San Francisco International Airport car hire

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How much does San Francisco International Airport car hire cost throughout the year?

Our data shows that November is the cheapest month to rent a car from San Francisco International Airport. It’s around 45 € a day in November, compared to the yearly average which is 208 € a day.
Cheapest month avgNovember • 45 €
Yearly avg price208 €

Car hire near San Francisco International Airport

Consider travelling into San Francisco to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in San Francisco from € 31.

The most popular car rental companies in San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily price208 €
Most popular carCompact, Coupe
Cheapest price found31 €
Cheapest month to rentNovember
Providers at San Francisco International Airport16
Most popular providerThrifty
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

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Driving in San Francisco: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need a driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in San Francisco.
Most visitors can use their regular driving licence. If it isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your ID matches your booking and payment card.
Navigating city driving
San Francisco has steep hills, one-way streets and busy junctions.
Navigation apps help you avoid the steepest routes and guide you through the city’s grid. Traffic slows near Union Square and the Embarcadero, especially during peak hours.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Several bridges around San Francisco have tolls.
Tolls are collected electronically and billed to your rental car. The city has no emissions zones, and driving is free apart from parking fees.
Parking your car in San Francisco
Parking is limited in central areas, so car parks are easiest.
Street spaces fill quickly near major attractions. Multi-storey car parks offer safer options around downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Always check signs, as time limits and fees vary.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in San Francisco are widespread.
Petrol stations sit on main roads and in suburbs. The city has many chargers, including fast options in car parks. Apps like PlugShare help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are steady, but hills and traffic need extra attention.
Use low gear on steep descents and take care at four-way stops. Traffic can be heavy downtown, and cable car crossings require caution. Keep speeds steady and watch for quick lane changes.
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Hiring a car at San Francisco International Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from San Francisco International Airport is around 208 € per day.
No. It's a little higher than United States's average daily car rental price, which is around 86 €.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at San Francisco International Airport - including Thrifty, Budget, Hertz, Surprice, National, Enterprise, Movly, Dollar, and Turo.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at San Francisco International Airport we found is 31 €. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from 36 €. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to San Francisco International Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from San Francisco International Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in San Francisco International Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Europcar, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Europcar.
Currently, it looks like Europcar has the cheapest car hire deal in San Francisco International Airport – for 41 € per day. Avis also has car hire deals from 42 € per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from San Francisco International Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from San Francisco International Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van hire is available at San Francisco International Airport from 143 € per day.
When you rent a car near San Francisco International Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at San Francisco International Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at San Francisco International Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at San Francisco International Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.