Things You Should Know About Rent A Car San Francisco
From Shiapedia
Rent a car in London Pimlico a Car San Francisco is a great option for travelers who want to explore the city and other popular destinations located in Northern California. Before you drive a rental car in SF, there are some things you should know.
One tip is to rent your car at the airport before heading into town. The rates are usually less than renting a car in the city.
Airport Locations
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers nine rental car companies in a consolidated terminal on airport grounds, plus five off-airport locations reached by shuttle from the consolidated rental center. To pick up your SFO rental car, head from baggage claim to the AirTrain and follow the signs to the rental car center. Some of the major rental car brands at SFO include Hertz, Payless, and Sixt.
Crank up the engine of your SFO rental car and explore this one-of-a-kind city. Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, up the weird and winding Lombard Street, or take a drive along Scenic Highway 1. San Francisco has so much to offer. You can also head south out of SFO on a quick road trip to nearby San Jose or Sacramento. Depending on traffic, it's easy to get out of the SFO area in about 20 minutes or less. You could even make the 19-mile drive to Palo Alto to see the Computer History Museum.
One-Way Rentals
If you are planning a long drive, consider renting a one-way car from San Francisco to Los Angeles or vice versa. This can save you the hassle and expense of returning the vehicle to the same location you picked it up from. Simply select the "Different drop off location" option when booking online.
The drive along the coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco is scenic and dotted with worthwhile stops. Those who opt for this route typically spend two to three weeks enjoying all that it has to offer.
Visit Alcatraz, the former prison island that played a role in many legends and movies. Or, tour the cable cars at the free San Francisco Cable Car Museum. And, spend a day exploring the expansive Golden Gate Park. This urban park is the largest in all of California. It features museums, botanical gardens and a golf course. The park is visited by 24 million people each year.
Toll Roads
The Bay Area has a number of toll roads that use electronic payment systems. Some allow drivers to pay either with a transponder or by having their license plate scanned. The most popular are the Bay Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, Carquinez-Benicia Bridge and Octavio Paz Duarte Bridge. Rental cars usually have a transponder and many companies offer plans that cover all the major toll road types.
Renters who forget to bring a pass or turn off the transponder on the rental car can be hit with a bill from the company for the trip they took on the toll road. Some also charge an admin fee for each day of use.
Most rental car agencies require that their customers pre-register their rental car before driving on toll roads. If trips are incurred before the registration, the rental company will charge the driver via their credit card after they return the car. The fees can be significant.
Driving in San Francisco
Whether you want to visit the famous museum of modern art SFMOMA or take the kids on a hands-on exploration at The Exploratorium, a rental car will give you the freedom to explore San Francisco’s sights. Just remember to drive safely, obey local traffic laws, and keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially in crowded areas.
Upon landing at SFO, follow the signs for AirTrain, which operates 24-hours a day to transport you to the airport’s Rental Car Center. At the station, follow the blue line to reach all major rental car agencies at the airport.
Book your next SFO car rental with Discover Cars for an easy and affordable experience. With free cancellation, no hidden fees, and a wide selection of cars, you can find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
