EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low car rental prices in San Jose with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare deals at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and downtown branches to find weekend specials or avoid extra airport charges, then drive to Silicon Valley campuses, Santa Cruz beaches or San Francisco in under two hours.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) | • Convenient on-site Rental Car Center • Walking distance from Terminal B • Major providers available • 24/7 shuttle service from Terminal A • Larger vehicle selection |
• 11% airport concession fee • Additional $10/day Customer Facility Charge (up to 5 days) • Can be busy during business travel peaks |
| Downtown San Jose | • No airport fees • Potentially lower rates • Convenient if staying downtown first |
• Limited business hours • Often closed Sundays • Smaller inventory • No after-hours pickup |
On average, car rentals in San Jose cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare SJC vs downtown vs nearby suburbs (Santa Clara, Sunnyvale). Off-airport spots dodge the $10/day Customer Facility Charge and 11 % concession fee so a 3-day rental can drop by $50+.
Shift to a weekend pickup. Business travelers clear out Friday–Sunday, and agencies cut rates; starting your rental Saturday morning is often cheaper than Thursday afternoon.
Run the same search for SJC, SFO and OAK. One airport can be 20-40 % cheaper for the exact dates. If the gap is big enough, the extra 45-minute drive is worth it.
Toggle different car classes when you compare. During tech conferences compacts spike in price; a midsize or hybrid can pop up for less.
Where to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Garages | Hourly paid | Some city garages offer 90 minutes free Validation deals often available at Third Street or San Pedro Square |
| Street Parking | Metered rates | Often free after 6 pm and on Sundays Check meter stickers for specific hours |
| Shopping Centers | Usually free | Santana Row and most malls offer free spots in structures Time limits may apply |
| Tourist Attractions | Often free or included | Winchester Mystery House and similar attractions usually include free spots |
| Event Parking | Higher event rates | Rates increase near SAP Center on event nights Plan alternative spots on Sharks game nights |
Important Local Driving Rules:
A rental lets you reach coastal hotspots, mountain parks and tech landmarks across Northern California with ease.
Santa Cruz – beaches, boardwalk
Monterey and Carmel – Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
Yosemite National Park – valley, giant sequoias
Is it worth renting from the airport rather than downtown San Jose?
While airport rentals include extra fees (an 11% concession fee and a $10 per-day Customer Facility Charge for up to five days), they are more convenient, open 24/7 and offer a wider selection of cars. Downtown locations can save you money but have limited hours and fewer cars.
Will I encounter many tolls when driving around San Jose?
The South Bay has fewer toll crossings than San Francisco. You'll pay tolls when you cross the Dumbarton or San Mateo bridges (westbound only) and when you use the Express Lanes on US-101, SR-85, SR-237 or I-680. If you only drive around Silicon Valley and avoid those routes, you might not pay any tolls at all.
How difficult is driving to Santa Cruz on Highway 17?
Highway 17 is a four-lane divided highway that has many curves and changes in elevation. You should drive cautiously, stay in the right lane if you're new to the road and expect heavier traffic on weekends. You won't find any service stations on the mountain pass, so make sure you get gas before you leave.
Do I need a special vehicle for winter travel from San Jose?
You can drive any standard car in Silicon Valley year-round, as winter rain rarely causes major issues. If you plan to visit Lake Tahoe or other mountains in winter, you should consider an SUV with AWD. Make sure to carry tire chains, because California law sometimes requires them during snowstorms, even for cars with AWD.
What's the best car for visiting multiple tech companies in Silicon Valley?
You'll find a compact or midsize sedan works best for visiting tech campuses. These cars help you blend in with local traffic, are easy to park in company lots and get good gas mileage. If you need to drive coworkers around, you might want a midsize SUV so everyone is more comfortable.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support