Car rental San Jose Airport (SJC)
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Your way to SIXT/Shuttle Service
Return information
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San Jose Airport (SJC)
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Our services at San Jose Airport (SJC)
Welcome to SIXT car rental San Jose Airport (SJC)
Choosing san jose airport car rental ensures a quick start to your journey, with the SIXT counter conveniently located inside the SJC Rental Car Center for smooth access right after your flight. Select your car from the well-marked building directly across from Terminal B – it's just a short walk for Terminal B arrivals, while Terminal A and International Arrivals can reach the Rental Car Center using the free airport shuttle.
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) handled over 15 million passengers in 2023, reflecting its role as a gateway to both the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
How to reach the SIXT station inside San Jose Airport
- After you land at SJC, follow signs for Baggage Claim.
- From Terminal B, exit through baggage claim, cross Airport Boulevard at the crosswalks, and enter the Rental Car Center.
- From Terminal A or the International Arrivals area, take any airport shuttle to the Rental Car Center, which drops you right at the entrance.
- The SIXT counter is located on-site in the Rental Car Center on the ground level for fast pickup (see more information link above).
Why choose SIXT at San Jose Airport
- Premium fleet with top brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- Flexible booking options and free reservation changes at most locations.
- 24/7 return available for easy drop-off at any time.
- Extras to enhance your rental experience with additional driver, car seats.
Smooth pickup & return at San Jose Airport
Enjoy peace of mind with your rental car san jose airport experience—SIXT makes both vehicle collection and return clear and straightforward for every traveler.
Before your rental
- Bring a valid driver license, passport (for non-US renters), and a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit and payment. Check requirements for additional drivers during pickup.
- Review driving licence details for country-specific rules.
- Book using the SIXT app or website; update your reservation if your flight details change.
- Add your flight number when booking so our team can be aware of delays and assist upon arrival.
During rental
- Enjoy your trip in and around San Jose. Whether you’re heading to Silicon Valley or exploring the coast, make the most of your time with your SIXT vehicle.
- A roadside assistance hotline is available throughout your rental if you need support anytime.
- You’re welcome to bring your dog with you—simply return the car in good condition.
After rental – drop-off and car return
- Follow signs back to the Rental Car Center at SJC. Park in the clearly marked SIXT return spaces.
- Follow the standard full-to-full policy—refuel before returning your vehicle.
- For after-hours, return your keys to the secure key drop box near the SIXT counter.
- Complete your rental car return at the Rental Car Center; attendants are available during opening hours, with clear signage to guide you.
Explore San Jose with your rental car
Find the right vehicle for your Bay Area stay with San Jose airport car rental. Driving in San Jose offers easy access to local tech hubs, Santa Cruz’s beaches, and stunning coastal or mountain routes —consider which car best fits your itinerary and city plans.
Most popular car types at SIXT San Jose Airport
- SUV: Great for trips into the Santa Cruz Mountains or coastline, where extra space and traction come in handy.
- Economy cars: Perfect for navigating city streets, parking easily around downtown San Jose, and quick commutes within Silicon Valley.
- Minivan: For family outings, group travel, or larger luggage loads—spacious enough for road trips and adventures throughout the Bay Area.
- Luxury cars: Book a luxury rental car at San Jose International Airport today with options from Mercedes and BMW.
Extras and add-ons
Choose helpful extras such as GPS, child seats, and the ability to add additional drivers to your rental for a smooth experience.
Driving from San Jose Airport
- There are plenty of things to do in San Jose - a captivating city renowned for its Spanish architecture and picturesque rolling hills.
- US-101 and I-880 lead directly from the airport to downtown San Jose in around 10 minutes (about 4 miles, depending on traffic). Expect possible rush-hour delays in the morning and evening.
- “SJC to San Jose downtown” is a quick drive; staff can help with questions about tolls or local tips at the counter.
Booking and seasonal travel tips
SJC can be busy during tech conferences and holiday travel—book early for the best selection and rates. Earn rewards and enjoy easy booking with SIXT ONE, plus don’t miss Best Deals for ongoing offers perfect for your trip.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked at San Jose Airport (SJC). The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting at San Jose Airport (SJC)
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.
Under the “More information” section on this page, the pickup details are provided right below the map and the address.
To extend an active rental, please visit sixt.com/service or call SIXT at +1 888 SIXT CAR (749 8227). If you return the vehicle later than agreed in the rental agreement, extra days may be charged due to the rental extension. If you do not inform us about the rental extension, we will charge an additional service fee of $20.00 USD.
Yes. Every SIXT vehicle is cleaned, inspected, and refueled before each rental. Still, we recommend reviewing the car’s condition against your rental agreement and reporting any differences right away. For added peace of mind, take photos of the vehicle at pickup and return time to keep a record of its condition.
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.
SIXT will provide any renter who has purchased the optional Extended Roadside Protection coverage with 24/7 breakdown assistance (where available) without any additional charge.
No, you don’t need to return it fully charged. You should bring the EV back with at least the same charge level it had at pickup. If the vehicle was handed over above 80%, it should be returned with at least 80%. If it was below 80%, just match that level.
If you purchased the prepaid charging option, you only need to return the car with at least 20% charge, no extra charging required. If you did not purchase this option and return the car with less charge than agreed, a recharge fee will apply at the rate stated in your rental agreement.
You can go to "Manage booking" and fill out our Lost Item form, which is also available in our article. Our team will search your car and contact you if we find your belongings.
