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4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in San Francisco
San Francisco
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Francisco
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Francisco
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Francisco
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a vibrant city with iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially if you plan to venture beyond the city limits.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, and Yosemite National Park.
Visit Multiple Locations. A rental car allows you to see more of the Bay Area without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Freedom and Flexibility. You have the flexibility to create your own itinerary and visit destinations at your convenience.
Rental Terms and Conditions in San Francisco
Before renting a car in San Francisco, be aware of the age requirements, license regulations, insurance options, and other essential terms.
Area
Approximately 46.9 square miles
Population
Approximately 874,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the Bay Area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in San Francisco require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is required, usually held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyRental agreements may offer unlimited mileage or have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary—some require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in San Francisco – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Demand increases, with prices rising 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.
How to Book a Car in San Francisco?
Follow these steps to book a car in San Francisco.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and budget.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other conditions.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and proof of insurance when collecting your rental.
General Information About San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and steep hills. Driving can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking.
As a major cultural and financial hub, San Francisco offers a wealth of attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car is useful for exploring the wider Bay Area. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Golden Gate Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge and symbol of San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island
A former prison accessible by ferry.
Fisherman's Wharf
A popular tourist area with shops, restaurants, and sea lions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to find and reserve parking spots.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits to avoid tickets.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using public transportation.
Gas Stations in San Francisco
Availability
Gas stations are available throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for Chevron, Shell, and other major fuel brands.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Francisco
Use Contactless Payment
Many businesses accept contactless payment methods.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in tourist areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect traffic delays, especially during rush hour.
Key Transportation Hubs in San Francisco
Major Bus Stations
Transbay Terminal
Serves as a major transportation hub for buses and trains.
Railway Stations
4th and King Caltrain Station
Connects San Francisco to the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.
Embarcadero BART Station
Provides access to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.
Airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, it is a major international airport.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Located across the bay from San Francisco, it serves domestic and international flights.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located south of San Francisco, it serves domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Francisco?
Renting a car in San Francisco requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria.
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as San Francisco as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
San Francisco was amazing! Getting around with a car was so easy.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 15.10.2024
Wonderful weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Highly recommend.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 03.12.2024
Pretty good, overall.
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
So glad I returned after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much simpler. Beautiful city.
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
Fantastic weekend in San Francisco! Exploring by car was effortless and so much fun.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Pretty chill city
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
First time in San Francisco, and I loved it! Exploring by car was so convenient.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.08.2024
Loved exploring San Francisco! Having a car made everything so accessible.
David Martinez
Reviewed: 04.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Pretty good vibe
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Pretty chill, I guess.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 27.06.2025