San Jose Airport Car Rentals
Considering renting a car at San Jose Airport? If you’re planning to explore Downtown San Jose, Willow Glen, Japantown, or the Evergreen area, private taxis and public transit will be your best bet.
However, for travelers who want to venture beyond San Jose to discover nearby attractions like the scenic beauty of the coastline, vineyards, or the nearby national parks such as Yosemite or Big Basin Redwoods, renting a car will be the perfect choice as it gives the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and beyond at your own pace.
Before you go ahead and reserve your rental car, we recommend reading through our guide to San Jose Airport car rentals below.
Helpful Resources:
Essential Information
Languages:
English, Spanish.
Speed Limits:
48 km/h (30 mph) in the city, 88 km/h (55 mph) on open roads and 104 km/h (65 mph) on major highways and roads.
San Jose Country Code:
The country code for San Jose is +1. Refer to these dialing instructions in case of emergencies.
Driving Rules:
The law in San Jose states that driving must always be on the right-hand side of the road.
Local Currency:
The local currency in San Jose is the U.S. dollar (USD). We recommend withdrawing U.S. dollars at one of the San Jose Airport ATMs before arriving at your accommodations.
Average San Jose Gas Prices:
Check the latest gas prices in San Jose (Regular, Premium & Diesel). San Jose gas prices are shown in liters, not gallons. There are approximately 3.78 liters in 1 gallon.
Types of Car Rentals
San Jose car rental options range from economy cars to full-size vans and SUVs, with daily rates starting at $52 USD. To secure the best rates when renting a car in San Jose, we recommend booking in advance and adjusting your dates accordingly.
🌟 Pro Tip: You can find deeply discounted rates with unlimited mileage when looking for weekly car rentals!
| Car Rental Type: | # of Passengers | Model / Make: |
|---|---|---|
| Small Car (Mini, Economy) | 1-3 | Chevrolet Spark or similar |
| Medium Car (Compact) | 3-5 | Ford Focus or similar |
| Large Car (Standard, Intermediate & Full-Size, Premium) | 3-5 | Nissan Sentra or similar |
| SUVs (Standard, Intermediate, Full-Size, Premium) | 5-7 | Hyundai Elantra or similar |
| Van (Mini, Compact, Full-Size) | 5-7 | Nissan Altima or similar |
Car Rental Companies
San Jose Airport offers car rental services from the following agencies: Thrifty, FOX, and Europcar.
Full Coverage Car Insurance
For just $13/day, you can get full coverage car insurance and have peace of mind while renting a car in San Jose.
Comprehensive Coverage
Secure this plan to insure all exterior parts of your rental car.
Great Value
Experience great value for your San Jose car rental at a fraction of the cost, roughly half the price of other options.
Fast Payouts
Enjoy the benefit of fast compensation for your rental, with claims typically processed within 48 hours.
What’s Covered
Theft deductible (refundable)
Exterior bodywork and roof
Windshield and windows
Mirrors
Tires and wheels
Undercarriage
Lost key or lockout charges
Taxi costs
Towing costs
Administrative fees
Fees for the rental company’s loss of use during repairs
What’s Not Covered:
Damages from not following the rental agreement
Damages from unexpected or uncontrollable events
Cleaning fees or interior damage
Damages to third parties
Frequently Asked Questions
To rent a car from San Jose Airport, you’ll need to present a valid driver’s license, a major credit card under your name, and typically need to be at least 21 years old, although some rental agencies may require you to be 25 or older. It’s important to verify these conditions with the rental agency before finalizing the car rental lease agreement.
Mostly, showing proof of a valid driver’s license from your home country is usually sufficient. However, it’s advisable to obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before arriving in San Jose as a precautionary measure in case of emergencies.
The Rental Car Center is situated within the airport premises. You can easily locate it by following the signs directing you to the car rental desk.
San Jose Airport car rental rates can be found for as low as $52 USD per day but vary depending on travel dates, duration, type of vehicle, car insurance, and more.
We recommend booking your San Jose Airport rental car online in advance by clicking here or by filling out the car rental widget located at the top of this page.
The type and size of the rental car you choose in San Jose will depend on your group size and budget. Explore the options above to find the best fit for your needs.
