$49 Car Rental San Francisco

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Lowest prices found within the past 3 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What you need to know for your San Francisco car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Francisco

Renting a car in San Francisco offers an excellent opportunity for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers to experience the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and tailor your travel plans to fit your needs. You can visit key attractions such as the modern San Francisco Municipal Hall, the culturally rich Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, and the vibrant Mount Carmel College, all located within the city. Additionally, exploring nearby destinations like Prosperidad, just 10 miles away, or Rosario, only 6 miles from San Francisco, allows you to discover more attractions while enjoying the scenic drives. Talacogon, located 12 miles away, offers the beautiful Libuacan Cold Spring, providing a perfect outdoor experience. The convenience of a car allows you to travel freely between these locations, making it easier to enjoy the stunning scenery and beach-related experiences that the region has to offer. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or seeking solitude, renting a car ensures you have the flexibility to create memorable adventures throughout San Francisco and beyond.

Most popular car rentals in San Francisco

  • Economy: This car type is the most booked option in San Francisco, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. It's perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a budget-friendly vehicle. The economy car provides the flexibility to explore the city's attractions at your own pace, making it a great choice for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers.

Top rated car suppliers in San Francisco

  • Hertz: Hertz is the most popular car rental supplier in San Francisco, with a convenient rental location in the city. Travelers appreciate the flexibility that renting from Hertz provides, allowing them to explore attractions at their own pace. The most booked vehicle from Hertz is the Economy car, which is ideal for navigating the city and its surroundings. With well-maintained vehicles and a reputation for reliability, Hertz is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their travel experience in San Francisco.

Where to go around San Francisco

  • Prosperidad: Located 10 miles away from San Francisco, Prosperidad is a city rich in culture and modernity. Key points of interest include Mount Carmel College, a suitable spot for those interested in educational tours, and the San Francisco Municipal Hall, ideal for business-related visits. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish offers a cultural insight for visitors. The peak seasons for travelers are from May to June and October, making it an optimal time to explore this vibrant city.
  • Rosario: Situated 6 miles from San Francisco, Rosario is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the local river and beach, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Notable attractions include the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish for cultural exploration, Mount Carmel College for educational interests, and the San Francisco Municipal Hall for business purposes. The best times to visit Rosario are in April to May and July, when traveler arrivals are at their peak.
  • Talacogon: Located 12 miles from San Francisco, Talacogon is a city that caters to business travelers. Highlights include the town hall and a modern civic government building, showcasing the city's administrative significance. Libuacan Cold Spring is a great spot for those seeking outdoor scenery. Visitors should plan their trips during the peak seasons of May to June and October for the best experience, as traveler numbers are lower in March, September, and December.

10 tips to save on your San Francisco car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you 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 advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often secures lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to maneuver and 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 accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the best option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just remember to return the car empty in that situation.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify the 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 if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is simple.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

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 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 $49.

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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One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

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

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$49
 
Our second best deal of the day
$59
 
Our third best deal of the day
$122
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in San Francisco?
Cheap car rentals started at $49 per day in San Francisco, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to pick up some keys and cruise off for less.
What happens if I need to cancel my San Francisco car reservation?
When you cancel at least six hours before the collection time, many prepaid bookings qualify for a refund. However, not all are eligible for this, so it's important to understand your rental policy. Read through your confirmation for the details or visit our Customer Service Portal to find out more.
Where can I go on a road trip from San Francisco?
Once you've covered all the terrific sights in San Francisco, there's a lot more to discover in the surrounding area. Grab the keys to a rental car, stow your luggage in the trunk and hit the road. We've come up with some drives we're confident you'll love:

  • You'll discover SM Lanang Premier and lots more intriguing attractions in Davao. From San Francisco, it's 95 miles away.
  • About 90 miles away, Cagayan de Oro is also a hit with travelers. Allow time to check out Limketkai Center while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love this vibrant city.
  • Find your way to Alona Beach to discover some local nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy or just chill out in the fresh air. From San Francisco, it's about 170 miles away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in San Francisco with Expedia?
Whatever type of ride you're searching for, Expedia will help you find the best deal. Simply compare offers from reliable rental suppliers and pick the option that works for you. Want to drive away with even bigger savings? Combine your San Francisco car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Francisco?
The minimum age to rent a car in San Francisco is 21. A young driver surcharge will apply, so check before you book and factor in any additional costs. There could also be restrictions on the sorts of cars available to young drivers. For example, some outlets will only rent out small and medium-sized cars to young motorists. Rules vary between providers, so look over the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in San Francisco?
While terms and conditions may differ between rental car outlets in San Francisco, the two key things you'll need are a current driver's license and a credit card. You don't need to take out the company's insurance plan. However, proof of your own coverage may be required.
What side of the road do you drive on in San Francisco?
If you don't have much experience driving in a foreign country, you may be glad to know that you'll be sticking to the right in San Francisco. Rules and conditions will be different though, so drive accordingly.
What is the cheapest car rental in San Francisco?
The lowest price for a car rental in San Francisco within the past seven days was just $49 per day. The second best deal to be had was $59. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in San Francisco?
Expedia makes it a snap to book an affordable long-term car rental in San Francisco. Simply head to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip details and compare the offers.
Where can I find a San Francisco car rental if I am younger than 25?
If you're a young driver looking for a car rental in San Francisco, you'll need to check the policies of the rental companies you're interested in. Some may rent to drivers under 25, some may not. There may be extra fees if you're between 21 and 24 years of age. To avoid any surprise fees and charges at the rental desk, make sure you do your research.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in San Francisco?
For a smooth, stress-free getaway, add Expedia's collision protection to your car rental reservation. This insurance covers your vehicle against accident damage, vandalism and theft. It also provides round-the-clock emergency help in times of need. Opt in to this plan while finalizing your San Francisco vehicle with Expedia and save time and money at the rental counter.
Can I drive in San Francisco with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in Philippines, then it's likely you'll need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country in order to rent a car. You should also note that if an IDP is required, it won't be valid on its own. You'll be asked to show your current license your passport and other forms of identification as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your license and passport. Some additional requirements for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many countries to rent a car. If you're younger, it might still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to what kinds of cars you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the fine print before driving away. With rental cars, you usually can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or off road with a rental car.