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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fremont City Locations | • No airport fees • Multiple providers (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) • Convenient to hotels and BART • Often lower base rates |
• Limited business hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Most closed Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection • Transportation needed to reach location |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | • Larger selection of vehicles • 24/7 availability for most counters • All major rental companies • 25 miles (40 km) from Fremont |
• 10% airport concession fee • Transportation needed to Fremont • Higher base rates • Traffic concerns during commute hours |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Good selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • Closer to South Fremont • Easy access to Silicon Valley |
• 11% airport concession fee • 15-20 miles (24-32 km) from Fremont • Customer facility charge • Transportation needed to Fremont |
On average, car rentals in Fremont (CA) cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $35 per day.
Skip the airport counters – Fremont city branches avoid the 10-11 % concession fees at OAK / SJC. Even with a $35–$45 rideshare from the terminal, multi-day rentals often end up cheaper.
Trim days with BART – Planning a San Francisco day? Drop the car and ride BART instead. You'll save a full rental day plus $7 bridge tolls and pricey city parking.
Play with pick-up days – Weekend leisure demand is light here, so a Fri–Mon booking can be noticeably cheaper than Mon–Thu business slots. Check both sets of dates before you commit.
Check weekly vs daily rates – On our site, flip between 5-, 6- and 7-day quotes. A weekly price frequently beats paying per day once you cross the 4-day mark.
Where to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Fremont | Free | • Street parking in central business district • Public lots with time limits (usually 2-3 hours) • More restricted during farmers market days • Future development may add garages |
| Shopping Centers | Free | • Lots of space at major centers • Pacific Commons, Fremont Hub, NewPark Mall • No significant time restrictions at commercial areas |
| BART Stations | Daily fee | • Fremont and Warm Springs BART stations • Fills early on weekdays • Often free on weekends • Good option for SF trips |
| Regional Parks | Vehicle entry fee | • Coyote Hills Regional Park • Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area • Annual passes available for frequent visitors |
| Tech Companies | Visitor parking | • Most major campuses have designated visitor spots • Tesla factory tours have dedicated parking • Some require security check-in • Follow specific company guidelines |
Important Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental to get to:
San Francisco city sights – Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge
Silicon Valley tech campuses – Googleplex, Apple Visitor Center, Tesla Factory
Regional parks and trails – Mission Peak, Coyote Hills, Quarry Lakes
Wine country excursions – Napa Valley, Livermore Valley

Is Fremont a good base for exploring both San Francisco and Silicon Valley?
Yes, Fremont sits in a great spot between San Francisco and Silicon Valley and has cheaper places to stay than both. You can easily get on I-880 and I-680, so you can drive to San Francisco in 45-75 minutes and big Silicon Valley spots in 20-45 minutes. When you visit San Francisco, think about taking the BART train to skip bridge tolls and the hassle of parking.
How do bridge tolls work when renting a car in Fremont?
Bay Area bridges don't take cash for tolls. Most car rental companies have a toll program. They charge you a daily fee (about $5-6) on days you cross a toll bridge, plus the cost of the tolls themselves. State bridges like the Dumbarton, San Mateo–Hayward and others cost $6 right now. The Bay Bridge costs $7 during busy weekday times and $6 at other times. If you prefer, you can pay the tolls yourself online within 48 hours. You just need the rental car's license plate number and can pay on the Bay Area FasTrak website.
What's the best way to visit tech companies in the area?
Many big tech companies have visitor centers that anyone can go to (like the Apple Park Visitor Center or the Google Android statues). For an official visit, make sure you have an appointment and your host's contact info, since most companies require you to register as a visitor. Only Tesla owners or their guests can take a factory tour. They must book the tour ahead of time using Tesla's owner portal. If you're visiting these corporate campuses, you'll look professional arriving in a midsize or standard sedan.
Is it worth having a car if I'm primarily visiting San Francisco?
If you plan to spend most of your time in San Francisco, think about taking the BART train from Fremont instead of driving. BART takes you directly from Fremont to downtown SF. This way you avoid bridge tolls ($6-7), tough city driving and expensive parking ($20-40/day). However, you'll find a rental car useful if you want to explore areas outside the city or just want more freedom during your stay in Fremont.
What should I know about parking at Mission Peak Regional Preserve?
Many people visit Mission Peak, so finding a parking spot can be tough. The lot at the Stanford Avenue entrance often fills up by 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays. You can also park at Ohlone College for a small fee (about $4 now), and it's usually easier to find a spot there. Make sure you follow the parking rules in the nearby neighborhoods, because they actively ticket cars. For the best trip, try to get there early or visit on a weekday.