Car Rental at San Francisco Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Economy
Toyota Yaris
or similar
$102.78
per day
Intermediate
Mazda 3
or similar
$125.20
per day
Compact
Hyundai Accent
or similar
$142.43
per day
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar
$149.75
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Standard
VW Jetta
or similar
$152.15
/ per day
Premium
BMW 2 Series
or similar
$164.07
/ per day
Full-size Elite
Infiniti Q50
or similar
$188.71
/ per day
Luxury Elite
Mercedes Benz GLE
or similar
$317.26
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 03:01 on 2022-05-23. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English
Currency
USD
Country code
1
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
72 - 120 km/h
45 - 75 mi/h
Speed limit within town
40 - 120 km/h
25 - 75 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Airport Car Rental
Unlike any other place, San Francisco is among the most visited cities in the United States. Landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge are recognized all across the world, but the city is also home to unique neighborhoods and a very active cultural and entertainment scene. With that in mind, these are three of San Francisco’s most interesting attractions:
- The Golden Gate Bridge. Although only 1.7 miles long (2.7 km), the Golden Gate Bridge has dominated the imaginations of visitors of the city, as well as artists and filmmakers for decades — it is probably the only bridge in the world that has a Wikipedia article dedicated just to its cultural influence. So if you’ve rented a car in San Francisco, crossing this prominent landmark is the quintessential experience of the city. The bridge connects San Francisco with neighboring Marin County.
- Fisherman's Wharf. Also located in the northern part of the city (and only about a ten-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge), the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood is probably the most visited neighborhood in the city. Known for its long waterfront and piers, as well as the emblematic streetcars and cable cars, the area is also home to landmarks like the Exploratorium, an interactive science center, as well as the Aquarium of the Bay.
- The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Located in the busy South-of-Market (or simply SoMa) neighborhood which is just to the south of Fisherman’s Wharf, this is one of the best modern art museums in the country. The relatively small and carefully-curated collection includes works by practically all of the most notable American artists of the 20th century, as well as foreign masters like Matisse and Magritte. Visit the SF MOMA’s official website to learn more.
Top international routes
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Las Vegas
- New York City
- Denver
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 rental car
- Convertibles - from $214 per day
- Large cars - from $164 per day
- Medium cars - from $149 per day
- Vans - from $146 per day
- Premium cars - from $169 per day
- Small cars - from $142 per day
- SUVs - from $209 per day
Car rental desks
All car rental 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 gas 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 rentals
- Los Angeles (384 mi / 618 km)
- Las Vegas (571 mi / 919 km)
- San Diego (503 mi / 809 km)
- Reno (229 mi / 368 km)
- Oakland (23 mi / 37 km)
- Fresno (188 mi / 302 km)
Airport info
San Francisco Airport (SFO)
- IATA: SFO
- ICAO: KSFO
- Name: San Francisco Airport (SFO)
- Size: Large Airport
- Passengers (per year): 55,832,518
- Distance from City: 8 miles / 12.9 km SE of town
- Working hours: 24 hours a day
Top 20 Locations near San Francisco Airport
-
Car Rental in San Francisco South from $30.75 per day14.7 km / 9.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Oakland Airport from $98.18 per day17.1 km / 10.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at San Jose Airport from $107.16 per day62.5 km / 38.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport from $149.43 per day88.3 km / 54.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Sacramento International Airport from $140.11 per day123.5 km / 76.7 miles away
-
Car Rental at Monterey Airport from $153.46 per day141.9 km / 88.2 miles away
-
Car Rental at Fresno Airport from $121.94 per day262.3 km / 163.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Mammoth Lakes Airport from $163.94 per day313.2 km / 194.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Arcata-Eureka Airport from $81.40 per day384.4 km / 238.8 miles away
-
Car Rental at Meadows Field Airport from $108.85 per day396.4 km / 246.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at Santa Barbara Airport from $95.52 per day438.3 km / 272.4 miles away
-
Car Rental at Burbank Airport from $95.52 per day539.2 km / 335.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at Los Angeles Airport from $87.47 per day558.3 km / 346.9 miles away
-
Car Rental in Westchester from $47.88 per day558.7 km / 347.1 miles away
-
Car Rental at Long Beach Airport from $103.62 per day584.0 km / 362.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Ontario Airport from $97.24 per day598.5 km / 371.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at John Wayne Airport from $94.91 per day612.9 km / 380.9 miles away
-
Car Rental at Palm Springs Airport from $96.82 per day689.4 km / 428.3 miles away
-
Car Rental at San Diego Airport from $96.82 per day733.9 km / 456.0 miles away
-
Car Rental at San Diego Cross Border Xpress from $48.76 per day762.6 km / 473.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices cheapest at San Francisco Airport?
The cost of renting a car at San Francisco Airport depends on the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best deal.
Average Rental Price at San Francisco Airport
The cheapest time of the year to rent a vehicle at San Francisco Airport is October when prices for an Economy class start from $39.71. You can see that this is 31% cheaper than the yearly average and 57% cheaper than renting a car in August (when rental prices start at $91.39 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price. But remember that these are average numbers. The exact cost of your rental will depend on your rental length and on how far in advance you book the car. Enter your travel dates at the top of the page to see exact prices and offers!
What’s the most popular rental length at San Francisco Airport?
Travel length differs from one month to another: in November the average rental period is 12 days, while in July, the average rental period is only 6 days.
Average Rental Length
Which is the busiest car rental month at San Francisco Airport?
Travelers are most likely to rent a car at San Francisco Airport in July, while the fewest number of travelers rent in November.
Popularity by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europcar | Jeep Compass | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Europcar | Nissan Versa | 4 | 3 | Medium cars |
| FOX | Kia Sportage | 5 | 4 | SUVs |
| Europcar | Dodge Journey | 5 | 4 | SUVs |
| FOX | Toyota Camry | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| FOX | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 1 | Large cars |
| Europcar | Dodge Grand Caravan | 5 | 3 | Vans |
| FOX | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| FOX | Nissan Versa | 4 | 3 | Medium cars |
FAQ
I am neither American nor Canadian; will I need to purchase insurance at the rental desk.?
If you search on our website using your country of residence, the search results will only include offers for international renters, all of which include basic coverage like a collision damage waiver, theft protection, and third-party insurance. We suggest that you purchase our Full Coverage to cover the deductible of the basic coverage.
What is the minimum age at which you are allowed to rent a car in California?
In California, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Note that drivers under 25 are almost always charged an additional young driver fee.
Will I need an International Driving Permit if I am not from the US?
If your license is in English, you will not need an IDP at SFO. However, if your license is in any other language, you most likely will need to have an International Driving Permit in addition to your driver's license.
Is sales tax included in the rental rates shown on the website?
Yes, state sales tax for California and the local sales tax for San Francisco are included in the rental rates shown. Other taxes like the tourism tax may not be included, though. Be sure to check the rental conditions to find out what is and isn't included for the car of your choice.
Are one-way rentals possible from San Francisco Airport?
Yes, it is possible to pick up a car at SFO and drop it off somewhere else. The most popular one-way rental route is to Los Angeles. There is an additional fee for this service which depends both on the company and car you choose. You can search for the place you would like to drop off the car on our website and the prices will include this fee to make for easy comparison.
Can I add additional drivers to the rental contract?
Yes, you may request to add additional drivers on the booking page. If you do not do so at the time of booking, you may also request such at the rental desk. Keep in mind that all requirements for the main driver will also apply to any additional drivers including the additional fee for young and senior drivers.
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
CS
Hong Kong
Toyota Corolla
February 20, 2022
very good rental!
AO
United Kingdom
Toyota Corolla
December 12, 2019
SF was fun, and driving out to Yosemite made for a wonderful trip. Renting a car there is horrendously expensive though.
AG
Thailand
Toyota Corolla
October 22, 2019
I rent a car at the San Francisco Airport because that is where I fly into. What I don't like is all the tax's I have to pay. The taxes came to 1/3 of my car rental. But I guess there's not to much the car rental companies can do about that.
GJ
United Kingdom
Ford Explorer 5+2
June 27, 2019
Although I booked car hire in San Francisco, I drove out of the city to other destinations, so cannot comment too much driving around in the city.
MM
United States of America (USA)
Kia Forte
May 1, 2019
Great city, tons of things to see and do
HS
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
April 24, 2019
You don't need a car to drive around San Francisco - public transport is great and parking is very expensive. It's well worth hiring one to drive out to Yosemite though!
Top 11 Suppliers at San Francisco Airport in 2022
+18443708302
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$152 - $294
+16504666123
1288 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010
Working hours
Mon:10:00-18:00
Tue:10:00-18:00
Wed:10:00-18:00
Thu:10:00-18:00
Fri:10:00-18:00
Sat:10:00-18:00
Sun:10:00-18:00
+18443708301
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$163 - $304
+18336350431
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$317 - $317
+18887498227
San Francisco Int. Airport Rental Car Center 780 N McDonnell Rd 94128 San Francisco
$150 - $337
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
+16509525543 / +13172487251 / +16507317266
820 Malcolm Road. CA 94010
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-18:00
Fri:08:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-16:00
Sun:08:00-16:00
+18664342226
780 McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128, USA
$125 - $143
Working hours
Mon:06:30-22:00
Tue:06:30-22:00
Wed:06:30-22:00
Thu:06:30-22:00
Fri:06:30-22:00
Sat:06:30-22:00
Sun:06:30-22:00
Thrifty
+18772830898
780 Mcdonnell Rd
$138 - $227
Working hours
Mon:06:30-22:00
Tue:06:30-22:00
Wed:06:30-22:00
Thu:06:30-22:00
Fri:06:30-22:00
Sat:06:30-22:00
Sun:06:30-22:00
+16506517145
1409 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010
$142 - $348
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-16:00
Fri:08:00-16:00
Sat:08:00-16:00
Sun:08:00-16:00
+14159172713 / +18002254369
780 N. McDonnell Road, San Francisco.
$103 - $138
Working hours
Mon:05:00-00:30
Tue:05:00-00:30
Wed:05:00-00:30
Thu:05:00-00:30
Fri:05:00-00:30
Sat:05:00-00:30
Sun:05:00-00:30
+14159172713
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$160 - $160
Working hours
Mon:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-00:30; 05:00-23:59