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Find low car rental prices in Union City, CA with Road Genius. Check live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no reservation fees. Compare neighborhood pickups near Alvarado-Niles Road with larger fleets at Oakland or San Jose airports to decide what fits your schedule and budget and note that renting in town can be 10 to 15 percent cheaper because it avoids airport surcharges.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Union City Local Rentals | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Convenient for visitors staying in Union City |
• Limited hours (most weekdays until 6 PM, Saturday until noon) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | • Larger vehicle selection • 24/7 availability at most agencies • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 15 miles (24 km) from Union City • Traffic can delay travel during commute hours |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Good vehicle selection • Extended hours • Access to Silicon Valley |
• Airport fees add to costs • 20 miles (32 km) from Union City • Heavy traffic on I-880 during peak hours |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Union City (CA) cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Union Landing Shopping Center | Extensive free parking | Unrestricted during business hours; no overnight parking |
| BART Station | Large paid parking structure | Daily fee; fills quickly on weekdays |
| Residential Areas | Street parking available | Watch for permit requirements and street cleaning days |
Local Driving Rules:
Important to Know:
Book a car rental so you can see:
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
Silicon Valley – tech campuses, Santana Row
Half Moon Bay – beaches, harbor
Napa Valley – wineries
What's the best way to get to San Francisco from Union City?
For trips to San Francisco, we suggest you use BART to avoid bridge tolls and parking problems. From the Union City BART station, you'll take an Oakland-bound train and transfer at Bay Fair or 12th St./Oakland City Center to a San Francisco-bound line. The trip to downtown takes about 45 to 55 minutes. If you're driving, you should leave early (before 6:30 AM) or mid-morning (after 10 AM) to miss the heavy Bay Bridge traffic.
Is it worth renting at an airport versus in Union City?
If you are arriving at the Oakland or San Jose airports, renting a car right there is very convenient. However, if you're already in Union City or staying for a few days, you can save about 10-15% by renting locally. This helps you avoid extra airport fees and charges.
How do I handle bridge tolls in my rental car?
Bay Area bridges use electronic tolls. Most rental companies offer you a toll package, which is a daily fee for unlimited crossings. You can also pay tolls online yourself using the car's license plate number within 48 hours of crossing. The Dumbarton and San Mateo bridges are the closest ones to Union City.
What's the best strategy for navigating Bay Area traffic from Union City?
We recommend you use navigation apps that show live traffic updates. I-880 often has heavy traffic during peak hours, so you might want to use Union City Boulevard or other local streets for shorter trips. For longer drives, you'll find the lightest traffic if you travel mid-day, between 10 AM and 2 PM.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Union City area?
A standard sedan or compact car works well for driving on Bay Area roads and finding parking in cities. If you plan trips to the coast or wine country, a comfortable mid-size car offers a good balance of fuel economy and comfort.
Are there any scenic drives from Union City?
You can take Niles Canyon Road (Highway 84) east of Union City for a beautiful drive through a historic canyon. For coastal views, drive on Highway 92 west to Half Moon Bay. The drive to Mission Peak Regional Preserve leads to a trail where a short hike will give you panoramic views of the entire Bay Area.
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