How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Francisco
In search of a cheap rental car in San Francisco? With an average price of ₹ 11,077 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the top deals to help you spend less.
₹ 3,335 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in San Francisco.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from ₹ 23,343 and pack in more adventures.
Get the timing right and book around one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a San Francisco car hire.
Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz are some of the most reliable providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you go with Thrifty or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your San Francisco car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be the key to cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can score some great one-way prices on a car for rent in San Francisco.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at ₹ 10,164 a day.
In second position is this provider, offering daily rates of around ₹ 10,198.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly ₹ 10,014 a day with this supplier.
If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of vehicle in San Francisco.
Flying to San Francisco? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at San Francisco International Airport. If you're flying to San Francisco through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 21 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Francisco
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Francisco gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this San Francisco car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in San Francisco that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different San Francisco car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in San Francisco.
Good to know
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before you book.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your San Francisco car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Driving in the United States can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in San Francisco for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Nob Hill Inn. Offering accessible parking as well as express check-in and luggage storage, this hotel is about 2 kilometres from central San Francisco.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco also works well for a trip built around driving. It features valet parking, along with a daily newspaper service and billiards. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in San Francisco for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to get out and explore now you've locked in a car hire deal in San Francisco and your hotel. From Golden Gate Bridge to Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island, there's loads to keep you busy here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Francisco
Around 64 kilometres southeast of central San Francisco, San Jose should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Popular accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in San Francisco and travel roughly 48 kilometres southeast to Fremont. Featuring Flight 93 Memorial and Mission Peak Regional Preserve, it's every bit as good as advertised.
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark-Fremont and Courtyard Newark Silicon Valley are comfortable places to stay in Fremont if you're sticking around for a bit. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Stockton, about 105 kilometres east of San Francisco. Make your first stop Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade, then head to Historic Bob Hope Theatre.
The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel and Red Roof Inn Stockton have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Stockton.
