Terminal ACheckpoint opens at 4 AM
San José Mineta International Airport Terminal A, San Jose, CA 95110FAA rank #43 · Medium hub
SJCSan Jose
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International
Guide reviewed September 1, 2026
The short answer
SJC is compact and forgiving. Check the parking price before choosing a garage, and remember that either checkpoint works for a carry-on-only traveler because the terminals connect airside.
Arrival planner
When should I be at SJC?
Enter the departure time shown on your ticket.
Recommended airport arrival—:—
Enter your departure time
We’ll work backward from the airport’s recommendation.
2 hours before departure
This is your airport arrival time—not the time to leave home. Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs still apply.
Security peakWeekday mornings, Thursday through Monday travel banks, school breaks, and holidays
01
Security
What you’re walking into
Terminal A opens screening at 4 AM and Terminal B at 4:15 AM. Ticketed carry-on-only travelers may use either checkpoint, and both terminals connect after security.
Check live security wait times before leaving ↗TSA PreCheck● Yes
CLEAR● Yes
Global Entry● Yes
Mobile Passport● Yes
02
Official parking
What it costs
Economy Lot 1$19/dayLowest published official drive-up rate
Terminal A Garage — Lot 2$25/dayCovered terminal-area parking
Daily Lots 4 and 5$31/day
Terminal B Garage — Lot 3$41/dayClosest covered Terminal B option
03
Ground transportation
Don’t stand at the wrong curb
Terminal A pickup uses the Arrivals curb/Ground Transportation Island at Stop 1 for Lyft, Tesla, Uber, and Wingz. Terminal B uses signed island stops 8–10; Waymo uses separate marked stops.
The Rental Car Center is across from Terminal B. A free 24-hour shuttle connects Terminal A, Terminal B, the rental center, and Economy Lot 1 about every 7–10 minutes.
Terminals A and B are connected after security and can be walked. A free landside shuttle also runs between both terminals and the Rental Car Center.
SJC cell-phone waiting areaOpen 24 hours; 30-minute maximum2470 Airport Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95110
The free cell-phone waiting area at 2470 Airport Boulevard is open 24 hours with a 30-minute maximum; remain with the vehicle.
04
Airport hotels
Sleep close. Leave the car.
SJC has no hotel inside or directly connected to either terminal. The closest park-and-fly hotels line North First Street and Airport Parkway.
Inside or airport-connected
None at this airportPark-and-fly
Confirm terms before bookingHilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport
- Airport ride
- Complimentary airport shuttle; confirm current hours and pickup instructions
- Parking
- Parking is included for the dates selected in the package
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
- Airport ride
- Complimentary airport shuttle; verify the current schedule
- Parking
- Extended parking requires a qualifying hotel-and-parking package
Hyatt House San Jose Airport
- Airport ride
- Complimentary airport shuttle; arrange pickup with the hotel
- Parking
- Package parking duration is shown for the selected travel dates
Hotel information reviewed September 2, 2026. Confirm current shuttle hours, parking terms, and package availability before booking.
05
Airport essentials
Everything else worth knowing
Free Wi-Fi● Yes
USO lounge● No
Pet relief● Yes
EV chargingFree chargers are available in selected airport lots, including the Terminal A Garage; ordinary parking rates apply and spaces are first-come, first-served.
SmokingSmoking is allowed only outside the terminal buildings.
OvernightSJC operates around flight schedules; overnight services are limited and screening does not reopen until early morning.
Sources & freshness
Trust the facts. Check the source.
Guide information reviewed September 1, 2026. For today’s operations, rates, and hours, use the live links and official sources below.
SJC security checkpoints↗SJC official parking↗SJC app-based rideshares↗SJC traveler FAQs↗SJC pet-relief areas↗SJC cell-phone waiting area↗