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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.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Key Rental Locations and Options
| 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
- Major rental companies in Redwood City include Enterprise, Hertz and Avis
- Local rental offices are near El Camino Real and downtown area
- Caltrain provides public transportation to both SFO and SJC
- Consider using the rental company's mobile app for faster check-in
Car Rental Prices
Saving Tips
- 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.
- Mind the tolls: Bay Area bridges are cash-free. Compare the agency's toll package cost to simply paying online within 48 hours using the plate—often the cheaper route.
Car rental prices in Redwood City 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
| 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
- Standard speed limits: 25 mph in residential areas, 35-45 mph on major streets, 65 mph on highways
- Right turns allowed on red after complete stop unless posted otherwise
- Cell phone use while driving requires hands-free operation
- Bike lanes common throughout Redwood City; yield to cyclists appropriately
- HOV (carpool) lanes on US-101 generally require 2 or more occupants during commute hours; check current signage
Important
- Downtown Redwood City hosts events and farmers markets that may close streets
- Fog can affect visibility, especially in morning hours and near the Bay
- Electronic tolling on all Bay Area bridges; no cash payment options
- Street sweeping restrictions in residential areas; check signs to avoid tickets
Why rent a car in Redwood City
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
- Napa Valley – wineries, tasting rooms
Local Rental Locations
- Berkeley, CA
- Burlingame, CA
- Car Rental Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)
- Car Rental Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)
- 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
- 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
- Vallejo, CA
- Walnut Creek, CA
FAQs
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.
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.
