For a first-time visitor to the captivating city of San Jose, it is highly recommended that you get familiar with available transportation - air, land or otherwise. It can be quite an adventure to get lost, but if you are not the adventurer-type, then knowing the ins and outs of the area or at least the accessible transportation can lift a big weight off your shoulder.

Here are some routes you might want to know:

By air:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Operated by the City of San Jose, this average-sized airport is quite accessible to the intersections of three major freeways specifically Highway 87, Highway 101 and Interstate 880.

By land:
San Jose boasts of a finely structured freeway system consisting of the following:
Three Interstate Highways – I-280, I-680 and I-880
Federal and State Highways – US 101, CA-17, CA-85, CA -87 and CA-237
A number of expressways

Railway system
Service via railways in traveling within the City are amply provided by:
1. Caltrain – the City’s modern railroad, it connects San Francisco (east) and Gilroy (south)
2. Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) – another traveler train service connecting San Jose to Stockton.
3. Amtrak – simply follow the Capitol Corridor Route (Auburn-Sacramento-San Jose)
4. Light rail system managed locally that commences operation downtown.

Streetcars
In the downtown area, you can ride the streetcars operating along the lines of the light rail. You can avail of these ancient rides as the streetcars are under the care of the San Jose History Museum.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is in charge of the operation of buses in San Jose covering as well the surrounding communities. Para-transit services are also offered to the local inhabitants.

Quick Facts on Public Transportation
Riding through public transportation in San Jose is rarely used by the city populace in going to work as more than 90% uses their cars, van, trucks and even motorcycles, in traveling. At least 4% of the residents work in their homes or prefer walking. The rationale behind this is that based on statistics, using public transportation takes longer than using one’s private vehicle. However, if you are a tourist, taking the public transport is more advisable. Aside from being cheaper, it allows you to take in the scenery of the city.

Knowing you way around San Jose is relatively. If in case, you’ll get lost, you’re sure to find one helpful locale to point to you the right way.