Car Rental at San Francisco Airport

Airport travel guide

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 four 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.
• Exploratorium. An interactive museum of technology, arts, and science, the Exploratorium is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions for the whole family. Divided into several topical galleries that are there to entertain as well as educate, the museum welcomes more than one million visitors every year. Visit the Exploratorium’s website to learn more. 

Top international routes

• Los Angeles
• New York City
• San Diego
• Seattle
• Denver
• Las Vegas
• Burbank
• Boston
• Phoenix
• Chicago

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 which is expected to be finished in 2024 or 2025.

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.

If you are getting to SFO without a car, Bart Rapid Rail has a direct route to the airport. The BART station for the airport is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (on the G Gates side).

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from €44 per day
• Medium cars - from €44 per day
• Large cars - from €42 per day
• Premium cars - from €50 per day
• SUVs - from €45 per day
• Convertibles - from €75 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. The train operates 24 hours a day, however, check your rental supplier’s hours to make sure they’ll be open for your arrival.

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

If you're a Costco member, a Costco station, 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. For example, an Arco station is located at the first exit west of Highway 101.

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)