Get relevant, data-driven information to help you hire a car in San Jose Airport, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in San Jose Airport?
You should book your rental car in San Jose Airport around 0 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in San Jose Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in San Jose Airport is January at an average cost of $67/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in San Jose Airport when prices are $106/day on average, which tends to be 116% above the yearly average hire price for San Jose Airport.
Which car hire company in San Jose Airport has the most locations?
Zeeba Rent-A-Van operates 3 locations in San Jose Airport, more than any other car hire company.
San Jose Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in San Jose Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4WD
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$52 - $103
All Car Types
$102 - $167
How much does it cost to hire a small car in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in San Jose Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in San Jose Airport?
Small car hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $72 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $52 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 48% cheaper than the average car hire in San Jose Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $101 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $82 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 27% cheaper than the average car hire in San Jose Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in San Jose Airport typically cost around $117 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $100 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 16% cheaper than the average car hire in San Jose Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $131 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $102 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 6% cheaper than the average car hire in San Jose Airport, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $217 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $173 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in San Jose Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $104 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $66 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 25% cheaper than the average car hire in San Jose Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $219 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $118 per day, which is about 47% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 37% more expensive than the average car hire in San Jose Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in San Jose Airport typically costs around $191 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $153 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in San Jose Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Small
Top tips for hiring a car at Mineta San Jose Airport
Car rental at San Jose Airport (SJC) is convenient compared to other options because the airport is located right in the heart of Silicon Valley. A car rental from this airport gives you the opportunity to drive around and explore Silicon Valley at your pace. You can park your car rental at San Jose Airport securely and conveniently, which is why San Jose Airport remains such an excellent choice of destination when considering renting a car for your vacation or business trip.
The main car rental center at San Jose Airport is located on the lower level of Terminal A. From the arrivals hall, you can walk directly to the rental car center by going down the escalators. Alternatively, you can go to Terminal B or C for a few minutes and take the free shuttle bus service from there. The free bus service can be very handy if you are arriving at Terminal B or C.
Once you are through and need to return your rental car as per the terms of the rental agreement, you can do so at any of the car return booths. These are located in the parking lot and in Terminal B and C. You can also return your car at any of the other Rental Car Centers located outside SJC property, but you will be charged a fee for this service and it is not recommended if you can avoid it.
Beware that some car rental companies charge an advance reservation fee for booking your vehicle before your arrival at SJC. It is also possible to reserve a vehicle if you wish but there will be no upfront cost with this option. If reserving your vehicle in advance, you will have to find out the rental company's phone number and call them.
Book your car hire at Mineta San Jose Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car at Mineta San Jose Airport
What type of documentation is required to rent a car at SJC?
You will need to provide a valid driver's license and your credit card. If you are not renting the car from one of the international companies, then it is possible that other documentation may be required, such as an an international driver’s permit or passport. The exact list of requirements will depend on which company you rent with so ensure you check with the company before arriving. All renters are required to be at least 25 years of age and have held a driver's license for the last three years. Make sure to leave a copy of your driver’s license with the agent when you pick up the vehicle. You may need it if there is an issue in returning or picking up the car so have it on hand.
What amenities are available at San Jose Airport's car rental center?
The SJC car rental center is equipped with a gift shop, restaurant and other conveniences. Other amenities at or near the center include an ATM machine and plenty of seating for those waiting to pick up passengers or dealing with their luggage upon arrival. Most companies at the center offer client-friendly services like complimentary car washes and guaranteed airport shuttle buses.
What car rental companies offer free shuttle service at JSC?
Some car rental companies offer free shuttle service from SJC. The most prominent of these is National Car Rental, which offers a free bus transfer between terminals for all their customers. Additionally, you can find a free shuttle service for Avis and Enterprise at Terminal C. However, this does not mean that these companies offer free shuttle service for all their customers. There may be a charge if you do not book in advance or have the Gold Plus membership with them.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Mineta San Jose Airport?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Mineta San Jose Airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, and Sixt.
Pickup took over an hour while other desks filled up and emptied in a quarter of the time. Not sure why the process was so lengthy.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Luxury
It was way better than I expected. Thank you for the great service.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Intermediate
Much expensive
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Full-size
Best priced rental car with no shuttle needed! Car is at the airport for easy pickup and drop off.
10.0 Wonderful
lillian, Sept 2023
People mover
Check in was easy. Friendly agent. Return to rent a car center was a breeze- follow airport signs and not goggle maps once you get to the airport. Car return agent was friendly. Walked across street to southwest terminal for flight.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2023
Compact SUV
Our experience with Fox was wonderful. However, as it was our first time renting a car and our first time in California, we bought way more “packages” than needed. Next time, we will know before hand what is needed and what is not.
Car rental was fine. Don't use affirm to pay as sixt requires you to use the card you paid with for a deposit upon pickup and was not able to process it so I had to use my own debit card and now I'm trying to dispute the charge with affirm since I paid out of my own pocket
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Standard SUV
One of the employees helped me figure out how to put the back row down to put in my luggage. Very helpful
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
I ended up canceling my reservation because of the unhelpful conduct of the sixt employee at the rental counter.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
Smooth process from the rental desk to the vehicle pickup and the return process.
4.0 Mediocre
sharrin, Oct 2022
the agents were slow and no helpful much. no real assistance in pick up of car.
Car needs service. Wheels were shaking when accelerating more than 75 miles/hr.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Jun 2025
Supplier choice
All good but EV car charging is expensive and slow. No more EV promo :(
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jun 2025
Supplier choice
Pickup at SJC a nightmare
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Feb 2025
Open-air all-terrain
Gas charge, got fixed by customer support.
4.0 Mediocre
M. Jamshed, Dec 2024
Intermediate SUV
I was given the vehicle half full. I realized this after picking up the vehicle. Didn't want to go back and argue with the staff on Christmas eve, so continued with my journey.
I expereinced a flat tire with my rental and didn't have a spare tire in the truck, then I was charged roughly $250 USD for "emergency service" on top of my rental
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate
When we arrived at Oakland Airport to drop off the car, one of the workers saw that we were traveling with a toddler, a car seat and a lot of luggage. To save us the trouble of having to unload everything, carry it and wait for the shuttle, he drove us directly to the airport terminal in our rental car, and then returned the car for us. While this is not normally part of his job, he went above and beyond to help us. This made our day and was a great start to our Christmas holiday.
2.0 Poor
Josh, Nov 2021
Would not rent car or honor kayak reservation. Went to Avis instead
Payless
6.8
Okay
Cleanliness
8.4
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
8.1
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 724 4400
Monday
07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 22:00
Thursday
07:00 - 22:00
Friday
07:00 - 22:00
Saturday
07:00 - 22:00
Sunday
07:00 - 22:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Compact
Quick and easy - very clean too!
Dollar
6.8
Okay
Cleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
7.0
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
Monday
06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:59
Thursday
06:00 - 23:59
Friday
06:00 - 23:59
Saturday
06:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size SUV
Everything is good
Europcar
6.4
Okay
Cleanliness
9.2
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
7.2
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 408 709 2950
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Dec 2025
Intermediate SUV
The first pickup was easy except the pickup car was not where it was supposed to be. It wasn't discovered until we went to the security location to leave the garage. We have gone to the correct space, but it turned out to be the wrong car. So we had to return the car back into Eurocar's spaces. The staff was very helpful, but we lost 15 minutes moving luggage and re-paring our phones. The big shock came when we received our full bill the next day. All the add ons that were not clearly spelled out were all there. That added about almost 50% to the final bill. I never saw so many add one in any previous car rental from any airport. Sorry, but next time Eurocar may be way down on my choices
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate
Very long wait for pickup at LAX, slow moving queue at FOX, and ended up with a large Jeep SUV (Terrible to drive), after ordering midsized SUV. Final annoyance was that I was charged $150 when quoted $105. Tried to ring to dispute the charges but no answer.
Avis
6.2
Okay
Cleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
6.9
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Boulevard Ste 2
+1 408 993 2224
Monday
06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:59
Thursday
06:00 - 23:59
Friday
06:00 - 23:59
Saturday
06:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Chris, Apr 2026
Full-size
Everything about the experience was great! Nice car and easy experience.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
I was surprised that I had paid in advance. The check-in took more than an hour with only one clerk checking people in. Apparently she was waiting for cars to be returned.
10.0 Wonderful
Julianne, Oct 2025
Compact SUV
The woman who helped us at the counter was kind, knowledgeable, and efficient. We were renting for just one day to see the Redwoods and she gave us some tips and started our day of exploration off on a kind note.
2.0 Poor
Jan, Nov 2024
Intermediate
very little to like. had to wait nearly an hour for a reserved car to become available. initial interaction with staff extremely frustrating (don't know when one will become available)...had to talk with a manager who, in fairness, was apologetic. added fees and taxes added 50% to the rate quoted by Kayak (Kayak's fault to not disclose?). Avis then tried to overcharge upon return; had to call them to correct. Will avoid renting through Kayak and Avis in the future.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Full-size
The pick up experience was terrible. I am a preferred member but I still had to wait 30 minutes for the car to come. It was unacceptable so they then had to find another vehicle for me.
Thrifty
5.1
Fair
Cleanliness
5.6
Comfort
5.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
4.9
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
Monday
06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:59
Thursday
06:00 - 23:59
Friday
06:00 - 23:59
Saturday
06:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2026
Passenger van
I rented a Ford Transit van to hold 7 passengers and large amounts of gear for a baseball tournament. Upon arrival I was told the vehicle was not available and a comparable vehicle would cost $500 more for the week. Instead we booked a similar car for the original cost. And now I am fighting for a refund with no reply.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sept 2024
Compact SUV
Hidden charges. Confusion among Kyak, Expedia, Thrifty, and Hertz, resulted in different rates, fees and charges that I had not approved. Horrible experience overall.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact
The worst rental car experience ever! I travel to San Jose once a month and rely heavily on the car rental service industry for transportation. I made reservations, arrived for my pick-up and then nightmare began! They required a $500 deposit for the sedan with a $174.94 rental fee for the day. Last month Alamo's security deposit was $200 and have the rental price. I return the vehicle after my trip, board my flight and return home here to Los Angeles. I then see an unauthorized transaction for $100 that very night, and another $100 the following evening. Trying to reach Thrifty is a nightmare in itself since its system is automated and they DID NOT even return my detailed email of the issue. I had to call my bank and file a claim on the two extra charges and cancel my debit card!!! This entire experience with "thrifty" has been the worst. WILL NOT BE DOING BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN.
Airport Van
4.4
Mediocre
2 locations in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
765 Coleman Ave
1-408-573-7111
Opening times not available
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Economy Rent a Car
3.6
Poor
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
561 West Hedding St.
+1 866 932 0060
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Zeeba Rent-A-Van
No score available yet
3 locations in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
Opening times not available
1701 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
Opening times not available
561 W Hedding Street
+1 800 940 9332
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd Ste 5
Opening times not available
1659 Airport Boulevard
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Advance Van Rental
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Avalon Transportation Service
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
312 Martin Avenue
+1 408 834 3855
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Avr
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Flight Car
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose airport
+1 844 742 5870
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Fox Autorent
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose Airport Mineta International SJC
+1 408 709 2950
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Goldcar Rental SP
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd Car Rental Center San Jose Ca
+1 408 709 2950
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Its Rent a Car
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA
+1 415 370 8478
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 408 709 2950
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
North Car Rental
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 938 6000
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Priceline
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
Airport Boulevard
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Reach Rental
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, Ca ,san Jose,ca,us
+1 800 761 8913
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Rhodium
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose Airport
+1 408 709 2950
Monday
06:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:59
Thursday
06:00 - 23:59
Friday
06:00 - 23:59
Saturday
06:00 - 23:59
Sunday
06:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
TravelCar
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
1250 Brokaw Road
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in San Jose Airport
Locations in San Jose Airport
San Jose Intl Arpt, 2300 Airport Blvd, Ste 120 -
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
06:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 22:00
Thursday
06:00 - 22:00
Friday
06:00 - 22:00
Saturday
06:00 - 22:00
Sunday
06:00 - 22:00
Filters
No reviews available
311 travellers who rented a car in San Jose Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6
KAYAK and its partners wish to use cookies or similar technologies to store and/or access information on and about your device and process personal data such as your IP address, device identifiers etc., in order to improve your experience on the site, to analyse navigation, to offer and measure personalised advertising, and to facilitate sharing on social networks. We also allow the use of third-party cookies (including those from our advertising partners) on our sites.
By clicking 'Accept', you consent to your data being processed by 0 vendors on this web site for the purposes described in this notice. You can review the vendors and their individual processing purposes on the .
To review individual processing purposes and cookie categories, please click ’Select individual purposes’. You can review your choices and withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the ’Privacy Preferences’ link in the page side navigation.
