Car rental in
San Jose, CA
Our top branches in San Jose, CA
Our services at San Jose, CA
SIXT Car Rental in San Jose
Access your SIXT car rental San Jose from critical points in the city like the San Jose International Airport (SJC) branch. Our large fleet comprised of vehicles from top brands ensures you’ll get what you need. Our flexible booking options are also available via the SIXT app, creating a hassle-free experience. Utilizing a car allows you to reach the city’s tech campuses, lively districts, and beautiful Bay Area surroundings easily. Choose to rent a car in San Jose for business, leisure, or multi-stop journeys that require adaptability.
Secure your SIXT car rental in San Jose now for a comfortable and flexible visit.
Recommended Vehicle Options for Car Rental in San Jose
- Sedans: Great for navigating city streets and managing highway commutes in tech-focused San Jose.
- SUVs: Perfect for venturing to nature reserves or for day trips to the coast or wine country.
- Convertibles: Suited for enjoying sunny South Bay weather and scenic drives through the region.
What affects the cost of renting a car in San Jose?
Rental rates with SIXT depend on several different factors:
- Model choice: Sedans, convertibles, and SUVs are priced differently based on their features.
- Rental period: Longer rentals tend to provide a better per-day value.
- Branch location: Where you pick up and return your San Jose rental car can impact the price.
- Seasonal surges: Expect increased prices during annual events like San Jose Jazz Festival and Silicon Valley Comic Con.
- Best Price: Select our “Best Price” payment option for additional savings.
SIXT Pro Tip: Early booking and comparing flexible dates deliver the best rates.
Protection Options & Add-ons
Enhance your rental with thoughtful extras and comprehensive protection packages:
- Travel worry-free with the protection that works for you.
Driving Tips for San Jose
Driving in San Jose is efficient thanks to a modern network of freeways and well-marked city streets.
Road Conditions and Navigation
- Roads are generally smooth and in good repair, supporting easy commutes.
- Be mindful of rush-hour congestion on Highway 101 and I-280.
- Stay alert for light rail crossings and bicycle lanes in central districts.
- Rain in winter months may cause slick conditions in local neighborhoods.
Parking in San Jose
Parking is managed by both city-operated programs and private garages, with major facilities serving high-traffic areas.
- Market/San Pedro Garage: Convenient for downtown shopping and visits to business venues.
- SAP Center Parking Lot: Best for attending hockey games and major concerts.
- Convention Center Garage: Ideal for attending events and local exhibitions.
Fueling Instructions
- Common labels in California include 87 Regular, 89 Plus, 91 Premium, and Diesel.
- Most stations are self-service with pay at the pump available.
SIXT Pro Tip: To save time at the pump, opt for the SIXT refueling service at return.
Tolls
No tolls apply to local city streets in San Jose. Bay Area highways and bridges, however, including the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, use electronic tolling systems. Neighboring cities and regions may also require tolls for certain routes. Ask about our prepaid toll program for peace of mind during travel.
Top Places to Visit by Car in San Jose
A SIXT car rental in San Jose greatly enhances your ability to explore Silicon Valley’s highlights and beyond.
Winchester Mystery House: An Architectural Wonder
- Distance from Downtown San Jose: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
- Estimated driving time: 14 minutes
This sprawling Victorian mansion holds secrets and quirky architecture, and guided tours that entertain all ages are available. Its legends and design make it a unique attraction. Onsite parking is available.
Santana Row: A Stylish Entertainment District
- Distance from San Jose International Airport: 3.7 miles (6 km)
- Estimated driving time: 12 minutes
Known for upscale shopping, dining, and live music, Santana Row is a central hub for locals and travelers alike. The area features vibrant nightlife and is ideal for relaxing afternoons or evenings. The Market Street Garage is conveniently located for quick access to the entire district.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum: A Cultural Exploration
- Distance from Diridon Station: 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Estimated driving time: 10 minutes
Featuring an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, this museum is a favorite for both history buffs and families. The exhibits cover a variety of eras and include a replica tomb. Free public parking is provided on museum property, making visits easy.
SAP Center: A Live Event Destination
- Distance from the San Jose Convention Center: 1.2 miles (2 km)
- Estimated driving time: 5 minutes
This venue hosts major sports games, concerts, and entertainment shows all year long. It is recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s premier destinations for live events. The SAP Center Parking Lot offers plenty of spaces right next to the entrance.
A car rental in San Jose lets you maximize your trip and enjoy the city’s top spots and surrounding attractions on your schedule.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in San Jose, CA. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in San Jose, CA
It is possible to rent a car at some branches with a debit card and 2 forms of government-issued ID. Please check with the pickup location before booking. All branches accept major credit cards.
Stay connected wherever you go by adding SIXT Connect to your rental. This gives you Wi-Fi service for up to 5 devices. SIXT Connect Plus includes 60 minutes of phone calls in the US or abroad.
The minimum age to rent a car from SIXT in the US is 21, and an underage driver fee is charged for those under 25. Some specialty car categories and larger vehicles require renters to be 25.
Yes. SIXT places a temporary hold on your credit card at pickup for the amount of the deposit. For payments with debit cards, please refer to our rental information for more details about deposits. The amount depends on the location and vehicle. Please check for more details on payment information in this article.
In the U.S., generally a minimum of $200 will be charged to the payment method for security purposes. The deposit for high-value vehicles may be higher. Non-airport locations in Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Illinois have higher minimum authorization amounts. Additional details on the deposit can be found in this article.
Reservations are by vehicle category (“or similar”), not by an exact model. When a "guaranteed model" option is shown for your dates and location, selecting it reserves that specific model. Otherwise, you’ll receive a comparable car in the same group with similar size and performance subject to availability.
The exact mileage policy for your booking is shown during the reservation process, so you’ll know what’s included before pickup.
Vehicles rented at most SIXT locations in the contiguous United States may be driven throughout the contiguous states. Travel into Canada must be in accordance with our geographical restrictions, which can be found in our rental information. Travel to Mexico is not allowed. If you drive outside authorized areas, a fee of $0.50 per mile will apply.
All renters and authorized drivers must present a valid, unexpired, original driver’s license at the time of rental. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license may also need to provide a valid passport or other government-issued ID. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an international driver’s license. If the license is from a country not in the international driver’s license treaty, an official translation is required. See our rental information for full driver’s license and age requirements.
