$63 Car Rental Embarcadero, CA

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What you need to know for your Embarcadero car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Embarcadero

Renting a car in Embarcadero offers travelers the freedom to explore San Francisco and its attractions at their own pace. This neighborhood provides easy access to key sites like Pier 39, which is just 1 mile away, and Lombard Street, also located 1 mile from Embarcadero. Union Square, less than a mile away, is another popular destination for city experiences. With a rental car, you can manage your luggage conveniently, making it ideal for families or those on business trips. The flexibility of having your own vehicle allows you to create your own itinerary and visit surrounding neighborhoods like Fisherman's Wharf and the vibrant metropolis of San Francisco without the constraints of public transportation. Whether you're interested in the stunning views from the Golden Gate Bridge or the lively atmosphere of Pier 39, having a car enhances your ability to explore various attractions effortlessly. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families wanting to travel with ease or business travelers needing to navigate the city efficiently. Overall, renting a car in Embarcadero is a practical choice for a memorable trip to San Francisco.

Most popular car rentals around Embarcadero

  • Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers with room for 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to explore the area around Embarcadero with extra space for both passengers and luggage, providing comfort and flexibility for your travel plans.
  • Compact: A great choice for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact car accommodates up to 5 travelers with capacity for 3 medium suitcases. This option is particularly suitable for navigating the busy streets of Embarcadero, allowing for easy parking and maneuverability while still providing enough room for your essentials.
  • Standard SUV: The standard SUV is well-suited for couples, families, or groups, offering space for 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option provides a good balance of passenger comfort and luggage capacity, making it a versatile choice for those wishing to explore the attractions around Embarcadero while enjoying a comfortable ride.

Top rated car suppliers around Embarcadero

  • Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has one convenient location just 1 mile away from Embarcadero. This supplier is popular among travelers, particularly for their Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, which provide a blend of space and maneuverability perfect for exploring the area. Customers appreciate the value and reliability Thrifty offers, making it a solid choice for those looking to navigate San Francisco with ease.
  • Hertz: Hertz stands out with two rental locations, the nearest being 1 mile from Embarcadero. This supplier is favored for its Midsize and Economy vehicles, which are ideal for both solo travelers and families. Hertz is known for its efficient service and wide selection of vehicles, enabling travelers to find the right fit for their needs while enjoying the flexibility of exploring at their own pace.
  • Budget: Budget is a popular choice among car rental travelers, boasting four rental locations, with the closest being less than 1 mile from Embarcadero. Their Midsize SUVs and Standard cars are frequently booked, highlighting their appeal for those needing space and comfort. Budget's numerous locations and competitive pricing make it a convenient option for anyone looking to explore the vibrant surroundings of Embarcadero.

Where to stay around Embarcadero

  • Embarcadero: Staying in Embarcadero places you in the heart of San Francisco, where you can easily explore attractions like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the lively Pier 39. This area offers a mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor spaces, and urban experiences, making it ideal for various travelers. With numerous restaurants and shopping options nearby, you can enjoy both local cuisine and retail therapy within walking distance.
  • Oakland: Located 7 miles from Embarcadero, Oakland boasts a vibrant cultural scene and family-friendly activities. Highlights include Jack London Square and various educational venues. The area features theaters and sports facilities, making it suitable for entertainment seekers. With a selection of wineries and restaurants, Oakland provides diverse dining options to complement your stay, enhancing your experience in the Bay Area.
  • Sausalito: A charming city 7 miles from Embarcadero, Sausalito offers stunning views and outdoor adventures. Known for its scenic beauty, attractions like the Marin Headlands and nearby beaches make it perfect for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. The area has a variety of wine and dining options, allowing you to savor local flavors while enjoying a picturesque waterfront setting.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Embarcadero

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer fun, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary according to demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you can often secure lower prices and enjoy better vehicle availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, 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 not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, though 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 avert unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when making a reservation with Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to embark on long road trips, seek 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 vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Embarcadero

The best time to rent a car in and around Embarcadero is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for those looking to explore the area without the crowds. March through May also presents average demand and pricing, making it a decent shoulder period. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand as tourists flock to the city, while June and August also see slightly high demand and pricing.

 

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$63
 
Our second best deal of the day
$64
 
Our third best deal of the day
$65
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies near Embarcadero?
You can find cheap car rentals near Embarcadero from $10 a day with Fox Rental Cars's midsize 2/4 door. Dollar Rent A Car offers midsize 2 or 4 door cars starting from $11 a day, while Thrifty Car Rental provides compact SUVs starting from $11 a day. These companies offer competitive rates for various vehicle types, making it easier to find a car that fits your budget in the Embarcadero area. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Embarcadero.
What are the best luxury car companies near Embarcadero?
For luxury car rentals near Embarcadero, you can find premium options through providers like Sixt and Alamo Rent A Car. Sixt offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door vehicles starting from $16 a day, providing a comfortable and stylish ride. Alamo Rent A Car also specializes in luxury options, with premium crossovers available from $30 a day and premium elite SUVs from $36 a day. These companies offer high-end vehicles that provide enhanced comfort and features for your trip in the Embarcadero area. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Embarcadero.
Can I rent a car one-way near Embarcadero?
A one-way car rental near Embarcadero is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $11 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way policies, allowing you to pick up your vehicle in the Embarcadero area and drop it off at a different location. This flexibility is ideal for travelers planning to explore beyond San Francisco without needing to return to their original pickup point. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in Embarcadero.
Can I rent a car round-trip near Embarcadero?
The area near Embarcadero is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $10 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Embarcadero and returning to the same spot. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise also offer wide round-trip availability, making it convenient for visits to popular spots such as Oracle Park, Golden Gate Park, and Chase Center. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Embarcadero.
What are the best car rentals near Embarcadero?
Car rentals near Embarcadero offer extensive vehicle variety to suit different travel needs. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
Most vehicles come with automatic transmission, and both automatic and manual options are available. Families visiting attractions prefer SUVs or minivans for space, while couples and solo travelers often find economy or compact cars to be a good fit. Choose based on passenger count, luggage needs, and your budget for exploring the Embarcadero area. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Embarcadero.

What are the best car rentals near Embarcadero for solo travelers?
The best car rentals near Embarcadero for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and efficient to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, starting from $18 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, starting from $15 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you are planning longer drives to spots like Oracle Park, consider sizing up to a compact SUV, starting from $18 a day, for extra highway comfort and a higher ride. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Embarcadero.

What are the best car rentals near Embarcadero for couples?
The best car rentals near Embarcadero for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, starting from $12 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $18 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park in the Embarcadero area. For a special trip, consider a standard convertible, starting from $42 a day, which fits up to 2 large suitcases, for scenic drives around the Embarcadero area. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Embarcadero.

What are the best car rentals near Embarcadero for families?
The best car rentals near Embarcadero for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $16 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, starting from $17 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have ample room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around the Embarcadero area. Book 4+ weeks ahead, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods, and consider adding GPS if you are new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Embarcadero.

Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars near Embarcadero?
The area near Embarcadero has excellent electric and hybrid vehicle options: Sixt offers hybrid vehicles from $10 a day, and Dollar Rent A Car provides electric options from $10 a day. Multiple rental companies near Embarcadero carry electric and hybrid cars, widely available on Expedia. The area has extensive public charging infrastructure with fast-charging stations along major routes. EVs save on fuel—charging costs less than equivalent gas cars. Book EVs 4-6 weeks ahead as demand is high. Plan charging stops for trips beyond 200 miles.
What is the best time to book a car near Embarcadero?
From February, prices near Embarcadero are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $12 a day during this period. July tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Demand climbs as travelers head to popular spots and activities such as:
  • Oracle Park, San Francisco, California, United States of America
  • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, United States of America
  • Chase Center, San Francisco, California, United States of America
  • Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus
  • Outside Lands Festival
Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.

What are the best car companies near Embarcadero?
Car rentals in the Embarcadero area are available from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Dollar Rent A Car, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Sixt has midsize 2 or 4 door and standard 2 or 4 door options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Enterprise offers midsize 2 or 4 door and compact SUV vehicles with more space and stability for highways. Dollar Rent A Car rounds out the choices with special and midsize 2 or 4 door vehicles. Choose a higher-clearance or all-wheel-drive class for mountain or winter driving, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Embarcadero.
What are good day trip destinations from Embarcadero by rental car?
Top day-trip destinations and events within easy reach from Embarcadero include:
  • Oracle Park, San Francisco, California, United States of America, approximately 2 miles away
  • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, United States of America, approximately 4 miles away
  • Monterey Bay, California, United States of America, approximately 87 miles away
  • Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
  • Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
These distances are manageable for most car types, though a midsize car or SUV would be comfortable for longer drives to Monterey Bay, Yosemite, or Napa and Sonoma. Booking a car with flexible cancellation policies can be beneficial if your day trip plans are weather-dependent. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Embarcadero.

Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Embarcadero?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Embarcadero. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Embarcadero?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Embarcadero?
Budget car rental in Embarcadero can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $63. To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Embarcadero?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Embarcadero. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Embarcadero car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Embarcadero?
To rent a car in Embarcadero, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Embarcadero car rental?
If you need to cancel your Embarcadero car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Embarcadero with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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