Car Hire in San Francisco – Flexible City Car Rental
Hiring a car in San Francisco city gives you the freedom to explore beyond the cable cars and downtown streets. With Rhino Car Hire, you can compare cheap car hire in San Francisco, pick up from convenient city locations, and plan everything from local sightseeing to iconic California road trips.
If you don’t need a car immediately on arrival, city car hire is often a flexible and cost-effective alternative to airport rentals.
Why Hire a Car in San Francisco City?
San Francisco is compact, but many of California’s best experiences lie outside the city. Hiring a car in the city allows you to:
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Pick up close to your hotel or accommodation
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Explore neighbourhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Mission District and Golden Gate Park
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Visit nearby destinations without returning to the airport
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Start a road trip without navigating airport traffic
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Avoid airport surcharges on longer rentals
City car hire is ideal for longer stays, business travellers and road-trippers.
Why Choose Rhino Car Hire in San Francisco?
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Competitive city car hire rates with no hidden fees
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Clear, upfront pricing you can trust
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Wide range of vehicles including economy cars, SUVs and convertibles
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Flexible daily, weekly and long-term rentals
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One-way car hire available across California
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24/7 customer support and roadside assistance
San Francisco City Car Hire Locations
You can collect your hire car from convenient city locations, close to:
Exact pick-up details are shown during booking so you can choose what suits your plans.
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the best starting points for the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) — one of the world’s most scenic road trips.
With a hire car, you can drive south from San Francisco along dramatic cliffs, coastal towns and ocean views, stopping wherever you like.
Popular Pacific Coast Highway stops include:
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Half Moon Bay – beaches and coastal trails
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Santa Cruz – classic surf town
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Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – rugged coastline and art galleries
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Big Sur – iconic cliffs and viewpoints
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San Simeon – Hearst Castle
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Santa Barbara – Mediterranean-style charm
Hiring a car in San Francisco city gives you the flexibility to start this journey without returning to the airport.
One Way Car Hire: San Francisco to Los Angeles
One-way car hire from San Francisco is extremely popular for Pacific Coast Highway road trips. You can pick up your car in the city and drop it off in Los Angeles, saving time and avoiding backtracking.
Why Choose One Way Car Hire?
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Complete the PCH journey without returning north
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Fly home from Los Angeles
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Ideal for multi-city California itineraries
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All one-way fees shown upfront before booking
Popular drop-off locations include:
Availability depends on vehicle type and supplier, but only valid one-way options are shown during booking.
Where to Drive from San Francisco
With a hire car, you can also explore:
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Golden Gate Bridge & Marin Headlands
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Napa Valley & Sonoma – wine country, around 1 hour north
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Silicon Valley – tech landmarks and campuses
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Yosemite National Park – iconic national park road trip
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Lake Tahoe – alpine scenery and outdoor activities
Driving in San Francisco – City Tips
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Speed limits are in miles per hour
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Expect steep hills and tight streets
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Parking is limited — public garages are recommended
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Many bridges use electronic tolling (FasTrak)
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Coastal fog is common, especially in summer
How to Book San Francisco City Car Hire
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Select San Francisco city as your pick-up location
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Choose your rental dates and vehicle type
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Compare prices, insurance and extras
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Book securely with instant confirmation
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Collect your car and explore California your way
San Francisco City Car Hire FAQs
Is city car hire cheaper than airport car hire in San Francisco?
It can be, especially if you’re staying in the city for a few days before travelling.
Can I return my car to San Francisco Airport or Los Angeles?
Yes. One-way rentals to SFO, Los Angeles and other California locations are available.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Most rentals include unlimited mileage — check your booking details.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If your licence is in English, an IDP is not required. Otherwise, one is recommended.
Book Your San Francisco Car Hire Today
Compare deals, book in minutes, and enjoy flexible, affordable car hire in San Francisco city with Rhino Car Hire. Whether you’re exploring locally or driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles, your California road trip starts here.
Current Rental Rates in San Francisco
Volkswagen Jetta
5 Adults, 2 Doors
From 32.40 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 226.84 EUR from 23/03/2026
Ford Focus
5 Adults, 4 Doors
From 32.40 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 226.85 EUR from 23/03/2026
Chevrolet Spark
5 Adults, 4 Doors
From 32.41 EUR/day
7 Days rental at 226.89 EUR from 23/03/2026
San Francisco Car Hire FAQs
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in California?
Most visitors can drive with their home licence. An IDP is recommended if it’s not in English.
What’s the minimum age to hire a car in San Francisco?
Usually 21+, though some categories require 25+. Under 25s may pay a surcharge.
How much does car hire in San Francisco cost?
Economy cars typically start from $40 per day, with convertibles and SUVs higher, especially in summer.
Is it better to hire at the airport or downtown?
SFO Airport offers more choice and lower rates, while downtown branches are convenient if you’re already in the city.
Can I drive my rental outside California?
Yes – most rentals allow interstate travel, but confirm with your supplier.
Are child seats required in California?
Yes – child safety seats are mandatory for children under 8 years old.
Is unlimited mileage included?
Most San Francisco rentals include unlimited mileage – check your booking terms.
Key Highlights for Car Hire at San Francisco: Making the Most of Your Journey.
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Iconic landmarks: Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, and explore Chinatown.
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Wine country: Napa Valley and Sonoma are just an hour’s drive north.
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Scenic drives: Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur, or head inland to Yosemite National Park.
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Family-friendly options: SUVs and minivans ideal for groups, with extras like GPS and child seats available.
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Peace of mind: Unlimited mileage, insurance options, and trusted suppliers included.
San Francisco - Popular Destinations
- Napa Valley: Approximately 50 miles away.
- Muir Woods National Monument: Around 16 miles away.
- Sausalito: Approximately 10 miles away.
- Half Moon Bay: Around 30 miles away.
- Yosemite National Park: Approximately 170 miles away.
Our Most Popular Rated Local Car Rental Suppliers from San Francisco
9.2
No.1: ALAMO,
based on 8770 reviews
23 min (average wait time)
9.1
No.2: NATIONAL,
based on 845 reviews
22 min (average wait time)
8.5
No.3: HERTZ,
based on 4084 reviews
19 min (average wait time)
San Francisco car hire information
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€ 226.80
Average price:
(per week)
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€ 32.40
Best Price:
Per Week
Average prices per day in San Francisco
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 63 |
|---|
| February | € 58 |
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| March | € 55 |
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| April | € 65 |
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| May | € 46 |
|---|
| June | € 75 |
|---|
| July | € 84 |
|---|
| August | € 62 |
|---|
| September | € 57 |
|---|
| October | € 57 |
|---|
| November | € 66 |
|---|
| December | € 67 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 64 |
|---|
| February | € 55 |
|---|
| March | € 54 |
|---|
| April | € 49 |
|---|
| May | € 45 |
|---|
| June | € 51 |
|---|
| July | € 71 |
|---|
| August | € 52 |
|---|
| September | € 50 |
|---|
| October | € 48 |
|---|
| November | € 62 |
|---|
| December | € 66 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 77 |
|---|
| February | € 73 |
|---|
| March | € 76 |
|---|
| April | € 81 |
|---|
| May | € 76 |
|---|
| June | € 99 |
|---|
| July | € 112 |
|---|
| August | € 95 |
|---|
| September | € 74 |
|---|
| October | € 73 |
|---|
| November | € 76 |
|---|
| December | € 98 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 64 |
|---|
| February | € 60 |
|---|
| March | € 58 |
|---|
| April | € 63 |
|---|
| May | € 54 |
|---|
| June | € 75 |
|---|
| July | € 89 |
|---|
| August | € 67 |
|---|
| September | € 57 |
|---|
| October | € 57 |
|---|
| November | € 70 |
|---|
| December | € 75 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 86 |
|---|
| February | € 75 |
|---|
| March | € 74 |
|---|
| April | € 82 |
|---|
| May | € 68 |
|---|
| June | € 87 |
|---|
| July | € 92 |
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| August | € 78 |
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| September | € 75 |
|---|
| October | € 71 |
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| November | € 93 |
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| December | € 93 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 55 |
|---|
| February | € 59 |
|---|
| March | € 63 |
|---|
| April | € 47 |
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| May | € 44 |
|---|
| June | € 73 |
|---|
| July | € 112 |
|---|
| August | € 55 |
|---|
| September | € 78 |
|---|
| October | € 78 |
|---|
| November | € 91 |
|---|
| December | € 141 |
|---|
| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 74 |
|---|
| February | € 71 |
|---|
| March | € 69 |
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| April | € 77 |
|---|
| May | € 67 |
|---|
| June | € 87 |
|---|
| July | € 105 |
|---|
| August | € 77 |
|---|
| September | € 65 |
|---|
| October | € 67 |
|---|
| November | € 84 |
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| December | € 90 |
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| Item | Percent |
|---|
| January | € 59 |
|---|
| February | € 56 |
|---|
| March | € 60 |
|---|
| April | € 105 |
|---|
| May | |
|---|
| June | € 115 |
|---|
| July | € 105 |
|---|
| August | € 78 |
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| September | € 70 |
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| October | € 82 |
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| November | € 70 |
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| December | € 64 |
|---|
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices
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FAQs - How can we help?
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.
Did You Know? – San Francisco
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The Golden Gate Bridge was once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built.”
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San Francisco has more than 50 hills – which explains the cable cars.
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Alcatraz Island is home not just to the historic prison, but to a large seabird colony.
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The city was rebuilt after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.