Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Golden Gate
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Golden Gate
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Golden Gate
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Golden Gate
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Golden Gate is a stunning region, offering iconic landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this area at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Routes: Golden Gate is renowned for its picturesque drives, like the Pacific Coast Highway. With a hire car, you can easily access these routes and enjoy unforgettable views.
Visit Hidden Gems: Beyond the main attractions, many lesser-known spots are best reached by car. Discover charming coastal towns and secluded beaches that public transport doesn't serve.
Tailor Your Itinerary: A hire car allows you to customise your trip according to your interests. Whether you're passionate about hiking, wine tasting, or historical sites, you can create a personalised adventure.
Before hiring a car in Golden Gate, be aware of local regulations. Typical rental conditions include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 2,037 square miles
Population
Approximately 7.75 million residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Scenic coastal drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Golden Gate require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is essential. International visitors might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence isn't in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), are often available. A security deposit is held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or extras like GPS navigation systems.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher, increasing prices by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To secure the best rental experience, compare prices, select the right car, and understand the rental terms. Booking ahead of time is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel plans, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking early, particularly in peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when you collect the vehicle.
Golden Gate offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes, ideal for exploration by car. Knowing traffic rules, parking options, and fuel availability is essential.
The Golden Gate area is famed for its iconic bridge, vibrant city life, and beautiful parks. Exploring beyond the city centre requires a car for maximum flexibility. However, driving in urban areas can be challenging due to traffic congestion and parking limitations. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge with stunning views.
Alcatraz Island
A former prison accessible by ferry.
Muir Woods National Monument
Home to towering redwood trees.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use garages for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be costly.
Park & Ride
Park outside the city and use public transport for easier access.
Gas Stations in Golden Gate
Availability
Gas stations are available throughout the region.
Major Brands
Look for Chevron, Shell, and other major brands.
Navigation Apps
Use apps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Golden Gate
Use Public Transport
Consider using public transport in congested areas.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours to minimise delays.
Major Bus Stations
Transbay Transit Center
A major transportation hub for buses and trains.
Railway Stations
4th and King Street Station
Serves Caltrain commuter rail services.
Airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
A major international airport located near Golden Gate.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
An alternative airport option in the East Bay.
Hiring a car in Golden Gate requires meeting certain requirements to ensure a smooth process.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an IDP.
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Golden Gate as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Cruising around Golden Gate with my rental was pure magic! Such stunning views.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Meh. Kind of windy.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Perfect Golden Gate getaway! Saw friends, easy driving.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Family trip amazing! Golden Gate Bridge stunning, though the fog was disappointing.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 29.04.2025
Exploring Golden Gate with that car was a dream! So easy to get around and the views were incredible. Definitely recommend.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
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Golden Gate was even more breathtaking than I remembered from years ago! Having a car made exploring the area so easy and enjoyable. The views were stunning, and I made some fantastic memories.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 08.07.2025