Interested in affordable car rentals in San Francisco? You’ll likely find the best deals at the local airport, where, according to my comparisons, the prices are the lowest. Car rental locations along O’Farrell Street and around Union Square are also popular. Compared to car rental prices in other U.S. cities, San Francisco doesn’t significantly deviate from the average. Read on to discover tips and tricks for saving on car rentals.
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Car Rental Prices in San Francisco
Never book with the first company you find. I recommend comparing prices from as many car rental companies in San Francisco as possible. For example, RentalCars.com automatically compares offers from over 200 rental agencies, guaranteeing the lowest price for customers.
For an unbinding price estimate for your car rental, I recommend using this comparison form, which aggregates rates from several rental agencies in San Francisco and its surroundings. The more options you compare, the better your chances of saving.
What Will You Pay for a Car Rental in San Francisco?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in San Francisco
The cost of car rentals in San Francisco depends on several factors and tends to fluctuate continuously in both directions.
🗓️ Booking Date
The rental price is influenced by the time remaining before you pick up the car. According to my research, the best rates are usually available when booking one to two months in advance.
RentalCars and some rental companies allow free cancellations up until a few hours before pick-up. It’s worth booking in advance and, if your travel plans change, simply modifying or canceling the reservation. RentalCars also offers a lowest-price guarantee for car rentals.
⏳ Rental Dates and Duration
Demand for rental cars varies throughout the year, peaking during summer vacations and national holidays, and tapering off after the tourist season. Rental prices typically follow this trend.
Rental companies charge by 24-hour periods. To avoid overpaying, ensure that the pick-up and return times align. For example, if you pick up the car at 10 a.m. and return it at 11 a.m. the following day, you’ll be charged for an extra day.
🗺️ Rental Location
Airports typically have the most extensive selection of rental companies due to high demand and competition. City-center locations tend to be smaller, with fewer options and higher prices.
Airport rentals also help you avoid additional travel costs to the city center on the first and last days of your trip. You’ll have the car ready upon arrival, allowing you to hit the road immediately.
🏎️ Car Class
Rental companies categorize vehicles by class, differing in price, luggage capacity, and passenger comfort. The cheapest cars fall under Small or Economy categories, offering basic equipment and limited trunk space.
Intermediate and Large classes provide more space and comfort for passengers, with prices about 10% higher. For road trips, consider renting an SUV, which offers a higher ground clearance and superior comfort. SUVs typically cost 25% more than the cheapest options.
Ford Mustang and other convertibles can be found in the Premium class, which is about 100% more expensive. The table below shows the cheapest car rentals in San Francisco for one day. These prices are indicative and may vary based on availability at different locations.
Economy Mid-size SUV Convertible 
from $36 from $37 from $44 from $57 🔁 Check Prices 🔁 Check Prices 🔁 Check Prices 🔁 Check Prices 🔞 Driver Age
The final rental price is influenced by the driver’s age. Most car rental companies in San Francisco charge drivers aged 21 to 25 an additional fee of $16.00 to $37 per day. The fee reflects the higher risk of damage associated with younger drivers and varies by company.
Drivers under 21 either won’t be able to rent a car or will face significantly higher fees.
☂️ Insurance
Car rental prices in San Francisco usually include basic insurance coverage (liability and collision). However, the terms and conditions differ, and this coverage often comes with a deductible. Optional insurance can reduce or eliminate the deductible.
Always review the insurance terms carefully before signing the contract. If certain risks aren’t covered sufficiently, you can purchase additional coverage for an extra fee.
🛰️ Accessories
You can enhance your rental experience by adding accessories or services for an extra fee. One of the most useful add-ons is an additional driver, allowing you to share driving responsibilities. The typical daily fee for a second driver ranges from $13.00 to $15.00. For example, Avis charges no more than $65 for the entire rental period.
Listing an additional driver in the contract is essential for insurance purposes. If an accident occurs and the driver isn’t listed, the insurance won’t cover the damages.
If you’re traveling with young children, you can rent a child seat or booster. Skip expensive mobile internet services by using an eSIM from Airalo or free Google Maps on your phone instead of a separate GPS device.
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Affordable Car Rental Companies in San Francisco
◻️ Airport Car Rentals
San Francisco International Airport is one of the largest in the U.S., offering a wide selection of rental companies. You can pick up a car directly from companies such as Thrifty, Alamo, Sixt, Budget, National, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise.
All rental car counters are located in a separate building. A free, driverless train operating 24/7 will take you there from the airport’s arrival terminal. Just hop on the Blue Line and get off at the “Rental Car Center” station.
◻️ Downtown Car Rentals
Car rental companies in downtown San Francisco are often located inside hotels. Popular companies include Sixt, Hertz, Zipcar, Enterprise, and Budget. Additionally, you can explore lesser-known rental services like Kyte, City Rent-A-Car, or 1Car Rental.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Tips from San Francisco
1️⃣ Pacific Coast Highway
The drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic routes in the world. Here, the saying “the journey is the destination” truly applies. The 466 mi-km-long trip takes at least 9 hours of driving time without breaks, accompanied by the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
For a detailed itinerary, check out my guide to a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
2️⃣ Las Vegas with National Park Stops
The journey from San Francisco to Las Vegas spans 586 mi and typically takes 8 to 9 hours. However, this estimate can stretch if you make stops at iconic national parks like Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia, or Kings Canyon.
The number of stops depends on how much time you have to explore some of the most beautiful spots in the U.S. Don’t forget to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which grants you unlimited access to all U.S. national parks for an entire year. Even better, the pass covers everyone in the vehicle.
3️⃣ Napa Valley
Napa Valley, located about 59 mi north of San Francisco, is renowned worldwide for its sprawling vineyards, boasting over 400 wineries. Almost every winery offers tastings and tours, giving you a firsthand look at the winemaking process.
4️⃣ Big Sur
Big Sur, known for its dramatic ocean cliffs, is located 147 mi south of San Francisco. This stretch of California’s coast is arguably the most beautiful, making it perfect for hiking and photography.
Don’t miss the 80 ft-high McWay Falls, where water cascades directly onto a sandy beach. The falls are easily accessible from California State Route 1.
5️⃣ Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is a protected coastal area located 37 mi northwest of San Francisco, about an hour and 15 minutes away by car. The shoreline features stunning beaches and cliffs, and if you want to extend your visit, you can explore various hiking trails.
The main highlight is the red-and-white Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870, with an observation deck on its roof. To reach the deck, you’ll climb 36 ft via 313 steps.
Car Rental in USA
- The Best Guide to Renting a Car in the USA (4 714 Words!)
- USA Driving Guide – Important Rules, Speed Limits & Signs
- USA Gas Stations – Filling Up, Fuel Types & Price Guide
- Automatic Car 101: Understanding Gearbox, Starting, and Parking
- How to Rent a Mustang Convertible in the USA (An Easy Guide)
- How to Rent a 7, 9, 12 or 15 Passenger Van (A Complete Guide)
