Renting a Car at San Francisco International Airport: The 2023 Guide

7 min readSep 4, 2023

With its iconic landmarks, rolling hills, diverse neighborhoods, and temperate climate, San Francisco entices visitors from around the world. Flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and renting a car allows you to fully explore all the dynamic city has to offer along with popular side trips like Napa Valley, Monterey, and Yosemite.

This guide will outline everything you need to know about securing a rental car from SFO Airport. We’ll cover rental car companies, money-saving tips, choosing the right vehicle, navigating San Francisco by car, and efficiently handling pick-up and drop-off of your rental. Let’s hit the road!

Choosing a SFO Airport Rental Car Company

As one of the busiest airports in the U.S., SFO offers rental counters for all the major national chains as well as some local brands. Choosing the right company comes down to pricing, vehicle selection, and policies that fit your needs.

National Brands at SFO

The major international companies with rental operations at SFO Airport include:

Alamo — Great for unlimited mileage to allow worry-free road tripping
Avis — Renowned for excellent customer loyalty programs
Budget — Part of the Avis family, with very affordable base rates
Dollar — Watch out for add-on fees that increase final cost
Enterprise — Huge assortment of vehicle types and pick-up spots
Hertz — Long-established company with premium vehicle maintenance
National — Upscale sister-brand to Enterprise, with luxury rentals
Thrifty — Deeply discounted base rates but strict mileage limits

Take advantage of any corporate, AAA, AARP, or frequent flyer discounts you may have access to as a member.

Local San Francisco Rental Agencies

Some smaller local brands operating out of SFO include:

AJ Car Rental — Independently owned with shuttle service and exotic car rentals
Bandago — Specializes in passenger and cargo vans for large groups
Fox Rent a Car — Local chain known for adding fees, but very low base rates
Pacific Rent-A-Car — Older vehicles but prices far under major brands
ZipCar — Convenient hourly rentals within the city for quick trips

While fleets are smaller, local agencies can secure cheap deals at SFO.

Rental Car Aggregator Sites

Comparison sites make it easy to find the best rate across multiple companies:

Kayak
Priceline
Expedia
RentalCars.com
CarRentals.com

Always verify full pricing including fees directly on the rental company site after comparing initial rates.

Getting Cheap SFO Airport Rental Car Deals

Scoring an SFO Airport rental bargain takes savvy use of these money-saving strategies:

Book Early For Best Selection

Last minute rentals will have the highest rates. Reserve at least 4 weeks out when discounts appear.

Go Offsite to Avoid Airport Surcharges

Neighborhood rental locations provide cheaper options within shuttle distance of SFO.

Use Discount Codes and Coupons

Reputable sites like CarRentalSavers.com offer valid SFO promo codes to stack on savings.

Skip Unneeded Extras and Insurance

Prepaying fuel and GPS rentals offer minimal savings versus alternatives. Review existing coverage.

Leverage Deals and Loyalty Perks

Compare Total Quote With Taxes/Fees

A cheap base rate could end up costlier after tacked-on airport taxes and insurance costs.

Picking the Right SFO Rental Car

Important factors like group size and road trip plans help determine the ideal SFO Airport rental:

Economy/Compact Cars

Best low-cost option for 1–2 travelers with limited luggage needs. Models like the Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris maximize fuel efficiency.

Midsize/Intermediate Cars

Allow a bit more leg room and cargo space over compact rentals for 2–4 travelers. Cars like the Nissan Sentra or Honda Civic are popular.

Full Size Cars

Accommodate families with capacity for 5 in spacious sedans like the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima.

Passenger Vans

Large 12–15 passenger vans like the Ford Transit provide affordable group travel for bigger parties with ample room for luggage.

Luxury/Premium Rentals

Treat yourself to high-end brands like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus with luxury features.

SUVs and Minivans

Larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander or Chevy Suburban offer abundant passenger and cargo room.

Avoid oversizing your rental to minimize spending more on gas and parking than necessary.

Navigating San Francisco by Car

Driving San Francisco’s famous hills and winding streets can be daunting for newcomers. Use these navigation pointers:

Download Offline Maps

Navigation apps like Google Maps let you pre-load maps to access without cell service, which gets spotty in some areas.

Time Traffic Over Bridges

Congestion frequently clogs the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and other SFO corridors during rush hour.

Take Curvy Roads Slow

Use caution on narrow, winding paths like Lombard Street. Allow extra drive time getting across the city.

Watch for Changing Parking Rules

Street parking hours and pricing fluctuates widely — closely check meter and permit signs wherever you park.

Leave Extra Distance on Hills

San Francisco’s steep hills make standard following distances dangerous. Leave ample room so you don’t roll back into another car.

Plan for Parking Costs

Parking is notoriously expensive downtown. Use apps like SpotHero to find discounted garage parking rates.

Add-Ons to Consider for SFO Rentals

Basic rental insurance leaves gaps where supplemental coverage might bring peace of mind:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Covers your liability for damage from an accident, which is likely on congested Bay Area roads.

Supplemental Liability Protection

In a major at-fault accident, additional liability coverage protects you from potentially huge injury lawsuit payouts.

Personal Effects Coverage

Reimburses stolen items from your rental, since car break-ins unfortunately occur.

Roadside Assistance Plan

Especially helpful for long drives. Provides 24/7 help with lock-outs, flat tires, jumps starts and towing.

Toll Pass or Plate

Avoids having to stop to pay bridge tolls in cash, saving hassle and time.

Evaluate your own insurance policies before deciding if extra rental protection makes sense.

Picking Up and Returning Your SFO Rental

A seamless rental experience starts with best practices at the counter:

Have Valid Driver’s License Ready

Present a driver’s license with any required endorsements for the vehicle class you’re renting. Double check the expiration.

Take Time to Inspect the Vehicle

Note any prior damage before leaving the lot by taking 5–10 minutes to look over every side. This can prevent bogus damage claims.

Review Fuel Options

Verify whether you must return the tank full, or can refill yourself later. Top off just before dropping off to skip inflated refueling fees.

Allow Extra Return Time

Give yourself 60–90 minutes buffer before your flight to accommodate traffic delays and check-in lines without rushing.

Take Timestamped Return Photos

Photos proving the vehicle’s condition and where it was parked upon return protect against unfair charges for damage or location.

FAQs

Still have questions about navigating SFO car rentals? Here are some quick answers:

What is the minimum age to rent a car at SFO Airport?

The minimum age for most rental providers is 21 years old. Additional daily fees apply for drivers under 25.

What payment do I need for an SFO Airport rental car?

A major credit card in your name must be presented — debit cards, cash, and prepaid cards are generally not accepted.

Is it cheaper to take Uber/Lyft instead of renting a car in San Francisco?

For more than 2–3 rides, a rental car usually saves substantially over rideshares.

Do SF Airport rental car rates include taxes and fees?

Typically no — you’ll pay an extra 15–25% on top of the base rate for taxes, concession recovery fees, and required insurance.

Should I book an SFO Airport rental car far in advance?

Yes, booking at least 4 weeks out will secure you the best rates. Last minute walk-ups have the highest pricing.

Driving Outside San Francisco With Your Rental

A rental car from SFO makes popular side trips like Napa wine touring, coastal drives to Monterey and Carmel, and Yosemite adventures easily accessible. Keep these road trip tips in mind:

Pack Layers and Snacks

Northern California’s climate varies widely from coast to mountains. Bring layers and plenty of snacks in case you get stranded.

Don’t Rely on Cell Service

Some remote areas like Big Sur and Yosemite have zones with no cell coverage. Download offline maps ahead of time.

Research Parking Options

When visiting congested cities like San Francisco and Napa, research parking costs and availability at garages in advance.

Avoid Dirt Roads

Stay on paved roads only, as rental agreements prohibit travel on unpaved backroads and off-roading.

Watch for Wildlife Near Mountains

Animals like deer are active near mountain roads. Slow down and be alert, especially at dawn and dusk when visibility is low.

With the keys to a rental car from SFO, you can venture beyond San Francisco to experience the diversity of Northern California’s iconic landscapes and endless attractions.

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