Getting To SJC Airport

Directions Northbound to Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) from Santa Cruz

There are multiple ways to reach SJC airport via public transportation. The most efficient option varies depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend, and on the time of your arrival into San Jose. In some cases the preferred option is VTA light rail to Metro/Airport Station, connecting to the VTA #60 Milpitas BART to Winchester Station via SJC Airport (Destination “Winchester Station”). At other times, the faster option may be VTA bus #22 or #522 to Santa Clara Caltrain Station, connecting to VTA #60 Milpitas BART to Winchester Station via SJC Airport (Destination “Milpitas BART”). Google Trip Planner or Transit App are useful in determining the most efficient option for a specific time.

Here are instructions for travel between San Jose Diridon Station or Downtown San Jose and SJC Airport using VTA Light Rail:

Weekdays/Weekends

  • Take Amtrak Highway 17 Express Northbound from Santa Cruz to the Diridon Station (allow approximately 60-80 minutes travel time, depending on traffic conditions)
  • Walk through the Diridon Station and through the tunnel and turn left to the Light Rail station. Take VTA Light Rail - Green Line (formerly the Winchester – Mountain View line) northbound (destination sign reads “Old Ironsides) to the Metro/Airport Station. Stop announcements will be made on the train (allow 15 minutes travel time)
  • Cross 1st Street to the glass gazebo bus stop
  • Wait for the VTA #60 Milpitas BART - Winchester Station via SJC Airport (the destination sign will read Winchester Transit Center)
  • This will take you to the Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and makes stops at Terminals A and B. The Line 60 runs approximately every 15 minutes during the day on weekdays; every 20 – 30 minutes in the evening and on weekends.

Unlike the former #10 Airport Shuttle (now discontinued), regular fare is required for this route. If you use a Clipper card for both light rail and #60, there is a free transfer.

Directions Southbound to Santa Cruz From Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Weekdays/Weekends

  • From any Terminal take the VTA #60 Milpitas BART - Winchester Station via SJC Airport (the destination sign will read Milpitas BART).
  • This bus will take you to the 1st & Metro stop.
  • VTA #60 is free to ride from the airport terminal and runs approximately every 15 minutes (allow approximately 10 minutes travel time)
  • Cross over to the Southbound Light Rail track from the bus stop
  • Take the VTA Light Rail - Green Line (formerly the Winchester – Mountain View line) ONLY! (the destination sign will read Winchester Station)
  • This train will take you to San Jose Diridon Station (allow approximately 20 minutes travel time)
  • Walk through the tunnel and the station building to the bus bays and take the Amtrak Highway 17 Express Southbound from San Jose to Santa Cruz Metro Center (allow approximately 60 minutes travel time)