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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental offers at Santa Rosa's Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport STS. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Pick up your vehicle just steps from the terminal or choose a downtown Santa Rosa location to avoid airport fees. Check real time availability on convertibles, SUVs and one way rentals for wine country road trips or the drive to San Francisco.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| STS Airport Rental Center | On-site rental counters; Walk from gate to rental lot in minutes; Major companies (Hertz, Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Sixt) | Airport fees (approximately $10 per day facility fee); Higher rates than off-airport locations; Limited inventory |
| Downtown Santa Rosa Locations | Lower rates without airport fees; Some offer specialty vehicles not available at airport | Requires transportation from airport; Standard business hours (most open 8am-5pm weekdays, shorter on weekends); Many closed on Sundays |
| San Francisco (SFO) Airport | Larger selection; More competitive pricing due to competition | 75+ miles (120 km) from Santa Rosa; Inconvenient starting point for wine country exploration |
On average, car rentals at Santa Rosa Airport cost around $91 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Compare on-airport vs downtown pickup: grabbing a rideshare 10 mins into Santa Rosa can dodge the ~$10/day airport facility fee and usually scores lower base rates.
Shift the calendar: a Tuesday–Thursday pickup or extending to a full 7-day rental often beats a 5- or 6-day price.
Know the seasons: book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer or harvest weekends but hold off in winter when cars sit and prices drop.
Avoid surprise drop fees: returning to STS instead of a big-city airport keeps one-way charges off your bill.
Top up nearby: fill the tank at the stations on Airport Blvd before returning to skip the rental company's premium fuel price.
Hunt local coupons: wine associations, hotels and tourism sites frequently post promo codes that stack with comparison-site rates.
| Area | Parking Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa Downtown | Good availability | Mix of free timed spots (2-hour limit) and paid garages (first hour often free) |
| Healdsburg/Sonoma Plaza | Limited during peak times | Town squares have 2-3 hour limits; Free public lots slightly further out for all-day visits |
| Wineries | Abundant | Most offer free lots; Smaller wineries may have limited spaces; Some require reservations |
| State Parks/Beaches | Moderate | Fees apply; Often use self-pay envelopes; Arrive early at popular coastal spots in summer |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to visit:
Healdsburg – Dry Creek Valley wineries
Sonoma Plaza – Highway 12 wineries
Napa – valley tasting rooms
Bodega Bay – Sonoma Coast beaches
What documents do I need to rent a car at STS Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you plan to use your own insurance, bring proof of it so you don't have to buy the rental company's plan. If you're visiting from another country, you should have your passport and driver's license. California law doesn't require an International Driving Permit, but some companies might ask for one, especially if your license is not in English.
Are convertibles available at STS Airport?
Yes, rental agencies at STS Airport often offer Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro convertibles, especially in the summer. You should book one far in advance because they have a limited number of these special cars.
What should I know about driving in wine country?
You'll find that many vineyard roads are two-lane, undivided highways and have narrow shoulders. Watch out for tourists slowing down suddenly to turn into wineries. You will also see many bicyclists on popular wine routes. If you go wine tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or use the spit bucket, because police strictly enforce DUI laws.
How do toll bridges work when renting from STS?
If you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge (about $9 to go south into San Francisco) or other Bay Area bridges, they collect tolls electronically. You can either use the rental company's toll program or pay online yourself within 48 hours after you cross. Paying on time helps you avoid extra fees.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring from STS Airport?
Most travelers find a mid-size or full-size sedan works perfectly on Sonoma County roads. If it's a sunny day, you might enjoy a convertible more. An SUV gives you more space for people or wine bottles, but you don't need one for the roads unless you plan to visit remote areas.
Is there anything I should know about seasonal driving conditions?
In the summer, you can expect dry, warm weather and clear roads. During winter (December to February), it often rains, which can make roads slippery. If you drive near the coast, you'll often find morning fog that makes it hard to see. In late summer and early fall, which is wildfire season, you might find smoke that affects the air and how far you can see.
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