Moving to Willow Glen and wondering what your daily commute will feel like? You’re choosing a centrally located San Jose neighborhood with a walkable historic core along Lincoln Avenue and quick access to freeways, trails, and transit. In this guide, you’ll see your best driving routes, nearby rail and bus connections, bike paths, and practical tips to plan time and costs with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Where Willow Glen puts you
Willow Glen sits just southwest of downtown San Jose with a charming main street on Lincoln Avenue. Neighborhood groups outline boundaries using Willow Street/Bird Avenue, Almaden Expressway/Guadalupe River, Foxworthy Avenue, and the Campbell city line. You can review a local map on the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association page for context on edges and amenities (neighborhood boundaries).
You’re also close to San Jose Mineta International Airport. Typical drive distance from central Willow Glen to SJC is about 6 miles, often around 10 minutes in light traffic (SJC distance estimate).
Driving and highways
Major routes nearby
You’ll have quick access to SR 87 along Willow Glen’s eastern edge, which links south to SR 85 and north to US 101 near the airport. I 280 and US 101 are the main corridors for Peninsula and cross county commutes. Peak congestion on these freeways often sets your travel time, so factor in time of day and incidents.
Typical drive times
Local trips into downtown San Jose can be 10 to 20 minutes off peak. Heading north to the Peninsula on 101 or west on I 280 can range from 30 to 60+ minutes during peak hours. The airport is roughly a 10 minute drive in typical conditions, though construction or incidents can add time.
Express lanes and FasTrak
Santa Clara County and the wider Bay Area operate express lanes that require a FasTrak transponder. Carpools and certain clean air vehicles may qualify for discounted tolls with a FasTrak Flex setting. Review rules and locations before you go so you can decide when to use them (express lane basics).
Park and ride options
If you prefer to park and switch to rail or light rail, Tamien Station just south of Willow Glen offers about 275 parking spaces. Check current hours, fees, and availability before you travel (Tamien Station details).
Tip: If you’ll commute to the Peninsula or North Bay, learn how express lanes and FasTrak work so you can compare time savings with toll costs.
Transit options
VTA bus and light rail
VTA local buses run through Willow Glen, including Route 64A along Lincoln Avenue that connects to San Jose Diridon and other key stops. This makes transit to downtown San Jose realistic for many trips (VTA Route 64A). VTA light rail is reachable at nearby stations like Tamien on the Blue Line via a short bike, bus, or drive.
Caltrain and regional rail via Diridon
San Jose Diridon is the South Bay’s major rail hub. From Diridon, you can connect to Caltrain for the Peninsula, ACE for Central Valley commuters, and Amtrak/Capitol Corridor for East Bay and Sacramento travel. Diridon also links with many VTA bus and light rail lines (Diridon Station overview).
Check service changes
As of June 16, 2025, Caltrain temporarily suspended electric train service at Tamien. Replacement buses operate between Tamien and Diridon during construction, and South County diesel service continues for limited peak trips. Always confirm current advisories and schedules before you go (Caltrain status and alerts).
Bike, walk, and micromobility
Trails that connect
Off street paths make active commutes practical. The Los Gatos Creek Trail and the Three Creeks Trail run through or near Willow Glen and link toward Campbell and downtown San Jose. The Highway 87 Bikeway also provides a direct corridor toward the city center and other trail networks (Los Gatos Creek Trail overview).
Watch for closures
Parts of the Highway 87 Bikeway have seen resurfacing and temporary closures in 2024 and 2025. Check current status before planning a ride along this route (Hwy 87 bikeway notice).
Bike share and scooters
Bay Wheels bike share operates in San Jose with stations near downtown and Diridon. Shared e scooters are permitted by the City and operators can change, so check the app for the latest service area and device availability (Bay Wheels program).
Costs, cards, and planning
Pay tools you’ll use
For transit, the Clipper card works on VTA, Caltrain, and most Bay Area systems. For express lanes, get a FasTrak transponder, and consider FasTrak Flex if you’ll carpool.
Time and tradeoffs
Driving is usually fastest door to door, but parking costs and stress can add up near major job centers. Transit may take longer but can be more predictable and productive. Bike plus transit can be the quickest option for certain San Jose routes when traffic is heavy.
New commuter checklist
- Decide if you’ll drive, take transit, bike, or mix modes by day.
- Order a Clipper card and set up FasTrak if you plan to use express lanes.
- Test your commute at the time you’ll travel to confirm real world timing.
- Check VTA, Caltrain, and Diridon pages for alerts before you travel.
Match your commute to your lifestyle
If your job is downtown or near Diridon, you can rely on short drives, VTA routes, or a bike plus transit combo. If you commute up the Peninsula, compare I 280 vs US 101 and see whether express lanes make sense for you. If you travel often, the short hop to SJC can save you time each week.
Ready to align your home search with a commute that fits your life? For local, data informed guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and tradeoffs, reach out to Sunaina Arora.
FAQs
How long is the Willow Glen to SJC commute?
- It’s about 6 miles and roughly 10 minutes by car in typical conditions. Transit can take 30 to 45+ minutes depending on route and transfers.
Which freeways serve Willow Glen commuters?
- SR 87 runs along the eastern edge and connects to SR 85 and US 101. I 280 and US 101 are the main Peninsula corridors, with peak congestion shaping travel time.
How do I reach Caltrain from Willow Glen?
- Take VTA Route 64A toward San Jose Diridon or bike/drive to Tamien, then transfer. Note the temporary Caltrain service change at Tamien with replacement buses to Diridon.
Are there bike friendly routes to downtown San Jose?
- Yes. Los Gatos Creek Trail, Three Creeks Trail, and the Highway 87 Bikeway provide low stress connections toward downtown and transit hubs.
Do I need FasTrak for express lanes near Willow Glen?
- Yes. Express lanes require a FasTrak transponder. Use a FasTrak Flex setting for carpool discounts where applicable.
