San Jose Airport Parking Guide: SJC Prices, Map & Best Lots

by
Economy Lot 1 • Lot 2 • Lot 3 • Lot 4 • Lot 5 • Cell Phone Lot

Choose SJC Parking With a Silicon Runway Plan

First, San Jose Airport parking becomes easier when you match the lot to your terminal, stay length and budget.

Also, this guide compares SJC rates, pickup rules, ADA parking, EV charging, reservations, payment steps and transit options.

See SJC Prices Pick a Lot Official SJC Parking

Fast Answer: Best San Jose Airport Parking Choice

First, for the cheapest official daily parking: Economy Lot 1 is listed at $19 per day.

Next, for Terminal A: use Hourly Lot 2 because it is the Terminal A Garage.

However, for Terminal B: Lot 3 is convenient, while Lot 4 and Lot 5 may cost less for longer stays.

Finally, for free pickup waiting: use the Cell Phone Waiting Area at 2470 Airport Blvd.

Economy Lot 1 Therefore, check this first for value.
Lot 2 Also, it works well for Terminal A.
Lot 3 However, it has the highest daily rate.
Lots 4 and 5 Therefore, compare them for Terminal B.
Cell Phone Lot Instead, wait here before pickup.

How This SJC Parking Guide Is Checked

First, this guide uses official SJC parking pages, lot detail pages, pickup guidance, ADA parking details, EV charging pages, payment help and transit information.

Official rates

SJC Lot Prices

First, the guide compares Economy Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 3, Lot 4, Lot 5 and the Cell Phone Waiting Area.

Terminal help

Lot Choice by Terminal

Also, it explains which lot fits Terminal A, Terminal B, International Arrivals and the Rental Car Center.

No fake data

Clear Source Limits

However, this page does not claim live availability, fake discounts, guaranteed chargers or guaranteed ADA stalls.

Before travel: therefore, confirm current prices and lot availability on the official SJC website.

San Jose Airport Parking Prices 2026

First, SJC lists drive-up rates by lot. Therefore, compare the daily cap before you enter.

Economy Lot 1 $19/day Therefore, this is the lowest listed official daily rate.
Lot 2 $4/30 min Also, this first-day rate helps short Terminal A visits.
Lot 2 $25/day Therefore, it can be a good Terminal A value.
Lot 3 $5/30 min However, this hourly rate is higher than nearby options.
Lot 3 $41/day Still, it is convenient for Terminal B garage access.
Lot 4 $4/30 min Also, it gives a lower Terminal B daily path.
Lot 4 $31/day Therefore, compare it before choosing Lot 3.
Lot 5 $4/30 min Meanwhile, this can work for short Terminal B visits.
Lot 5 $31/day Also, it supports hourly and daily parking.
Cell Phone Lot Free Instead, use it for a 30-minute pickup wait.

Best value: first check Economy Lot 1 for long stays. Then compare Lot 2, Lot 4 and Lot 5 if terminal convenience matters.

SJC Parking Lot Picker

First, pick your lot by trip type. After that, compare price, walking time and shuttle time.

LOT 1
Economy Lot 1 Therefore, choose it for many longer trips when shuttle service is fine.
LOT 2
Hourly Lot 2 Also, choose it for Terminal A convenience and EV charging.
LOT 3
Hourly Lot 3 However, use it mainly when Terminal B garage access matters most.
LOT 4
Daily Lot 4 Therefore, check it for better Terminal B daily value.
LOT 5
Hourly and Daily Lot 5 Also, use it for Terminal B, short visits and EV charging.
Simple decision

Use This Order

  • First, use the Cell Phone Lot for pickup waiting.
  • Next, use Lot 2 for Terminal A convenience.
  • Then use Lot 3 for Terminal B garage convenience.
  • However, compare Lot 4 or Lot 5 for Terminal B value.
  • Also, use Economy Lot 1 for the lowest daily rate.
  • Finally, check Lot 2 or Lot 5 for EV charging.

Which SJC Lot Is Best for Your Terminal?

San Jose Airport is compact. However, the wrong lot can still add walking, shuttle time or cost.

Trip
Best first lot
Why it helps
Terminal A departure
Lot 2 or Economy Lot 1
First, Lot 2 is closest. However, Economy Lot 1 costs less per day.
Terminal A greeting
Lot 2
Therefore, use it when you need to park and meet inside.
International arrival
Lot 2
Also, SJC points meeters and greeters toward Lot 2.
Terminal B short visit
Lot 5 or Lot 3
Next, compare Lot 5 for short stays. Still, Lot 3 is the garage.
Terminal B long trip
Economy Lot 1, Lot 4 or Lot 5
However, avoid choosing Lot 3 by habit because it costs more per day.

Tip: first check your airline terminal. Then follow official airport signs.

Pickup, Drop-Off and the Free Cell Phone Waiting Area

For pickups, do not reach the curb too early. Instead, wait until the passenger is ready.

Curbside

Active Loading Only

First, use the curb only while passengers load or unload.

Free wait

Cell Phone Lot

Instead, use the free waiting area at 2470 Airport Blvd.

30 minutes

Maximum Wait

However, the Cell Phone Waiting Area has a 30-minute limit.

Stay With the Car

Also, the driver must stay with the vehicle while waiting.

No Commercial Vehicles

Therefore, commercial vehicles should not use this waiting area.

Park for Inside Greetings

Finally, use a lot or garage if you want to walk inside.

Pickup warning: unattended curbside vehicles are not allowed. Therefore, park first if you need to leave the car.

SJC Parking Reservations

A reservation can help during busy travel periods. However, it is not needed for every short visit.

Open the official booking page. First, enter your real arrival and exit dates.
Remember the 24-hour minimum. Therefore, reservations are not ideal for very short parking stays.
Book inside the allowed window. Also, SJC allows bookings up to 180 days ahead.
Do not expect a specific stall. However, a reservation does not guarantee an ADA or EV space.
Save the confirmation. Finally, keep the QR code, lot name and dates ready.
Official SJC Reservation Page Official Reservation FAQ

How to Pay for Parking at SJC

First, keep your ticket and receipt until you leave the lot. Also, save your reservation proof.

Method
How it works
Best tip
Card at exit
First, insert the ticket. Then pay at the gate.
Therefore, keep the ticket within reach.
Cash pay station
Next, pay at a Parking Pay Station after you return.
Also, print a receipt if you need proof.
QR payment
Then scan the QR code on the ticket.
However, save the payment screen before driving out.
Reservation
Finally, pay online when you book.
Therefore, match the correct lot on arrival.

Payment tip: if the gate or pay station fails, use the call button instead of reversing in the lane.

ADA Accessible Parking at San Jose Airport

Accessible spaces are available in all SJC lots. However, they are first-come, first-served.

Economy Lot 1 Garage 25 spaces Also, these spaces are near elevators.
Economy Lot 1 Surface 11 spaces Therefore, they help shuttle users.
Hourly Lot 2 34 spaces Also, they are on floors 1 and 2.
Hourly Lot 3 10 spaces Meanwhile, these are near the entrance.
Daily Lot 4 15 spaces Also, these are near the garage.
Lot 5 20 spaces Therefore, this helps Terminal B arrivals.
Backup option

If ADA Spaces Are Full

If all accessible spaces are full, SJC allows valid ADA plate or placard users to use 1-hour express spaces in Lot 2 or Lot 5 for up to 30 days.

No discount

Regular Rates Apply

However, SJC says accessible parking is charged at the posted lot rate.

ADA tip: therefore, call 408-441-5570 for parking questions or assistance before travel.

EV Charging at SJC Parking Lots

SJC EV chargers are helpful. However, charger availability is not guaranteed.

Lot 2

Terminal A Charging

First, check Lot 2 because SJC lists three ChargePoint stations there.

Lot 5

Terminal B Charging

Next, check Lot 5 because SJC lists five ChargePoint stations there.

Cost

Parking Fee Still Applies

Charger use is free. However, normal parking fees still apply.

Use Designated Equipment

Also, SJC allows charging only with airport-provided equipment.

Actively Charge

Otherwise, vehicles may be cited if they sit in EV spaces without charging.

Bring Backup Range

Therefore, arrive with enough battery to leave without charging.

Oversized Vehicles and the 30-Day Limit

Tall vehicles need extra planning. Therefore, check clearance before you enter a garage.

Oversized

Use Economy Lot 1 Surface

First, use the surface lot only when space is available.

Call first

Check Before Arrival

Also, contact Airport Parking Services at 408-441-5579 before bringing an oversized vehicle.

30 days

Maximum Parking Limit

However, SJC enforces a 30-day maximum in all lots and garages.

Garage Clearance

For example, Economy Lot 1 garage lists 8 feet 2 inches.

Lot 2 Clearance

Meanwhile, Lot 2 lists a 7-foot garage clearance.

Lot 3 Clearance

Finally, Lot 3 lists 8 feet 4 inches.

Oversized warning: therefore, do not enter if your vehicle height is uncertain.

Transit and Car-Free Options

Parking is not always the cheapest choice. So, compare transit before a long trip.

VTA 60

Airport Flyer

First, use VTA Route 60 for connections between both terminals, Milpitas BART and Winchester.

BART

Milpitas Connection

Next, take Route 60 between SJC and Milpitas BART when the timing works.

Caltrain

Santa Clara Connection

Also, Route 60 connects the airport with Santa Clara Transit Center.

Downtown San Jose

Then use Route 60 and light rail if the route fits your schedule.

Bike Access

However, SJC says bike access is available via Airport Parkway.

No Skyport Walk-In Route

Therefore, do not plan a direct pedestrian or bike route via Skyport Drive.

Official SJC Transit Access VTA Route 60

Common SJC Parking Mistakes

First, avoid these mistakes before you enter the airport loop.

Waiting at the curb

Instead, use the Cell Phone Lot because curbside is for active loading only.

Picking Lot 3 by habit

Lot 3 is convenient. However, it has the highest listed daily rate.

Forgetting the 24-hour clock

Also, the full daily rate can start at the beginning of each 24-hour period.

Expecting EV availability

However, chargers are first-come, first-served.

Expecting a reserved ADA stall

Also, a reservation does not guarantee a specific accessible space.

Losing the ticket

Therefore, keep the ticket, receipt and booking email until you exit.

Local Driver Tips for San Jose Airport Parking

Decide before Airport Boulevard

First, choose Economy, Terminal A, Terminal B or pickup waiting before the airport loop.

Use Lot 2 for Terminal A

Therefore, Lot 2 is the cleanest choice when you need Terminal A convenience.

Compare Lot 4 and Lot 5

However, for Terminal B, these lots can cost less than Lot 3.

Use Economy for longer trips

Also, Economy Lot 1 is usually the first official value check.

Reserve during busy periods

For example, holidays, business travel and local events can affect parking demand.

Track the shuttle

Finally, SJC says Economy Lot 1 shuttles run 24/7.

San Jose Airport Parking Google Map

First, use this map for approach planning. After arrival, follow official SJC signs.

Map warning: airport lots, terminals and rental-car roads sit close together. Therefore, use signs at the airport.

Open SJC Parking in Google Maps

San Jose Airport Parking FAQs

How much is parking at San Jose Airport?

Economy Lot 1 is $19 per day. Also, Lot 2 is $25 per day, Lot 3 is $41 per day, and Lot 4 and Lot 5 are $31 per day.

What is the cheapest official parking lot at SJC?

Economy Lot 1 is the cheapest listed official SJC daily parking lot. Therefore, check it first for long stays.

Is there a free cell phone lot at San Jose Airport?

Yes. SJC has a free Cell Phone Waiting Area at 2470 Airport Blvd. However, the maximum wait is 30 minutes.

Can I wait curbside at SJC?

No. Curbside is only for active loading or unloading. Instead, use the Cell Phone Lot before passengers are ready.

Which SJC lot is best for Terminal A?

Lot 2 is best for Terminal A convenience. However, Economy Lot 1 may be better for longer trips.

Which SJC lot is best for Terminal B?

Lot 3 is the Terminal B Garage. However, Lot 4 and Lot 5 may cost less for longer stays.

Does SJC have ADA accessible parking?

Yes. Accessible spaces are available in all SJC parking lots. However, they are first-come, first-served.

Where are EV chargers at SJC?

SJC lists EV chargers in Lot 2 and Lot 5. Also, regular parking fees still apply.

Can I reserve San Jose Airport parking online?

Yes. SJC offers reservations for Economy Lot 1, Lot 2, Lot 4 and Lot 5. Therefore, book ahead during busy travel periods.

How long can I park at SJC?

SJC enforces a 30-day maximum in all lots and garages. Therefore, contact Airport Parking Services for longer stays.

Independent SJC Parking Information

Parking Guide Hub is not San Jose Mineta International Airport, SJC, VTA, ChargePoint, an airline or a parking operator.

Rates, reservations, ADA spaces, EV chargers, shuttle timing and curbside rules can change. Therefore, check official SJC sources before parking.

Finally, visit the Parking Guide Hub homepage for more airport, city, hospital, university and venue parking guides.

Leave a Comment