EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Redwood City is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers all around California with no reservation fees. Choose a downtown pick-up to avoid airport surcharges or reserve at nearby SFO or SJC for 24-hour service, then hit US-101 or I-280 for quick drives to San Francisco, Stanford and Half Moon Bay.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Redwood City Downtown | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Walking distance from Caltrain |
• Limited hours (often weekdays until 6PM, reduced weekend hours) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | • Largest vehicle selection • 24/7 availability at most agencies • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 10 miles (16 km) from Redwood City • Traffic can delay travel during commute hours |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Good vehicle selection • 24/7 service • Often less crowded than SFO |
• Airport fees add to costs • 25 miles (40 km) from Redwood City • Traffic on US-101 during peak hours |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Redwood City cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Skip airport pickup fees: Compare downtown Redwood City rates against SFO/SJC. City locations are usually 10-15% cheaper and you dodge the 11% airport surcharge.
Time your booking to the local calendar: Prices jump during tech conferences and Mon-Thu business peaks. Lock in early for those weeks, but feel free to watch prices for off-peak dates; they often drop closer to pickup.
Play with rental length: A 5- or 6-day trip can be cheaper on a 7-day "weekly" rate. Run both options in the search box before you pay.
Choose the right size for Peninsula parking: Compact or mid-size cars fit tight downtown garages and cost less in daily rate and fuel versus an SUV you don't really need.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Redwood City | Street parking and public garages | Metered parking in most areas; time limits apply; some free areas on a time limit |
| Redwood Shores | Mostly private lots | Limited visitor parking; check before visiting |
| Shopping Centers | Plenty of free parking | Time restrictions in some lots; check signage |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Rent a car to drive to:
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
Stanford University & Palo Alto – campus, Downtown Palo Alto
Half Moon Bay – beaches, Highway 1
Santa Cruz – Boardwalk, surf spots
What's the best way to get to San Francisco from Redwood City?
On weekdays, you can take Caltrain from Redwood City station to avoid tough parking and traffic in San Francisco. If you drive, I-280 often has less traffic than US-101, but it's a few miles longer. On weekends, US-101 is more direct and the traffic is usually lighter.
Is it better to rent at SFO or in Redwood City?
If you arrive at SFO, renting there saves you the trouble of getting to Redwood City. However, you can usually save 10-15% on the total cost if you rent in Redwood City, because you avoid airport fees and extra charges. If you're staying for several days, the savings can be large, especially for business travelers.
What's the best strategy for navigating Silicon Valley traffic?
Use navigation apps that show live traffic updates. If you can, avoid US-101 between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. You can also take other routes like El Camino Real for shorter trips or I-280 for longer north-south travel. If your schedule is flexible, you'll find the lightest traffic mid-day (10 AM-2 PM).
How do I handle bridge tolls in my rental car?
Bay Area bridges use electronic tolling. Most rental companies can sell you a toll package (a daily fee for unlimited crossings). You can also pay tolls online using the rental car's license plate number before crossing or within 48 hours afterward. The Dumbarton and San Mateo bridges are closest to Redwood City.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Peninsula?
We recommend a compact or mid-size car. This makes it easier to drive on Peninsula roads and find parking in cities. For trips to the coast or wine country, a comfortable sedan is a good mix of being fuel-efficient and comfortable. You might find it hard to park larger SUVs in downtown areas and at tech campuses.
Are there any scenic drives from Redwood City?
You can drive Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains to see amazing views of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. For coastal views, take Highway 92 west to Half Moon Bay and then drive north or south on Highway 1. The drive to La Honda on Highway 84 also gives you beautiful views of the redwood forest.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support