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Finding a rental car in San Ramon, California is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around California with no booking fees. Pick up in San Ramon to dodge airport surcharges or add Oakland Airport for more choice, then hit the Bay Area with unlimited mileage and free cancellation on most bookings.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| San Ramon Local Rentals | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Convenient for visitors staying in San Ramon |
• Limited hours (usually weekdays until 6PM, Saturday until noon) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | • Larger vehicle selection • 24/7 availability at most agencies • Multiple competing agencies |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 25 miles (40 km) from San Ramon • Traffic can delay travel during commute hours |
| Bishop Ranch/Crow Canyon Area | • Business center accessibility • Extended weekday hours • Corporate rates available |
• Limited weekend availability • Focused on business clientele • Potentially higher rates |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in San Ramon cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.
Pick up in town, not at the airport. San Ramon offices avoid the ~11 % airport surcharge and are usually 10-15 % cheaper than OAK. A quick rideshare from the terminal can still save you money overall.
Shift your pickup to the weekend. Monday-Thursday sees heavy business demand. Starting your rental Friday afternoon or Saturday often triggers lower leisure rates.
Travel outside peak weeks. Winter (Dec–Feb) minus the holidays is the cheapest stretch in the Bay Area. Slide your dates in our calendar to spot the dip.
Stick with round-trip bookings when possible. One-way fees add up fast in California. Take BART into San Francisco, then rent locally for wine country, Mt Diablo or other side trips.
Leverage corporate or hotel codes. Many Bishop Ranch companies have pre-negotiated rates. Enter any code you have on our site and watch the total drop.
Refuel smart. Fill up at Costco or the cheaper stations on San Ramon Valley Blvd before returning the car to dodge the rental company's premium refueling fee.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Ranch Business Park | Extensive free parking | Some areas reserved for specific tenants; verify restrictions |
| San Ramon City Center | Free parking structures and lots | Time limits in some areas; generally ample space |
| The Shops at Bishop Ranch | Free parking lots | Unrestricted during business hours |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Book a rental so you can drive to:
Livermore Valley – wineries, tasting rooms
Napa Valley – vineyards, culinary spots
Mount Diablo State Park – summit views, trailheads
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, waterfront districts
Oakland – Jack London Square, art hubs
Silicon Valley – Computer History Museum, tech campuses
What's the best way to commute to San Francisco from San Ramon?
To get to San Francisco, you can take the BART train from the nearby Dublin/Pleasanton station. This helps you avoid bridge tolls and parking problems. If you drive, you should leave early (before 6:30 AM) or mid-morning (after 10 AM) to miss the worst Bay Bridge traffic. When you drive back, try to avoid the 3:30-7:00 PM window if you can.
Is it worth paying for express lanes on I-680?
When traffic is heavy, you can save 15-30 minutes on longer trips by using the express lanes. To legally use these lanes, you need a FasTrak or FasTrak Flex transponder connected to your account. Some rental agencies offer transponders for a daily fee. If your car doesn't have one, stay out of the express lanes. You can't pay by license plate right now, and if you use the lane without a transponder, you'll get a violation notice and extra fines.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the San Ramon area?
A standard sedan will work for most of your local driving. If you plan a trip to wine country or Mt. Diablo State Park, a comfy mid-size car is a good mix of fuel-efficient and comfortable. You only need a larger SUV if you have a big group or a lot of luggage.
How do I handle bridge tolls in my rental car?
Bay Area bridges collect tolls electronically. Most rental companies will let you buy a toll package, which is a daily fee for unlimited crossings. You can also make a one-time payment online using the car's license plate number. You can do this in advance, within 48 hours of crossing or after you get a bill (up to 30 days later).
What are the best scenic drives from San Ramon?
You can drive up to Mount Diablo State Park for amazing, wide-open views of the whole Bay Area (on clear days). If you like wine, you'll enjoy the scenic drive through Livermore Valley vineyards on Tesla Road. You can also drive Bollinger Canyon Road through Las Trampas Regional Wilderness to see beautiful hills.
Is it difficult to find parking in San Ramon?
You'll find plenty of free parking at most places in San Ramon, like at shopping centers and business parks. It's much easier to find parking here than in San Francisco or Oakland. Both the City Center and Bishop Ranch have a lot of free parking, but some spots might have time limits when businesses are open.
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