San Jose Airport Map: Finding Your Way Around SJC

Look, San Jose’s airport is refreshingly straightforward. Compared to SFO or Oakland, SJC feels almost… peaceful? Don’t get me wrong, it gets busy, but the layout actually makes sense. Here’s what you need to know to navigate it without stress.

Two Terminals, That’s It

Terminal A and Terminal B. Simple. Both handle domestic and international flights, so you’re not running across the airport based on where you’re headed.

Terminal A

Opened in 1990, so it’s the older one. Alaska Airlines, American, JetBlue – they all fly out of here. Gates A1 through A16. There’s a pedestrian bridge connecting to the parking garage, which is where you’ll also find the rental cars.

Terminal B

This is the newer building from 2010 – you can tell because it looks more modern and they went heavy on the eco-friendly design stuff. Southwest pretty much owns this terminal. Gates B1 to B14. Parking lot’s right next to it.

Where to Eat and Drink

The food situation’s decent for an airport this size. Nothing mind-blowing, but you won’t be stuck with just fast food.

• Caffeine fixes: Terminal A has both Starbucks and Peet’s. Take your pick.
• Terminal B options: Dining on the Fly is solid. The Brit does British-style pub food if that’s your thing.
• Quick grabs: Standard newsstands, grab-and-go stuff throughout both terminals.

For sit-down meals, get there a bit early. Rushing to make your flight while waiting for a check is no fun.

Getting There and Away

Rental cars: All in the Rental Car Center across from Terminal A. Free shuttle runs constantly.

Uber/Lyft: Designated pickup spots, clearly marked. Drop-offs work as expected.

Public transit: VTA Route 60 connects to Milpitas BART station. There’s also a free shuttle to Santa Clara Transit Center for Caltrain access. Takes some extra time but saves money.

Parking: Short-term and long-term options with good signage. Hourly lot’s closest to the terminals if you’re just doing a quick pickup.

Security Tips

TSA checkpoints at both terminal entrances. Mornings and late afternoons tend to be busiest – classic work travel patterns. PreCheck lanes are available and usually worth it here.

CLEAR operates at select checkpoints if you’ve got that. Otherwise, standard rules apply – have your stuff ready, laptops out, liquids accessible.

The Silicon Valley Connection

Being in the middle of tech country, SJC has leaned into the tech-forward thing. Digital wayfinding screens, mobile apps with real-time updates, solid WiFi throughout. It’s not surprising – half their passengers probably work for tech companies anyway.

Free WiFi works well. Charging stations are at most gates. If you need to squeeze in some work, you can make it happen.

Sustainability Stuff

Terminal B got LEED Silver certification, which basically means they built it to be energy-efficient. Electric vehicle charging in the parking areas if you drive one. Recycling programs throughout. Not that you’ll necessarily notice as a traveler, but it’s there.

The Art Situation

SJC actually has an Art + Technology program with digital installations and interactive pieces. Given the tech-heavy passenger base, it makes sense. Some of it’s genuinely interesting if you’ve got time to wander.

Accessibility

Elevators and ramps throughout. Reserved parking for passengers with disabilities. Rental car options include accessible vehicles. Terminal maps show accessible routes if you need them.

The Bottom Line

San Jose’s airport won’t wow you with size or fancy lounges, but it’s genuinely easy to use. The layout’s logical, distances are short, and security usually moves. For Bay Area travel, it’s worth checking SJC before automatically booking through SFO.