All-inclusive car rental at San Francisco Airport

Car rental at San Francisco airport: worry-free car rental from Sunny Cars

With an all-in rental car from San Francisco International Airport, you have the freedom to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace. San Francisco is known for attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz prison and the colourful Haight-Ashbury district. With a rental car, you can also easily take a road trip to nearby attractions such as Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park or drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.

With Sunny Cars, you choose carefree driving. Our all-inclusive formula means that all necessary insurance is already included. You benefit from comprehensive damage insurance that also covers glass, tyres, ground and roof damage. You are also covered with theft insurance and additional third-party insurance. With unlimited mileage, you can travel long distances without worry. Car hire questions along the way? Our Dutch customer service is available 24/7, so you're never alone.

Where can I get a car rental at San Francisco Airport?

There are several pick-up options for your rental car at San Francisco International Airport:

  • Shuttle service: A shuttle bus will take you from the airport to a nearby rental location.
  • City office: You can also choose to pick up your rental car at a city office in San Francisco. This is convenient if you want to explore the city first before starting your road trip.

Extra driver service at San Francisco Airport

Sunny Cars allows you to personalise your car rental with our extras and services. The extras you pay for on the spot when picking up the car, the price for which we always clearly indicate during booking. Services are included in the all-inclusive rental price.

Want to alternate driving with your travelling companion? Then make use of our Extra Driver service. This allows you and your fellow traveller to both get behind the wheel. This is especially handy on long drives, for example if you plan to drive down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway or visit national parks in the area.

Useful to know when car rental at San Francisco airport

Road signs in the United States

Road signs in the United States are in English. Pay attention to abbreviations such as ‘NW’ for Northwest and ‘St’ for Street.

Busy days on the road in San Francisco

During national holidays such as Independence Day (4 July), Memorial Day and Labor Day, roads can be busier. There will also be more cars on the road during morning and evening rush hours.

Toll roads in the United States

Some parts of the US have toll roads and bridges, such as the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. How toll payment works in the United States? We explain it to you here.

Refuelling in the United States

When filling up, note that fuel prices are quoted per gallon and vary by state and region. Payment can usually be made by credit card or cash.

Crossing the border from the United States

Want to drive your rental car to Canada or Mexico? Then check in the specific conditions whether it is allowed to cross the border with the rental car. If it is allowed, you have to indicate during booking that you want to cross the border and to which country. Read more about cross border car hire here.

Destinations around San Francisco Airport

All destinations in United States of America

Alabama
5 destinations
Alaska
3 destinations
Arizona
4 destinations
Arkansas
3 destinations
California
19 destinations
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Colorado
7 destinations
Connecticut
1 destinations
District of Columbia
3 destinations
Florida
27 destinations
Georgia
5 destinations
Hawaiian Islands
9 destinations
Idaho
3 destinations
Illinois
10 destinations
Indiana
5 destinations
Iowa
3 destinations
Kansas
2 destinations
Kentucky
3 destinations
Louisiana
7 destinations
Maine
2 destinations
Maryland
2 destinations
Massachusetts
2 destinations
Michigan
12 destinations
Minnesota
5 destinations
Mississippi
2 destinations
Missouri
4 destinations
Montana
5 destinations
Nebraska
2 destinations
Nevada
3 destinations
New Hampshire
1 destinations
New Jersey
3 destinations
New Mexico
3 destinations
New York (U.S. state)
13 destinations
North Carolina
10 destinations
North Dakota
4 destinations
Ohio
5 destinations
Oklahoma
3 destinations
Oregon
4 destinations
Pennsylvania
11 destinations
Rhode Island
1 destinations
South Carolina
6 destinations
South Dakota
2 destinations
Tennessee
5 destinations
Texas
22 destinations
Utah
3 destinations
Vermont
1 destinations
Virginia
6 destinations
Washington (State)
5 destinations
West Virginia
4 destinations
Wisconsin
8 destinations
Wyoming
3 destinations

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Frequently asked questions about car rental at San Francisco airport

Can you rent a car rental at San Francisco airport with no excess?

Absolutely, with Sunny Cars you always rent all-inclusive. So not only are all insurances already included, we also take care of the excess. You only pay the excess when picking up the rental car. After the car rental, you will be reimbursed. Even if you have accidentally caused damage. Would you like to rent a car without excess? That is possible with Sunny Cars. Then hire a car with the No Risk Service. We have already bought off the excess and you don't have to pay anything at the rental location. Ideal if you don't have a credit card!

Is it possible to book a child seat with car rental at San Francisco airport?

Of course, you can choose to bring your own child seat on holiday. But you can also choose to add a child seat to your car rental. You do this by adding it as an accessory when filling in your travel details during booking. The cost of the seat will be paid when you collect the rental car and is already shown during booking.

What is the best fuel policy when renting a car at San Francisco airport?

The fairest fuel policy is full-full. A full-full fuel policy does not necessarily mean that you receive and return the car fully refuelled, even though the name suggests so. Full-full means that you return the car with the same amount of fuel you picked it up with. Want to know more? Read more about our fair fuel policy.

Is it cheaper to rent a car rental in advance or when you arrive at San Francisco airport?

While it is possible to rent a car rental in San Francisco airport on arrival, that is not our advice. In fact, you can save money by booking in advance. But more importantly, by booking in advance, you can be sure that your car will be ready upon arrival. So take a look around the online offer and choose a car that suits your holiday. With Sunny Cars you can be sure that no extra costs will be added, as you can see in advance exactly what you will spend on your car rental at San Francisco airport.

Does Sunny Cars have navigation available in rental cars at San Francisco airport?

Not all Sunny Cars rental cars come with a navigation system as standard. Want to make sure your rental car has a GPS? There are two ways to do so: 

  • Rent a car with the GPS service. The name says it all, these rental cars have a navigation system as standard. You don't pay anything extra for this, it is already included in the car hire price.
  • If no GPS service is available, you can add a GPS as an accessory. You can do this by adding a GPS in the ‘travel details’ step during booking, under ‘accessories’. You will then immediately see what the costs are for this. So you know exactly where you stand! You pay these costs when you pick up your rental car.
How much do you pay for a rental car at San Francisco airport?

The cost of car rental at San Francisco airport depends on several factors such as travel period, category, car rental location and, of course, how long you want to rent the car. Pay close attention to what all is included and check the fuel and mileage policy for a total overview of the costs. Want to know how much you will spend on your car rental? Enter your travel details at the top of the page and click ‘search rental cars’. Pick a car that suits your needs and you will immediately see the clear, all-in price.

Facts about San Francisco airport

Explore California with the freedom of a rental car from San Francisco airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the largest airports in the United States, handling more than 57 million passengers annually. The airport has four terminals and offers both domestic and international flights. With modern facilities and a wide range of services, it is the ideal starting point for your trip in California.

How to drive from San Francisco Airport to downtown San Francisco

The airport is located about 21 kilometres south of downtown San Francisco. Via US-101 N you can be in the city in about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. On the way, you'll drive past the scenic bay and have views of the iconic skyline. A great way to start your trip!

Drive on to Napa Valley and Monterey

With your rental car, you can easily visit other attractions in California. Driving north on I-80 E and CA-29 N, you'll reach Napa Valley, famous for its sprawling vineyards, in about 1.5 hours. If you head south on CA-1 S, you will arrive in Monterey, famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the beautiful coastline, in about 2 hours.

5 Highlights within driving distance of San Francisco

  • Golden Gate Bridge: One of the most recognisable bridges in the world, perfect for a drive or walk with spectacular views.
  • Muir Woods National Monument: Admire the ancient sequoias in this beautiful nature reserve just a 30-minute drive away.
  • Yosemite National Park: Discover waterfalls, granite cliffs and diverse wildlife about 3.5 hours' drive away.
  • Sausalito: A picturesque coastal town with art galleries and restaurants, accessible via the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore: Enjoy rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and hiking trails about 1.5 hours' drive away.

Road network in the United States

The road network in the US is generally excellent, with well-maintained highways and roads. In and around cities it can be busy, but roads are wide and clearly marked. Pay attention to local traffic regulations and toll roads.

Recommended car type for the USA

For urban areas and short distances, a standard sedan will do. If you plan to drive long distances or visit national parks, an SUV or comfortable sedan is recommended for extra space and driving comfort.

Best travel time to visit the United States

San Francisco has a mild climate, but the best time to visit is from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds subside. For road trips to national parks, spring and autumn are ideal.

Eating and drinking in San Francisco

San Francisco is a foodie's paradise. Try local specialities like clam chowder in a sourdough bread, fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf and the various international cuisines in Chinatown and Little Italy. Enjoy Californian wines from nearby wine regions, but drink in moderation and don't get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Useful words and phrases about car hire in English

  • Traffic light
  • Breakdown: breakdown
  • Curve: Bend
  • Car key: Car key
  • Parking lot: Parking place
  • Which car is for me?: Which car is for me?
  • Here is my driver's licence.: Here is my driving license.
  • Does my car use gasoline or diesel?: Does gasoline or diesel go in my car?
  • Where is the nearest gas station?: Where is the nearest gas station?
  • Where do I leave the car when my vacation is over?: Where do I leave my car when my holiday is over?

Even more advantages of renting a car at Sunny Cars in San Francisco Airport

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