Major Highways & Driving Tips in San Jose, United States
1. Highway 101
A major north-south route connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles. Known for heavy traffic during rush hours.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Expect congestion from 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6 pm
- Accident Prone: Be extra cautious, especially during peak hours.
- Exit Strategy: Know your exits for smoother travel and quicker access to local destinations
2. Highway 85
East-west route connecting San Jose to Silicon Valley. Known for its proximity to tech companies and universities.
- Tech Traffic: Heavy traffic during morning and evening commute times.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
- Bike Lanes: Shared lanes with cyclists during rush hours
3. Highway 280
A north-south route connecting San Jose to Palo Alto. Known for its scenic views and proximity to Stanford University.
- Stanford Traffic: Heavy traffic during Stanford University class changes and sporting events.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
- Toll Road: Prepare for toll booths at certain points
4. Guadalupe Parkway
A scenic route connecting downtown San Jose to the Alum Rock area. Known for its natural beauty and bike-friendly lanes.
- Bike-Friendly: Shared lanes with cyclists, ideal for sightseeing.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in the views of the Guadalupe River and nearby parks.
- Local Attractions: Nearby destinations such as Alum Rock Park and Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
5. Highway 87
Connects San Jose to the East Bay Area. Known for its proximity to Lake Almaden and surrounding natural beauty.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of the Diablo Range and nearby lakes.
- Lake Almaden: Stop by this popular recreation area for fishing, boating, or hiking.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
6. Highway 17
Connects San Jose to Santa Cruz. Known for its winding roads and stunning ocean views.
- Scenic Ocean Views: Enjoy the breathtaking coastline vistas.
- Winding Roads: Be aware of sharp turns and changes in elevation.
- Pacific Coast Highway: Part of the famous California coastline drive
7. Highway 152
Connects San Jose to Gilroy and the Central Valley. Known for its agricultural landscapes and food-themed attractions.
- Agricultural Landscapes: Pass through fields of fruits, vegetables, and vineyards.
- Food-Themed Attractions: Stop by Gilroy's Garlic Festival or visit a local winery.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
8. Highway 237
Connects San Jose to Livermore and the East Bay Area. Known for its proximity to Silicon Valley companies.
- Tech Traffic: Heavy traffic during morning and evening commute times.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
- Bike Lanes: Shared lanes with cyclists during rush hours
9. Highway 1
Runs along the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Known for its scenic beauty and iconic landmarks.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking coastal views, beaches, and cliffs.
- Iconic Landmarks: Visit historic lighthouses, state parks, and charming coastal towns.
- Toll Road: Prepare for toll booths at certain points
10. Highway 9
Connects San Jose to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for its winding roads and scenic beauty.
- Winding Roads: Be aware of sharp turns and changes in elevation.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby parks.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
11. Highway 156
Connects San Jose to Salinas and the Central Coast. Known for its agricultural landscapes and food-themed attractions.
- Agricultural Landscapes: Pass through fields of fruits, vegetables, and vineyards.
- Food-Themed Attractions: Stop by a local farm or visit a farm-to-table restaurant.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
12. Highway 170
Connects San Jose to Milpitas and Fremont. Known for its proximity to the airport and tech companies.
- Tech Traffic: Heavy traffic during morning and evening commute times.
- Airport Access: Easy access to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
13. Highway 26
Connects San Jose to Morgan Hill. Known for its agricultural landscapes and wine country attractions.
- Agricultural Landscapes: Pass through fields of fruits, vegetables, and vineyards.
- Wine Country Attractions: Visit local wineries or enjoy wine tastings.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
14. Highway 92
Connects San Jose to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails.
- Scenic Beauty: Take in the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby parks.
- Hiking Trails: Explore local hiking trails for outdoor adventures.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.
15. Highway 84
Connects San Jose to Livermore and the East Bay Area. Known for its proximity to wineries and golf courses.
- Wine Country Attractions: Visit local wineries or enjoy wine tastings.
- Golf Courses: Stop by a nearby golf course for a round of golf.
- Construction Zones: Watch for periodic lane closures due to ongoing construction.