San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Car Rental | AirportVanRental

Welcome to the Bay Area! San Francisco International Airport is your gateway to the city of San Francisco and the entire Northern California region. Having a rental car at SFO gives you the freedom to explore beyond the airport, from the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco to Napa Valley’s vineyards, tech hubs of Silicon Valley, and scenic Pacific coast drives. This page is your complete guide to renting a car at SFO, packed with money-saving tips and local advice so you can navigate with confidence. Whether you’re flying in for business in the Financial District, planning a family trip to Fisherman’s Wharf, or embarking on a coastal road trip down Highway 1, we’ll help you find the perfect set of wheels quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to enjoy San Francisco and beyond on your own schedule, with extra cash in your pocket for those sourdough breads and wine tastings!

SFO Car Rental Quick Info:

• Available Vehicle Types: Economy cars, Compact, Midsize & Full-Size, SUVs, Minivans, Luxury and Exotic models, a full range to suit solo travelers, families, or groups.
• Lowest Daily Rates: Starting around $25/day for an economy car (book early to snag the best deals, especially for weekends and holidays).
• Rental Companies at SFO: 15+ major and local suppliers, including all big brands (Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National, Thrifty, Dollar, Fox, Sixt, and more) all operating at the airport’s Rental Car Center.
• Pick-Up/Drop-Off: The SFO Rental Car Center is connected via the AirTrain Blue Line. After landing, follow signs to “AirTrain, Rental Car Center.” The AirTrain (operates 24/7) will take you directly to the Rental Car Center in about 5 minutes. No need for individual shuttles, it’s quick and free. For drop-off, return your car to the same Rental Car Center and take the AirTrain back to the terminals (allow a few extra minutes for the train ride when heading to your flight).

Tips for Renting a Car at SFO

• SFO Rental Car Center Location: All on-airport rental agencies at SFO share a consolidated Rental Car Center, accessed by the AirTrain Blue Line. After you collect your baggage, look for signs for the AirTrain. Board the Blue Line tram, which runs 24/7 every few minutes, and ride it to the Rental Car Center stop. It’s about a 5-minute trip. Once there, you’ll find counters/ kiosks for all major rental companies in one building. (If you reserved with an off-airport company, they may have a separate shuttle, follow their instructions, but most travelers will use the AirTrain.)
• Returning Your Car: To return, drive to the Rental Car Center at 780 N. McDonnell Rd (well-marked from Hwy 101 and airport roads). Follow signs for “Rental Car Return.” After dropping off your vehicle, you can hop on the AirTrain Red or Blue Line back to the terminals. The AirTrain ride back to the departure areas takes about 5–7 minutes, so factor in a little extra time when heading for your flight. Early morning flyer? The AirTrain runs all night, but in off-hours it might come every 10–15 minutes instead of 5, still very reliable.
• Plan for Bay Area Traffic: The moment you leave SFO, you might hit traffic depending on the time of day. Rush hour in the Bay Area typically peaks 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays. US-101 north toward San Francisco and south toward Silicon Valley can be congested, as can I-280 and the Bay Bridge (I-80) into Oakland. If you’re driving out of SFO during those times, use a GPS app to find the fastest route and consider waiting out the worst traffic if possible (maybe grab a coffee or meal near the airport). Midday and late evenings are usually much lighter. Also note: traffic can pop up at almost any time if there’s an accident or event, so stay alert and pack some patience, you’re in one of the country’s busiest metro areas for driving.
• Fuel Up Smartly: Most rentals at SFO come with a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you should refill the gas tank before returning to avoid steep refueling fees. Gas prices in California are higher than the national average (often around $4–5 per gallon in the SF area). Stations immediately near the airport (along Highway 101 or in Millbrae) tend to be priciest. For better rates, drive a couple of miles away from the airport zone, for example, stations in South San Francisco or San Bruno usually cost less. Plan a quick stop on your way back. Also, keep your fuel receipt; occasionally the rental agent may ask for proof of refill.
• Tolls & Bridge Crossings: The Bay Area features several toll bridges, Golden Gate Bridge (US-101 north to Marin), Bay Bridge (I-80 to Oakland), San Mateo Bridge (HWY 92), and others. All tolls are cashless; cameras automatically bill by license plate if you don’t have a FasTrak device. Your rental car will likely have its plate enrolled in a toll program. Ask your rental company how they handle toll charges: many offer FasTrak transponders or will bill your credit card for tolls plus a small admin fee. If you plan to cross the Golden Gate or Bay Bridge frequently, it might be worth opting into the rental’s toll program. Otherwise, you can also pay bridge tolls online the same day to avoid fees. Pro tip: if you want to avoid tolls entirely, you can take routes like the Golden Gate Bridge northbound is free (only southbound into SF is tolled), or use the Dumbarton Bridge (HWY 84) which is usually lower cost, but factor in driving distance.
• Driver Requirements & Younger Renters: The standard minimum age to rent at SFO is 25. However, drivers aged 21-24 can rent from many companies but will pay a “young driver” surcharge (approximately $25–$30/day extra). If you’re under 25, compare surcharges as some agencies (or California state law for 21-24) might be slightly cheaper. All renters will need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in their name. International visitors: you can use your home country license; an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in English (though not legally required in California, it helps for ID). Always double-check the rental policies if you are a younger driver or using a debit card for payment.

Why Rent a Car in San Francisco?

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area are much easier with a car, here are some top reasons to have your own wheels when visiting:

• Cover the Bay Area’s Spread: San Francisco’s must-sees aren’t confined to a small area. You might stay near Union Square but want to see the redwoods in Muir Woods, or visit Stanford University down in Palo Alto. The Bay Area is geographically large and public transit, while usable within SF city and for certain corridors, won’t reach many of the region’s gems. A car lets you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, drive up Twin Peaks for a panoramic view, or hop over to Sausalito for dinner, all on your own schedule. You can even venture further to Napa/Sonoma wine country or the Monterey Peninsula, day trips that are very hard without a car.
• No Hills Too Steep: San Francisco is famous for its steep hills and winding streets. While the historic cable cars are fun for a ride, you won’t rely on them for all transport. Having a car means you can easily reach hilltop neighborhoods like Twin Peaks, Coit Tower, or zigzag down Lombard Street. It also saves your legs on those notorious inclines! Plus, beyond the city, you’ll encounter mountain roads (like driving up Mt. Tamalpais or down Highway 1 cliffs), with a rental car, you control the journey and can safely navigate these scenic but remote routes.
• Flexibility for Side Trips: With a rental, you’re free to turn a city trip into a broader California adventure. Spend the morning at the Golden Gate Park, then in the afternoon drive south to Half Moon Bay’s beaches. Tomorrow, maybe take a detour to Silicon Valley (check out Apple Park or Googleplex visitor centers), or drive east to Berkeley for a stroll on campus. If something catches your interest, a roadside fruit stand or a vista point on Highway 280, you can just pull over. No waiting for trains or rideshares, maximize your time by seeing more in one go.
• Comfort and Convenience: California weather can change, foggy mornings, hot afternoons. With your own car, you have a private climate-controlled space and a secure spot for your belongings (stash your jacket, shopping bags, or picnic gear in the trunk). It’s especially convenient if you’re traveling with family or lots of luggage. You can depart SFO straight to your hotel without multiple transfers. And when exploring, you can leave that extra pair of walking shoes or the souvenirs in the car instead of carrying them all day. In short, a car rental adds comfort to what can be a physically demanding tourist destination.
• Explore Beyond the City Limits: San Francisco is just the start. A rental car empowers you to explore Northern California’s broader attractions. In a few hours’ drive, you could be among the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park, gambling in the casinos at Lake Tahoe, hiking in the serene forests of Redwood National Park, or even driving up the coast to Oregon. None of these require flights, just the open road. With unlimited mileage standard on rentals, you can see as much of California (and neighboring states) as your time allows, creating a truly custom itinerary.

Our SFO Car Rental Benefits

Why book your San Francisco Airport car hire with AirportVanRental? We’re an OTA that specializes in finding you the best deals and a smooth rental experience. Here are some advantages we offer SFO travelers:

• Best Rate Guarantee: SFO is a popular airport with lots of rental options, which drives prices competitive. We aggregate deals from all the major companies at SFO to ensure you get the lowest available price. From budget brands to premium ones, we show you all rates in one dashboard. If there’s a sale or promo (say, a weekend special or a free upgrade offer), our system highlights it. In short, you won’t miss out on a bargain, and if you somehow find a better rate elsewhere, let us know and we’ll do our best to match or beat it.
• Wide Selection of Vehicles: Need a zippy compact to navigate crowded city streets? A comfy full-size for business meetings in the Bay Area? Or maybe an SUV for a family outing to Lake Tahoe? We’ve got them all. By partnering with 15+ suppliers in the Bay Area, we provide access to thousands of vehicles. This includes eco-friendly hybrids/electrics (perfect for California), luxury models for a splash of style, and even 12-15 passenger vans if you have a big group or tons of gear. With AirportVanRental, you’re not limited to one company’s fleet, you get the entire market’s selection at your fingertips.
• Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. We clearly display all taxes and mandatory fees in your quote before you book. San Francisco does have some extra fees (airport concession fee, tourism assessment, etc.), but we itemize everything so you’re not surprised at the counter. Importantly, we don’t mark up or hide any charges. You won’t get to the desk and find some mysterious “facility fee” we didn’t show, it’s all included upfront. We hate hidden fees as much as you do, so we’ve made the booking process as honest and straightforward as possible.
• Free Cancellation on Most Rentals: Plans change, especially these days. Fortunately, most of our SFO rental deals come with free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Some even allow free cancel up to the pickup time on the same day. We’ll always tell you the cancellation policy before you finalize. This means you can book early to secure a good rate without worry, if your flight plans shift or you decide to alter your trip, you can cancel or modify without penalty (just do it within the allowed timeframe). Flexibility is key, and we’ve got you covered.
• Unlimited Mileage & One-Way Options: All standard rentals from SFO include unlimited miles, so you can drive as much as you need, no extra per-mile charges. Want to do a one-way trip down the coast? We also support one-way rentals: pick up at SFO and drop off in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or elsewhere. We’ll clearly show any one-way fee (if applicable) during booking, sometimes we even have specials to waive the drop fee on popular routes. One-way trips are a fantastic way to see more of the West Coast, and unlimited mileage means you can take the scenic route.

Top SFO Car Rental Deals

• Economy Car from $29/day,Example: Kia Rio or similar. A small 4-door that’s easy to park on San Francisco’s crowded streets and super fuel-efficient for trips around town or down the coast. Great for solo travelers or couples on a budget.
• Midsize Sedan from $35/day,Example: Toyota Corolla or similar. Comfortable for city and highway driving, with good gas mileage. Perfect if you plan to drive out to Napa Valley or Silicon Valley and want a balance of economy and space.
• Convertible from $55/day,Example: Ford Mustang Convertible or similar. Experience the city by the bay with the top down! Ideal for cruising across the Golden Gate Bridge or down scenic Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay. (Just remember SF can be chilly in the mornings, bring a jacket for top-down drives.)
• SUV from $45/day,Example: Nissan Rogue (compact SUV) or similar. Seats 5 with ample luggage room, a smart choice if you’re headed to Yosemite or Lake Tahoe and need extra space for gear. Also great for families needing a bit more room as you explore the hilly streets; an SUV’s higher vantage point can help with visibility on those steep roads.
• Minivan from $79/day,Example: Chrysler Pacifica or similar. Seats 7-8 passengers. Ideal for a larger group or family outing, whether you’re visiting relatives in San Jose or taking a road trip to Disneyland down in SoCal. Lots of cargo space for everyone’s luggage. Plus, sliding doors make city parking and loading kids a breeze.

(“From” rates are base prices recently found and do not include tax; roughly 10–15% will be added in SFO taxes/fees at booking. These sample deals assume a short-term rental; weekly rentals might average even lower per day. Prices can be higher during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) or if cars are in very high demand. Book early to secure the best rate!)

Driving in San Francisco: Tips and Local Insights

Driving around San Francisco and the greater Bay Area can be an adventure, one moment you’re on a highway over the bay, next you’re navigating steep city streets. Here are essential tips to drive like a local and stay safe:

• City Traffic & Hills: In San Francisco city proper, be prepared for steep hills and use lower gears when needed (in an automatic car, “L” or just brake gently on downhill stretches to avoid overheating brakes). Always curb your wheels when parking on hills, turn wheels into the curb when facing downhill, and turn them out towards the street (or curb, if pointed uphill) when facing uphill. This is actually required by law on SF’s steep streets to prevent roll-aways, and you can get a ticket if you don’t do it. Also, use your parking brake. In terms of traffic, downtown SF can get congested, especially around Financial District during rush hour and near tourist spots like Fisherman’s Wharf on weekends. Many streets are one-way; pay attention to signs and road markings. If driving Lombard Street (the “crookedest street”), go slow and watch for pedestrians!
• Parking in San Francisco: Street parking in busy neighborhoods (North Beach, Chinatown, the Mission) is challenging. Expect tight spaces and read all signs carefully. Most neighborhoods have street cleaning once or twice a week, make sure you’re not parked during those restricted hours or you’ll get a ticket. Some areas are Residential Permit zones; if you don’t have a resident sticker, you may be limited to 2 hours on weekdays. Downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf areas have many paid lots and garages, use them for longer stays to avoid circling. Rates can range $3-4 per hour to $30+ per day in the tourist or business districts. Pro tip: parking garages around Union Square or near the Embarcadero can fill up on busy days, so have a second option in mind. Also, never leave valuables visible in the car, SF unfortunately has car break-ins. Always take or hide your belongings (trunk is best, before you arrive at the parking spot).
• Bay Area Bridges & Traffic Patterns: The Bay Area is connected by bridges which can be traffic chokepoints. The Bay Bridge (to Oakland/East Bay) is usually heavy westbound into SF in the morning and eastbound in the afternoon/evening. The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t too bad outside of commute hours, but on weekends there can be slowdowns heading north late morning (people going to Napa/Marin) and back south in late afternoon. It has a toll only southbound (heading into the city). San Mateo Bridge (HWY 92) and Dumbarton (HWY 84) carry traffic between the Peninsula and East Bay, expect congestion during tech commute times. Plan your crossings during off-peak times if you can. Also note: HOV/carpool lanes are present on some approach roads (look for signs indicating 2+ or 3+ passengers needed during certain hours). If you have passengers, take advantage to save time. If you’re solo, don’t accidentally use a carpool lane during restricted hours, fines are steep in CA (over $400) if you’re caught.
• Toll Roads: Besides bridge tolls, the immediate SF Bay Area doesn’t have many toll roads, but there are express lanes on some freeways. For example, parts of I-880 and I-680 have express lanes that require FasTrak or will charge a toll if you use them solo. They’re optional; you can stick to general lanes for free. If you do enter one, the rental’s plate will be charged. Again, your rental company will handle it and bill you later with a small fee unless you opted into their toll program. Generally, outside the bridges, you can drive around without worrying about tolls by avoiding the express lanes or driving with a carpool.
• Weather and Road Conditions: San Francisco’s weather can be quirky, sun, wind, fog, sometimes all in one day. Fog can be very dense, especially in summer mornings/evenings. If you’re driving across the Golden Gate or along the coast in fog, use low beam headlights (not high beams) and drive cautiously. Inland Bay Area can get very hot in summer (90°F+), so ensure your car’s AC works if you’re headed to places like Walnut Creek or San Jose in July/August. In winter, rains can make roads slippery; SF’s hills are no joke when wet, so go easy on the gas and brake earlier than usual. If you plan a trip to Tahoe or Yosemite in winter, be aware of snow: carry tire chains if required (some mountain roads mandate chains during storms even for 4WD vehicles) and check conditions (Caltrans QuickMap is useful).
• Navigating and Etiquette: A GPS or smartphone map is your best friend in the Bay Area’s maze of streets and freeways. Just watch out for coverage in downtown SF, tall buildings can sometimes throw off GPS briefly, so don’t panic if it recalculates. Locals generally drive courteously but assertively. Use turn signals when changing lanes (even if others don’t always). Allow merges on busy freeways, a little zipper merging goes a long way. You’ll notice many drivers keep up with the flow even if it’s slightly above the speed limit on highways like I-280 or I-5, but there’s also a lot of lane changing. Keep right if you’re going slower on freeways. In the city, stop fully at stop signs (California rolling stops can get you ticketed, especially in quieter residential areas). Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks always, and SF has many, often with people jaywalking too. So drive slow in busy pedestrian areas like Market Street or near Fisherman’s Wharf. And a heads up: SF has many cyclists, some in bike lanes, some sharing lanes. Give them space when passing (3 feet minimum by law).
• Policing and Safety: Traffic enforcement in California is typically done by the CHP (California Highway Patrol) on highways and local SFPD or other city police on streets. If you get pulled over, remember to stay calm, pull to a safe spot, and keep your hands visible on the wheel until the officer comes. They’ll usually just issue a warning or ticket if you were speeding or something, be polite and it will go smoothly. Red-light cameras operate at some intersections in SF, if the light turns red, don’t try to beat it. And absolutely no drinking and driving, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and checkpoints do happen. Rideshare or designate a driver if you plan to enjoy Napa wine or city nightlife. Finally, car break-ins (smash-and-grab) are an issue in tourist spots, we mentioned this but it bears repeating: do not leave anything valuable in sight, even for a short stop. Enjoy the city and region, but take normal precautions and you’ll be fine.

By following these tips, you’ll find that driving in San Francisco and the Bay Area can actually be incredibly rewarding. You have the freedom to discover stunning viewpoints, hidden beaches, and cozy towns at your own pace. From the urban streets of SF to the coastal highways and mountain passes, having a car lets you truly embrace the adventure that Northern California offers.

Road Trip Ideas from San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport is a perfect launching point for epic road trips across California and the West. Whether you crave coastal scenery, mountain landscapes, or desert horizons, there’s a route for you. Here are three detailed road trip itineraries to inspire your journey:

• Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles (Scenic Coastal Drive), Distance: ~450 miles one-way (about 725 km), best done over 2–3 days to fully enjoy.
  Route: Head south from SFO on Highway 1 (Cabrillo Hwy) past Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Enjoy stunning ocean views as you drive the rugged coastline. Continue through Santa Cruz (stop to see the surf at Steamer Lane or the Boardwalk) and onto Monterey. From Monterey, take the famous 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach or continue on Hwy 1 into Big Sur country. Follow Highway 1 along the cliffs of Big Sur all the way down to Cambria. Then you can rejoin US-101 in San Luis Obispo, passing through Santa Barbara, and onwards into the Los Angeles area.
  Highlights: This is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and for good reason. You’ll pass sea cliffs, redwood forests, and quaint coastal towns. Don’t miss Monterey Bay Aquarium if time permits, or a stroll in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. In Big Sur, you’ll cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, stop at the turnout right after the bridge for an amazing photo op. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is another Big Sur highlight, where McWay Falls drops onto a beach. Farther south, Hearst Castle in San Simeon offers a peek into California’s glamorous past (reserve in advance for a tour). Santa Barbara makes a great overnight stop with its Spanish mission-style architecture and beaches. Finally, as you approach LA, consider timing your drive to avoid rush hour on the freeways.
  Tips: Portions of Highway 1 are very winding and can be slow, and occasionally sections can close due to mudslides (especially in winter), so check road conditions before you go. Big Sur has limited gas stations and they are expensive, fill up in Monterey or Carmel. Cell phone signal is spotty in the remote stretches of Big Sur. Drive cautiously and use turnouts to let faster cars or locals pass; it makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Also, mornings can be foggy even in summer, if views are obscured, be patient, the fog often clears by midday. This journey is as much about the trip as the destination, so take your time and enjoy each breathtaking vista.
• San Francisco to Yosemite & Lake Tahoe (Mountain Adventure Loop), Distance: ~200 miles to Yosemite Valley (320 km), then another ~150 miles to Lake Tahoe, plus ~200 back to SFO, plan 5–7 days round-trip.
  Route: Drive east from SFO towards Yosemite National Park. Easiest is to take I-580 to I-205 to Manteca, then CA-120 east into Yosemite (Big Oak Flat Entrance). Explore Yosemite Valley’s iconic sites (Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls). When ready to leave Yosemite, in summer months you can exit via Tioga Road (HWY 120) over Tioga Pass, a stunning high-altitude drive, and head toward the Eastern Sierra. Stay in Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining. Then continue north on US-395 along the Eastern Sierra (with an optional detour to Bodie State Historic Park, a ghost town). At Carson City, head west on US-50 to South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy Lake Tahoe’s clear blue waters and mountain vistas (perhaps drive the scenic road around the lake). Finally, return to the Bay Area by heading west on I-80 from Tahoe through Sacramento back to SFO.
  Highlights: In Yosemite, don’t miss the view at Tunnel View (especially at sunset) and Glacier Point (summer/fall). You can hike or just picnic in the valley, the beauty is everywhere. Tioga Pass (open roughly June through October) takes you past alpine lakes (Tenaya Lake), meadows, and the otherworldly Tuolumne Meadows. Near Lee Vining, check out Mono Lake, its tufa tower rock formations are surreal. As you go north, the drive along US-395 offers constant Sierra Nevada views; consider stopping at Mono Lake or the hot springs near Bridgeport. Lake Tahoe is a year-round gem, swim or kayak in summer, ski in winter, or take a lake cruise. Emerald Bay on the southwest shore of Tahoe is famously beautiful, there’s a viewpoint and a trail down to the water. On your way back, Sacramento could be a quick historical stop (Old Sacramento has Gold Rush era buildings).
  Tips: Yosemite requires advance reservations to enter during peak season, make sure to check the park’s requirements. In summer, start drives early to avoid crowds at park entrances and secure parking, as Yosemite Valley lots fill up by late morning. Accommodations: book well ahead, whether you plan to camp, or stay in park lodges or nearby towns (El Portal, Groveland, etc., for Yosemite; South Lake Tahoe or Truckee for Tahoe). If traveling in winter or spring, Tioga Road will be closed due to snow, so you’ll have to go out the west side of Yosemite and loop around via highways (or skip Tahoe). Always carry chains in winter in case of sudden snow in Yosemite/Tahoe, conditions can change fast. Fuel up before heading into remote areas (gas in Yosemite is limited and pricey). This road trip packs incredible scenery, but it’s a lot of driving, ensure you have enough days to savor both Yosemite’s trails and Tahoe’s relaxation.
• San Francisco to Las Vegas via Highway 5 & Death Valley (Desert Drive), Distance: ~570 miles (915 km) direct, but closer to 700+ miles if detouring to Death Valley, best split into 2–3 days.
  Route: From SFO, take the fast route south on I-5 through California’s Central Valley. At Bakersfield, head east on CA-58 through the Mojave Desert to Barstow, then join I-15 to Las Vegas. For a more adventurous route (requiring an extra day), from Bakersfield go north on US-395 and cut across into Death Valley National Park (via CA-190), then continue to Las Vegas from the Death Valley area.
  Highlights: This road trip shows you the stark contrast from coastal Northern California to arid desert. The first part down I-5 is agricultural heartland, consider a pit stop at Harris Ranch (Coalinga) for famous steaks or Pea Soup Andersen’s in Santa Nella for a quirky bite. If you love peculiar roadside attractions, there’s a giant windmill at a rest stop in Livermore, and plenty of farm stands for fresh fruit. Once past Bakersfield, the landscape becomes desert. If you detour to Death Valley, you’ll experience the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level), surreal salt flats, and possibly some of the hottest temperatures on Earth in summer. Catch sunrise or sunset at Zabriskie Point for otherworldly badland vistas, and see the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells. (Note: only attempt the Death Valley route in a reliable car and not in the heat of mid-afternoon in summer; carry water.) Approaching Las Vegas on I-15, you’ll cross state lines from California to Nevada, you’ll know you’re close when you see the lights of Primm’s small casinos on the border. Finally, Las Vegas greets you with its neon skyline, a complete change from the empty desert you’ve traversed.
  Tips: This is a long haul, so plan your stops. There are stretches on I-5 with few services, keep an eye on your fuel (stations like Harris Ranch, Kettleman City, etc., are good refueling points). In desert areas, always have water for you and your passengers. If traveling in summer, start very early to cross Death Valley in the cooler morning hours; midday temperatures can exceed 115°F (46°C). Check that your rental policy allows entry to Death Valley (some don’t during extreme heat due to car strain). Cell signal is weak in Death Valley. In Las Vegas, prepare for traffic on the I-15 as you approach the city, especially on Friday afternoons or Sunday returns (LA to Vegas traffic can cause jams). Once in Vegas, you can return your car at LAS airport or a local office if you’re doing a one-way rental. This journey gives you bragging rights of going from the Pacific coast, over mountains, through one of the harshest deserts, all the way to the Entertainment Capital of the World. Talk about a diverse road trip!