Do you need a car?
A car helps for Alum Rock, Alviso, Santana Row, and flexible cross-city timing, but a downtown museum-and-dining weekend can use walking, VTA, and rideshare.
Local transport guide
How to Get Around San Jose
Downtown, SoFA, San Pedro Square, and Japantown work as separate walkable clusters. Santana Row, the Rose Garden, History Park, and outdoor parks need a deliberate transit, rideshare, or car hop.
Arriving
San José Mineta International Airport is the nearby commercial gateway, roughly four miles from downtown. Check current airport ground-transport options before arrival.
Getting around locally
VTA light rail serves downtown and selected Santa Clara County corridors, including airport connections via Bus 60. Use VTA's current trip planner and alerts for time-sensitive trips.
Parking
Downtown garages, event conditions, and street restrictions vary. Confirm current rates and restrictions before relying on a particular garage.
Local transport guidance checked 2026-09-21. Confirm current schedules, fares, and access before departure.
Confirm current details with Official The Tech Interactive information before departure.
Travel conditions, access, and reservations can change. Check official sources close to departure.