Car Rental San Francisco Airport
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.
Renting a car at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a convenient option for travelers who want to explore not only the city but also the wider Northern California region. From coastal drives to national parks, having your own vehicle offers flexibility that public transport cannot always provide.
Prices and Cost Overview
Rental prices at SFO vary depending on demand, vehicle type, and season:
- Economy cars: from $40–$70 per day
- Average prices: around $50–$65 per day
- Peak season (summer): can exceed $80 per day
Smaller cars are the most affordable, while SUVs, vans, and premium vehicles cost significantly more.
Most Popular Car Types
- Economy and compact cars – best for city driving and budget travelers
- SUVs – ideal for trips to national parks or coastal routes
- Convertibles – popular for scenic drives along Highway 1
- Minivans – suitable for families and groups
Popular Destinations by Car
Renting a car from SFO allows easy access to some of California’s top destinations:
- Downtown San Francisco (30 minutes)
- Golden Gate Bridge & Sausalito
- Muir Woods National Monument (redwood forests)
- Silicon Valley
- Napa Valley & Sonoma (wine regions)
- Highway 1 & Big Sur (iconic coastal drive)
Driving gives you the freedom to explore beyond the city, where public transport is limited.
Car Rental Insurance Explained
Car rental insurance in the U.S. can be complex. The most common types include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Covers damage to the rental car (not technically insurance, but a waiver). Costs can vary widely depending on the vehicle. - Liability Insurance (SLP)
Covers damage or injury to third parties. Often costs around $10–$15 per day. - Theft Protection
Covers loss of the vehicle due to theft - Personal Accident Insurance
Covers medical expenses for driver and passengers
Many rentals include basic coverage, but conditions and excess fees vary. (
Important: your credit card or personal insurance may already cover some risks, so always check before purchasing extra coverage.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car at SFO
- Book in advance to secure better prices
- Inspect the vehicle before leaving the lot
- Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) when driving into the city
- Be aware that parking in downtown San Francisco can be expensive and limited
- Consider renting a car only for day trips, not for city use
Car rental companies
In San Francisco Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Fox
Hertz
National
Sixt
Thrifty
Location
The Rental Car Center is located a bit far from SFO terminals.
In order to get there, passengers may use the AirTrain Blue Line since it joints the car rental facilities with SFO terminals.
For further information regarding AirTrain, check here.
OFF-AIRPORT RENTAL CAR COMPANIES
The following car rental companies are also located within SFO Airport premises but not at the Rental Car Center:
- Airport Van Rental: +1 650 952 5543
Opening hours: From 06:00 am to 10:00 pm
- NU Car Rentals: +1 800.55.NUCAR
- Payless Car Rental: +1 650 548 5161
Opening hours: From 05:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Silvercar: +1 650 273 7110
Opening hours: From 05:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Fox: +1 415.917.2713
Opening hours: 5:00 am to 12:30 am.
Location
In order to get there, there is a free shuttle service from the SFO Rental Car Center which joints the off-airport rental car companies with the airport premises.
The shuttles just stop at the south curb of the Rental Car Center upon request.