How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Francisco
In search of a cheap rental car in San Francisco? With an average price of 109 € a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the top deals to help you spend less.
31 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in San Francisco.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from 216 € and pack in more adventures.
Get the timing right and book around one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a San Francisco car hire.
Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you go with Thrifty or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your San Francisco car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some great one-way prices on a car for rent in San Francisco.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at 72 € a day.
In second position is this provider, offering daily rates of around 72 €.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 101 € a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in San Francisco.
Flying to San Francisco? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at San Francisco International Airport. If you're flying to San Francisco through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 21 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Francisco
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Francisco gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this San Francisco car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in San Francisco that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different San Francisco car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in San Francisco.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
If the kids are coming with you, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your San Francisco car rental booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending here. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
Best hotels in San Francisco for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Nob Hill Inn. Offering accessible parking as well as express check-in and luggage storage, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central San Francisco.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco also works well for a trip built around driving. It features valet parking, along with a daily newspaper service and billiards. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in San Francisco for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to get out and explore now you've locked in a car hire deal in San Francisco and your hotel. From Golden Gate Bridge to Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Francisco
Around 64 kilometres southeast of central San Francisco, San Jose should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Popular accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in San Francisco and travel roughly 48 kilometres southeast to Fremont. Featuring Flight 93 Memorial and Mission Peak Regional Preserve, it's every bit as good as advertised.
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark-Fremont and Courtyard Newark Silicon Valley are comfortable places to stay in Fremont if you're sticking around for a bit. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Stockton, about 105 kilometres east of San Francisco. Make your first stop Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade, then head to Historic Bob Hope Theatre.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel and Red Roof Inn Stockton have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Stockton.
