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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in Union Square, San Francisco is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around the San Francisco Bay Area with no booking fees. Pick up downtown to dodge airport surcharges, then cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley or coastal Highway 1 whenever you like.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Union Square Area | • Walk-up convenience • Avoid airport fees and surcharges • Multiple agency options |
• Limited vehicle selection • Higher urban rates • Garage pickup locations • Possible traffic delays when leaving the city |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | • Largest vehicle selection • 24/7 availability • More competitive rates |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 14 miles (23 km) from Union Square • Time required to reach/return to airport |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | • Often lower rates than SFO • Less congestion than SFO • Good vehicle selection |
• Further from Union Square (20 miles/32 km) • Bridge toll when returning to SF • Airport fees add to costs |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in San Francisco - Central / Union Square cost around $103 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $41 per day.
Compare pick-up spots in one search: Union Square skips SFO's 11 % airport surcharge, while the airports give you bigger fleets and 24/7 hours. Prices flip depending on the week, so a quick comparison often saves real cash.
Rent only on the days you'll drive: Grabbing a car just for a Napa or Muir Woods run lets you return it the same night and avoid hotel parking that runs $50-70 per night.
Watch the calendar, not just the clock: Rates spike during big Moscone conventions and summer weekends. Shifting your trip by a day (or even a few hours) can drop the price.
Weekly beats daily math: If you need 4-5 days, a 7-day booking often costs less than stacking daily rates in San Francisco.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Union Square | Multiple public garages | High hourly rates; early bird specials available |
| Hotel Parking | Valet at most hotels | Expensive and limited in/out privileges |
| Street Parking | Metered spaces | Strictly enforced time limits; complex street cleaning rules |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Get a car to get to:
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive
Napa Valley – wineries, vineyards
Muir Woods & Marin Headlands – redwood groves, coast
Half Moon Bay – beaches, harbor
Do I really need a car if I'm staying in Union Square?
If you're just exploring San Francisco, you generally don't need a car. It can be a hassle because of expensive parking ($40-60 a day) and heavy traffic. You'll find it easier to use public transportation, ride-sharing services and walking. You should only rent a car for day trips you plan to take outside the city.
What's the best strategy for visiting wine country from Union Square?
If you want to visit Napa or Sonoma, you could rent a car just for the day. Some rental companies let you pick it up in the morning and return it at night for a lower price. Another option is to join one of the many wine tours that leave from hotels in Union Square. If you drive yourself, make sure you have a designated driver or don't drink too much, since police are very strict about DUIs in wine country.
How do I handle parking on San Francisco's steep hills?
When you park facing uphill, turn your wheels away from the curb. When you park facing downhill, turn your wheels toward the curb. You should always use your parking brake and leave the car in gear (for a manual) or in park (for an automatic). This stops the car from rolling if the brakes fail.
What's the most scenic driving route from Union Square?
You can follow the 49-Mile Scenic Drive. It's a route with signs that takes you past San Francisco's best spots, like the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. You should plan for 3-4 hours if you make stops. For a shorter trip, you can drive north on Van Ness Avenue to the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the viewpoints.
How do I avoid getting a parking ticket in San Francisco?
You should read all posted signs carefully for street-cleaning schedules, time limits and permit rules. Never block driveways or fire hydrants. If you plan to stay longer than the time on the sign, use a parking garage. The SFpark website and parking apps like PayByPhone or SpotHero can show you open spots in many city garages and at some meters.
Is it worth driving to Alcatraz?
You cannot drive to Alcatraz Island because you can only get there by taking a ferry from Pier 33. If you plan to visit Alcatraz, you should use public transportation to get to the pier or park in one of the paid lots along the Embarcadero. People often book Alcatraz tours weeks in advance, so you should reserve your tickets early.
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