Car rental San Francisco airport

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Cheap Car Rental San Francisco airport

About Car Rental at San Francisco Airport

A truly iconic American destination, San Francisco has it all. Here you will find spectacular views, including the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, the famous San Francisco Zoo to explore, and a bustling city full of trendy bars, a culture-heavy art scene, and plenty of fun events and festivals to attend. No matter what your reason for going to San Francisco, you know you’re going to have the trip of a lifetime.

When exploring in and around this lively city you’re going to want the freedom to see and do whatever you want whenever you want, so we highly recommend renting a car. Conveniently, you will find plenty of highly-recommended car rental agencies at any of the 3 international airports in San Francisco; Oakland International, San José International, and San Francisco International. 

Downtown Car Rental in San Francisco

Airport renting might not be your thing however, in which case there are plenty of car rental options in downtown San Francisco to choose from. Whilst you can find many of the same big-name brands that you can get at the airport, there are certain ones that we would recommend researching prior to your trip. For example, Hertz are one of the most easily accessible agencies, with 13 pick-up locations dotted around San Francisco for your convenience. Or, if you want to support a local business, take a look at City Rent-A-Car. Finally, for something a bit more exotic, look at Falcon Car Rental for a range of luxurious vehicles.

Driving in San Francisco

Driving in and around San Francisco is all part of the city experience, and it can be incredibly enjoyable. But we would recommend avoiding peak times (7am – 9am and 4pm – 6pm) if you want to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially on and around the Golden Gate Bridge. Other than that, just remember to double check all the local laws and rules before getting behind the wheel to make sure you are driving responsibly when in San Francisco.

Things to remember when driving in San Francisco:

Car Rental Agencies in San Francisco

There are plenty of car rental agencies in San Francisco to take your pick from, with world-renowned names such as Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty at your disposal. Because of this, you have the option to be a little bit choosy. So, make sure to do your research well in advance of your trip. Not only will this give you the time needed to compare prices, deals, and offers on different company sites, but you will also be able to book in advance. This may mean you can save a good amount of money compared to booking and paying on arrival.

Top Road Trips from San Francisco

San Francisco is a fantastic city to base yourself if you want to tour around and explore some more of California’s hidden gems in a wider area. There is no better way to experience San Francisco’s surroundings than with a proper road trip, and in a rental car you alone get to decide when it’s time to head back to your accommodation.

The Pacific Coast Highway has so much to offer the keen road-tripper. Perfect views out into the glistening Pacific Ocean will never get boring, and there is a smattering of small coastal towns along the way for you to fill up your fuel tanks, stomachs, and photo albums. You will also get the chance to see some of state’s awe-inspiring Redwood forests, which are an essential part of the overall California experience.

Frequently asked questions about car rental San Francisco airport

What’s the best area to stay in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, so there really isn’t a bad area to stay. But, if you know what kind of thing you’re looking for, that may help you narrow down your options as different districts offer different things. For first-time visitors wishing to get a good taste of the entire city, Union Square and Nob Hill are an excellent choice as they provide easy access to almost everywhere. If you’re visiting with family, check out Fisherman’s Wharf. This family-friendly area has lo
What is the cheapest time to go to San Francisco?
As with most popular holiday destinations, the cheapest time to go to San Francisco is definitely off-season. If you can deal with the colder weather, January will be the kindest to your purse strings, and flight prices usually drop significantly after the December holidays.
What is the best time to go to San Francisco?
San Francisco is famous for its ‘Indian Summer’, the calm, warm, spell it gets in Autumn. This makes September to November a fantastic time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, but the prices are generally cheaper as children are back at school. Plus, you get to see the gorgeous ‘fall colours’ that settle over San Francisco, making it a great time for getting those Instagram-worthy photos.
Can you get around San Francisco without a car?
If you plan on staying in the city, it is possible to get around San Francisco without a car. There are plenty of trams, buses, trains, and cable cars available. However, if you plan on travelling out of the city or you want to take a road trip, hiring a car will give you the freedom and independence to do so.

Airports near San Francisco airport

John Wayne Airport
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Los Angeles airport
Oakland airport
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Palm Springs airport
Sacramento airport
San Diego airport
San Jose airport
Tips and experiences for San Francisco airport

Our customers rated San Francisco airport with an average of 8.9 based on 178 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

10-11-2021
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says:
San Francisco is a fantastic city we did the Alcatraz tour and San Francisco city tour we also took the tram cars to fisherman’s wharf which was a great experience would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great holiday
23-10-2021
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clean, not so much of traffic, good accessibility from all over Bay area
20-10-2021
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says:
Don't take morning flight to SFO, cos its airport was very crowded for customs.
07-10-2021
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says:
Travel light. Be flexible. Remember people have different customs. Try everything. Be careful crossing streets. And, use holidaycars.com for all car rental needs as they always have the best price in my humble opinion.
30-09-2021
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says:
There are plenty of gas stations near by - could have saved some money by not getting the fuel up option
19-09-2021
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says:
Br cautious with this avis location. Car reserved at San Francisco Airport was 5 seat Fiesta or similar. However, at pick up, they only had Little Beatle available, which only has 4 seats. I was forced to upgrade to a jeep wrangler with almost double cost. I went back after 2 days trying to change it to a smaller car. They did not have anything available and I had to stick with the jeep wrangler for 8 days, which used a lot of gas. They could not make any price adjustment either. This was a terrible experience and I believe the avis at SFO do this all the time to upsell their bigger vehicles at higher price all the time as I saw other customers complained about the same issue . I will file a formal complaint.
09-09-2021
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says:
The airtrain worked well. The rental car facility was pretty far from the terminal and coming back to return the vehicle I got a little lost.
07-09-2021
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says:
Have your confirmation codes. Bring your driver's license. Know where you need to go before you get on the plane. As you leave in your rental car find a gas station you can use when returning the vehicle. Keep your paperwork and fill the tank when you return rental.
07-09-2021
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says:
Reserve car as early as possible. Compare rates. Do flight rate comparisons. Confirm all policies. Make sure you fully understand rental agreements. Make sure to have license and credit card with.
22-08-2021
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says:
This time the service better then before and because of Holidaycars.com help me to order so all process are very fast.
02-08-2021
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says:
It's pretty convenient, navigation is quite simple inside, not easy to understand how to get out to order an uber for example. In the end I went through Hayatt hotel :)
20-07-2021
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says:
If you search a cheap rent a car company they have also a quality service. You can use free shuttle train from airport what is like 20min ride. No long lines, cars are on 2nd floor parking. The return is simple and they have marked return way with signs so no confusion.
13-07-2021
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says:
If you are disabled, remember to bring your handicap placard when you travel. Always bring an extension cord!! Pack a few necessities in your carry-on bag to get you by if your luggage is lost. Use small plastic pots for face creams, foundation, hair gels, etc to avoid carrying large containers. When flying, bag up anything that might leak or ooze (gel deodorant for sure!) when the air pressure changes. Always carry-on your medications, jewelry and other valuables. When traveling to a foreign country, get information about what to do in the event of a medical emergency. A relative traveled to Italy last month and ended up in the emergency room followed by a hospital stay. All turned out well, but it was quite disconcerting at the time!
12-07-2021
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says:
Book online, in advance. To get the best deal available. Use 3rd party insurance from the internet - will be much cheaper then from the dealer. Arrive earlier to SF airport because the dealership is far away (15 minutesish on the fly train)
10-07-2021
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says:
Beautifull city to visit. Can easily go in Sonoma or Napa county to relax and discover wineries. If you have the chance, don't miss Yosemite park
29-06-2021
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says:
Do your homework when travelling anywhere. Make sure you're aware of local quirks and conditions. Be prepared for all types of weather. If travelling to areas where internet may not be up to North American standards have contingencies available to communicate. Be careful when in busy areas. Always watch your personal belongings and travel documents.
26-06-2021
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says:
Rental cars are the last stop on the airtrain. Don't book an off-site company any time near midnight. Have a backup plan in case the shuttle is late or doesn't even come. Bring a warm coat in case you have to wait outside for an extended period of time, SFO is cold late at night. Have a contact number for the car rental agency that you know you'll talk to a real person. If you book through a discount company, keep your original invoice...I couldn't remember how much I had paid.
24-06-2021
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says:
My travel tips are don't rent from advantage otherwise you'll end up stranded at the airport with no car after you made a reservation two months in advance. Oh, and you'll be out $$$ because they won't refund your money and you'll have to book a much more expensive day of rental.
21-06-2021
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says:
When returning your vehicle, just pull in and the attendant will guide you through. Easy! Buses are waiting. Close to terminals. Friendly staff. We would do SFO and LAX with Budget again.
20-06-2021
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says:
1/ sSF- City Bus Your(Red Line, valid 3 days) 2/BIg Sur-great drive & views of Ocean & mountains. 3/ Hearst Castle-wow! 4/Carmel/Monterrey-whats not to like?! 5/ Oid Monterrey Cafe= best brunch whole trip(went back twice) 6./Driving over Golden Gate Bridge- windy, but, again, wow!The views!
13-05-2021
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says:
SFO is very clean and well organized. The free tram to the car rental area drops you off right in front of all the car rental kiosks.
05-05-2021
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says:
We were in the new Harvey Milk Jet Blue terminal on our way home and it was pretty food, but definitely not as cool as their numbers-only terminal. I missed Cafe Boudin and all the other food and drink options. The new Milk Terminal, while nice, just doesn’t have the long list of amenities that the other does and I was surprised I couldn’t even find a port to charge my phone. We ended up eating at StarChicken and it was very average at best. There was no other conventional sandwich shop. The good news is the bathrooms were really comfortable and clean and the baggage came quickly. Dollar rental car was just a few short tram stops from the Terminal so returning the car couldn’t have been simpler. Kudos also to HolidayCars for hooking me up with an amazing deal with Dollar. I got the same car (Kia Sorrento) that I drive home in NYC for 13 days at just $60/day with tax—-not bad at all.
01-05-2021
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says:
The location of car pick-ups would be a very important factor for tourists in general speaking. I would say SFO is very good location for picking up cars. The staff was awesome. I was very satisfied with your car that I rent.
16-04-2021
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says:
Pack lightly! These days airlines have tricky luggage restrictions. Add mobile # for flight info updates!
08-04-2021
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says:
6 travel tips I would give: 1. If you are using ride share (e.g. Uber, Lyft), there is a designated zone area where all ride share pick-up and drop-offs are. 2. To save money, buy a sandwich or burger outside of the airport and bring it with you on your carry-on, so you don't have to necessarily buy an entire meal at the expensive food options at the airport. 3. If you are connecting at an airport, immediately look for your gate number and go directly there even if you have enough layover time, before doing any exploring. Sometimes life happens where you may be delayed, such as gate number changes that don't update on the screens, or gates that may be too far from where you landed. 4. Go to the washroom before going on the plane! Even if you don't feel like it, try to force yourself anyway! 5. If you are getting a rental car, clarify all the fine print and possible fees before signing anything. Keep all your contracts on record. Before dropping off or picking up, if you have any changes to your plans (ex. different dropoff location), receive confirmation from the rental car company first before making any decisions. 6. Whenever speaking to any customer service agents, ensure you get their name and the time you spoke to them.
07-04-2021
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says:
SFO car rental place is rather far from the airport itself. You will have to find the airport train to take you to the car rental place.
04-04-2021
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says:
- If renting a car, check to see if your rental car company is part of the immediate car rental area or off-site (i.e. requires an extra shuttle ride, etc.) - Be aware of bridge tolls when traveling by car, especially if crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (going into San Francisco incurs tolls) - California has some of the highest gas prices in the country. Consider taking some time to look for a reasonably affordable and open gas station to fill up on gas before returning your rental car. - San Francisco is quite cool all year round, even in summer. Depending on where you plan on traveling around (northern) California, the weather can range from cool and breezy to hot and dry. Dress in layers accordingly if possible.
01-04-2021
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says:
We had a hard time finding the car rental place. The signs were not visible right away. Customers service was great though. Price of the car was the best we could find and the whole rental process was easy. Very satisfied over all. We will definitely use the same company in the future.
31-03-2021
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says:
Make sure you are renting the right sized vehicle. Tell your agent about your itinerary and ask for recomendations.
21-03-2021
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says:
Its a lot to do in SF: • China town for the food • Golden gate, recommend to rent a car an go up to the vista point on rhe other side of the bridge • Cable cars and the museum • Lombard Street for the spectacular road and the flowers • Lunch at Cheescake fac above Union Square for the view • Roadtrip to Santa Cruz, beach, seals, bordwalk and the Mystery spot.
04-03-2021
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says:
This is the simplest airport to navigate. Signs are clear and airports staff is plentiful. The facilities are always clean and parking is conveniently accessible from the main building. Arrive two hours before your flight to ensure a hassle free experience through security. Once in the gate areas , enjoy the shops and local fare.
28-02-2021
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says:
Take extra time to get from rental to the terminal. Long way to get outside and inside the train and outside again. But overall nice airport no issues- good food
26-02-2021
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says:
Check out Olde Town Sacramento on your journey through California's central valley. Stop by Sutter Creek as you travel further east and visit the nice shops and boutiques. Calavares County has great sites including Big Trees State Park with its giant Sequoia trees, the historic town of Murphy with its haunted hotel and eclectic shops, not to mention the fabulous views along Highway 4. If you have the time, head up to highway 88 toward South Lake Tahoe, the views are some of the best in the country. Continue up to Tahoe and take a hike along Emerald Bay where the air is crisp and clear and the water reflects the sky and mountains along it's rippled surface. Yosemite valley is a must see, words cannot express the magnificence and grandeur of Mother Nature's creations in this valley.
22-02-2021
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says:
Make sure you know how to get to where you are going or have good GPS--highway system out of SFO is confusing.
19-02-2021
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says:
Finding this company was a great luck. The best price for the small car. Car was really great. Fast, comfortable and the best addition to our trip
14-02-2021
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says:
California is great for a driving holiday, I would do this once a year and would never get bored. We got a parking ticketing at Newport Beach for backing into a space which is weird and does not make sense especially as a foreigner. Tip is to make sure you read the signs properly and stick strict to the rules. (The space was so tight for our truck that backing into was the only choice rather than parked up onto the curve/pavement, did not know this would violate)
08-02-2021
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says:
Ciopino at Tony’s after a scenic drive up the coast. Marin lookout in the fog. Japanese garden in the rain. Yosemite always Yosemite. Riding the street car late at night with all the lights reflecting and sparkling.
05-02-2021
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says:
Arrive early to drop cars off and allow approximately an hour when arriving and picking up your car. There are no rental car desks/counters in the terminals. They require a 'monorail' ride to the rental center for most major agencies. Others require a shuttle van to an off property location. Waiting for both and the travel time will extend the normal duration for picking up your car. Once you are in your car, take a few minutes to orient yourself, and plot a course to your destination on your phone. Even then it will be confounding as you find yourself surrounded by drivers in a hurry, construction zones, poor signage, and narrow lanes. I lived in the area for over 15 years and still felt harried and stressed. In the future I will allow more time for picking up and returning my car than I did on this trip.
31-01-2021
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says:
Take at least 6 days to drive the west coast of America on the coastal road highway 101 Book hotels along the highway I5 is really suited to thru traffic Driving in America and Canada is easier than you might think. National car rentals are so efficient and obliging. Always have a Co pilot to snap the pictures and keep you company. Play your favourite driving tracks on the car's Apple Car Play !
28-01-2021
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says:
Make sure your rental car is attached to the rental car area and not off property. This will save you considerable time possibly up to 1 hour each way.
20-01-2021
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says:
Make sure you plan your arrival time with plenty of time to get checked in, go thru security and make it to your gate with time to spare.
28-12-2020
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says:
Use a rental car company in the airport! There are many and they are conveniently linked to the terminal-by airport rail. No reason to use one not in the airport!
26-12-2020
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says:
Drive safely be courteous and don't park in illegal spot follow the traffic rules all the time please enjoy your trip forget the rest do the rest
01-12-2020
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says:
Get reserve parking for the city ahead of time. Might want to check tour packages for various attractions to make it more affordable. Places to see are Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Pier 39. Check out Sausalito just crossing the Golden Gate bridge, north of the city. Make sure to ask about the fees you would pay for toll service as part of the car rental. It might be something convenient to do if you are to use a lot of tolls. Also north of the city is the Charles Schultz museum which is small but a lot of fun for kids. There are two aquariums in the city. If you see the one that is with the museum of science you might want to skip the one on Pier 39. Lots of great places to eat everywhere you look as well. If you like indie music, check out Amoeba music for records and CDs.
06-11-2020
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says:
If you're renting a car from SFO, just be aware that there are on-site and off-site rental agencies. Read the fine print before you book! The off-site agencies might offer lower rates, but you'll need to wait for a shuttle to take you to the agency, potentially adding another 30-40 minutes to your trip. The airport itself is fine. Food-wise, the options are so-so, especially if you have dietary concerns.
17-09-2020
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says:
To always to all charges to see they are correct, watch those workers in the counter to make sure you are treat fairly.
10-09-2020
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says:
Rent a car and drive through wine country- totally worth it
05-09-2020
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says:
Very busy the day after Christmas. Security handled it well, though. They made everyone TSA Pre-check, so no shoes off, etc. The burger place by gate 59 was really good. Use your phone to find routes without tolls that are still fast. Bring a jacket no matter what time of year.
05-09-2020
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says:
The Yosemite park was the best place to spend family and nature time. We recommend to stay inside the park for two full days. Sequoia park is also a great park. It needs half a day. If you want to enjoy seals- San Diego’s north Beaches are the best choice. And finally- Las Vegas is definitely a great city to end up your family holiday... West coast was the best area for our family winter holiday. Highly recommended
21-08-2020
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says:
The best Terminal for good food is Terminal 2, so if you have lots of extra time, use the free air train and go eat there. Napa Foods is excellent. The rental car facility is a long air train ride and is large with four floors and is confusing. Just know it will probably not be very quick to find your vendor, as they are spread out among the floors.
20-08-2020
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says:
You take sky-train to the last stop which is the rental cars. So in some ways it is convenient, but in some ways it takes a while to get there as well.
15-08-2020
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says:
The airport is well run. There are moving walkways for those who are older and do not wish to use a wheelchair service. One must be aware that you need to take the shuttle to the car rental building, part of the trip is outside (but not much). At the rental center find your car company and follow signs to their counter and then the floor to get your vehicle. When departing, if you have American Express Platinum card, there is a superb lounge to visit in the United terminal.
07-08-2020
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says:
Recommend bringing an empty plastic bottle to the airport. Bring it through security, then fill the empty bottle with water after you leace security. No reason to purchase an expensive water, when it is free when you plan ahead.
06-08-2020
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says:
We loved walking around San Francisco. It's such a beautiful city and the weather was incredible. We stopped at a little place to eat on the Union Street. Then we went to go take a look at the bridge and drove down Lombard Street. Would definitely recommend. We had lots of fun here.
06-08-2020
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says:
Location and timing - may be out of our control but a few tips - the most important one being - create a member account to your rental company. It’s easy and makes the process much faster with virtually no lines! Also, take a moment to locate the nearest train station - they are close so signage can be confusing from one to the other.
01-08-2020
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says:
Use advantage car rental. No hassles, very unerstanding company.
28-07-2020
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says:
San Francisco is a super fun city. The Alcatraz tour was amazing! Fisherman's Wharf has a multitude of things going on daily. Great restaurants, tons of live entertainment, and who could forget the sea lions?! Madame Tussaud's has a new attraction that was well worth the extra $5 add on for an additional hour of entertainment. Don't forget to eat at Tony's Pizza on Stockton street! Get there early to avoid a wait, but even if you are waiting in line, the food is definitely worth it!
24-07-2020
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says:
Love tour San Francisco is great. go to any park for a picknick. Great food. Great view from twin peak. Rent a bike. Go to the hippy place.
13-07-2020
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says:
As I didn't get out of the airport in time to have a full day in San Fransisco, and the following day had a wedding - I was unable to appreciate the city for what it offers. But the Golden Gate bridge is an incredible sight, and Haight Ashbury was a lovely area for shopping and brunch. I do look forward to my next visit.
09-07-2020
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says:
San fransisco airport is fantastic and relatively close to both bridges. I highly recommend this airport but do not use fox to rent a car.
05-07-2020
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says:
The museum is a must see at SFO and the Japanese restaurant, Wakaba, had surprisingly fresh and delicious food.
03-07-2020
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says:
Good food in the airport- Boudin, Gott’s and pretty soon Tartine! Easy to get on BART. Take the elevator to get to car rental. Allow time for using the shuttle to get to car rental. Allow plenty of time to get to airport because there’s a lot of traffic. Prepaid gas was actually not a bad idea because gas is expensive around the airport.
02-07-2020
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says:
SFO is a medium-quality experience like most others in large American cities.
01-07-2020
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says:
Muir Woods in the Marin Headlands. Sunset by the Bay Bridge. Standard Deviant brewery in Mission District. Bi-rite creamery, also in Mission District. See the sea lions at Pier 39. Point Reyes lighthouse, north of the city.
30-06-2020
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says:
The airport itself? Great. We had no issues.
26-06-2020
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says:
none
26-06-2020
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says:
Be paranoid in asking questions about rental car costs, because my Fox agent slipped an expensive extra charge past me. My mistake for not asking "and would that cost anything extra?"
25-06-2020
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says:
Easy to navigate. AirTrain was efficient in getting all passengers to the car rental station.
25-06-2020
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says:
Avoid Fox
25-06-2020
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says:
Quick to move through. Not many restaurants on the air side.
24-06-2020
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says:
The airport is great. Fox rental is the worst. Go to any other rental company. Terminal 2 is the best terminal. But for sure Fox rental is terrible. Over 2 hours to get 12 people there cars. Crazy.
19-06-2020
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says:
love the air train from the terminal to the rental car facility. there's a gas station directly opposite way down the street from the rental car return.
18-06-2020

says:
Overall, SFO is a nice airport. The air train system and central rental garage makes renting a car at this location a bit easier than most. Make sure to leave some extra time in transporting to and from the garage to terminal. Security isn’t the fastest, even with pre-check. Also, if you fly American Airlines, be sure to check your gate number. You may actually be leaving from terminal one. There’s some construction ongoing through 2019, which may cause delays in arriving to the garage and getting to your gate. Lots of good restaurants and other places to check out inside.
15-06-2020

says:
The airport exit and drive to the 101 is currently under construction, so have a GPS or a smartphone!
13-06-2020

says:
The To Do's...Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Ghirardelli. Chinatown and Union Square are obvious. But go outside the city. Make a day trip to Napa/Sonoma. Go browse in Hillsdale, South San Francisco and Berkeley. Rent a boat/bike in Golden Gate Park
11-06-2020

says:
Here are my best travel tips. Have fun. Fun is underrated. Drop the attitude. No one is impressed by it. Do something, don't just go to Starbucks and wait for someone to smile in your general direction, when in doubt go listen to music cuz that's totally fun plus even if the music is bad the people are open to new experience and that's really what you want in this world, right, new experience?
11-06-2020

says:
No major issues with the airport itself
10-06-2020

says:
take the air train to the rental cars
09-06-2020

says:
The train was very simple and the staff was helpful. Check out Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, Lombard, and Chinatown. Great food and people.
03-06-2020

says:
Don’t rent from Fox! Yep. That is definitely the best travel advice I could give anybody flying into San Francisco. Your time is valuable and they do not respect that. Have a great trip! Bet I am not this month’s winner! Ha!
03-06-2020

says:
Highly recommend Muir Woods and Stetson beach.
03-06-2020

says:
I don't think I can chill greatness
02-06-2020

says:
Try to travel there during the week not the weekend it won't be as busy. Double check signs and the information desk people are really nice and helpful. This is the first airport in over 30 years of traveling that the announcements at the terminal were understandable over the speaker system (we flew Southwest).
01-06-2020

says:
Easy airport to navigate given its size.
29-05-2020

says:
Check out the app Detour for fun and different guided tours.
26-05-2020

says:
No particular issue with the airport. Easy to find the rental car.
22-05-2020

says:
If going to San Francisco, you don’t need a car. Take a subway to the city. If you’re going outside the city, get a car at the airport. Take the people mover train directly to the rental car terminal. If going to Napa, fly into Oakland or Santa Rosa. Hotels are expensive. Try Airbnb instead.
18-05-2020

says:
Red eye flight had very small line for security. Food was scarce at that time of night which was the downside.
17-05-2020

says:
Great airport.
16-05-2020

says:
Always check the car throughout before and after use
15-05-2020

says:
Rail shuttle easy to locate. Gets you to all areas of the airport. If you have any time, excellent eating establishments are available.
13-05-2020

says:
Airport itself is pretty well maintained, but connections between terminals could be better indicated. It takes multiple stops from the International terminal to Terminal 3 by Sky-train, when one could also just walk over as they are adjoined. Make sure to fuel up before arriving at the airport, as the nearest fuel stops are across the freeway (near, and yet unreachable without making a large detour). Car returns isn't the most well indicated location, keep an eye out for signs and do budget some extra time for this.
01-10-2019

says:
Your reservation and card on file MUST have the same name. I had my husband's car which we had arranged, but they would not allow me to use it even though he provided authorization by phone. Payless Car Center is off of the airport. You have to ride the Air Train to the rental car center, then walk out to the curb and wait for the shuttle to pick you up. It's about a 5 minute or so drive to the rental car facility. San Francisco Airport is pretty big and has a lot of travelers. Give yourself enough time to get through security checkpoints and to your terminal prior to the departure of your flight. The toll for the San Francisco Bay Bridge can get pretty costly if you're having to travel over it throughout your trip. It runs upwards of $6 during rush hour and I believe $5 regularly. I am vegetarian, there are many vegetarian options. I ate at Golden Lotus Vegan Restaurant in Oakland. The food is phenomenal. I will be eating there again on my next trip. If you are a new visitor, Alcatraz and Pier 39 are a must. There are several tourist buses and cruises. Seafood is super fresh for those who love it. Skates By the Bay has a great view of the Bay while you're dining.
07-09-2019

says:
Stay away from San Francisco if you want better accommodation for less price. Since San Francisco is quite crowded and cost too much for just a small unit to stay at, you can travel about 25 minutes away to get better accommodations and less traffic. Also parking will also be free or much less. You will be able to visit San Francisco and the parks around the Silicon Valley area without paying way too much and spending most of the time sitting in traffic. While visiting San Francisco, don't forget to stop at Pier 39 to see the Sea Lions on the docks. Take pictures and listen to them as they complain for a space to sleep. Pretty hilarious! Lots of places to eat in the Mountain View area and places to shop. Don't forget to visit the Shoreline Bay Park in Mountain View if you like lots of birds and peaceful hikes. You can hike as much as you want or ride bikes along the trail while bird watching. There is also places to visit like Google and Apple headquarters. Don't forget the 17 mile drive to the Carmel by the sea and pack a lunch to dine at the seaside and watch surfers battle the waves!
06-09-2019

says:
Get a reservation in advance. check and choose the exact Vehicle for your needs. prepare your route in advance and get WAZE app. prepare the correct payment to go through Golden Gate Bridge while entering to San Francisco. Recommending to go to the "17 Miles Drive". Go to SONOMA county for wine tasting, don't drink it U R the driver !!!
04-09-2019

says:
Golden gate Carmel and big sur national park Route 1 driving Pier 39 Boulding bakery China town tour and Tea testing. Lombard street driving Ripleys believe it or not.
04-09-2019

says:
All lines were long, but they went quickly. Make sure you have reservations and lot of money for parking.
03-09-2019

says:
Arrive early at the airport. Book your rental car in advance and shop for deals. Check in as soon as possible to get a good seat on your flight. Window or aisles are the best when travelling solo! Travel as much as you're able. Be kind to the people making your travel possible!!! Have as much fun as possible! Buy souvenirs. Get a rewards credit card and pay it off every month! Live. Love. Learn. Repeat.
24-08-2019

says:
Definitely find a rental car deal online and book before you arrive. However choose the 'pay on arrival' option so that you still have flexibility to switch companies at the last second. If you have a printout of your offer you're in a good position to negotiate a similar or better rate with another car rental company. I've had great experiences with Hertz, Avis and Advantage. I've had a bad experience with Fox.
21-08-2019

says:
Make sure you contact Golden Gate Bridge to pay toll on north to south direction.
31-03-2019

says:
Travel as much as you can! With a nice, fuel efficient, and reliable vehicle it makes road tripping so much more fun and stress-free! Put your feet in the ocean and soak up the sun! Try new foods and drinks and meet new people! Stay off the phone and enjoy whatever is in front of you! Advantage is there for you the whole way!
28-03-2019

says:
Good experience at the airport
27-03-2019

says:
The Thrify car representative was so attentive and kind. We were impressed by his ability to answer all of our questions and go over all of our concerns. We appreciated his compassion for another customer who was having trouble completing his transaction. Thrifty provided quality service and we left satisfied and happy. Car rentals can be stressful experiences but we left comfortable and satisfied. We waited a long time in line before we reached the service counter. I would suggest more representatives. Also, our estimated charges when we reserved online were not accurate.
27-03-2019

says:
Stay on the outskirts of San Francisco, it is much cheaper. Make sure you stay in an area that you can access the metro and while you are in San Francisco use the metro. It is cheaper than renting a car and very easy to get around. If you are site seeing in San Francisco, when you first arrive , ride one of the hop on hop off tours located through out the area to get your bearings. Don't hop off - just ride, listen, and follow the map making mental notes of where you want to visit at a later time. We used our phone gps to locate the sites and walked to them or called uber/lyft to get to the sites if they were not within walking distance of the hop off site when we went back. Don't be afraid to ask, San Francisco people are generally friendly. Make sure you ride the nobb hill cable car it's easier and quicker to get on to and takes you to the financial district and the pier. It's only a short Walk Back to pier 33 from the main peer. The top selling items in San Francisco are hoodies and jackets because the climate and weather are atypical of the rest of California - dress accordingly. Go to Alcatraz and get your tickets way , way , way before you visit. They sell out quickly.
21-03-2019

says:
Make sure to rent a car. Its easier to get around on your own. People are friendly. Its cheaper to stay a few miles out of the city limits, where gas, food and stay are cheaper. Staying out of the city limits have easier access to vineyards and wine tasting experience. Its a good place to relax and to have fun. I liked the pier 39.
08-12-2018

says:
Travelling to downtown San Francisco - use the BART if there is a station near your hotel. It's cheap and runs regularly.
23-11-2018

says:
Gold dust lounge
08-11-2018

says:
We travel to California several times a year and enjoy visiting the Bay Area and the Monterey Peninsula. The climate is perfect and the restaurants are superb.
08-11-2018

says:
Do your homework
07-11-2018

says:
Drive slowly over a few days and stop in the small towns along the way from Sausolito, SF, Santa Cruz and Monterey.
01-11-2018

says:
Near Las Vegas go visit the Hoover Dam, route666 and the Grabd Canyon all in one day.
28-10-2018

says:
Berkeley was very nice
20-10-2018

says:
San feancisco ia beautifull fisherman worf is beautifull the golden gate park is special China town is crazy There are só Nice museus And places tô visit
01-10-2018

says:
San Francisco: Twin Peaks, Coit Tower, Lombard Street (aka Crooked Street), piers, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, 14 Ave Tile Steps and the hill above Outside SF: north through Golden Gate, Vista Point, Sausalito, Muir Woods; south: drive Pacifica (number 1) south along coast; area: Silicon Valley (if you're geek: IT campuses: Google, Apple, others)
16-09-2018

says:
Rental car 4x4, for going to snow place
15-09-2018

says:
To do's : Should definitely explore Yosamite national park for the picturesque views. Can also explore driving through the Pacific coast highway for an amazing beach view experience. Also driving along Lombard street and Golden Gate bridge. This way, you are able to cover most of the important bits in exploring San Fransisco.
15-09-2018

says:
Love it Nd recommend to all
11-09-2018

says:
rent a bike, ride the golden gate park and the presidio and then and cross the golden gate bridge to sausalito. Come back by ferry boat. Great experience, healthy and a beautiful way to appreciate the city's green without suffering its steep hills !
10-09-2018

says:
Japantown is GREAT!
10-09-2018

says:
I would visit the coast from the Golden Gate to Monterrey, make a trip to the Lick Observatory for a tour, and travel the winding Highway 130 to get out of the traffic for awhile. The views of the Bay area from there are great!
06-09-2018

says:
San Francisco is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone! The top tourist attractions are all worth visiting. I would not use the San Francisco City Sightseeing bus company again, but there are many other options to choose from.
04-09-2018

says:
Eat a ton!
03-09-2018

says:
Souley Vegan---do it!
27-08-2018

says:
SF is very easy to drive around and haveing a car makes it simple to visit places like Golden Gate Park and the Cal. Academy of Science, the redwood forest in Marin County and Sausalito. On top of usual tourist activities, like Alcatraz, that is the ability to get around was pefect.
20-08-2018

says:
Try to book early and try not to make any mistakes in the original reservation. Everything worked out great in LA where I dropped it off. A little slow and sloppy in SF but decent overall
16-08-2018

says:
Park away from Embarcadero and make sure to see Lombard Street!
28-05-2018

says:
Go and visit Alcatraz.
30-04-2018

says:
I went to Napa, which is beautiful and easy to reach. Go there!! Is my advice.
30-04-2018

says:
Don't get paypass from the rental car company! You can use the Fastrak website to register the plates on your rental for the period of time you're driving with a credit card to pay your tolls. Don't forget to check out Wine Country and the East Bay!
30-04-2018

says:
Walk across the golden gate for sure. City is beautiful to walk around in
29-04-2018

says:
Love San Francisco. So much to do there. A fun city to visit.
28-04-2018

says:
Book your car today so you can see places where one should have a car!
26-04-2018

says:
Must see: The obvious places like golden gate bridge, pier 39, but also the japanese garden in golden state park (even if you do not like gardening, it is very Zen there) The Bart public transport is very good, so for the first 3 days you do not have to rent a car :-) rent a bike instead.
25-04-2018

says:
I live in San Francisco. Here are my top tips for visitors: Bring warm clothing. It may seem counterintuitive (especially during summer) but you will freeze to death while you wait for the cable car or walk across the GG Bridge. Bring warm jacket, warm pants, snug caps. Besides that, there are SO many fun things to do here. Skip the main tourist attractions (Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Dolores Park) and visit Golden Gate Park, Lands End, Stern Grove, Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, Crissy Field. One final thing: When you return your rental car to SFO it can be very confusing because of poor signage. Allow extra time for getting lost!
25-04-2018

says:
Make sure you see the Golden Gate Bridge
24-04-2018

says:
Lots of things to do and see. We visited w my daughter in the marina district.
06-04-2018

says:
Don't take upgrade if it's to expensive
03-04-2018

says:
We visited more cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Parks in Arizona and Las Vegas. I recommend this tour as very interesting and give an idea of what SUA is in terms of nature and human constructions.
01-04-2018

says:
Didn't rent car for city, but to get to Yosemite. Car rental for city not a good idea, as parking is sparse unless only for one day. San Francisco is a wonderful destination, and should be experienced by all ages.
31-03-2018

says:
Golden Gate Bridge
27-03-2018

says:
Plan hour itinerary before you get there and make reservations
26-03-2018

says:
We love SF but this trip was to visit Napa Valley wine country.
17-03-2018

says:
The sunset boat cruise was really nice.
12-03-2018

says:
San Francisco Chinatown
10-03-2018

says:
Always a great city!
05-03-2018

says:
The most beautiful city in the U.S. dont miss the stunning views of the Golden Gate bridge from Marin Headlands. And be the first to find new places in rapidly developing Dogpatch.
04-03-2018

says:
Great place to visit! Been there dozens of times.
02-03-2018

says:
wake up early, there is a huge traffic later on.
01-03-2018

says:
If you are visiting in the summer, bring a sweatshirt:)
28-02-2018

says:
I go to motorcycle swapmeet at Dixon.Very nice meet but traffic is so bad,take to 4hours usuary 1hour haif.
26-02-2018

says:
Don't travel during peek season too crowded
25-02-2018

says:
SF is great.
24-02-2018

says:
travel destination was LA to visit friends
20-02-2018

says:
McWay Falls (Big Sur, California) and the Ventana Restaurant on the way.
07-02-2018

says:
Check out Oakland Zoo! Amazing experience for kids.
03-02-2018

says:
Seafood, wine, explore
02-02-2018

says:
Be prepared in case of weather delays for your flight!
31-01-2018

says:
travel to Sonoma valley.
24-01-2018

says:
I grew up in San Francisco and although my old neighborhood is pretty much the same, the busier parts of the city are now very crowded, traffic is intense, and roads are not good. Still, there is no city like San Francisco and visitors should have a wonderful experience there.
12-01-2018

says:
Car rental is cheaper than taxis, trams etc as it is easier to get around than you think - Bay Bridge only bottleneck if heading further afield. Howe ver, great city for walking the main centre attractions from Fishermans Wharf to Port, Coit Tower, Lombard St, Union Square etc...old trams are unique and exciting ride end to end.
11-01-2018

says:
biking from fisherman' wharf to the golden gate bridge is fun
12-12-2017

says:
not touring, travelling elsewhere
05-12-2017

says:
Went smooth from start to finish.
22-11-2017

says:
Get smaller cars for San Francisco.
12-11-2017

says:
We loved Fisherman's wharf and the surrounding piers. It's great to be near the water and watch the boats on the bay.
07-11-2017

says:
Bus system throughout the city is the way to go. Very reasonable price and can ride all day getting on and off wherever and whenever you choose. The hit a lot of the touristy area.
18-10-2017

says:
Stay out of traffic
04-10-2017

says:
Cycle around the city a great way to see the city.
14-09-2017

says:
Go for the city tour - really awesome!
14-09-2017

says:
Fox Travel is convenient and easy to work with!
14-09-2017

says:
I would call the actual car rental company a day before to validate your vehicle and the deposit amount required to eliminate surprises. In addition, I would check-in on-line for your flight to pay the cheaper baggage fee. Don't forget your car charger for your cell phone!!
11-09-2017

says:
a great city to visit
06-09-2017

says:
Go on the city tour. ...was fantastic!
15-07-2017

says:
The food, scenery, and people are wonderful.
06-07-2017

says:
Great city. Have fun. Give yourself plenty of time to see the sights as the fog cam ruin visibility in a moments notice
26-03-2017

says:
Amazing city and surroundings. Must visit.
22-02-2017

says:
Very expensive destination. Parking is cost prohibitive +/- $40 per night. We stayed on Fishermans Wharf area. If you haven't been there in over 10 years things have changed a lot. Go during the week if you can for less crowds. I love San Francisco. Bring plenty of sweaters and long pants!
09-02-2017

says:
Visit Muir Woods-beautiful!