Rent A Car San Francisco
If you are traveling in San Francisco, a car is essential. The city has many hills and steep inclines, making it difficult to navigate without a vehicle.
SF also has many pedestrians, so be careful around them. You should also be aware of bus lanes, as driving on them can lead to a fine.
How to get a car in San Francisco?
Many people that move to the Bay Area from transit-friendly cities like New York or London are surprised to find they really do need a car. The city center is a maze of narrow streets, steep hills, and expensive parking.
But there are lots of great options for getting around San Francisco without a car, including bus and rail. The Muni metro system has multiple lines that run all over the city, and a Clipper Card makes it easy to buy fares and access the bus, streetcar, cable cars, and light rail.
You can also hop on a tour with a GoCar, a small open-roof vehicle that fits two passengers and comes with an audio guide to help you see the sights. Or, try a pedicab for a fun and convenient ride with set fares.
Car sharing is another great option, with Zipcar providing vehicles by the hour or day. Plus, membership includes gas, insurance options,* parking, and maintenance — a potential savings of $1000/month over car ownership.
Where to pick up a car in San Francisco?
A rental car is an essential tool for anyone visiting San Francisco. The city is allergic to street parking and parking garages are expensive. Having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore and make stops at your own pace, without worrying about traffic or finding parking.
The San Francisco Airport has several car rental options, including Hertz and Thrifty. The Union Square Budget location is another option, as well as many other locations throughout the city.
You can also rent a car through a service like Zipcar. This company rents out cars by the hour and has locations around the city. They usually offer a wide selection of vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars. However, they may close at a later time than a traditional rental car agency. Make sure to check their hours before booking. If they close too early, you may not have enough time to get out and see the sights of San Francisco before returning the car.
How to return a car in San Francisco?
When you’re ready to return your car, make sure to head to the airport’s Rental Car Center. The AirTrain Blue Line runs all day and night to transport you from the terminals to the rental car center. From there, follow directions to the automated Fastbreak kiosk. Insert your credit card, RapidRez number or reservation, and the kiosk will find your car. A member of staff will inspect your vehicle and give you a receipt. Once you’ve parked your vehicle, place the completed contract and keys in the drop box.
Having a rental car in San Francisco makes it easy to visit popular attractions like Coit Tower and Fisherman’s Wharf. Driving also allows you to explore places like Napa Valley and Muir Woods, which are both an hour or more from the city. Parking is a challenge in San Francisco, and overnight parking can be pricey, so we recommend using rideshare services or public transportation. Having a rental car is especially helpful if you want to visit areas outside of the city that aren’t serviced by BART or MUNI.
How much is a car rental in San Francisco?
A rental car in San Francisco is a great way to explore the city and its many famous tourist attractions. It can also be useful if you are planning to travel outside the city or the Bay Area.
Most of the major rental car companies have offices at SFO, including Hertz, Avis, and Thrifty. If you are arriving at the airport, you can take the AirTrain Blue Line Train over to the SFO Rental Center. This location is open 24 hours a day, and it is the easiest way to get a car in SF.
If you don't want to Rent a car in London Stockwell a car from the airport, there are several other options in SF. The public transportation system is robust in the city, and you can use cable cars, street cars, buses, and trains to get around. In general, it is best to avoid driving if you can. Parking is expensive and difficult in the city, and traffic can be a problem.