





From
US$46/day


From
US$49/day


From
US$98/day


From
US$88/day


From
US$89/day


From
US$104/day
Most popular car rental suppliers | Hertz |
|---|---|
Most popular type | Intermediate SUV |
Average daily price | US$230.00 |
Typical rental periods | 4 days |
San Francisco may be compact in size, but it packs in a lot—from steep hills and Victorian homes to hidden beaches and coastal highways. While the city’s public transport works for short hops, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms. Want to drive down Lombard Street, zip across the Golden Gate Bridge, or catch the sunset in Half Moon Bay? A car makes it easy. It’s especially useful if you’re heading to wine country, Muir Woods, or even planning a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.
If you’re looking to save, timing and location matter. Booking ahead, especially during weekends and holidays, can help you lock in better rates. Consider picking up your car from a downtown branch instead of the airport. City-center locations often avoid the extra fees tied to airport pickups.
Use Trip.com to compare different providers in real-time. Look out for deals with free mileage, insurance bundled in, or discounts for longer rentals. Sometimes, switching your pickup time by just a few hours can also change the price significantly.
Before picking up your rental, double-check that you have the following:
Driving in San Francisco is a bit different than in other cities, thanks to its geography and traffic patterns. Here’s what to keep in mind:
California law requires children under the age of 8 to ride in a car seat or booster in the back seat. Kids under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are over 40 inches tall. Most rental providers offer a range of child safety seats—just make sure to request the appropriate size when booking.
Once you’ve got your wheels, head beyond the postcard views. Drive out to Lands End for cliffside trails and ocean views, or take a day trip to Sausalito, just across the bridge. Want something more relaxed? The drive along Highway 1 toward Pacifica or Santa Cruz offers ocean views, roadside diners, and scenic stops. With a rental car, you can build your own itinerary, and make room for spontaneous detours.
Trip.com offers flexible options with many rentals. If plans shift, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup. It’s a simple way to book early without the risk.
Trip.com lets you choose your rental and insurance in one place. From basic coverage to full protection, everything is clearly outlined—no hidden fees, no surprises at the counter. Just book, drive, and go.
Booking a car rental in San Francisco about 1 day in advance can get you a lower-than-average price.
Standard SUV is the most popular car model to rent in San Francisco. The average daily price for a Standard SUV is US$91, but some users have found prices as low as US$30.
April has the lowest average daily price at US$98. The most expensive month is September, with an average daily price of US$125, which is 9.93% higher than the annual average of US$114.
Authentic San Francisco supplier ratings
San Francisco suppliers have an average rating of 4.4. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.