San Francisco Car Rental

Car Rental in San Francisco

 

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? A San Francisco car rental gives you the freedom to explore the best of the City by the Bay. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf to the famous stepped neighborhood of Nob Hill, there’s plenty to uncover.

With car rental in San Francisco, getting around this dense metropolis is a breeze. Hertz has several car rental pick-up locations across the city, including San Francisco International Airport. From there, it’s an easy 20-minute drive into Downtown San Fran.

When you reserve your rental car in San Francisco, you can choose different pick-up and drop-off locations – perfect for that Californian road trip. There’s a vehicle for you, no matter what your plans are, with family-friendly SUVs and chic convertibles all available.

Experience what makes this city so special with a San Francisco car rental from Hertz. Get ready to make San Fran yours or set off for nearby San Jose or Oakland to extend your  Californian journey.

Popular Vehicles to Rent in San Francisco

A silver Ford Focus

Cars

  • 4-5 people
  • 2 suitcases
  • 4-5 doors 
A blue Polestar, electric car

Electric Vehicles

  • 5 people
  • 4 suitcases
  • 5 doors
blue range rover sport 2024

SUVs

  • 7 people
  • 5 suitcases
  • 5 doors

San Francisco Car Rental FAQs

There’s plenty of on-street parking in San Francisco for your rental car. Painted curbs can indicate parking limits, such as:

  • Red - no parking
  • White - five-minute drop off zones
  • Green - 10-minute parking zones
  • Yellow - commercial vehicles only
  • Blue - disabled permit holders).

 

When parking on one of the city’s many hillsides, legally your wheels must be angled so that if your brakes fail your vehicle will roll into the curb and not into the street.

San Francisco is served by several main roads and interstate highways that enter the city from different points:

  • Interstate 80 (I-80) enters the San Francisco Bay area from the northeast side.
  • Highway 101 is one of the best-loved road-trip routes in California, leading 420 miles from San Francisco south to Los Angeles.
  • Interstate 280 (I-280) leads to Golden Gate Park, heading towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

Golden Gate Bridge, with its sweeping cables and tremendous towers, is just under a 30-minute drive from our San Francisco Airport car rental location:

  1. Leave San Francisco Airport and head south.
  2. Get on I-390 west in San Bruno.
  3. In 5.9 miles, take exit 5A to merge onto I-280 towards San Francisco.
  4. Continue onto CA-1 north for another 6.3 miles.
  5. Use any lane to merge onto US-101 north into Golden Gate Bridge.

Top Tips for Driving a Rental Car in San Francisco

You don’t need a California driver’s license to drive in the state. Instead, you only require a full photo driver’s license from your home state or country. Additionally, you must be at least 25 years old to reserve a rental car in San Francisco with Hertz.

San Francisco, like other US cities, has specific driving rules. When driving your San Francisco rental car, you must always give pedestrians the right of way. It’s also law to avoid passing light rail vehicles on the left or passing them when their doors are open. Always adhere to all road signs, particularly on narrow one-way streets.

Speed limits vary from around 20 mph to 40 mph depending on where you are in the city. Always follow any localized speed limits and street signs. For more information on getting around San Francisco in your rental car, see our comprehensive driving guide.

Traffic in and out of San Francisco can get very heavy around peak times. When driving your San Francisco rental car, be mindful of rush hour periods between 7 am to 9 am in the morning and 4 pm until 6 pm in the evening. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most congested routes in and out of the city during these times.

San Francisco is one of few regions served by three major airports – San Francisco International Airport, Mineta San Jose International Airport and San Fransico Bay Oakland International Airport.

If your flight lands at San Francisco Airport, our car rental office is just a short journey away. From the arrivals terminal, simply take the Blue Line of the airport’s free AirTrain system, which runs 24/7 with frequent service. You can also get a shuttle bus into the city and access one of our HLE branches.

Experiencing a flight delay or need some assistance with your San Francisco car rental policy? Our support center can steer you in the right direction.

A Quick Travel Guide to San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco’s most famous landmark is unmissable. You can drive your holiday or business car rental over the famous 1.7-mile-long bridge for the ultimate experience. Once you reach the other side, park your rental car and take in stunning views of the famous structure from the unique bay-side town of Sausalito.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

A ferry ride to the infamous Alcatraz Island is a must when visiting San Francisco – just park your rental car nearby. Explore the halls of the empty prison that was once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf

The life and soul of San Francisco’s waterfront community, Fisherman’s Wharf, is alive with restaurants, bars and entertainment. Be sure to head to Pier 39 to spot San Francisco’s famous sea lions frolicking in the marina.

The Hilton, Union Square

Situated in the heart of the city’s thriving shopping district, The Hilton high-rise hotel in Union Square provides a range of stylish, modern rooms. It also boasts an outdoor pool and hot tub facilities for guests looking to unwind after a day of exploring. If you’re staying for a work trip, there’s parking available for your San Francisco business car rental.

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Union Square

With plush guestrooms, stunning suites and an enviable location in the heart of Union Square, the Grand Hyatt Hotel is a must for those looking for a luxury break in the city. Hop in your San Francisco car rental from the hotel and enjoy a short drive to the city’s main attractions.

Orchard Garden Hotel, Chinatown

Offering a stylish rooftop garden and patio, the Orchard Garden Hotel is a 20-minute drive from our San Francisco car rental branch in Fisherman’s Wharf. If you’re eager for some hustle and bustle, walk just five minutes to experience all the major attractions of Union Square.

Alexander’s Steakhouse

Mouthwatering steaks are the order of the day at Alexander’s Steakhouse – just 15 minutes from our San Francisco Airport car rental branch. Serving up the finest cuts of beef in stunning contemporary surroundings, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cosmopolitan date night for two or dinner with the family.

Wipeout Bar & Grill

Hungry explorers will love the wide selection of tasty burgers, succulent chicken wings and piping hot pizza available at this Fisherman’s Wharf favorite. Situated in the bustling heart of Pier 39, Wipeout Bar serves up tasty American classics for all the family.

Hog Island Oyster Company

Located in the Ferry Terminal, this is where you need to head to sample the freshest oysters on the West Coast. Park up your San Francisco rental car and dine on freshly shucked oysters, clam chowder, king prawns and a whole host of other seafood specials.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

As one of the most expansive and impressive art museums in the world, the SFMOMA is unmissable. Featuring everything from digital installations to photography, art, video and industrial design, here you’ll discover contemporary masterpieces.

The California Academy of Sciences

Nestled in the beautiful Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is a perfect day out for families. An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum all rolled into one with so much to do, learn and be stimulated by.

San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design

For something on a smaller scale, take your San Francisco rental car to explore this compact and contemporary design museum in Union Square. It celebrates some of the most exciting and innovative textile artists and painters of our generation. Exhibits change frequently, from fashion and furniture to light fixtures and sound installations.

Fancy a Road Trip from San Francisco?

San Francisco to San Diego: Hit the waves of the West Coast and explore some of the best surf spots in California with your San Francisco car rental. Experience Crystal Cove State Bark, Santa Barbara Channel and more electrifying landmarks as you surf your way through paradise. Check out the route.

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