San Francisco car hire information
| Pick-up location | San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Convertible, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 96 |
| Airport locations | 27 |
| Popular agencies | Fox, Thrifty, Alamo, Hertz |
Cheap car rentals in San Francisco
| Economy | ₹ 1,784/day |
| Compact | ₹ 1,836/day |
| Intermediate | ₹ 1,889/day |
| Standard | ₹ 2,571/day |
| Full-size | ₹ 1,942/day |
| Minivan | ₹ 2,927/day |
| Full-size SUV | ₹ 4,569/day |
| Luxury | ₹ 3,130/day |
| Convertible | ₹ 3,942/day |
| Intermediate SUV | ₹ 2,155/day |
| Standard SUV | ₹ 2,203/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Francisco
- While driving around the city of San Francisco can prove tricky because of its steep hills and crowded streets, renting a car is a great option for travelers looking to explore other destinations outside the city. Driving is the best way to get to nearby places that are a must in every itinerary, such as the Bay Area, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. For an unforgettable wine tasting experience, drive to Napa Valley, which is only about 50 miles away from San Francisco.
- All the big car rental agencies can be found at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Car Rental Center, which is accessible from all the airport terminals by taking the AirTrain Blue Line service. AirTrain stations are located in all the terminals at the airport. There is also a free shuttle service from the SFO Rental Car Center to other off-site rental car agencies.
- San Francisco is known for its steep hills, and the city center is filled with packed roads, one-way streets, and expensive parking, so you might want to avoid driving in that area. When parking on one of the city's hills, make sure to turn the wheels towards the curb when the car is facing downhill, and turn them away from the curb when the car is facing uphill -- and don't forget to use your parking brake.
- San Francisco is one of the worst cities in the United States when it comes to traffic congestion. Rush hours can easily add one or more hours to your travel time, so take that into consideration and avoid driving into or out of the city between 7:30 and 9 a.m., and 3:30 and 7 p.m. Because of its geographical features, SF can get quite foggy and windy, so make sure you take extra precautions while driving if the weather conditions aren't great.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in San Francisco for ₹ 3,635 or less
- Book your rental car in San Francisco at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in San Francisco are around 85% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Standard rental cars in San Francisco are around -45% cheaper than other car types, on average
San Francisco car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in San Francisco
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Francisco?
A small automatic car, such as a Smart, is the best option because of the city's steep hills, narrow streets, and small parking spots.
What’s the speed limit in San Francisco?
The speed limit in the city is 25 miles per hour, but on urban highways it is set at 55 mph, and on rural highways it is between 65 and 70 mph. The speed limit on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is 45 mph
Where are the best places to park in San Francisco?
Street parking in San Francisco is scarce, and it is typically metered, has a time limit, or both. Depending on demand, meter pricing can range anywhere from between 50 cents an hour to a maximum of about $7 an hour. Parking garages in and around Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf cost about $20 to $40 per day. Parking outside the city is recommended, as it is easy to commute by using the BART or Caltrain railway systems.
How much does it cost to hire a car in San Francisco?
On average a rental car in San Francisco costs ₹ 4,471 per day.
What is the cheapest car hire company in San Francisco?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Fox (₹ 1,784/day), Thrifty (₹ 2,524/day) and Alamo (₹ 3,130/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Fox 435 South Airport Boulevard 94080 (17 kilometres from the city centre).
What is the best car hire company in San Francisco?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San Francisco are Alamo (8.6, 175 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.5, 156 reviews), and Sixt (7.9, 222 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in San Francisco?
The average price of fuel in San Francisco is ₹ 413 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a petrol tank costs between ₹ 4,951 and ₹ 6,602, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in San Francisco?
Standard (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Francisco.
How can I find car hires near me in San Francisco?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in San Francisco?
A Standard car hire in San Francisco costs ₹ 8,916 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in San Francisco?
An Intermediate car hire in San Francisco costs ₹ 4,512 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in San Francisco?
An Economy car hire in San Francisco costs ₹ 4,970 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, cars are most frequently rented at Hertz 780 Mcdonnell Road (18 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in San Francisco?
On average a car hire in San Francisco costs ₹ 31,295 per week (₹ 4,471 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in San Francisco?
On average a car hire in San Francisco costs ₹ 134,123 per month (₹ 4,471 per day).
San Francisco car rental reviews and directory
Alamo
8.6
Very Good
1020 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.3
4 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off were super easy. Great car!Cons:
It would have been nice to pick up my car when I first landed, but it was 12:30 am so they were closed. HAd to come back in the morning to get my car.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Great attention. Car was neat. Quick pick up and return10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
The drop off was great, loved that you end up on the top floor where the people mover is located. Very personable and helpful agent checked me in.Cons:
Going over information about traveling tolls- didnt' even realize there was a fact sheet in the rental agreement folder.9.2 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Cons:
Crumbs on right front seat.Fox
5.8
Fair
1088 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
5.9
One location in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2020
Pros:
Jose was great and super helpful. I also had an incident with lost keys and Philip was incredibly responsive and accommodating especially when there was a mix up.Cons:
The lost and found process could have been more organized/smoother.7.6 Good
Jan 2020
Pros:
the dropoff was quick and easy. Pickup was a 2 hour wait in a line only to find a clerk who didn't know how to handle long-term rentals, and another wait for the manager.Cons:
more help at the pickup line, or better staffing for expected surges.8.4 Very Good
Jan 2020
Pros:
Yes, staff were very helpful.Cons:
At first they offered us a smelly old Toyota RAV from Utah, with the windows open. That was a clue - really smelly. And we wanted a SUV for the all-wheel drive; that one was only 2-wheel drive.2.8 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
Outrageous daily fees for tolls. Did not give me the car I asked for; gave me a car with less comfort and worse mileage.2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
Cheaters3.2 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
This was a horrible experience getting dragged through the coals by car rentals.com and foxCons:
Problem 1: I accidentally submit the rental for two days and I only neede the car one. There was no way to change this even after retuning the car in ) hours I still had to pay for two. Kayak said the car would be fifteen dollars a day... the site recharged me 58 dollars (two days) and the guy at the counter tried to charge me 123 dollars with tacked in charges. How we got to 123 dollars from 15 is mysterious. I had to fight to get the total down to 70 and this still seems like way too much for borrowing a car for 6 hours.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.5
Very Good
862 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.4
11 locations in San Francisco
Locations in San Francisco
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
All the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Cons:
First car's media center wasnt working so they switched us to a comparable car.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff were extremely helpful. I ended up changing my reservation to an earlier time with no cost, then was unable to make it in that early due to unexpected circumstances. They ended up adjusting it so I could bring it back later on my return date, which they didn’t have to do. Staff is very friendly and laid back. Will definitely come back to this location.Cons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
The staff was excellent, extra efficient and professional. The cars they have in their fleet are top notch. Ill be sticking with Enterprise in the future.Cons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Cons:
Excellent experienceSixt
7.5
Good
253 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
7.4
6 locations in San Francisco
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
8.0 Very Good
Sep 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Sep 2023
8.0 Very Good
Nov 2022
8.0 Very Good
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
Budget
7.3
Good
488 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.9
6 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
6.0 Okay
Sep 2023
6.0 Okay
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2022
Avis
7.0
Good
193 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
6.9
6 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing.Cons:
The location was closed when I got there. How was I able to make a reservation at 5pm when the place closes at 5pm? On top of that, I got there at 4:50 p.m and the location was closed. I attempted to go to the airport Avis location and swap my reservation there but the rate was 3x more expensive and the reservation non transferable. Ended up not getting a car and had to cancel all my plans for the weeeknd. On top of all of this, Avis is now charging me a no show fee.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
Couldn't even pick up my car8.0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff at the pickup was very friendly and helpful.Cons:
I was unable to find the return location, tried calling and no answer. Ended up being late by 20 min and getting charged for a whole extra day. The drop off process was pretty bad.Hertz
6.5
Okay
422 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
6.4
14 locations in San Francisco
Locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2022
8.0 Very Good
Dec 2022
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
6.0 Okay
Dec 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2021
Thrifty
6.2
Okay
877 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.1
2 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
Dollar
5.5
Fair
692 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
5.7
5 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Sep 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
The 2 hour wait to pick up the car and having 1 person on duty killed the enjoyment of the rental.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They ran out of cars, we had to wait over an hour to get a vehicle. And the total cost of the car was over $200 more than quoted.National
8.9
Very Good
57 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
9.1
6 locations in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2018
Pros:
Loved every minute of it. Will be back again.2.0 Poor
Sep 2018
Cons:
I’m local to the area, and without a round trip airline ticket, they would not let me rent a vehicle with my debit card.9.6 Wonderful
Sep 2018
Pros:
The car at pickup had almost empty gas but on request, the agent filled it up.Cons:
National should provide pick up service within a few miles.4.8 Mediocre
Aug 2017
Cons:
Was hard to see in the dark garage, but once you got into the sunlight you could see a few dents, and also how dirty the car was. Then, a few miles in the car started saying it was overdue for an oil change, that makes me wonder how well they check these cars over when it's already OVERdue! Not too thrilled about it.6.8 Okay
Jul 2017
Pros:
Everything but the child seatsCons:
Car seats were really bad value for $13/day per piece (we needed 2). They were the cheapest possible seats, it would have been cheaper to just buy them. There was no good solution for a 42lb kid - too young for a booster seat, too big for the car seat. We had to shoehorn her into the available seat. Pickup of the car was good, but the person in charge of car seats was rude and seemed annoyed by my request to see available seats.Europcar
5.7
Fair
32 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
6.1
One location in San Francisco
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2018
Pros:
Friendly staff (shuttle bus driver waited for us)Cons:
Dropoff in San Francisco far away from airport and rental center (used by other brands)2.0 Poor
Feb 2023
2.0 Poor
Jan 2023