Car Rental at San Francisco Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
San Francisco Airport
Intermediate SUV
Chevrolet Bolt
or similar
$48.36
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar
$50.19
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Economy
Kia Rio
or similar
$68.44
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Compact
Nissan Versa
or similar
$79.53
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
San Francisco Airport
Full-size
Full-size (Toyota Camry)
or similar
$80.34
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Full-size Elite
Audi A5 Sportback
or similar
$91.69
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Standard Elite SUV
Audi Q3
or similar
$98.66
/ per day
San Francisco Airport
Luxury
Audi A4
or similar
$103.52
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 06:33 on 2024-04-21. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Languages
English, Spanish
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$78 per day
Average car rental length
9 days
Speed limit within town
40 - 48 km/h or 25 - 30 mph
Speed limit out of town
88 - 104 km/h or 55 - 65 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gasoline price
$1.42 per liter or $5.38 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.21 per liter or $4.58 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.83 per liter or $6.93 / 1 gallon
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 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).
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
- Convertibles - from $125 per day
- Large cars - from $48 per day
- Medium cars - from $50 per day
- Vans - from $89 per day
- Premium cars - from $55 per day
- Small cars - from $50 per day
- SUVs - from $48 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.
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)
Fact checked by
Berty and Emily Mandagie
FFact checked and updated by Berty and Emily Mandagie, the Pacific Northwest travel writers and photographers behind TheMandagies.com. They capture the region through digital and film photography, highlighting candid experiences and unstaged moments. Their mission is to make the outdoors more accessible by being a trusted resource for PNW information, inspiration, and creativity.
Airport info
San Francisco Airport (SFO)
- IATA: SFO
- ICAO: KSFO
- Name: San Francisco Airport (SFO)
- Distance from city: 8 miles / 12.9 km
Top 20 Locations near San Francisco Airport
-
17.7 km / 11 miles
-
18.9 km / 11.7 miles
-
48.6 km / 30.2 miles
-
106.1 km / 65.9 miles
-
124.1 km / 77.1 miles
-
137.9 km / 85.7 miles
-
253.3 km / 157.4 miles
-
383.2 km / 238.1 miles
-
402.2 km / 249.9 miles
-
421.8 km / 262.1 miles
-
523.5 km / 325.3 miles
-
524.6 km / 326 miles
-
543.2 km / 337.5 miles
-
543.2 km / 337.5 miles
-
569.1 km / 353.6 miles
-
584.8 km / 363.4 miles
-
598.2 km / 371.7 miles
-
676.6 km / 420.4 miles
-
718.9 km / 446.7 miles
-
747.6 km / 464.5 miles
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at San Francisco Airport?
The cost of renting a car at San Francisco Airport varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day at San Francisco Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at San Francisco Airport is January — when rental costs average $36.47 per day. This is 31% cheaper than the yearly average and 42% cheaper than renting a car in August (when prices average $63.29 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at San Francisco Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in June the average rental period is 10 days, while in January, the average rental period is only 7 days.
Average number of rental days at San Francisco Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at San Francisco Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at San Francisco Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car at San Francisco Airport in August, while they are least likely to rent in in November.
Monthly searches at San Francisco Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Popular suppliers | Dollar, FOX, Thrifty, Alamo, SIXT |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Large cars, Medium cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $48 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Thrifty |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOX | Kia Sportage | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Honda CR-V | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Hyundai Accent | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| FOX | Toyota Corolla | 4 | 1 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Honda Civic | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| FOX | Hyundai Santa Fe | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Alamo | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| FOX | Toyota Camry | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| FOX | Mitsubishi Mirage | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Dollar | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
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 car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
JF
United States of America (USA)
Mitsubishi Mirage
January 3, 2024
Monterey aquarium, sightseeing along the coast.
NS
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Rogue
November 15, 2023
Big Sur Yosemite and Napa Sonoma wine country
FK
Hungary
Nissan Rogue
September 11, 2023
Visiting national parks
EB
Israel
Nissan Rogue
November 26, 2022
A long trip
Too much for writing here
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!
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Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Alamo
9.1 / 10
Lowest rated company
Europcar
6 / 10
Total number of reviews
20
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$77.59
Lowest daily price
$48.36
Total cars available
675
Top 12 Suppliers at San Francisco Airport in 2024
+18443708302
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$85 - $181
+18336350431
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$89 - $198
+18887498227
San Francisco Int. Airport Rental Car Center 780 N McDonnell Rd 94128 San Francisco
$80 - $145
Working hours
Mon:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-01:00; 06:00-23:59
National
+18443708301
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
$91 - $191
+16504666123 / +18007811023
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
Budget
+16508770998
780 Mcdonnell Road
$68 - $139
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
Hertz
+16506246600
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
Avis
+16508776780
780 Mcdonnell Road
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
+18772830898
780 N McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
$48 - $182
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
8664342226
780 Mcdonnell Rd
$50 - $157
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
+14159172713
435 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
$80 - $121
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
435 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
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
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 150k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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