Car Hire at San Francisco Airport

Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Toyota Yaris
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Versa
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia K5
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Hyundai Kona
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Honda Accord
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia K5
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Versa
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Mitsubishi Mirage
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Volkswagen Jetta
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Rogue
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Malibu
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Volkswagen Jetta
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Malibu
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Camry
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Ford Focus
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Spark
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia Niro
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Hyundai Elantra
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Camry
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Hyundai Accent
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Spark
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Hyundai Kona
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Altima
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Jeep Compass
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Camry
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Volkswagen Jetta
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla Sedan
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Versa
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Mitsubishi Mirage
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Volkswagen Jetta
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Camry
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia Niro
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Camry
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota Corolla
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia Sportage
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Audi A5 Sportback
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Nissan Rogue
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Malibu
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Volkswagen Jetta
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Chevrolet Equinox
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia Soul
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Kia Rio
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Audi A4
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Toyota RAV4
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Hyundai Kona
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Audi Q3
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.


Why book with us?




- Cheapest Car Hire Rates
- Why book with us?
- Travel information
- Airport travel guide
- Top international routes
- Main airlines
- Terminals
- Location
- Most popular types of hire car
- Car hire desks
- Services and facilities
- Nearest petrol station
- Popular one-way hires
- Airport information
- Top 3 locations near San Francisco Airport
- Map of top car rental locations
- When to book at San Francisco Airport and for how long?
- Car hire information
- Most popular car models of suppliers
- Here's what travellers say about hiring a car at San Francisco Airport
- Car Hire Statistics
- Top 12 suppliers at San Francisco Airport in 2026
- Award-winning service
Travel information
Airport travel guide

Hire a car at San Francisco Airport! Then head to the city and drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. From there, go to Fort Mason and the Presidio—the views are beautiful, and there’s plenty to explore, from museums and a wildlife sanctuary to hiking trails and culture and history walks. Then eat at a seafood restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf and tour turn-of-the-century ships at Hyde Street Pier. Check out the art scene and neighborhood bars in the Mission District and Bernal Heights and the panoramic views in Nob Hill.
The city’s surrounded by water, so how about some beach time? You can easily drive your rental to Ocean Beach, China Beach, or Baker Beach. Up for a museum? The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum exhibits contemporary and indigenous art, and everyone will enjoy the hands-on science fun at the Exploratorium.
San Francisco’s a great destination, but the surrounding area has even more to offer. If you've hired your vehicle for a longer period, you can head south to Monterrey and even Los Angeles, explore inland California, or take a road trip to the Pacific Northwest. Picking up your car at San Francisco Airport and dropping it off at a different location is easy. Start planning your vacation today!
San Francisco Airport, first known as Mills Field Municipal Airport, was built in 1927 on a 150-acre cow pasture.
Top international routes
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Seattle
- San Diego
- Las Vegas
- Denver
- Chicago
- Santa Ana
- Boston
- Portland
Main airlines
United Airlines, United Express, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines
Terminals
The four terminals (T1, T2, T3, and International) are all connected by AirTrain, with station departures every 4–5 minutes. It’s also possible to walk between terminals, although parts of T1 are currently under construction.
Location
The airport is 13 mi (21 km) from downtown San Francisco. Highway 101 is the main road connecting San Francisco Airport to the city.
Most popular types of hire car
- Small cars - starting at £40 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £41 per day
- Large cars - starting at £39 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £71 per day
- SUVs - starting at £45 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £77 per day
- Convertibles - starting at £68 per day
Car hire desks
All car hire offices are located in the separate Rental Cars Center (RCC) that can be reached by taking AirTrain Blue Line.
Services and facilities
You’ll find many bars, cafeterias, and restaurants, some serving Mexican and Asian food, as well as a number of duty-free outlets, stores, and gift shops. There are also ATMs, eight lounges, baby care facilities, a children’s play area, a medical clinic, a reading room, a yoga room, spa, reflection room for meditation, hydration station to refill water bottles, aquarium, airport museum, and permanent art exhibitions. You’ll find luggage storage and lockers at the Airport Travel Agency in the main hall of the International terminal. San Francisco Airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.
Nearest petrol station
Costco Gasoline, located at 451 Airport Boulevard, is on the way to the city. It can be reached in less than ten minutes and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on workdays, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Sundays. There are many other gas stations near the airport.
Popular one-way hires
- Berkeley (25 miles / 40 km)
- San Jose (37 miles / 60 km)
- Los Angeles (376 miles / 605 km)
- Sacramento (99 miles / 159 km)
- Santa Rosa (68 miles / 109 km)
- Modesto (94 miles / 151 km)
Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Airport information
Top 3 locations near San Francisco Airport
- Oakland Airportstarting at £41.67 per day17.7 km / 11 miles
- Sacramento International Airportstarting at £37.87 per day137.9 km / 85.69 miles
- Fresno Airportstarting at £42.30 per day253.3 km / 157.39 miles
Map of top car rental locations
When to book at San Francisco Airport and for how long?
In which month is car hire at San Francisco Airport the most affordable?
Prices for hiring a car at San Francisco Airport fluctuate depending on the time of year. This table and graph can help you find the best bargain.
Saver's insights
| Cheapest monthNovember | Most expensive month August | ||
| Average price £36 | A good deal £44 | Cheapest supplier Thrifty | Cheapest car type Large cars |
£30
in January
£36
in February
£35
in March
£36
in April
£37
in May
£35
in June
£42
in July
£43
in August
£35
in September
£36
in October
£28
in November
£36
in December
The best month to hire a car at San Francisco Airport is November — when the average price for a hire is £28.06 per day. This is 21% less than the yearly average and 34% less than hiring a car in August (when the average price is £42.80 per day).
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for and how much in advance you book. Simply type in your dates in the form at the top of the page in order to find out the exact prices.
What time of year sees the highest demand for car hire at San Francisco Airport?
Given the number of users searching for a car at San Francisco Airport, there is a higher probability of travellers hiring a car in April in comparison to hiring a car in in January.
0.4 times in January
0.7 times in February
1.1 times in March
1.4 times in April
1.2 times in May
1.2 times in June
1.1 times in July
1.3 times in August
1.1 times in September
0.9 times in October
0.7 times in November
Same as average in December
For how long do most travellers hire cars for at San Francisco Airport?
How long travellers keep their hire cars varies by the time of year: in July the average hire period is 12 days, while in January, the average hire period is only 8 days.
8 days in January
8 days in February
8 days in March
9 days in April
9 days in May
9 days in June
12 days in July
11 days in August
11 days in September
9 days in October
9 days in November
8 days in December
Car hire information
| 🔥 Popular suppliers | Alamo, Thrifty, FOX, SIXT, Dollar |
| 🚗 Popular car types | SUVs, large cars, medium cars, small cars |
| 🤑 Lowest price | £39 per day |
| 👛 Cheapest supplier | Thrifty |
Most popular car models of suppliers
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUV |
| Alamo | Hyundai Kona | 4 | 2 | SUV |
| FOX | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 1 | Large car |
| FOX | Nissan Versa | 4 | 2 | Medium car |
| Thrifty | Jeep Compass | 5 | 2 | SUV |
| Thrifty | Kia K5 | 4 | 2 | Large car |
| Thrifty | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium car |
| Thrifty | Nissan Frontier | 4 | 3 | Large car |
| FOX | Kia Sportage | 5 | 2 | SUV |
| FOX | Mitsubishi Mirage | 4 | 2 | Small car |
Here's what travellers say about hiring a car at San Francisco Airport
Car Hire Statistics
Top 12 suppliers at San Francisco Airport in 2026












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