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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Burlingame, CA. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. Choose downtown Burlingame, Millbrae BART, or the 24/7 counters at San Francisco International Airport and see every option side by side. From compact cars to SUVs, we pull live rates from major brands so you can grab a low price and hit Highway 101 in minutes.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Burlingame Downtown | • Lower rates than airport • Avoid airport surcharges • Convenient for those staying in Burlingame | • Limited hours (usually weekdays and Saturday morning) • Smaller selection of vehicles • May require transportation from SFO |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | • Extensive vehicle selection • 24/7 operation at most agencies • Convenient shuttle access • No need for additional transportation | • Airport fees add approximately 11% to total cost • Potential for long wait times during peak periods • Higher base rates than off-airport locations |
| Millbrae BART Station | • Near Burlingame • Accessible via public transportation • Lower rates than airport | • Limited hours • Fewer vehicle options • May have limited staffing |
Additional Notes
- Most major rental companies have locations both at SFO and in Burlingame
- SFO rental facility is centralized and offers shuttle service from terminals
- Downtown Burlingame rental locations are usually along El Camino Real
Car Rental Prices
How to pay less?
- Pick up in Burlingame or Millbrae, not SFO. Off-airport spots dodge the ~11 % airport fee and are usually 10-15 % cheaper. A short Uber or Caltrain ride from the terminal costs less than that surcharge.
- Play with dates and length. Winter and shoulder seasons are the bargain months, and a 4-5-day trip often prices out cheaper at a weekly rate. Use our comparison tool to test a few calendars.
- Book early only for busy weeks. Summer, holidays and big SF conventions push prices up fast. For quieter periods, keep an eye out and re-book if a better deal pops up.
- Choose a compact. Smaller cars cost less, fit SF's tight parking, and sip pricey Bay Area gas. Upsize only if the luggage truly demands it.
- DIY fuel and tolls. Fill up at stations on El Camino Real before drop-off and pay bridge tolls online within 48 hours to skip the rental company's extra fees.
Car rental prices in Burlingame 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Burlingame | Street parking and public lots | Metered parking (usually enforced Monday-Saturday, 9AM-6PM); time limits in some areas |
| Burlingame Avenue | Public garages and street parking | Public garages often provide limited complimentary time; street parking has time limits |
| Residential Areas | Street parking available | Watch for permit requirements and street cleaning restrictions |
Local Driving Rules
- Standard speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on major streets, 65 mph on highways
- Street cleaning restrictions in many areas (check signs for specific days/times)
- Right turns allowed on red after complete stop unless posted otherwise
- Cell phone use while driving requires hands-free operation
- Toll bridges and express lanes throughout the Bay Area
Important
- San Francisco has unique challenges for finding a spot and steep hills; consider your options carefully
- Many Bay Area bridges require tolls paid via FasTrak or license plate billing
- Rental companies usually offer toll payment options (often for additional service fees)
Why rent a car in Burlingame
With a rental car you can quickly reach Northern California's top spots without relying on limited transit.
- San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park
- Silicon Valley – Palo Alto, Mountain View campuses
- Half Moon Bay – beaches, trails
- Napa Valley – Napa Valley wineries, tasting rooms
- Monterey & Carmel – Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17-Mile Drive
Local Rental Locations
- Berkeley, CA
- Car Rental Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)
- Car Rental Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)
- Car Rental Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Concord, CA
- Daly City, CA
- Eureka, CA
- Fishermans Wharf
- Fremont, CA
- Hayward, CA
- Los Gatos, CA
- Milpitas, CA
- Mountain View, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Palo Alto, CA
- Petaluma, CA
- Pleasanton, CA
- Redding, CA
- Redwood City, CA
- San Jose, CA
- San Leandro, CA
- San Rafael, CA
- San Ramon, CA
- Santa Clara, CA
- Santa Rosa, CA
- South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Sunnyvale, CA
- Truckee, CA
- Union City, CA
- Union Square
FAQs
What's the fastest way to get my rental car at SFO?
To get your car faster, use the rental company's app to check in online. You can also join their loyalty program to use the express counters. Doing this can save you 30+ minutes when it's busy. You can get to the main Rental Car Center on the AirTrain Blue Line.
Do I need a car if I'm just staying in Burlingame?
You can easily walk around Burlingame, especially near Burlingame Avenue. The city also has good public transit. However, you'll want a car if you plan to travel outside the city or visit several places in the Bay Area.
How do I handle bridge tolls in my rental car?
Most rental companies sell toll packages, which let you pay a daily fee for unlimited bridge crossings. If you don't buy the package, cameras will read your license plate at the toll plaza. The rental company will get the bill and then charge you for the toll, plus a service fee. You usually can't pay the toll yourself after you cross a bridge, unless the rental company says you can. So, you should decide before you drive if you want to buy their package or bring your own FasTrak transponder.
Is it worth paying extra for an SUV or larger vehicle?
If you're only driving in the city, a smaller car is all you need and is easier to park. But if you plan to drive to wine country, the coast, or the mountains, you might find a larger car more comfortable, especially if you have several passengers.
What should I know about parking in San Francisco?
Finding parking in San Francisco can be hard and expensive. In busy areas, you should look for a parking garage instead of parking on the street. Pay attention to street-cleaning schedules. Also, always curb your wheels when you park on a hill. This means you should turn your wheels toward the curb if you're facing downhill and away from the curb if you're facing uphill.
