Cheap car hire in San Francisco, Costa Rica

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Driving in San Francisco: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need

You’ll need a driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in San Francisco.

Most visitors can use their regular driving licence. If it isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your ID matches your booking and payment card.

Navigating city driving

San Francisco has steep hills, one-way streets and busy junctions.

Navigation apps help you avoid the steepest routes and guide you through the city’s grid. Traffic slows near Union Square and the Embarcadero, especially during peak hours.

Tolls, emissions zones and charges

Several bridges around San Francisco have tolls.

Tolls are collected electronically and billed to your rental car. The city has no emissions zones, and driving is free apart from parking fees.

Parking your car in San Francisco

Parking is limited in central areas, so car parks are easiest.

Street spaces fill quickly near major attractions. Multi-storey car parks offer safer options around downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Always check signs, as time limits and fees vary.

Finding fuel or charging points

Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in San Francisco are widespread.

Petrol stations sit on main roads and in suburbs. The city has many chargers, including fast options in car parks. Apps like PlugShare help you find available chargers.

Local driving style and tips

Drivers are steady, but hills and traffic need extra attention.

Use low gear on steep descents and take care at four-way stops. Traffic can be heavy downtown, and cable car crossings require caution. Keep speeds steady and watch for quick lane changes.

Find San Francisco car hire deals

How to book the best car rental deals in San Francisco

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your San Francisco car rental search.

Book now, cancel later

We clearly highlight car and van hire options in San Francisco that have free cancellation. So you can bag the best deal with total flexibility to change your plans if you need to.

Rent a car in San Francisco for a whole month

Want to hire a car for almost a month? Often, car rental companies in San Francisco avoid costly admin in between pick-ups by hiring out cars for longer periods. So see if monthly car hire is cheaper than the three weeks you need it for by selecting 30 days.

Compare fuel policies

To save money on topping up the tank as you take off in San Francisco, look out for deals with a 'full to full' fuel policy, as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

Skip the queues

We call out keyless pick-up when you search for cars with us. No keys to pick up, means no queues. Just turn up at your preferred San Francisco car hire location, hop in and hit the road.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get the best value car hire in San Francisco?

If you're looking for freedom to explore San Francisco, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in San Francisco that have free cancellation.

Can I book a one-way car hire in San Francisco?

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Is it worth renting a car in San Francisco?

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of San Francisco.

Can under 25s hire cars in San Francisco?

Most places – San Francisco included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers.