Car Rental San Francisco

On average, car rentals in San Francisco cost around USD $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $30 per day.

• Compare SFO vs city centre pickups. Airport is easy 24/7 but adds a ~10% concession and usually higher base rates. City centre can be cheaper, just watch limited hours and smaller fleets.

• Book by season, not always “early.” In SF, summer and holidays sell out, so book 1-3 months ahead. Winter is quieter, and booking 2-3 weeks out often works. Midweek hires are usually cheaper than weekends.

• Pick the smallest car that fits. Compacts are cheaper, easier to park on SF’s tight streets, and sip less petrol. Hybrids/EVs can save more, and the Bay Area has plenty of chargers.

• Trim add-on fees. In California, spouses/immediate family are free as additional drivers. Under 25? Expect about $25/day. Same pickup and drop-off spots are usually cheaper than one-way.

• Cut running costs. Refuel yourself before returning, ideally outside the city where petrol is cheaper. Pay bridge tolls online (Golden Gate within 48 hours, other bridges via FasTrak) to skip daily hire toll programme fees.

• Hire only for the days you’re driving. Use SF transit while in the city, then pick up the car the day you head to Napa, Monterey, Yosemite, or Tahoe to avoid hotel parking charges of $40-65 per night.