San Francisco Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Francisco

Renting a car in San Francisco provides an excellent opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With the freedom to manage your schedule, you can easily visit iconic attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, a historic landmark that offers rich cultural experiences, and Pier 39, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Families and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate visiting Golden Gate Park, where they can enjoy a variety of activities amidst beautiful surroundings.

A rental car also enhances your convenience when exploring nearby destinations like South San Francisco, featuring San Bruno Point Park and the San Francisco Baking Institute. You can easily travel to Fisherman's Wharf, home to attractions like Lombard Street and Alcatraz Island. Union Square is another must-visit neighbourhood, offering shopping and dining experiences. With a rental car, you can navigate these areas without the hassle of public transportation, making it an ideal choice for families or those with luggage. Overall, having your own vehicle allows for a flexible travel plan, ensuring you make the most of your visit to San Francisco and its vicinity.

Most popular car rentals in San Francisco

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for those exploring San Francisco, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. This vehicle is particularly suitable for families, couples, or small groups, providing ample room for both passengers and luggage. With its versatile design, the Midsize SUV offers the freedom to navigate the city and its surroundings comfortably, making it an excellent option for your travel needs.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the Standard SUV is another frequently booked option in San Francisco. It comfortably seats 5 travellers and has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This car type strikes a balance between spaciousness and manoeuvrability, allowing you to explore the city with ease while ensuring that your belongings are well accommodated. Its practicality makes it a solid choice for your car rental experience.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is perfect for families or larger groups, as it accommodates 5 travellers and offers flexibility for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for those requiring extra luggage space while travelling in and around San Francisco. With its generous capacity, the Fullsize vehicle ensures you have room for all your essentials, making your journey more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Top rated car suppliers in San Francisco

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice among travellers in San Francisco, offering 4 rental locations throughout the city. Known for its reliable service, Alamo provides a smooth rental experience with well-maintained vehicles. The Midsize SUV and Standard SUV are the most booked options, allowing for ample space while exploring the iconic sights of San Francisco. Customers appreciate the ease of pickup and return, making Alamo a solid choice for those looking to navigate the area comfortably.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 3 rental locations in San Francisco, Thrifty Car Rental is favoured for its competitive pricing and variety of vehicle options. The Midsize SUV and Fullsize models are particularly popular, catering to families and groups needing extra room. Thrifty is noted for its efficient service and straightforward rental process, making it an excellent option for travellers seeking convenience during their visit to the city and its surrounding areas.
• Budget: Budget stands out with over 5 rental locations in the San Francisco vicinity, providing flexibility and accessibility for tourists. Known for competitive rates, Budget offers a range of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV being top choices. Travellers appreciate Budget's commitment to customer service and the ease of managing their bookings, ensuring a hassle-free experience while exploring the beautiful sights of San Francisco and beyond.

Where to stay in San Francisco

• Union Square: A vibrant neighbourhood in San Francisco, Union Square is ideal for family, city-themed, and business-themed experiences. Here, you'll find a bustling shopping area and a shopping mall centre. Noteworthy attractions include the modern Union Square itself, the iconic Pier 39, and the winding Lombard Street, all within proximity. The area is also home to various restaurants and wineries for dining and refreshments, making it a perfect base for exploring the city's cultural and leisure activities.
• Downtown San Francisco: This central neighbourhood is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Downtown San Francisco features a mix of shopping areas, educational venues, and an urban park. Key points of interest include the historic Ferry Building and the renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Lombard Street is also easily accessible, adding to the charm of the area. With numerous dining options, including restaurants and wineries, Downtown San Francisco offers a lively atmosphere and convenient access to local attractions.
• South San Francisco: Located just south of the main city, South San Francisco is a family-friendly area that combines outdoor activities with urban amenities. Visitors can explore attractions like the eco-friendly San Bruno Point Park and the Golden Gate Park, which are perfect for outdoor adventures. The city also offers educational experiences at the San Francisco Baking Institute. With various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, South San Francisco provides a welcoming environment for those looking to enjoy both city and outdoor experiences.

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 the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a greater selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which are acceptable as well, provided you return the vehicle with an empty tank in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, although this may be justified by the added convenience.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides you with added peace of mind in case of any unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is quite straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on undertaking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around San Francisco

The best time to rent a car in and around San Francisco is November, when prices are at their lowest and demand is relatively calm. October also offers moderate pricing, although demand tends to be higher as visitors flock to the area. For shoulder periods, February and March can be appealing, with slightly lower prices and demand. In contrast, July is the most expensive month, accompanied by high demand, making it less attractive for budget-conscious renters.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	55.8°F (13.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
November	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

With Expedia, you can find car hire in San Francisco for around AU$73 per day. The total comes down to several things, such as the car model, the duration of your rental and the specific dates. Expedia’s range of car rentals in San Francisco includes economy, compact, SUV, midsize and electric options. You can take advantage of our budget car hire in San Francisco by planning your holidays for the low season, from January to March. This quieter time of the year boasts budget-friendly rates on car hire, hotels and flights. Plus, you won’t have to battle through as many crowds as the summer season.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in San Francisco

Finding cheap car hire in San Francisco with Expedia is easy. Simply kick things off by entering your travel dates and opting for the "Great deal" filter. Our San Francisco rental cars range from budget to luxe, so you’re guaranteed to find something that’s the right fit for you. Better yet, you can cut the costs by paying in advance. If you’ve got a coupon or discount code, use our filters to find applicable car rental providers and enjoy the most pocket-friendly prices on San Francisco car rental deals.

Best car rental companies in San Francisco

Expedia's selection offers plenty of reputable options for vehicle hire in San Francisco. Browse budget or luxury car rentals with top car providers including Europcar, Hertz and Avis. Make the most of your voyage to Northern California with a wallet-friendly economy rental, or a premium vehicle or enjoy the conveniences of a compact car.

Best places to rent a car in San Francisco

If you’re flying directly to San Francisco, you’re probably going to be landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Hiring a car from this airport offers the next level of convenience, simply hop off your flight, grab your luggage and head to your chosen car provider. Or, perhaps you want to get your bearings before committing to a hire car. In that case, you can always arrange to pick up your rental vehicle from Downtown San Francisco. Expedia’s booking process is straightforward and allows you to organise everything all in one place. Browse our range of rental cars in San Francisco and get planning your next getaway today.

San Francisco car rental types

Whether you’re on a short break or a multiple week adventure, scoring the best car rental deals in San Francisco is effortless with Expedia. An SUV car rental is a great option if you plan on including some quick getaways to the fabulous attractions outside San Francisco, such as Big Sur or Sonoma. Otherwise, take advantage of the conveniences and fuel efficiency of a compact car or economy car rental. Planning a loved-up holiday? Hire a luxury car and let the premium interior set the mood.

Advice on car rental in San Francisco

If you want to rent a car in San Francisco, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old. You’ll need to provide a valid driver's licence and credit card under the same name. If you want to hire a car in San Francisco, be prepared for stricter age limits on large or luxury vehicles. Most luxury SUVs and premium models won’t always be available for younger drivers. Before you collect your keys, make sure you read the fine print. Check out the full terms, conditions and policies of San Francisco car hire on Expedia’s detail page.

Benefits of booking a car rental in San Francisco with Expedia

Expedia’s range of car rental deals in San Francisco can help you take the stress out of your holiday. Enjoy booking your budget car hire in San Francisco on our platform, organise all the details and focus on making your holiday dreams a reality!

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.