chairs are available airside in Terminal A (near Gates 10–13) and throughout Terminal B.
Meditation Room – A quiet meditation room is available airside in Terminal B, across from Gate 18.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in both terminals, landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check with your bank before travelling.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available landside in Terminal A near baggage claim and airside near international departure areas. Hours vary by location and flight schedule.

Pet Relief Areas – Travelling with a pet? Pet relief areas are available both landside and airside. Outdoor areas are located near terminal entrances, and an indoor relief area is available airside between Gates 16 and 17.
Postal Services – Mailboxes are available landside near check-in areas in both terminals for postcards and last-minute mail.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal A near Gates 14–15. Additional retail options include several Hudson News locations offering snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.

Things to do & see

Art in the Airport – An audio tour of the Art and Technology Program is available via QR codes displayed throughout the terminals or through the airport’s website.
Piano – Public pianos are available for travellers and greeters to enjoy. One upright piano is located landside in Terminal A near the main entrance, and a baby grand piano is located in Terminal B baggage claim. Availability is generally unrestricted.

Airlines

San Jose Airport is served by the following airlines: Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Hawaiian Airlines • JetBlue • Southwest Airlines • Spirit • United Airlines • Volaris • Zipair.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

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.

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Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service. Shuttles stop at the Offsite Courtesy Shuttle Stops located in the Ground Transportation Centers of Terminals A and B.

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: 2026-01-29

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.