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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers in Vallejo, California. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up a car in town to skip airport surcharges or collect at Oakland or Sacramento airports for a bigger choice of vehicles. Once you are on the road, Napa Valley is only 20 minutes north, San Francisco is 45 minutes south-west and Sacramento sits just an hour to the east.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo City Locations | • No airport fees • Enterprise and other providers available • Convenient for Vallejo visitors • Often lower base rates |
• Limited business hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Most closed Sundays • Smaller vehicle selection • Transportation needed to rental location |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | • Larger selection of vehicles • Often less crowded than SFO • 24/7 availability for most counters • All major rental companies |
• 10% airport concession fee • 35 miles (56 km) from Vallejo • Potential bridge tolls • Transportation needed to Vallejo |
| Sacramento Airport (SMF) | • Good selection of vehicles • Less congested than Bay Area airports • All major rental companies • No bridge tolls to Vallejo |
• 10% airport concession fee • 60 miles (97 km) from Vallejo • Longer drive time • Transportation needed to Vallejo |
On average, car rentals in Vallejo cost around $84 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Pick up in Vallejo, skip the airport – city branches avoid the 10 % airport surcharge and you won't pay bridge tolls just to reach town.
Tweak your dates in the search box – mid-week pickups or returns often cost less, while harvest season (Sep-Oct) spikes prices if you wait too long.
Check weekly vs daily rates – a 7-day booking can be cheaper than 5 days thanks to built-in "weekly" discounts.
Downsize the car – economy/compact handles Napa and downtown parking fine, and usually shaves $10-20 per day plus fuel savings.
Use the branch's free local pick-up – many Vallejo desks will collect you from your hotel or ferry terminal, saving a rideshare fare.
Refuel in Vallejo before drop-off – gas here is cheaper than San Francisco, Napa or freeway exits, avoiding the rental company's premium refill charge.
Parking Options:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Vallejo | Low to moderate | • Metered street spaces in some areas • Time limits usually 2 hours • Free lots near waterfront • Georgia Street garage for longer stays |
| Shopping Centers | Free | • Plenty of free spaces at Gateway Plaza • Vallejo Plaza and other centers offer ample room • No major time restrictions at most shopping areas |
| Ferry Terminal | Daily fee | • For San Francisco ferry • Fills early on weekdays • Reserve online for guaranteed space |
| Six Flags Discovery Kingdom | Paid parking | • Theme park spaces • No in/out privileges • Seasonal price variations |
| Mare Island | Free | • Street spaces in historic district • Some time-limited zones • Check signage in residential areas |
Important Local Driving Rules:
A rental car gives flexibility to reach wine country, nearby cities and regional attractions beyond Vallejo's limited transit routes.
Get a car to get to:
Napa Valley – wineries
Sonoma – plaza, wineries
San Francisco – bridge, waterfront
Sacramento – Capitol, museums
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – rides, shows
Mare Island Historic Park – shipyard, trails
Is it worth renting a car in Vallejo instead of San Francisco?
Yes, you'll save a lot of money if you rent a car in Vallejo instead of San Francisco. Rental rates are usually lower, parking is easier and cheaper and you won't have to deal with city driving in San Francisco. Vallejo is in a great spot, giving you easy access to wine country, the Bay Area and Sacramento. It's an excellent starting point for exploring Northern California.
How do toll bridges work when renting a car in Vallejo?
Bay Area bridges use a cashless toll system, so you can't pay with cash. Most rental companies offer a toll program. They charge a daily fee (about $5–6) on days you use a toll bridge, plus the toll amount. Or, you can pay the tolls yourself online within 48 hours. Just go to the Bay Area FasTrak website and use the car's license plate number.
What's the best vehicle for wine tasting in Napa Valley?
A midsize or standard sedan is a great choice. It's comfortable, looks nice and has enough trunk space for the wine you buy. An SUV gives you a better view of the vineyards, but you don't need one since the roads in wine country are in great shape. Don't forget, if you plan to taste wine, you need a designated driver.
How difficult is parking in downtown Vallejo?
It's much easier to find parking in downtown Vallejo than in bigger Bay Area cities. You can park on the street in most places for up to 2 hours during business hours. If you need to park longer, the Georgia Street garage is a good option and you can find free lots near the waterfront. For ferry parking, you should arrive early on weekdays since commuters can fill up the lot.
Is it possible to visit San Francisco for the day from Vallejo?
Absolutely. You can either drive to San Francisco (30 miles / 48 km, 45–60 minutes without traffic) or take the San Francisco Bay Ferry from the Vallejo terminal (about a 1-hour ride). People often take the ferry to avoid bridge tolls, city traffic and expensive San Francisco parking. If you drive, you can park at a BART station like El Cerrito del Norte and take the train into the city.
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