San Jose public transport is built around VTA buses and three light-rail lines, with connections to SJC, BART and Caltrain. Gish, Berryessa and Metro/Airport stations are useful points to consider when planning a trip around the city.
- Operator: VTA runs the local light-rail lines and bus services described here.
- Airport link: Bus Line 60 serves SJC and connects with Milpitas BART and Winchester Station.
- Downtown: Blue and Green Line trains serve downtown San Jose.
- Adult local single ride: $2.50 with cash or Clipper.
How public transport works in San Jose
VTA light rail and buses provide local connections across San Jose and to nearby regional transit. The three light-rail lines are the Blue Line, between Baypointe and Santa Teresa; the Green Line, between Old Ironsides and Winchester; and the Orange Line, between Mountain View and Alum Rock.
For downtown, take the Blue or Green Line. The Green Line also serves SAP Center and Diridon Station. The Orange Line connects with BART at Milpitas Station and with Caltrain at Mountain View Station.
VTA’s Rapid 500 runs between San Jose Diridon and Berryessa BART. For a wider Bay Area trip, that route and the Orange Line’s connections can help link local travel with regional services.
Light rail stations near the hotel
Gish, Berryessa and Metro/Airport are nearby light-rail stations to consider when planning local journeys. Gish is about a 4-minute drive from Alura Inn.
VTA lists Metro/Airport Light Rail Station at 1744 N. 1st St. The Japantown/Ayer station is at 501 N. 1st St., while Berryessa Light Rail Station is at 1244 N. Capitol Ave. VTA also lists Berryessa Transit Center as wheelchair-boardable, with parking capacity for 355 vehicles.
Station names matter when you’re checking a route: Metro/Airport is a light-rail stop, while Berryessa Transit Center is a transit hub listed separately by VTA. Match the stop to your planned connection before setting out.
How do you get from San Jose to SJC or downtown?
VTA Bus Line 60 runs between Milpitas BART and Winchester Station via SJC Airport. VTA says you can reach the airport from the Blue or Green Line by transferring to Bus Line 60.
For downtown San Jose, use the Blue or Green Line. If your plans include SAP Center or Diridon Station, the Green Line serves both. For airport travel, see this guide to SJC airport transport options.
To visit the San Jose Flea Market, you can compare transit with other ways of getting there in this guide to the San Jose Flea Market. For a match at PayPal Park, check the PayPal Park visitor guide for travel and parking information.
Fares, passes and trip planning
VTA’s listed adult local single ride costs $2.50 and can be paid with cash or Clipper. If paying cash when boarding, have exact change. A single ride paid with Clipper includes two hours of free transfers across VTA buses and light rail; trips that include express bus service require the express fare.
Other listed fare options include an adult 8-hour light-rail pass for $5, which is available with cash but not Clipper, and an adult day pass for $7.50 through Clipper’s Day Pass Accumulator feature, rather than as a cash purchase.
VTA accepts adult fares by contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover, including cards in Apple Pay or Google Pay. Use the same card or device for each tap in a trip. If you ride light rail with Clipper, VTA’s proof-of-payment guidance says to tap at the station platform.
Before you go, check the official site for current routes, fares and payment instructions.
When transit may not suit your trip
Transit may take more planning when your destination is not close to a station or your route needs a transfer. For example, the SJC connection from the Blue or Green Line requires a transfer to Bus Line 60. Compare that journey with driving if you have a tight schedule or are carrying luggage.
For some nearby stations, the hotel-area route data gives driving times of about 4 to 6 minutes, while walking times are about 36 to 42 minutes. Those figures can help you decide whether to walk, drive or connect by transit; check your route details before leaving.
FAQs
Does San Jose have a subway?
VTA operates light rail rather than a subway system. Its three lines are the Blue, Green and Orange Lines.
Which VTA line serves downtown San Jose?
Both the Blue and Green Lines serve downtown. The Green Line also reaches SAP Center and Diridon Station.
Can you take VTA to SJC Airport?
Yes. Bus Line 60 runs via SJC Airport, and VTA says Blue or Green Line riders can transfer to it to reach the airport.
Where can you check VTA routes and fares?
For current route, fare and payment details, use VTA’s official information. For hotel details, visit Alura Inn.