Car Rental San Francisco

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Top Car Deals in San Francisco

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
San Francisco, Baja California Sur, MEX
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
San Francisco, Baja California Sur, MEX
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
San Francisco, Baja California Sur, MEX
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
San Francisco, Baja California Sur, MEX
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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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 provides a convenient way to explore this charming village and its surroundings. With a rental car, you gain the freedom to visit attractions at your own pace, making it easier to manage luggage and maintain flexible travel plans. For example, you can take a short drive to the San Ignacio de Loyola Mission, located 25 miles away, which offers a rich cultural experience. Having a car allows you to easily reach this historical site and any other destinations without relying on public transportation. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families or travelers with multiple bags, as a rental car ensures comfort and convenience during your journey. The roads around San Francisco are straightforward, making navigation simple as you discover the beauty of Baja California Sur. Whether you want to embark on day trips or explore local attractions, having your own vehicle enhances your travel experience significantly.

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

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your trip.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a nice balance of affordability, 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 limitation can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before 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 extra fees. This is usually the most economical option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable; just remember to return the car empty in this scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience might justify the additional cost.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is a requirement for renting 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 .

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
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From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
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Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in San Francisco?
Within the past seven days, the lowest daily price found for an affordable car rental in San Francisco was .
What happens if I need to cancel my San Francisco car reservation?
If you have to change your plans, almost all prepaid bookings qualify for a full refund. Cancellations will need to be made at least six hours in advance of the arranged pickup time. Have a thorough look over the rental agreement for any exclusions. Your itinerary will have more details, or simply click through to our Customer Service Portal for more info.
Where can I go on a road trip from San Francisco?
San Francisco is full of surprises, but don't restrict yourself to only one place. Grab a set of wheels and hit the road to see what else awaits in the wider area. We've pulled together these great options:
  • You'll discover Santa Rosalia de Mulege Mission and loads more interesting attractions in Mulege. From San Francisco, it's around 80 miles away.
  • Next stop? Consider Bahía Kino, which is around 100 miles away. Eusebio Kino Plaza is one local hot spot you won't want to miss.
  • Spend time in nature and inhale the fresh air at Ligui Beach. You'll find it about 170 miles from San Francisco.
How do I find the best car rental deals in San Francisco with Expedia?
It's easy to pick up an amazing deal with Expedia. Simply choose your wheels, select your dates and pickup and drop-off locations, and compare offers from all the trusted suppliers. Make even bigger savings when you bundle your San Francisco car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Francisco?
At least 21. But there are a few age-related requirements to be aware of before you book your wheels in San Francisco. If you're a younger motorist, many rental outlets will charge an extra fee and limit the kinds of vehicles you can rent. This size of the surcharge, and which age range it applies to, varies between outlets. It's always a good idea to compare the rules.
What do you need to rent a car in San Francisco?
A valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? Then there's a good chance you'll also need proof of other coverage. Requirements may differ from rental company to rental company, so have a thorough read of your policy.
What side of the road do you drive on in San Francisco?
Travelers from the States will feel quite comfortable zipping around San Francisco — motorists here drive on the right.
What is the cheapest car rental in San Francisco?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the most affordable daily rate was . The next best price for rental vehicles in San Francisco was a day. 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 breeze to pick up a long-term rental in San Francisco. Simply click through to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your travel dates and compare your options.
Where can I find a San Francisco car rental if I am younger than 25?
Some San Francisco providers will rent cars to drivers under 25, and others won't. Age policies differ between suppliers, so you'll have to do your homework. Also, find out if there are any additional costs. Some businesses will have a surcharge for young drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. Always look through the terms and conditions to avoid any nasty surprises.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in San Francisco?
Get your road trip off to a good start by choosing Expedia's collision protection. While there are all sorts of insurance, this is one you'll need to have. It provides primary coverage for theft, vandalism and collision damage up to $35,000, as well as round-the-clock emergency help. Don't wait until you reach the rental desk to insure your precious wheels. Opt in to collision protection while reserving your San Francisco ride with Expedia and save time and money.
Can I drive in San Francisco with my current driver's license?
If you don't possess a driver's license issued in Mexico, then it's likely you'll need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country in order to rent a car. You should also note that if you do need an IDP, it has no validity on its own. You'll need to show your driver's license from your home country your passport and other forms of documentation 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 to rent a car internationally are:
  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be 25 or over in most places 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 the types of vehicles available to rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the fine print before you drive away. Usually, you can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or on certain types of rugged terrain with a rental car.

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