Small
Mitsubishi Mirage
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €266/7 days
See offer →
SFO Airport Car Rental - San Francisco Airport
Check live prices from 12 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers12
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At San Francisco Airport you can compare rental cars from 12 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in San Francisco Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 17 Oct. Prices collected 17 Sep.
AlamoMid-size
Ford Focus
Thrifty- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €254/7 days
See offer →SUV
Mazda CX-50
Budget- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €270/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in San Francisco Airport: rating and lowest price
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Enterprise | (36) | €285 | |
| Alamo | (262) | €266 | |
 National | (14) | €299 | |
 SIXT | (38) | Inside the terminal | €384 |
| Budget | (16) | €226 | |
| Thrifty | (163) | Inside the terminal | €250 |
 Hertz | (11) | €304 | |
 Avis | (23) | €249 | |
 FOX | (200) | By shuttle bus | €480 |
 Dollar | (107) | Inside the terminal | €251 |
 Europcar | (81) | By shuttle bus | €271 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 17 Sep, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at San Francisco Airport
Prices for car rentals at San Francisco Airport vary depending on season and how early you book. By comparing multiple rental companies in advance, you'll secure the best price and avoid expensive last-minute bookings. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the Bay Area's largest airport and offers 13 car rental companies in the centrally located Rental Car Center, accessible via free AirTrain from all terminals.
SFO is 22 km south of San Francisco center, making it the perfect starting point for driving along Highway 1 or into Silicon Valley. The Rental Car Center at SFO is open 24/7 and houses all major chains under one roof. It's 25-35 minutes' drive north to Union Square in SF via Highway 101, and just 15 minutes south to Palo Alto and Stanford University.
Half Moon Bay on the Pacific coast is reached in 30 minutes via Highway 92. With 13 rental companies at SFO, it's always worth comparing prices - the difference can be 30-50% between companies. Avoid picking up your car during rush hour (7-9 and 16-19) as queues to the Rental Car Center can get long.
Book an electric car if you plan to drive extensively in the Bay Area - California has a dense network of charging stations. How do I get from SFO's terminal to the car rental companies? Take the free AirTrain (blue line) from your terminal to Rental Car Center - the journey takes approximately 5-8 minutes and trains run continuously.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco Airport? At SFO we compare prices from 13 rental companies, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo and several others. Compare prices on SmartCarRental.com for the best offer.
Can I return the car at a different location than SFO? Yes, most rental companies offer one-way rentals. For example, you can pick up at SFO and return in Los Angeles (600 km south) for an additional fee.
We compare prices from all major providers at San Francisco Airport 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.
What to Know Before Picking Up at San Francisco Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of California (USA). Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at San Francisco Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at San Francisco Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At San Francisco Airport you can compare rentals from 12 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in California (USA) ▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 40-56 km/h
- Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
- Motorway: 105-129 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking can be expensive in cities, always check signs for fees.
Road tolls: Check if your rental car has a transponder for easy payment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at San Francisco Airport
Which rental companies are available at San Francisco Airport?▼
You can compare 12 rental companies at San Francisco Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in California (USA)?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at San Francisco Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in California (USA) is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in California (USA)?▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40-56 km/h in urban areas, 89-105 km/h on rural roads and 105-129 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at San Francisco Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at San Francisco Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at San Francisco Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for San Francisco Airport
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12 rental companies at San Francisco Airport. Enter your dates and find the right car.
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San Francisco Airport
12 providers
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