Car Rental in Burlingame

Rent a car in Burlingame center and explore the San Francisco Bay Area to the south with 3 providers to choose from. Burlingame is located directly south of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), about 20 km from San Francisco center, and offers a quieter and often cheaper alternative to renting at the airport. The city's charming downtown along Broadway is the starting point for trips along the Peninsula.

Burlingame borders San Mateo to the south and Millbrae to the north, and the entire Peninsula region is easily accessible via US-101 and I-280. Silicon Valley with Palo Alto and Stanford University is about 30 km south along the Peninsula. Half Moon Bay on the Pacific coast can be reached in about 30 km west via Highway 92 over the mountain range.

Choose I-280 instead of US-101 for a scenic and often faster drive south toward Silicon Valley – the route goes through hills and nature reserves. Avoid picking up a car during SFO's rush hours (7–9 am and 5–7 pm) when traffic on US-101 north can be chaotic. Drive to Coyote Point Recreation Area, just 3 km south, for a quick break with views over the bay.

How close is Burlingame to San Francisco International Airport? SFO is about 3 km north of Burlingame center and can be reached in under 10 minutes by car via Airport Boulevard. Can I get to San Francisco center with a rental car from Burlingame?

Yes, it's about 20 km north via US-101 or I-280, which normally takes 25–40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Caltrain and leave the car in Burlingame. Is it cheaper to rent a car in Burlingame than at SFO?

Often yes – car rental stations outside the airport have lower taxes and fees. The difference can be 15–25% per day compared to SFO stations.

We compare prices from all major providers at Burlingame Center so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.