Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Kristin
Flying into San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC) and need a rental car? This smaller Bay Area airport is a convenient gateway to Silicon Valley and has a simple layout that makes renting a car quick and easy.
SJC is just four miles from downtown San Jose. It’s also a quick drive to the region’s numerous tech companies and Stanford University. San Jose’s two-terminal airport is relatively compact, making it straightforward to navigate.
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San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC) has 11 on-site rental car companies, which are all housed in a Rental Car Center accessible via walkway or shuttle bus. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car at SJC.
Rental Cars at SJC Airport
Renting a car at San Jose Mineta Airport is easy and convenient. All on-site rental car companies are located at the Rental Car Center near Terminal B. You can walk to the rental car center or wait for a shuttle bus outside either Terminal A or Terminal B.
All shuttle buses serve the Rental Car Center and airport terminals, so hop on any bus that comes by to reach your destination. Shuttle buses run 24/7 and stop by both terminals every 7-10 minutes.
To reach SJC’s Rental Car Center by shuttle from Terminal A, the airport advises travelers to go downstairs and exit to Stop 6 to find the rental car shuttle. If you are picking up items from baggage claim, go upstairs after collecting your items, walk past the security checkpoint and then go downstairs again. Walk outside and go to Stop 6 to catch the shuttle.
From Terminal B, head outside and look for Stop 3 or 4 in the center island to wait for the shuttle to the Rental Car Center. Or, cross the street on foot and follow signs for the Rental Car Center.
The Rental Car Center is open 24/7 for after-hours returns.
Alamo (844) 370-8303
Available Services: Alamo offers self-service kiosks at this location, as well as the option to select “Accelerated Check-In” online to skip the counter. After-hours returns and airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Alamo’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-11 pm.
Avis (408) 993-2224
Preferred Services: Avis Preferred members should proceed to the fourth floor of the Rental Car Center and look for their name on the monitors. This location also includes 24/7 after-hours returns and an airport shuttle service.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Avis’ return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight. For after-hours returns, leave your keys in the vehicle.
Location Hours: 6 am-10 pm.
Budget (408) 286-7850
Preferred Services: If you’re a Fastbreak member, go to the fourth floor and find the blue Budget kiosk. Collect your rental agreement. If one is not available yet, go to the Avis Preferred booth next to Budget’s kiosk and show your driver’s license. Airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Budget’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight. For Fastbreak returns, leave your keys in the car and remember to record your mileage and fuel level.
Location Hours: 6 am-12 am.
Dollar (408) 999-6561
Available Services: Airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Dollar’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am.
Enterprise (833) 813-5264
Preferred Services: Enterprise offers its Exotic Car Collection at San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC). Airport shuttle service and after-hours returns available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Enterprise’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-11 pm.
Fox (408) 709-2950
Available Services: Airport shuttle service and 24/7 after-hours returns available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Fox’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 7 am-12 am.
Hertz (408) 938-6000
Preferred Services: Hertz Ultimate Choice is available at San Jose Mineta Airport (SJC). Skip the counter and pick the car you want. Airport shuttle service available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Hertz’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am.
National (844) 370-8304
Preferred Services: After-hours return, airport shuttle and Drop & Go services available. Emerald Club members can also pick their preferred vehicle from the Emerald Aisle.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for National’s return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-11 pm.
Payless (408) 724-4400
Available Services: Shuttle service and 24/7 after-hours returns available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for the Payless return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 7 am-10 pm.
Thrifty (408) 999-6561
Available Services: Shuttle service available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for the Thrifty return area. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight.
Location Hours: 6 am-12:30 am.
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Sixt (888) 749-8227
Available Services: Shuttle service and 24/7 after-hours returns available.
Return Location: 1659 Airport Blvd., San Jose. To return your car, put the address in your GPS and follow the signs for the Rental Car Center. Drive up the ramp and look for Sixt’s return area on the third floor. Then, walk across the street to Terminal B or take the shuttle back to Terminal A to catch your flight. For after-hours returns, park and drop your keys in the orange Sixt box.
Location Hours: 7 am-12 am.
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