$59 Car Rental Downtown San Francisco, CA

These Downtown San Francisco insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 15, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown San Francisco

Renting a car in Downtown San Francisco offers travelers the freedom to explore the neighborhood and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it ideal for families and those seeking city-themed or outdoor experiences. Key attractions like the historic Ferry Building and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are conveniently located within Downtown San Francisco. A short drive will take you to Lombard Street, known for its unique city experience, just one mile away. Additionally, you can venture into nearby neighborhoods such as Union Square, less than a mile from Downtown, and Fisherman's Wharf, two miles away, both of which feature popular destinations like Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island. With a rental car, you can enjoy the convenience of visiting iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park in the broader San Francisco area, enhancing your sightseeing experience. Whether you are traveling with kids or simply want to explore the city, renting a car provides the flexibility to enjoy all that Downtown San Francisco and beyond have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown San Francisco

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interior provides comfort for your journey around Downtown San Francisco, while offering ample room for luggage, ensuring you can explore the area and beyond without feeling cramped.
• Compact: This option accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. Compact cars are easy to maneuver through the busy streets of Downtown San Francisco, providing a balance of comfort and efficiency, allowing you to navigate the city with ease while keeping fuel costs manageable.
• Standard SUV: With space for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases, standard SUVs are well-suited for couples, families, or groups looking for a bit more flexibility. Offering a comfortable ride and enough storage for your belongings, this option allows you to comfortably explore the attractions in and around Downtown San Francisco at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown San Francisco

• Sixt: Sixt operates one rental location in Downtown San Francisco, known for its friendly service and customer satisfaction. Travelers frequently choose Sixt for their Midsize SUV and Standard SUV options, making it a great choice for those looking for comfort and space while exploring the city and surrounding areas.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is conveniently located less than 1 mile away from Downtown San Francisco. This supplier is popular among travelers, particularly for its Midsize SUV and Compact vehicle selections. Thrifty is a solid option for those seeking a combination of value and accessibility during their visit to the area.
• Hertz: Hertz has three rental locations, with the nearest situated in Downtown San Francisco. This supplier is favored for its wide range of vehicles, particularly Midsize and Fullsize cars. Hertz is known for providing a reliable and flexible rental experience, making it a top choice for travelers wanting to navigate the vibrant city and its attractions.

Where to stay around Downtown San Francisco

• Downtown San Francisco: The heart of the city, Downtown San Francisco offers a vibrant urban experience with easy access to shopping areas, educational venues, and popular attractions. Highlights include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the expansive Golden Gate Park, perfect for outdoor family activities. This area is ideal for travelers looking for a city-themed experience, with numerous dining options nearby to satisfy any palate.
• Sausalito: Located 7 miles away from Downtown San Francisco, Sausalito is a charming city known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the picturesque Marin Headlands, relax at the beach, or enjoy the nature reserve nearby. Sausalito also offers a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it a great spot for a scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Alameda Point: Just 5 miles away from Downtown San Francisco, Alameda Point is a neighborhood that offers a mix of entertainment and outdoor activities. Travelers can enjoy recreational areas and golf courses, while local attractions like Pier 39 and Union Square provide access to vibrant city life. This area is perfect for those seeking a romantic atmosphere or a fun day out, with plenty of nearby food and drink options to explore.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Downtown San Francisco

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often allows you to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Typically, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and more convenient to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable—just remember to return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown San Francisco

The best time to rent a car in and around Downtown San Francisco is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. February also offers similar benefits, maintaining slightly low prices with average demand. As spring approaches, March tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand and pricing. Following that, April remains a good option with slightly low prices, before the summer months bring increased demand and slightly high prices in July and August.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average