Getting around San Jose, CA
Planning to travel in San Jose? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your San Jose experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around San Jose
Walking
Walking in San Jose can be a practical option for getting around, particularly in the downtown area where destinations are relatively close together and sidewalks are well-maintained. The city’s flat terrain makes walking comfortable, and the mild weather throughout much of the year is generally conducive to outdoor activity. However, in more suburban or sprawling parts of San Jose, distances between destinations can be significant, which may make walking less convenient. Pedestrian infrastructure varies, with some areas offering crosswalks and pathways that support safe travel, while others may require extra caution.
Biking
For those who prefer biking, San Jose offers a mix of opportunities and challenges as a mode of transportation. The city features an expanding network of bike lanes and paths, making many areas accessible for cyclists. Its relatively flat terrain in much of the city is favorable for biking, though longer distances between some destinations may require planning. The weather is generally conducive to biking, with mild conditions that are comfortable for outdoor travel. Additionally, bike share options are available through the Uber app, providing convenient access to bikes for short trips.
Car
Driving is a common way to get around San Jose, as the city is designed with cars in mind, featuring wide streets and ample parking in many areas. Driving is a practical way to navigate the city, as its infrastructure supports automobile travel. However, traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours. Parking availability varies depending on the location, with downtown areas potentially requiring more effort to find a spot. The city’s generally mild weather makes driving conditions favorable year-round. While distances between destinations can vary, having a car allows for flexibility and convenience when exploring the region.
Public Transit
Public transit in San Jose includes several options, such as buses, light rail, and regional rail services. The light rail system connects key areas within the city and nearby communities, while buses provide extensive coverage across neighborhoods. Regional rail links downtown San Jose to other Bay Area cities, making it easier to travel longer distances. Public transit is generally accessible for reaching major destinations, though the spread-out nature of the city may require some planning. The mild weather typically supports comfortable transit use, but longer distances between stops in some areas may make walking or transfers necessary.
Train
When it comes to trains, San Jose offers connections to key areas within the city and beyond. The city is served by commuter rail and light rail systems, with regular schedules that make planning trips convenient. Trains run frequently, often every 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours, and connect to major destinations such as downtown, nearby cities, and transit hubs. The infrastructure supports easy access to many locations, though some areas may require additional transportation. Overall, trains provide a reliable option for getting around San Jose efficiently.
Popular destinations in San Jose
Uber makes San Jose travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around San Jose request rides to Berryessa / North San Jose BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in San Jose
Uber makes San Jose travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around San Jose request rides to Berryessa / North San Jose BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in San Jose
Uber makes San Jose travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around San Jose request rides to Berryessa / North San Jose BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Reserve a ride in San Jose with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in San Jose. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to San Francisco International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in San Jose, California
Getting around San Jose without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring San Jose.
San Jose-area airport car service
When your travel in San Jose takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Choose the best ways to get around San Jose
Taxi in San Jose
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around San Jose. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.
Electric scooters in San Jose
Renting a scooter is a fun, affordable way to get around the city. With electric power, you'll get to where you need to go with ease.
San Jose taxis and other ride options
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in San Jose?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around San Jose anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in San Jose?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in San Jose. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around San Jose without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in San Jose, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other San Jose transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in San Jose?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in San Jose or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in San Jose help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in San Jose is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in San Jose?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in San Jose from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.
You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission at 800-894-9444 or CIU_intake@cpuc.ca.gov.
In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you’ll have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.
All trips to or from SFO are subject to a $5.50 SFO airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from OAK are subject to a $3.70 OAK airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from SJC are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. All trips to or from MRY are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberX, Comfort and Assist trips to or from SMF are subject to a $2.5 surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberXL and Uber Black SUV trips to or from SMF are subject to a $3.00 surcharge and any applicable tolls.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
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About
Explore San Jose
Cities near me
SJC airport
Popular routes
Select your preferred language
Select your preferred language
About
Explore San Jose
Cities near me
SJC airport
Popular routes