$29 Car Rental San Francisco, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Francisco

Renting a car in San Francisco offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your travel plans. As a metropolis, San Francisco is home to iconic attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and Golden Gate Park, all easily accessible with your own vehicle. With a rental car, you can explore these landmarks at your own pace, making it convenient for families and adventure seekers alike, while managing your luggage effortlessly.

The convenience of a rental car extends to popular neighborhoods like Downtown San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf, and Union Square, where you can visit sites such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Ferry Building without relying on public transportation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for travelers with families, as having a car allows for comfortable travel with strollers and gear. If you plan to venture slightly beyond the city, a rental car ensures you can explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions surrounding San Francisco without the hassle of strict schedules. Overall, renting a car enhances your experience, allowing you to enjoy both the urban atmosphere and the stunning natural scenery of the area.

Most popular car rentals in San Francisco

• Midsize SUV: This popular choice fits up to 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. Midsize SUVs provide ample space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable ride while exploring San Francisco and its surroundings. Their versatility suits various travel plans, whether you're heading to urban attractions or outdoor adventures.
• Fullsize: The fullsize option also fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families and larger groups. With its spacious interior, it offers comfort during longer drives, which is perfect for those wanting to explore multiple attractions in and around San Francisco. This car type balances capacity with convenience for your travel needs.
• Standard SUV: A standard SUV accommodates 5 travelers and fits up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a practical option for couples, families, or small groups. These vehicles strike a balance between space and manageability, providing a comfortable driving experience while exploring the city or surrounding areas. The standard SUV is a great choice for those who need some extra room without opting for the larger models.

Top rated car suppliers in San Francisco

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 4 rental locations in the San Francisco area, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travelers, boasting an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10. Known for its friendly service, Alamo offers a comfortable experience for those looking to explore San Francisco. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it easy to find the right fit for your travel needs.
• Sixt: Sixt also features 4 rental locations throughout San Francisco, catering to a variety of traveler preferences. This supplier is particularly noted for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Luxury SUVs, providing options for those seeking a more upscale driving experience. Sixt is committed to delivering excellent service to ensure a smooth rental process during your visit.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With over 5 rental locations in the San Francisco area, Thrifty Car Rental is a great option for those looking for convenience. This supplier offers a range of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Compact cars being the most popular choices among renters. Thrifty is dedicated to providing reliable service, making it a solid choice for your car rental needs while exploring the city and its surroundings.

Where to go in San Francisco

• Downtown San Francisco: A bustling neighborhood, Downtown San Francisco is ideal for family, city, and outdoor experiences. Peak visitor arrivals occur from July to September. Key attractions include the Moscone Convention Center, perfect for business travelers, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, catering to culture enthusiasts. The historic Ferry Building also adds to the area's charm. You'll find shopping areas, urban parks, and sports facilities nearby, making it a great hub for exploration.
• Fisherman's Wharf: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Fisherman's Wharf attracts visitors especially from April and June to July. This vibrant neighborhood features Pier 39, a lively jetty pier, and the famous Lombard Street, known for its unique curves. Alcatraz Island offers outdoor adventures for those seeking a beach vacation. With shopping centers and tourist precincts close by, Fisherman's Wharf provides an exciting blend of activities and attractions.
• Union Square: A central location for family, city, and business experiences, Union Square sees peak visitors in April and June to July. The area is home to the Moscone Convention Center and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, appealing to those interested in culture and events. Union Square itself is a modern square ideal for relaxation and people-watching. The neighborhood also boasts numerous shopping areas and theaters, making it a lively spot for entertainment.

10 tips to save on your San Francisco car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a nice balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your travels. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around San Francisco

The best time to rent a car in and around San Francisco is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, offering great value. April also presents a quieter option, with slightly low demand and average prices. As summer approaches, June through August see a spike in both prices and demand, making it the most expensive period for rentals. July stands out as the busiest month, often leading to higher rates and fewer available cars.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Francisco

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter San Francisco into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in San Francisco and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in San Francisco

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in San Francisco. We partner with 32 reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in San Francisco

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $29.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals

San Francisco - Road Trip Ideas

Pack your bags, grab the keys, and try not to leave your heart behind as you set off on a road trip from sensational San Francisco. The only tough choice is where to go. Maybe you’ll sip your way around the Napa Valley. Maybe you’ll drive from San Francisco to Yosemite for jaw-dropping scenery and all the adrenaline-activating activities your heart can handle. Whatever your plans, book your airport pick up, and cruise your way across the country. Classy convertibles, vast vans, and luxury car rental, it’s all yours with Expedia, from the moment you touch down in the Golden City.

San Francisco to Los Angeles

Carve a path across California in a one-way car rental from San Francisco to Los Angeles and you can hop home on a flight in just 90 minutes. The fast drive down takes around 6 hours, but if you take the San Francisco to Los Angeles coastal drive, you’re looking at around 8 hours behind the wheel—and if you do, a convertible car rental is a must. There’s nothing like feeling the Cali sun on your skin and ocean breeze in your hair. Whatever your wagon, road trips when you rent a car from SF to LA take some beating. All the scenery is here, from the red iron of the bridge to sunny Santa Cruz, the seals of San Simeon and the luminous lights of La La Land.

San Francisco to San Diego

The San Francisco to San Diego drive time can take as little as 8 hours—but you’ll want to take your time. Plot a meander along the Pacific Highway to stop and snap, sip and maybe even sleep along the way. The Pacific Highway is one of the U, S of A’s most stunning routes, maybe even leaving Route 66 in the shade. Before the engine is warm, you’re among the beauty of San Jose and Santa Cruz, with Pismo Beach and Malibu before you reach the cusp of Mexico. And you can always make up time with a one-way car rental from San Francisco to San Diego—by flying back in just 1 hour 35 mins.