Roberta Aguirre
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a Rental Car Center that allows travellers to pick up and drop off rental cars from various companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Europcar. The Rental Car Center can be accessed from the airport terminals via the AirTrain Blue Line, which operates 24 hours a day for free. The average rental car costs $74 per day, with some companies offering rentals from $26 per day. San Francisco is not a very walkable city, so having a rental car is a convenient way to travel throughout the region and to nearby cities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
| Rental Car Center Address | 780 N. McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA |
| Transport from Airport Terminals | AirTrain Blue Line |
| Transport to Off-Airport Locations | Free Shuttle Service |
| Rental Car Companies | Thrifty, Europcar, Dollar, Fox, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Alamo, Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
| Average Daily Rate | $74 |
| Lowest Daily Rate | $26 |
| Vehicle Types | Vans, SUVs, Luxury Cars, Economy Cars, Convertibles |
| Additional Services | TollPass, Remote Bag Check |
| Return Process | Return to the same location, drop keys in the drop box |
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What You'll Learn
Pick-up and drop-off
Picking up and dropping off a rental car at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a straightforward process. The airport's Rental Car Center is located at 780 N. McDonnell Road, and it houses several major rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty on the fourth floor, and Hertz and Fox on the first floor.
To get to the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals, you can take the AirTrain Blue Line, which operates 24 hours a day and has stations in all terminals, terminal parking garages, and the Rental Car Center itself. The AirTrain provides frequent service and is fully automated, making it a convenient option for travellers.
When picking up your rental car, you will need to provide certain documents to secure your vehicle. These typically include a valid driver's license and, in some cases, a credit card or other form of payment for any applicable charges or holds. It is recommended that you book your rental car at least one day in advance to find more affordable rates. Additionally, if you are using a debit card, be prepared for a credit check and have a second form of identification ready.
For drop-offs, you will typically return your vehicle to the same location where you picked it up. Follow the signs to the Rental Car Center and look for the designated return lane. After parking the car and removing your belongings, lock the car and drop the keys in the drop box located near the rental car return booth. If you are returning the car after hours, you may need to use a specific return area, such as the second floor of the Rental Car Center.
Some rental car agencies, like Avis, offer a free pick-up service from the airport. However, this usually requires advance arrangement, and specific policies may vary by location. It's important to call the rental car company and provide relevant information, such as your precise address, pick-up time, and contact number. Additionally, certain off-airport rental car agencies provide a free shuttle service to and from the Rental Car Center upon customer request.
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Transport to the rental centre
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a Rental Car Center located at 780 N. McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA. The Center houses several rental companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Thrifty.
To get to the Rental Car Center from the airport, you can take the AirTrain Blue Line, which operates 24/7 and is free of charge. The AirTrain has stops in all airport terminals, the Rental Car Center, terminal parking garages, and the BART station. The journey to the Rental Car Center takes around 5-7 minutes.
If you are using an off-airport rental car agency, such as Budget, you can take advantage of the free shuttle service from the SFO Rental Car Center. These shuttles can be requested to stop at the south curb of the Rental Car Center.
When returning your rental car, you will typically bring it back to the same location where you picked it up, which is usually on McDonnell Road. After parking the car, remove your belongings and lock the car, then drop the keys in the designated drop box. You can then board the AirTrain to get back to the airport terminals.
It is recommended to avoid the rental center during San Francisco's rush hour, which is typically between 7-9 am and 4:30-6:30 pm, to prevent getting caught in heavy traffic.
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Required documents
When renting a car from San Francisco Airport, you will need to provide a few documents to secure your vehicle. These include:
- A valid driver's license: This must be issued by the government and should not expire during your rental period. If you have a foreign or international license, you can present that instead, along with your passport, as most companies will ask to make a photocopy of it.
- Rental contract: You will need to present this when returning your rental car at the airport.
- Other documents: Depending on the rental company and your specific circumstances, you may also need to provide additional documents, such as a credit card or other valid proof of identity. It is always a good idea to carry these supporting documents with you when renting a car.
To use the free pick-up service offered by some rental companies, you will need to provide certain information when arranging for pick-up, such as your precise address, exact time of pick-up, and a phone number where you can be reached.
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Additional drivers
When renting a car at San Francisco International Airport, additional drivers are allowed, but there are some requirements that must be met. The specific requirements may vary depending on the rental company and the type of car being rented.
For Alamo Rent a Car, the renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and driver's license requirements as the renter is authorized to drive the rental car. Any additional authorized drivers must be present at the time of rental and meet the age and driver's license requirements. Additionally, all renters and additional drivers must have verifiable collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance.
For Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the renter's spouse or domestic partner is the only permitted additional driver on a rental secured with a debit card, unless otherwise required by law. Additional drivers must be 25 or older and have a valid driver's license. They must also be present at the rental counter with the primary renter. Similar to Alamo, all renters and additional drivers must have verifiable collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance.
It is important to note that some rental companies, such as Avis, do not charge additional driver fees in California. However, specific requirements and charges may vary, so it is always best to check with the rental company directly.
When adding an additional driver, it is essential to ensure that they meet the age and license requirements and have the necessary insurance coverage. By following the rental company's guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable rental experience at San Francisco International Airport.
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Road trip destinations
San Francisco International Airport has a Rental Car Center that allows travellers to pick up and drop off rental cars in one convenient, central location. The AirTrain Blue Line operates 24 hours a day and provides a free service throughout the airport, with stations located in all terminals, terminal parking garages, the Rental Car Center, and the airport's BART station.
Now that we've covered car rentals, here are some road trip destinations you can consider when flying into San Francisco Airport:
Point Reyes
Point Reyes is a relatively short drive from San Francisco, approximately 30 miles, and offers stunning capes, cliffs, and beaches. The National Seashore is part of Tomales Bay and is surrounded by quaint villages. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking the Tomales Point Trail, with views of the Bay and local elk.
Santa Cruz
Located about 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is renowned for its beautiful redwood forests and coastline. West Cliff Drive offers breathtaking views, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has family-friendly amusement park rides. For an educational experience, visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center or explore the plant life at the University of California's Arboretum. Santa Cruz Wharf is also a great spot to grab a bite and watch the sea lions.
Big Sur
Big Sur is known for its steep cliffs and ocean vistas, offering the perfect combination of beaches and mountains. It is a popular spot for hiking and exploring, with opportunities to behold creatures such as grey whales and elephant seals at certain times of the year.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for both winter and summer trips. In the summer, Emerald Bay is a must-see, with its picturesque inlet and historic Vikingsholm castle. Sand Harbor and Donner Lake are also nearby. During the winter, ski resorts such as Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar are popular choices.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is a famous nature site known for its beautiful valleys, granite faces, glaciers, and waterfalls. The park is especially famous for its waterfalls, which can create a rare Firefall event, resulting in an orange glow, or night rainbows in the waterfall spray. For a challenging hike, you can travel to the top of Yosemite Falls, which typically flows from November through July, with peak flows in May.
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Frequently asked questions
To get to the rental car center from the airport, take the AirTrain Blue Line. This line runs 24 hours a day and is free. You will find stops in all the airport's main terminals, the rental car center itself, and the airport's parking garages.
To return your rental car, bring it back to where you initially received it. Most car rental agencies have their return area on McDonnell Road, and there will be signs to help you find the drop-off location. After parking the car, remove your belongings, lock the car, and drop the keys in the dropbox in front of the rental car return booth.
Some car rental companies at San Francisco Airport include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar, Dollar, Fox, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, Avis, and Kayak.
Every rental car company at San Francisco Airport will require customers to provide a government-issued driver's license that has not expired during the rental period. If you have a foreign or international license, you may use that instead.
San Francisco is not a very walkable city, and while it has public transportation, driving is one of the easiest ways to get around. Having a rental car will make it convenient to travel to nearby cities and manage multiple pieces of luggage.
