How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Francisco International (SFO)
Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap San Francisco International rental car. Choose from options averaging £180 a day and go where you want for less.
Daily rental prices at San Francisco International start from just £27.
Planning an extended stay in San Francisco and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? £185 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To get the cheapest price, book your SFO car hire around one week in advance.
Find your perfect ride with Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz, some of the most reliable providers at San Francisco International.
The coverage Dollar or another company offers for your San Francisco International car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in SFO by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in San Francisco International that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging £81 a day.
Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around £80.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly £95 a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle at SFO.
Compare car hire types from San Francisco International (SFO)
Small: These cheap San Francisco International rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this SFO car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in San Francisco International that can handle the big jobs. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your SFO car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in San Francisco International by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher rate, so always check the terms before confirming your ride.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your SFO car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas and 110kph (70mph) or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or use public transport instead.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and excursions. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SFO car hire, you're in control when it comes to your next move. If central San Francisco is your first stop, it's around 21 kms (13 miles) north of the airport and a drive of about 25 minutes.
Driving from San Francisco International to the centre in peak travel times can take up to 50 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in San Francisco instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Francisco International (SFO)
You'll want to take in the major attractions in San Francisco before you do anything else. Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square will kick off your adventure in style.
San Jose has to be on your itinerary if you want to see Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive. This city is around 56 kms (35 miles) southeast of SFO.
Alternatively, take the wheel of your San Francisco International car hire and travel around 32 kms (20 miles) east to Fremont. Featuring Flight 93 Memorial and Mission Peak Regional Preserve, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Stockton is a popular road trip destination that's around 105 kms (65 miles) east of SFO. Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade and Historic Bob Hope Theatre are ideal pit stops.
