Flying into San Francisco International Airport? Located just 13 miles south of downtown, SFO is one of California’s busiest airports and the perfect starting point for your Bay Area adventure. With a hire car waiting for you at the Rental Car Center, you can drive straight into the city, cruise the Pacific Coast, or head north to Napa Valley with ease. Rhino Car Hire makes booking at SFO quick, affordable, and stress-free.
On-airport convenience – collect your car directly at the Rental Car Center, linked by the free AirTrain.
Wide choice of vehicles – economy cars, family SUVs, convertibles for Highway 1, and premium models.
Best price guarantee – we compare trusted suppliers at SFO to secure the lowest rates.
Flexible booking – free amendments and fair cancellation on most rentals.
24/7 support – customer care and roadside assistance whenever you need it.
Downtown San Francisco: ~25 mins via US-101 N.
Golden Gate Bridge: 30–35 mins.
Napa Valley: 1 hr north.
Drive on the right: Seat belts required for all passengers.
Speed limits: 25–35 mph in cities, 65–70 mph on highways.
Tolls: Golden Gate and Bay Area bridges use electronic FasTrak – most rental cars are set up for pay-by-plate.
Parking: Downtown garages are the safest bet; street parking is limited and often metered.
Fog warning: Summer fog near the coast can reduce visibility – drive carefully.
Yosemite National Park: ~4 hrs east.
Los Angeles via Highway 1: 7–8 hrs with epic coastal views.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in California? Not if your licence is in English. If not, an IDP is recommended.
What’s the minimum age to hire a car at SFO? Most suppliers require drivers to be 21+, with surcharges for under 25s. Some vehicles require 25+.
How much does car hire at San Francisco Airport cost? Economy cars typically start from $40 per day when booked in advance. Convertibles and SUVs are more expensive, especially in summer.
Are child seats available? Yes – required by law for children under 8. Can be added during booking.
Can I book one-way rentals from SFO? Yes – many travellers book one-way trips down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles or San Diego.
Is unlimited mileage included? Most rentals at SFO include unlimited mileage – check your booking details.
Whether you’re crossing the Golden Gate, sipping wine in Napa, or road-tripping along Highway 1, Rhino Car Hire makes it easy to find the right vehicle at the best price.
Book online today and start your California adventure from San Francisco Airport with confidence.
Volkswagen Jetta
5 Adults, 2 Doors
7 Days rental at 202.96 EUR from 17/11/2025
7 Days rental at 203.87 EUR from 17/11/2025
Buick Encore
5 Adults, 5 Doors
7 Days rental at 206.80 EUR from 17/11/2025
Toyota Prius Hybrid
7 Days rental at 213.88 EUR from 17/11/2025
7 Days rental at 297.84 EUR from 17/11/2025
Hiring at San Francisco Airport (SFO):
✅ More choice of vehicles and usually cheaper daily rates
✅ Collect your car as soon as you land — Rental Car Center linked by AirTrain
✅ Ideal for road trips to Napa, Yosemite, or Highway 1
❌ Airport surcharges may apply
❌ Queues can be longer at peak arrival times
Hiring in San Francisco City:
✅ Convenient if you’re already staying downtown or near Fisherman’s Wharf
✅ Avoid airport crowds and baggage hassle before pick-up
✅ Flexible branch locations across the city and Bay Area
❌ City pick-ups often cost more per day than airport rentals
❌ Parking in San Francisco can be tricky and expensive
Our tip: If you’re flying into SFO and planning a wider California trip, airport car hire is usually the best value. But if you’re staying a few days in the city first, booking a car later from a downtown branch may save parking costs.
🚗 Pick up from SFO Rental Car Center
🌍 Explore SF, Napa, Yosemite & the coast
💲 No hidden fees, book early & save
⏰ 24/7 customer support throughout your rental
🛍 Add extras like GPS, child seats, or insurance
Napa Valley (1 hr): Famous for its vineyards, wine tasting, and scenic rolling hills.
Muir Woods (45 mins): Walk among towering coastal redwoods just north of the Golden Gate.
Monterey & Carmel (2 hrs): Stunning Pacific Coast scenery, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the 17-Mile Drive.
Santa Cruz (1.5 hrs): Classic boardwalk fun, surfing, and a relaxed beach vibe.
Yosemite National Park (4 hrs): A longer day out, but worth it for granite cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.
SFO is the second-busiest airport in California after LAX.
The AirTrain connects all terminals to the Rental Car Center free of charge.
The airport features a yoga room and art exhibitions for travellers.
SFO’s runways are built on reclaimed land in San Francisco Bay.
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