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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up your SFO car hire at the Rental Car Centre via the free 24/7 AirTrain or compare nearby city and off-airport locations to reduce airport fees. Travellers arriving at busy times can save time by joining a loyalty programme or choosing skip-the-counter pickup.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SFO Rental Car Centre | Immediate availability upon arrival; Largest selection of vehicles; All major companies in one facility; 24-hour service | Higher rates due to airport fees (approximately $16.50 per contract plus taxes); Can have long lines during peak travel periods |
| San Francisco City Locations | Potentially lower rates without airport fees; Good for travellers already in the city | Navigating city traffic to reach rental offices; Limited hours; A smaller selection |
| Nearby Cities (Millbrae, Burlingame) | Slightly lower rates than airport; Close proximity to SFO | Limited selection; May need transportation from airport; Restricted hours |
SFO's AirTrain Blue Line connects all terminals to the Rental Car Centre free of charge. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes and trains run 24/7.
On average, car rentals at San Francisco Airport cost around USD $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $30 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: SFO’s Rental Car Centre is convenient but adds about $16.50 per contract in airport fees plus taxes. City branches or nearby Millbrae/Burlingame can be cheaper. If time allows, take BART into the city and collect there. Always check hours and transport costs.
Time it for peak periods: In SF, prices jump for summer, holidays and big conventions. Book 4-6 weeks ahead then. In winter, rates are usually softer and 2-3 weeks out often works.
Rent only for the days you’ll drive outside the city: SF hotels often charge $30-60 per night for parking. Use transit while in town, then pick up the car when you leave.
Try different dates, times and vehicle classes on our site: a weekly rate can beat several daily rates. Compact or midsize cars are usually cheapest and easier to park in SF.
| Area | Parking Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco City Centre | Limited and expensive | Street spots are limited and strictly enforced; Consider leaving your car outside the city and using public transport |
| Tourist Areas (Fisherman's Wharf) | Available but costly | Dedicated lots available; Arrive early on weekends and holidays |
| Silicon Valley Cities | Generally available | Office parks have visitor spots; City centres have garages and metered spots |
| Coastal Areas/Beaches | Limited at popular spots | State beaches charge day-use fees; Arrive early to secure spots at popular destinations |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to visit:
What documents do I need to rent a car at SFO? You'll need a valid driver's licence and a major credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you should also bring your passport and a valid foreign driver's licence. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit, but it's not legally required by California. You don't need to show proof of insurance. The basic liability cover required by the state is automatically part of every rental. However, bringing proof of your personal or credit card insurance is helpful if you plan to turn down the rental company's optional cover.
How do I avoid the long lines at SFO's rental counters? You can join the rental company's loyalty programme before your trip to get served faster. If you are travelling with drivers who have status, they may be able to use priority counters. You can also try to avoid arriving during peak times (11 am-2 pm).
What should I know about driving in San Francisco? You'll find San Francisco is a tricky place to drive because of its steep hills, cable cars, one-way streets and limited parking. If you want to explore the city, we suggest you park your rental in a garage and use public transport or rideshares. When you park on a hill, make sure you turn your wheels towards the kerb and use your parking brake.
How do toll bridges work with rental cars from SFO? All bridges in the Bay Area have electronic tolling and no cash booths. You can either use the rental company's toll programme, which adds a daily fee, or pay the toll yourself online. To pay online, you need to register the car's number plate on the Bay Area FasTrak website. You must do this either before you cross or within 48 hours after. If you don't pay the toll, the rental company gets the bill and will charge the toll plus an admin fee to your card.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring from SFO? If you're only driving in the city, a compact or midsize car is easier to park and handle. For longer trips to wine country or the mountains, you might want a midsize or larger car for more comfort. An SUV can give you a better view and better handling on mountain roads, especially in winter.
Should I rent a car if I'm only staying in San Francisco? If you are only staying in the city, you probably don't need a rental car. It can be more trouble than it's worth because parking is expensive (hotels charge $30-60 per night) and the driving is difficult. You'll find San Francisco has great public transport and rideshare services for getting around the city.
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