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Techy tours of Silicon Valley
Once you know the way to San Jose, you’ll discover the birthplaces of several global tech companie...
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Hire a car in San Jose with Hertz
Unlock the secrets of Silicon Valley with car hire in San Jose. Discover a city where the stunning Spanish restorations of the Historic District meet the future of tech, inside bustling business hubs.
San Jose Airport is right in the middle of town, which means you can collect your car from our rental offices and hit the road. Whether plunging into a busy day of sales pitches or seeing the sights and sounds of the city, we can get you there.
One of California’s cultural highlights, San Jose is just an hour’s scenic drive from San Francisco along the Bay. The city is surrounded by nature reserves and State Parks, so you’re never far away from a few moments of peaceful reflection amid fascinating flora and fauna.
We’ll help you choose the perfect vehicle for your trip, from family SUVs to solid sedans.
Pickup locations in San Jose
- HP Aviation Center
- San Jose - The Alameda HLE
- San Jose - Almaden Expressway HLE
- San Jose - Atlantic Aviation (Private Flights Only)
- San Jose International Airport
- Uber Santa Clara
- San Jose - Ridder Park Drive HLE
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
California car rental driving guide
San Jose speed limits
In California, the standard speed on highways is 65mph. In the centre of San Jose, the top speed is usually 25mph, dropping to 15mph around schools and on narrow alleys. As in the rest of the US, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and use a left-hand drive vehicle.
Traffic in San Jose
Silicon Valley is a unique beast in all kinds of ways – that includes the morning commute. The on-demand lifestyle means many motorists take to the roads before 7am, and morning rush hour doen’t slow down until 11am.
In the evening, try and avoid long drives between 4-7pm as that’s when the bulk of commuters return home on the 101.
Parking in San Jose
- There are plenty of multi-storey car parks in the city centre. You can usually find deals on evening and weekend parking, and some offer a cap on parking charges.
- ParkSJ is a scheme that covers several car parks across San Jose, offering flat fee parking on evenings and weekends.
- The Convention Center parking (W San Carlos St, CA 95113) is close to some of San Jose’s most popular attractions and many of its best hotels.
Roads and motorways
- Interstate 237 (I-237) and Interstate 85 (I-85) highways form a semi-circle around the western half of San Jose, acting as an extended ring road that can help you navigate your way around the city.
- Join the I-87 highway to drive into Downtown San Jose, where you’ll find many hotels and restaurants.
- U.S. Route 101 runs through the middle of San Diego. It takes you north through Oregon and eventually towards Washington, while you can take this route to travel south to Los Angeles.
Driving from San Jose to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a popular stop-off when visiting California. From San Jose the drive is approximately five hours.
- Merge onto US-101 south from E Santa Clara St.
- Follow the US-101 road south for approximately 29.9 miles, then exit at Junction 356.
- In Merced County, get on the I-5 south, for about 270 miles.
- Merge onto US-101 south and take Junction 2B onto Los Angeles St.
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Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
Easily modify or cancel reservations
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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Popular vehicles to rent
A quick guide to California
Hotel Valencia
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
Indulge yourself in Hotel Valencia's classical Spanish-style surroundings. Experience leafy balconies and an extravagant pool area, all found on stylish Santana Row.
Fairmont San Jose
170 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Enjoy some rooftop relaxation with your own private patio, overlooking sun-kissed San Jose and with access to the outdoor pool. Stay at the Fairmont for al fresco dining from a seriously sumptuous menu.
Hayes Mansion
200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
Unwind in an exceptional setting, with dramatic views of the mountains and one that's a short drive from the city and Northern California's other amazing attractions.
Dakao
98 E San Salvador St
Vietnamese culture is big in San Jose thanks to its diverse population. So, there's no excuse not to sample the traditional Banh Mi, a type of sandwich, at Dakao while you're in town.
The Farmers Union
151 W Santa Clara St
Grab a bite in famous San Pedro Square during the big game - this sports bar has San Jose's biggest big screen, so you won't miss a minute of the action.
Elyse
151 S 2nd St
This trendy eatery fuses French and Vietnamese flavours for delicious results. The panna cotta with raspberry glaze is a treat if you can save some room at the end of your meal.
Winchester Mystery House
525 S Winchester Blvd, CA 95128
With doors and stairs leading nowhere, plus a suitably spooky backstory, take a guided tour around this National Historic Place - arguably the most mysterious mansion in US history. The tale goes that its owner used her late husband's sizable firearms fortune to find and build a home out West. All this to placate the spirits of people killed by Winchester guns.
Santana Row
CA 95128
Rub shoulders with Silicon Valley's brightest minds in the shops, restaurants and cafes along upmarket Santana Row. The biggest name in San Jose shopping, there's a warm, vibrant atmosphere amid its boutiques and big-name stores. It's the perfect place to spend a few hours shopping and snacking as you amble down the tree-lined avenue.
Lick Observatory
7281 Mt Hamilton Rd, Mt Hamilton, CA 95140
On the hills of Mt. Hamilton, the powerful telescopes housed in Lick Observatory have been watching the skies for 130 years. Marvel at The Great Refractor when you visit, which was the world's largest telescope of its kind when work was completed in 1888 and is powered by water and wind.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in San Jose?
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Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside San Jose?
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