Ready to hit the road? Use the search form above to find real-time deals in San Francisco. Select your pick-up location (downtown, SFO area, or anywhere in the Bay), choose your dates, and in seconds you’ll see offers from all the major car rental brands in town. From compact cars for zipping through city traffic to roomy SUVs for a family trip to Muir Woods, we’ve got it all. Our booking system is super easy, filter by vehicle type, compare prices, and reserve in under 2 minutes. Most rentals require no pre-payment and offer free cancellation, so you can lock in a great rate now risk-free.
Welcome to San Francisco, a city of iconic hills, bridges, and endless adventures. From the winding Lombard Street to the stunning vistas of the Golden Gate, having your own rental car unlocks the entire Bay Area at your feet. Skip the tour bus schedules and crowded BART trains, with a rental car, you’re free to explore on your own terms. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in SF. We combine cheap rental deals with insider knowledge so you can save money and navigate San Francisco’s roads like a pro. Whether you’re planning to drive down Highway 1, venture out to Napa Valley’s vineyards, or just need convenient wheels for a business trip, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and at a price that won’t break the bank.
San Francisco’s charm isn’t limited to the city blocks of Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. Renting a car lets you:
Our San Francisco Car Rental Advantages
Top San Francisco Car Rental Deals
(Note: Rates vary by date and demand. “From” prices are generally found for off-peak times or with early bookings. Always search your exact dates to see current pricing.)
Driving in San Francisco: What to Know
San Francisco driving is an adventure of its own, you’ll navigate bustling city streets, sharp hills, and scenic highways. Here are key tips for a safe and smooth ride in SF:
Traffic & Rush Hours: Expect heavy traffic on weekdays during rush hour (approximately 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM) as commuters flow in and out of the city via the Bay Bridge and freeways. Downtown streets like Van Ness and Lombard can also clog up during peak times. Use a GPS or traffic app to find the best routes and avoid peak congestion when possible. If you can, plan to drive between 10 AM and 3 PM to skip the worst jams. And remember: many highways have carpool (HOV) lanes that you can use if you have 2+ people in the car, a big time-saver when crossing the Bay or heading down US-101. But don’t even think about sneaking in solo; fines for HOV violations are steep in California.
Parking in the City: Parking in San Francisco can be challenging and sometimes costly. In busy areas like Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, or Union Square, garages and lots will be your best bet (expect ~$3–$7/hour or $20–$40/day in tourist spots). Street parking exists but always read the signs, many neighborhoods have street cleaning once a week (you’ll get ticketed or towed if you’re in the way), and some residential areas require permits. On steep hills, always curb your wheels when you park, turn them into the curb when facing downhill, and out toward the street when facing uphill, it’s actually required by law in SF and you will get a ticket if you forget. Also, never leave valuables visible in the car; car break-ins, while not as rampant as rumors suggest, do happen. Secure your belongings in the trunk and park in well-lit areas, especially overnight.
Toll Bridges & Payments: The Bay Area has several toll bridges (Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, etc.). Notably, entering San Francisco via the Golden Gate or Bay Bridge requires a toll, but there are no cash booths. Tolls are charged electronically via FasTrak or license plate. Rental cars are typically registered for automatic toll billing, the bridge toll will be billed to your rental agreement (the rental company will charge your credit card later, usually with a small admin fee). To avoid extra fees, you can also pay tolls yourself online within 48 hours of crossing (for Golden Gate, for example). If you plan to drive a lot of toll roads, consider asking the rental counter about a toll pass device to cover all fees upfront.
Hills & Driving Etiquette: San Francisco’s hills are famous, and formidable. If you’re not used to steep grades, take it slow and leave extra space for cars ahead when climbing hills. On downhills, shift to a lower gear to avoid overusing your brakes. Always yield to the city’s historic cable cars, they have the right of way, and they stop in the middle of streets to load passengers. Be cautious of cyclists, especially in areas like Market Street and the Marina, where biking is popular. And one quirky local rule: at many intersections without marked crosswalks, all four corners count as crosswalks by default, meaning pedestrians can appear from any corner. So keep your eyes peeled and give walkers the right of way (California law is strict about this).
Fuel & Gas Stations: Gas prices in San Francisco are often among the highest in the U.S. (currently around $4 to $5 per gallon for regular). It’s cheapest to fill up outside the city if you venture to the suburbs. Most rentals come with a full-to-full fuel policy, you receive the car with a full tank, and you should refill it just before returning. Do this! If you return even a few gallons short, the rental company will charge a premium per gallon. Luckily, there are gas stations near most drop-off points (e.g. around SFO airport or downtown); keep your receipt just in case. One tip: if you’re driving into San Francisco from outside, consider fueling up in Oakland or Daly City where prices tend to be a bit lower than in the heart of SF.
Road Trip Ideas from San Francisco
One of the best parts of renting a car in San Francisco is the ability to embark on incredible road trips. Here are three amazing drives showcasing different sides of California, consider them for your itinerary:
Pacific Coast Highway (San Francisco to Los Angeles), The Ultimate Coastal Journey
Distance: ~500 miles if you follow the scenic coastal route (plan 2–3 days one-way).
Route: Begin in San Francisco and head south on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). You’ll drive along the Pacific shoreline through Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and onward. The most famous stretch starts after San Luis Obispo as Highway 1 winds through Big Sur all the way down to San Simeon. Continue through Santa Barbara and Malibu, ending in the Los Angeles area.
Highlights: This drive is world-renowned for its scenery. Soon after leaving SF, you can stop at the Monterey Peninsula, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or stroll historic Cannery Row. Don’t miss the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, where you’ll see the Lone Cypress and multimillion-dollar estates by the sea. As you enter Big Sur, get ready for jaw-dropping views: the road clings to cliffs above the ocean, with redwood forests on one side and the Pacific on the other. Pull over at Bixby Creek Bridge for an iconic photo, watch elephant seals lounging near Piedras Blancas, and take in McWay Falls (a waterfall onto a beach) at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Further south, enjoy the artsy town of Cambria and the grand Hearst Castle in San Simeon. By the time you reach Santa Barbara, you’ll be in palm-lined Southern California heaven, a great place to overnight with its Spanish mission and urban wine trail. The final leg through Malibu offers coastal panoramas and maybe a celebrity sighting. Every twist of this route reveals something new, so take your time, there’s a reason people call Highway 1 through Big Sur one of the most beautiful drives on Earth.
Tips: Plan for 1–2 overnight stops so you’re not rushed (Big Sur has few accommodations, so many travelers stay in Monterey/Carmel or Cambria and do Big Sur as a daytime drive). Check road conditions before you go, landslides sometimes close parts of Highway 1, especially in winter (if so, you can detour inland to US-101 for that section). Fuel up in Monterey or Morro Bay; gas stations are sparse (and pricey) in Big Sur. Cell phone service will be very limited on the remote stretches, so download maps offline. Drive carefully and be patient, summer traffic and slow RVs can mean a leisurely pace, but that just gives you more time to soak in the views. And remember, don’t rush. This journey is as much about the drive as the destination.
Sierra Nevada Adventure (San Francisco to Yosemite National Park), From City to High Sierra
Distance: ~200 miles to Yosemite Valley (about 4–5 hours drive nonstop).
Route: Leave San Francisco via the Bay Bridge (I-80) or San Mateo Bridge (Hwy 92) and connect to I-580/I-205 east toward Manteca. From there, take CA-120 east straight into Yosemite National Park (entering via the Big Oak Flat Entrance). CA-120 will lead you all the way to Yosemite Valley. (Alternative route: take I-580 to I-5 north and CA-120 east, roughly the same distance.)*
Highlights: This trip takes you from urban Bay Area to the natural splendor of Yosemite. Along the way, you’ll traverse the fertile Central Valley, consider a pit stop in a classic farm town like Oakdale (the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World”) for a bite or to see a bit of Old West charm. As you climb into the Sierra foothills, you’ll pass gold rush towns such as Groveland, where you might pause at a historic saloon before entering Yosemite. Once inside the park, prepare to be awe-struck: driving into Yosemite Valley, you’ll come through a tunnel with a legendary view (Tunnel View) that unveils El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once, an unforgettable panorama. On the valley floor, you can park and walk to sights like Yosemite Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the world), the Merced River beaches, or trailheads for famous hikes (if you have time). Every direction you look, there’s a postcard scene, towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and perhaps grazing deer. If you’re staying overnight, enjoy a sunset with the granite turning golden.
Tips: Yosemite is extremely popular, so reservations for park entry or lodging may be required in peak summer, check the National Park Service website ahead of time. If you’re doing a day trip in summer, start very early from SF to arrive in the morning, as parking in the valley fills up fast. Within the park, obey the speed limits (25-35 mph), not just for safety, but to avoid wildlife collisions (keep eyes peeled for bears or coyotes crossing). Fuel up before the park (in Groveland or Oakdale), since gas inside is scarce and expensive. If traveling in winter or early spring, carry tire chains, snow and ice can appear at higher elevations, and chain controls are enforced when needed. Lastly, consider staying a night (or two) in or around Yosemite if you can, it allows you to experience the park’s magic at dawn and dusk without a long same-day drive back.
Lake Tahoe via Gold Country (San Francisco to Lake Tahoe), Beach Bliss to Alpine Adventure
Distance: ~220 miles to South Lake Tahoe (4–5 hours drive).
Route: From San Francisco, take I-80 East through Sacramento (the state capital, roughly 90 miles from SF). Continue on I-80 into the Sierra Nevada. If you’re headed to North Lake Tahoe (Truckee, Tahoe City), stay on I-80. For South Lake Tahoe, at Sacramento you can switch to US-50 East (Lincoln Hwy) which leads through Placerville and over Echo Summit down to South Lake Tahoe. Both routes are scenic; one goes via historic gold rush areas, the other more via Donner Pass. You can even go up one way and return the other for a loop.
Highlights: Sacramento makes a great first stop, check out Old Sacramento’s riverfront historic district or the California State Railroad Museum if time permits. As you climb into the mountains, you’ll pass through California’s “Gold Country.” Along US-50, towns like Placerville (once known as “Hangtown” in Gold Rush days) offer a glimpse of the 1850s with antique shops and western architecture. Farther up, you’ll drive through pine forests and might detour to see Apple Hill (near Camino) if it’s autumn, famous for orchards and pie shops. Approaching Tahoe, the air cools and suddenly the brilliant blue of Lake Tahoe appears. Lake Tahoe is breathtaking, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, straddling California and Nevada. In summer, you can enjoy swimming or kayaking in the crystal-clear water at beaches like Sand Harbor or Emerald Bay. In winter, this route becomes a ski adventure with resorts like Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar. The drive itself offers stunning vistas, especially if you descend into South Lake Tahoe via Echo Summit on US-50, you’ll get a sweeping view of the lake as you come down.
Tips: Weather can vary greatly. In winter, always check road conditions, snow is common and both I-80 (Donner Pass) and US-50 can require chains or close temporarily during big storms. In summer, watch for weekend traffic, Tahoe is a hot destination, so leaving early is wise. There are plenty of places to stop and stretch, don’t miss Emerald Bay State Park on the southwest shore for a postcard view of the lake and Fannette Island. If you have time, driving the road that circles the entire lake (~72 miles) is a worthy excursion on its own, with highlights like King’s Beach, Incline Village, and the dramatic eastern shore. Lastly, keep in mind that at Lake Tahoe’s elevation (6,200+ feet) the sun is strong, have sunscreen and stay hydrated. This road trip shows off California’s diversity, from cityscape to valley farmland to mountain peaks, all in one day’s drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area do have toll roads/bridges, but it’s manageable. Major tolls you might encounter are bridge tolls: Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge (to Oakland), San Mateo Bridge, Richmond Bridge, etc. These tolls range roughly from $6 to $8 depending on the bridge and time of day. There are no toll booths, everything is electronic. If you drive a rental through, two things can happen: (1) The rental company’s toll program will automatically cover it and charge your credit card on file. Most rentals come enrolled in something like PlatePass. Typically, you’ll pay the actual toll plus a convenience fee (commonly ~$3-5 for each day you use a toll, capped at a max amount). (2) Alternatively, you can pay the toll online yourself (for Golden Gate, for example, you can do a one-time payment online within 48 hours of crossing). If you plan to use a lot of toll roads, using the rental’s toll program is easiest, just be aware of the fee. To avoid any surprises, ask at the rental counter how they handle tolls. And definitely don’t just not pay, running a toll without payment will result in the rental company getting a violation notice, and they’ll charge you that plus an extra hefty admin fee. We’d rather you save money, so pay via the provided system or ahead of time online. Pro tip: Golden Gate Bridge toll is only charged southbound (heading into the city). Leaving SF northbound is free. Bay Bridge toll is only westbound (heading into SF). So you’re typically only paying one-way when coming into San Francisco.
Yes, many rental locations in San Francisco will accept a debit card, but expect some additional requirements. Generally, the debit card must have a Visa or MasterCard logo and be in the renter’s name. You’ll likely need to provide a larger security deposit (often $200 + the cost of the rental, which will be held on your account). Some companies require a round-trip travel itinerary (e.g. proof of a return flight) if using a debit card, to ensure you’re an out-of-town renter. You may also need to show extra identification, like a passport or a second form of ID, and pass a soft credit check at the counter. Policies vary: for example, Enterprise might allow debit cards at airport locations if you have your flight details, while Hertz could require two forms of ID. One thing to note: if you use a debit card, that hold amount will tie up those funds in your bank account, and it can take a few days after drop-off for the hold to release. Credit cards are smoother because they don’t immediately remove cash from your account. If you only have a debit card, just come prepared, call the specific location ahead of time to verify their policy, bring the documents they need, and ensure you have enough funds available for the deposit hold. It’s absolutely doable, we see many renters use debit cards, it just might take a bit longer at the counter for the paperwork.
You’re in luck, the Bay Area is surrounded by great drives. Some favorites: Highway 1 down the coast to Santa Cruz and Monterey (stunning ocean views, this is the start of the longer Pacific Coast Highway trip). Mount Tamalpais & Muir Woods Loop, head over the Golden Gate into Marin County; the Panoramic Highway up Mt. Tam offers incredible vistas of SF Bay and you can swing by Muir Woods to see redwoods. Napa Valley’s Silverado Trail, if wine country is your thing, driving from Napa to Calistoga on this scenic route is pure bliss (vineyards, rolling hills, and plenty of winery stops). 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, a bit further (about 2 hours south near Monterey), but this famous toll road winds along a gorgeous coastline with cliff-top mansions and golf courses (look out for the Lone Cypress tree, an icon). If you want a quick escape, try Skyline Boulevard (CA-35) along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains, starting about 30 minutes south of SF, it’s a winding forested drive with viewpoints over the Pacific and Silicon Valley. Another unique one: Point Reyes National Seashore, about 1.5 hours north, but the drive out Sir Francis Drake Blvd to the lighthouse is scenic and you might see tule elk or dairy farms along the way. And of course, if you have a full day, Yosemite is about 4 hours east, an epic drive for epic scenery. These drives are all accessible with a standard rental car. We detail a few longer road trips in the section above, so scroll up for more inspiration. No matter which direction you head, there’s something amazing within a few hours of San Francisco, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Beyond the usual California rules (seat belts required, no handheld phone use while driving, etc.), San Francisco has a few quirks. We mentioned one: curb your wheels on hills, it’s not just advice, it’s the law (they really enforce it with tickets). Also, in residential areas, you might see signs for “Residential Parking Permit” zones, as a visitor, you can park there but only for the posted time (usually 2 hours) before you must move; these are enforced on weekdays to prevent all-day parking by non-residents. San Francisco is serious about “blocking the box”, if the light turns red and you’re stuck in the intersection, you can get a fine; so don’t enter on yellow unless you’re sure you can clear it. Another local thing: some intersections have no stop signs or signals; by default, treat it as a four-way stop (the vehicle on the right has right-of-way). Watch out for transit-only lanes (marked by red paint on some downtown streets), cars generally shouldn’t drive in or park in those, they’re for buses and taxis. If you venture outside SF, note that California law requires you to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles on the roadside, so if you see flashing lights on the shoulder, safely merge away or slow. Also, if you’re driving on multi-lane roads, remember slower traffic stays to the right, the leftmost lane is for passing. One more: pedestrian right-of-way is taken very seriously in the city, even if someone is jaywalking not at a crosswalk, the expectation is drivers yield if they can. Bottom line: drive attentively and courteously, and you’ll be fine. San Francisco’s traffic enforcement is reasonable, but they won’t hesitate to ticket common issues like illegal turns, speeding in school zones, or not yielding to people in crosswalks. Enjoy the city and drive safely!
The cheapest deals are often found by comparing lots of companies at once, that’s where we come in. Our platform lets you compare all the major car rental companies in San Francisco plus smaller local agencies. Prices can vary day to day; one company might have a promo this week, another next week. In general, renting from larger airports like SFO can yield good rates due to competition, but then again, neighborhood locations sometimes have lower base rates and fewer fees. We recommend searching downtown San Francisco, SFO Airport, and even Oakland Airport if you’re willing to drive across the bay, sometimes a short BART ride to pick up a car in Oakland can save money. The “Cheap San Francisco Car Rentals” page (you’re on it!) will automatically surface the lowest price options for your dates. To maximize savings: book early, be flexible with car type (economy and compact cars are cheapest), and avoid add-ons you don’t need. Also, keep an eye on our site for any discount codes or member rates, we often have exclusive offers that beat the direct prices elsewhere.
Prices fluctuate based on season and demand, but economy car rentals in San Francisco can start around $30 per day in off-peak times. During busy periods (summer, holidays, large conferences) expect higher rates, perhaps $50–$70/day for an economy or compact. Larger vehicles like SUVs or minivans might range from $60 to $100+ per day depending on demand. To get the best price, book as early as possible (last-minute rentals can be pricier). Also, renting from airport locations (like SFO) can sometimes be a bit more expensive due to fees, whereas downtown or off-airport locations might save you a few dollars. We show you all-inclusive pricing (base rate + taxes/fees) up front, so you’ll know the total. Keep an eye out for our specials, for instance, we often have “rent for a week and save” deals or weekend promos. As a rough guide: a one-week economy rental in low season might be ~$250 total, whereas a one-week SUV rental in peak summer could be $500+. Use our search to see current San Francisco rates for your dates, and remember, no hidden fees means the price you see is what you pay.