Car Rental - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Car Rental

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Information

Location Details

780 N Mcdonnell Rd

San Francisco,CA,94128

+1 650-624-6600Qualifications & RequirementsGoogle map location

Hours

Monday

24HR

Tuesday

24HR

Wednesday

24HR

Thursday

24HR

Friday

24HR

Saturday

24HR

Sunday

24HR

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Car Rental at a Glance

MOST POPULAR CAR TYPE

Chevrolet Malibu

AVERAGE DAILY PRICE

$175.00

USD/day

GOOD DEAL

$101.00

USD/day
Cheapest Month to Rentjanuary
Good Deal Price$101.00/day
Most Popular Car Type Chevrolet Malibu
Average Price$175.00/day

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Most Popular Vehicles*

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Car Rental Stats by Day*

 

Avg Daily Rate

Most Popular Car Type

friday

$81.00

Infiniti QX80

monday

$237.00

GMC Yukon

saturday

$147.00

Infiniti QX80

sunday

$174.00

Infiniti QX80

thursday

$110.00

Jeep Wrangler 2 or 4 dr.

tuesday

$146.00

GMC Yukon

wednesday

$141.00

Ford Transit 12 psgr

*Please note, prices are per rental/contract and include all taxes & fees in USD. Hertz works hard to get you the most accurate pricing possible, however, prices may fluctuate. We aggregate Hertz car rental data so you can quickly and easily compare car rental rates through weekly averages, annual and seasonal trends, and other metrics. These metrics provide you with valuable points of reference on rates so you can plan your trip more accurately than before.

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Rate Planner

Avg daily price per month

Average price per month is calculated using Hertz car rental data from the previous 12 months at San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Most Popular Vehicles*. (Rates in USD)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MonthAvg daily price
Jan112
Feb146
Mar144
Apr138
May142
Jun164
Jul166
Aug173
Sep155
Oct163
Nov144
Dec145

Helpful planning tips

MOST POPULAR CAR TYPE

Chevrolet Malibu

AVERAGE DAILY PRICE

$175

USD/day

GOOD DEAL

$101

USD/day

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport car rental

  • Find the Hertz office at San Francisco International Airport’s Rental Car Center, located on the first floor.
  • Renting a car from San Francisco Airport makes exploring the area quick and simple.
  • Travel to San Francisco’s landmarks and attractions on your own terms.

Directions from the terminal

You’ll find the Hertz car rental office at San Francisco International Airport's Rental Car Center, on the first floor. Get to the Rental Car Center by taking the AirTrain Blue Line, which you can access via AirTrain stations located in all terminals, terminal parking garages, the Rental Car Center and SFO's BART station.

Airline passengers

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (Domestic arrivals)

  1. After landing, follow signs to Baggage Claim / Ground Transportation and collect all your luggage.
  2. Exit baggage claim and follow overhead signs for AirTrain / Rental Cars.
  3. Take the escalator or elevator to the AirTrain station located inside the terminal.
  4. Board the AirTrain Blue Line (Rental Cars / All Terminals). It operates 24 hours a day and arrives every few minutes
  5. Ride to the “Rental Car Center” stop.
  6. Exit the train and follow signs for “Rental Car Center / Car Rental Counters.
  7. Take the elevator or escalator to the 1st floor.
  8. Follow signage to Hertz to reach the rental desk.

International Terminal (A & G)

  1. After arrival, proceed through Customs and Immigration, then follow the signs to Baggage Claim.
  2. Once you have collected your luggage, follow the signs for Ground Transportation / AirTrain.
  3. Go to the AirTrain station inside the terminal.
  4. Board the AirTrain Blue Line (Rental Cars / All Terminals). It operates 24/7 with frequent service
  5. Get off at Rental Car Center.
  6. Follow signs for Rental Car Center.
  7. Take the elevator or escalator to the 1st floor.
  8. Follow signs to the Hertz counter.

Local renters

  1. Follow signs for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from surrounding highways.
  2. As you approach the airport, use the main airport access road US-101 and follow overhead signage for Rental Cars or Rental Car Center.
  3. Continue onto North McDonnell Road, which provides direct access to the Rental Car Center.
  4. Enter the Rental Car Center garage.
  5. Follow signs for Customer Parking within the Rental Car Center.
  6. Use the designated short-term/customer parking areas before heading to the Hertz counter.
  7. From the parking area, follow signs for Rental Car Center
  8. Take the elevator or escalator to the 1st floor.
  9. Follow overhead signs for Hertz.

Renting a car at San Francisco International Airport

Renting a car at San Francisco International Airport means you can traverse the City by the Bay your way – straight away. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure or bleisure, a car rental lets you make your way around this stunning coastal city with ease and comfort. The airport is well connected by highways such as US-101 and I-280, so it’s easy to reach San Francisco city center, Silicon Valley, and any coastal or inland destinations you plan on visiting.

Renting a compact car, SUV, or luxury vehicle eliminates the need to rely on public transport. With your San Francisco International Airport car rental, you can venture across many of the city’s culturally rich neighborhoods – from Chinatown to Mission District. And don’t miss out on the chance to drive across one of San Francisco’s most popular and iconic attractions – the Golden Gate Bridge.

Explore San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport is the perfect place to start an epic adventure. Located just south of downtown San Francisco, it serves as a prime gateway to Northern California and the wider West Coast.

Here are a few attractions you may want to check out during your visit:

  • Golden Gate Bridge – 17 miles (around 30 minutes)
  • Fisherman's Wharf – 16 miles (around 30 minutes)
  • Pier 33 (for Alcatraz Island) – 15 miles (around 30 minutes)
  • Union Square – 15 miles (around 20 minutes)
  • Chinatown – 15 miles around 20 minutes)
  • Lombard Street – 15 miles (around 30 minutes)

Nearby destinations

Renting a car can make it quicker and easier for you to visit all the spots on your itinerary – and you and your passengers will be able to sit comfortably while you travel, too.

Here are some of the best places to visit in and around San Francisco:

Golden Gate Bridge – Perhaps San Fran’s most famous attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for travelers to the city. Opened in 1937, it stands anchored by towers 746 feet skyward and stretches 1.7 miles.

Alcatraz Island – This national park reveals troublesome tales of American incarceration, justice and common humanity. Today, it serves as a historic symbol that plays a key role in the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Oracle Park – Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, spending a day at Oracle Park is well worth your time. Hop in your San Francisco Airport car rental and catch a San Francisco Giants game, or take a tour around this famous ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and classic character.

Lombard Street – Be sure to pay a visit to the “Crookedest Street in the World” in your San Francisco Airport car rental. Drive down Lombard Street’s eight sharp hairpin turns and stop off on the one-block section to see incredible sights of the steepness of San Francisco’s hills.

Reserve now

Get ahead of the game and book your San Francisco Airport rental in advance with Hertz. Choose the ideal vehicle for your adventure, and we’ll have it ready and waiting for you as soon as you land.

Frequently Asked Questions

More things to know on your first drive

The San Francisco Airport provides air trains from all terminals.  The Red Line runs between the terminals.  The Blue Line runs from the terminals to the common Rental Car area.  Airport signs will direct you to the train boarding areas.  The airtrain runs approximately every 4-5 minutes, 24 hours a day.

 

Driver’s License Policy

 

The driver's license must match the renter’s name, be fully legible, and valid for the entire rental period. Damage, fading, or alteration that inhibits the legibility or authentication of the driver’s license may be refused. Customers who reside in the United States, U.S. Territories, or Canada must present at time of rental a valid driver's license with photograph issued by their state or province of residence. 

 

International Customers Traveling to United States

 

Customers traveling to the United States who have a driver’s license that was issued outside of the United States are required to present a valid driver’s license at the time of rent and a valid passport in the same name displayed on the foreign driver’s license, as a second form of identification.

 

If the driver's license is in a language other than English, and the rental is in the United States, an International Driver's Permit is recommended to aid translation. You will not be allowed to rent a vehicle with only an International Driver's Permit.

 

Mobile/Digital Driver License

 

A mobile or digital driver’s license does not replace a valid physical driver’s license and customers will still need to supply their hard copy license for rental eligibility.

 

Temporary Driver’s License

 

When a customer presents a temporary driver's license, the temporary driver’s license must be valid for the length of the rental and a government issued ID or hard copy of the expired driver's license must be presented. Temporary driver’s licenses may be refused if the customer’s identity or authenticity of the temporary license cannot be verified.

 

Florida Locations Only

 

Certain out-of-state driver’s license classes are not valid in Florida for driving a vehicle on public roads. Accordingly, which is a requirement for rental eligibility. This policy applies to any state that issues these types of driver’s licenses, including but not limited to, Connecticut and Delaware. These driver’s licenses will have a statement similar to:

  • Not for Federal Identification
  • Not Valid for Identification
  • DO – Driving Privilege Only or Drive Only

 

Active Military Driver’s License

  • Present an active Military ID
  • Compliant with issuing state military extension policy.

The Fees and Surcharges for Hertz Car Rental - San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be found here.

Rentals have a grace period of 29 minutes.

 

Optional coverages do not have hourly charges/grace period, but are charged as a full day.

 

Extra hour charges will be incurred at the 30 minute mark if the vehicle is returned more than 29 minutes past the original rental time.

 

 

If renting in California:

 

Hertz provides no liability protection under the terms of the Rental Agreement to the renter from claims of injury by others against you resulting from an accident. Your personal/business insurance may cover your liability. Exceptions: Hertz will provide primary liability protection up to the statutory minimum limits to international customers (driver's license indicates an address outside the USA) renting in California. Please also refer to Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) below.

 

If renting in Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia:

 

Upon signing the Rental Agreement, Hertz provides primary liability protection. However, such protection is generally no more than the minimum limits required by individual state law. See Financial Responsibility Limits by State.

 

If renting in any other state in the U.S.A.:

 

Hertz' liability protection is secondary to any other insurance coverage available to you. If you do not have liability insurance and/or the limits of liability of the insurance coverage available to you are not sufficient to cover claims by others against you, and Hertz, as the vehicle owner, provides liability protection due to an accident, you will indemnify Hertz for any and all payments made.

 

However, Hertz makes available additional liability protection, which is primary, if the optional Liability Insurance Supplement, LIS, is purchased.

 

Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS)

 

For rentals in the U.S., Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) provides you with up to $300,000 of increased protection should bodily injury and property damage claims be made against you by people injured in an accident. LIS safeguards your insurance policy and/or your personal assets for the first $300,000 should such claims be made against you. LIS provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to $100,000 per occurrence for combined bodily injury and/or property damage claims. Uninsured/ underinsured protection is not available in California and does not cover losses caused by the negligence of the renter or any authorized operator. You and authorized drivers are covered while driving the rental car within the United States and Canada, but only if the car is rented in the U.S. Coverage does not apply in Mexico.  LIS limits may vary in certain states, and terms and conditions apply. 

 

There are some exclusions to this coverage, including without limitation which we feel you should know. Under LIS, in the event of an accident, you will not be protected for third party liability:

  • If LIS is not accepted at commencement of the rental or if you fail to pay the charges for LIS.
  • If you permit the use of the car by anyone other than you or an authorized operator, or if you or an authorized driver operated the rental car in violation of otherwise violate the Rental Agreement, including, but not limited to, operating the car while legally intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other absorbed elements, for any purpose that could properly be charged as a crime, to tow or push anything, in a speed or racing contest or demonstration, to carry persons or property for hire, or to carry hazardous materials.
  • If the car or LIS coverage was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
  • LIS is third party liability coverage only, except as pertaining to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (if applicable).
  • Except where permitted required by law, LIS does not cover personal injury to you or any authorized operator of the rental car or to your or their family members who are related by blood, marriage or adoption and reside in your or their household.

 

Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) covers third-party automobile liability claims for bodily injury and property damage for rentals in the U.S.

If purchased, LIS will provide coverage before your personal policy and covers your liability to third parties, resulting from an auto accident in the rented vehicle, for bodily injury and property damage (other than to the rental vehicle).

Maximum LIS protection up to $300,000 for each accident for bodily injury and property damage in excess of minimum underlying state statutory limits.

*LIS limits may vary in certain states, and terms and conditions apply. Ask your rental representative.  Pricing of LIS for a specific rental will be provided at time of reservation.

 

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

In most states, in the event of any other loss or damage to the car, regardless of fault, your financial responsibility extends to the full value of the car at the time of rental, less its salvage value, plus expenses for towing, storage impound fees, an administrative fee and a reasonable charge for loss of use. If your responsibility differs in the state in which you rent, it will be stated in Paragraph 4, of the Rental Agreement. In California, in the event of any loss or damage to the car regardless of fault, your financial responsibility will in no event exceed the fair market value, plus actual charges for towing, storage, impound fees, and an administrative fee. In California and Nevada, your responsibility for loss or damage to the car from vandalism unrelated to theft will not exceed $500.00 in California and $2,500.00 in Nevada and you are not responsible for theft, regardless of purchasing LDW, unless the theft results from your fault.. In Illinois, your responsibility for loss or damage for any cause other than theft is limited to $15,500.00. Loss or damage related to theft is limited to $2,000.00, unless the theft results from your fault.  In New York, your financial responsibility shall not exceed (i) the actual and reasonable costs that Hertz incurs to repair the car, including costs for towing, storage and impound fees or that Hertz would have incurred if the car was repaired or (ii) the fair market value of the car immediately before the damages occurred, as determined by the applicable market for the retail sale of the car less disposal proceeds. Your responsibility for theft of the car shall not exceed the reasonable costs incurred by Hertz for loss due to theft up to its fair market value, if it is established that you or any authorized operator failed to exercise reasonable care or aided or abetted in the theft. 

 

  • However Hertz offers Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) an optional service, which for an additional daily charge relieves you of all financial responsibility for the loss or damage to the rental car, whether or not you have insurance to cover such damage, provided the car is used in accordance with the terms of the Rental Agreement. 

    Please note that for all rentals with pick-up in Scottsbluff, Kearney and Grand Island, LDW reduces your financial responsibility to $ 2,500.00.

  • The cost of LDW may vary depending on location or car type and is charged per each full or partial day of rental.

 

F.Y.I. – You are under no obligation to purchase LDW or any other optional service as a condition of rental. Your own personal insurance may provide protection for loss or damage to the rental vehicle depending on the state in which you live and the type of policy you have. Also, various credit card companies provide cardholders with some degree of damage protection providing you use their credit card for the rental and decline the optional LDW offered by Hertz at time of rental. The coverage and limits vary. Your policy or credit card coverage should be thoroughly checked for the specific terms and conditions associated with rental vehicles. Remember, most credit card insurance is supplemental, which means it will only reimburse you for loss or damages over and above what is covered by any other insurance you may have and will not cover you for any damage, regardless of cause, if you accept LDW.

 

Adding LDW after car is on rental:
You may not change the option once the rental has begun, without returning the car and starting a new rental agreement.  This will result in the contract being closed out and charges being assessed for the time the vehicle is kept at least 1-day minimum, and a new rental contract will begin.

 

Cancellation of LDW - New York rentals only:

On New York rentals only, LDW may be cancelled at no charge, within 24 hours of its purchase provided the renter (i) has rented the car for 2 or more days; (ii) appears in person at any Hertz rental location with the car, which shall be subject to inspection.

 

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)


Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), offered in combination with PEC, allows you to elect accidental death and accidental medical expense coverage for yourself and your passengers during the rental period of the vehicle.  

 

 

PAI coverage:

 

Benefits Schedule*

Renter

Each Passenger

Accidental Death:

$175,000

$17,500 

Accidental Medical Expenses Not to Exceed:

$2,500

$2,500

Ambulance Expenses Not to Exceed:

$250

$250

 

 

*Benefits referred to in this synopsis are not applicable for vehicles rented in the State of New York. In Minnesota, the death coverage limit is $100,000 ($10,000 for passengers) and the medical expenses limit is $3,500 for the renter and each passenger.

 

Total benefits for any one accident are limited to $225,000 and are payable in addition to any other coverage for which you or your passengers are eligible. However, your benefits provided by other coverage may be affected by the PAI benefits.

 

If this coverage is accepted, the benefits for you apply to all accidental injuries during your rental period, regardless of whether you are actually in the car. Your passengers are also covered, but only for incidents occurring while they occupy the Hertz rental car.

 

Exclusions

 

Benefits are not paid for any loss caused directly or indirectly by:

  • Intentional self-inflicted injury
  • Aircraft travel
  • Committing or attempting to commit an assault or felony
  • Intoxicants or narcotics unless administered by a physician
  • Routine physical exams; routine dental care
  • Mental health care
  • Replacement of hearing aids, eye glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses
  • Services provided by the insured or a family member
  • Alcohol/substance abuse; or treatment for the same
  • Experimental treatment and procedures
  • Care or treatment that is not medically necessary

 

The renter shall be deemed to have converted the rental vehicle whenever the rental vehicle is not returned to Hertz by the return date or by the extended return date. This is a summary only and other restrictions may apply.

 

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)


Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), offered in combination with PAI, is an option that insures against risk of loss or damage to help protect your certain personal belongings while renting from Hertz. By electing PEC you will be insured throughout the entire rental period. PEC is insurance protection and pays in addition to any other policy you may have (such as a Homeowner’s policy). However, your benefits provided by other coverage may be affected by the PEC benefit. PEC insurance coverage includes those personal effects owned by you and those members of your immediate family traveling with you during the rental period who are permanent residents of your household. PEC does not extend to non-family members traveling with you.

 

 

Coverage Per Person

Per person

Maximum

United States

$650

$1,950

Canada

C$500

C$1,500

 

 

PEC applies to personal effects only and not to car equipment. The following are examples of items NOT covered by the PEC:

  • Automobiles and their equipment, motorcycles, boats, motors or other accessories, add-ons, instruments)
  • household furniture, currency, coins, stamps, deeds, bullion, securities, tickets, documents
  • CB radios, radar detectors, guns, merchandise for sale or fine art
  • Contact lenses, artificial teeth and limbs
  • Perishables
  • Animals

 

Exclusions

 

Personal effects not covered loss by mysterious disappearance, nor does it cover::

  • Loss or damage caused by wear and tear, gradual deterioration, moths, vermin, inherent vice or damage sustained due to any process or while actually being worked upon and resulting there from, or while in the care, custody or control of any common carrier.
  • Loss by nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination.
  • Loss caused by any act of war.
  • Loss or damage due to theft unless reported by Police.

Also, PEC does not cover:

 

Loss or damage caused by wear and tear, gradual deterioration, moths, vermin, inherent vice or damage sustained due to any process or while actually being worked upon and resulting there from, or while in the care, custody or control of any common carrier.

  • Loss caused by war or any act of war;
  • Loss by nuclear reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination;
  • Any loss or damage sustained to property while in the care, custody or control of any common carrier;
  • Loss or damage due to theft unless reported to Police.

If loss or damages occur, completion of claim form must accompany claim. Forms are available at all Hertz corporate locations.

 

Please note that PAI and PEC are not available separately and must be taken in combination.

Corporate locations only:

 

Vehicles returned 30 minutes late or more are charged for an additional part or full day, depending on the time of return (this is shown on your receipt in the 'Initial Charges' section). For vehicles returned more than 12 hours late an additional charge of $12 per day, up to a maximum of 5 days ($60), will also be applied (shown in the 'Service Charges/Taxes' section).

Intercity fee is for rentals returned to a location other than the location specified in the Rental Agreement. If the rental has already started at the time the change is made, a Return Change Fee may also apply. Note: Tesla reservations are not allowed to return one way.

You must meet the minimum age restrictions, present a valid driver's license and possess an acceptable charge card in your name. 

 

You must also be in good standing with Hertz and its affiliated companies and not be subject to a Do Not Rent requirement from any of Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty or Firefly.

 

Please also refer to Form of Payment for acceptable charge cards.

 

Please also refer to Minimum Age and Exception and Driver's License for complete requirements and restrictions.