Enterprise

How to Rent a Car in San Francisco

San Francisco attracts over 2 million international visitors per year, many of whom come to enjoy the city’s varied architecture, diverse neighbourhoods, and vast expanse of Pacific coastline.

Here, you’ll find some of the best views in the Western US, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the steep hills that span the city and everything in between.
 

Finding a car rental in San Francisco

Finding a car rental in San Francisco is simple; you’ll just need to bring documentation. International visitors should bring their driver’s license on their trip, and you’ll need a valid credit card when booking with Enterprise.

If you reserve a car in advance, you can add extras such as car seats or GPS. You’ll also be able to select the most appropriate vehicle for your trip.

Before you pick your car, you should be aware that San Francisco has several toll areas. When driving across the Golden Gate and Bay Area bridges, our TollPassTM service will charge the card we have on file with your rental agreement, plus a daily TollPassTM Convenience Charge.

Our TollPassTM service allows you to use whichever roads you like during your trip, without worrying about incurring penalties or other non-payment charges.
 

Car rentals in advance from San Francisco airports

Streamline your holiday by collecting your car as soon as you land. You’ll find Enterprise offers pickup at the following airport locations:

Oakland International Airport

An Enterprise branch can be found at Oakland International Airport on the other side of San Francisco Bay, reached by shuttle bus from the terminal.
Self-service is also available, so you can independently pick up your rental vehicle, no matter what time you land.

San Francisco International Airport

An Enterprise branch can be found at San Francisco International Airport in the airport’s Rental Car Centre, reachable by AirTrain.

Looking for our Exotics range? You can collect an executive SUV or other sought-after vehicle from the kiosk at San Francisco International.

When you book to collect from either airport, we’ll ask for your flight details and for a valid credit card. Bring this along with your license to ensure a smooth vehicle handover.

 

Choosing a car rental when in San Francisco

If you’re not planning an airport pickup, we offer San Francisco car rentals from several locations throughout the city.

California is made for road trips, and with over 20 Enterprise locations within the wider San Francisco area, you’ll have no problem finding a pick-up point to start your journey.

Whether your accommodation is in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf or you’re staying near the Richmond district, our cars are within easy reach whenever you need them.

After-hours returns are available at select stands, meaning you can enjoy the full benefits of a day trip. Once you’re done, you can end your rental agreement at a time that suits your plans.
 

Where to go in San Francisco

While San Francisco’s city life is a siren call to music and art lovers, tourists venturing off the beaten track are afforded a chance to connect with the area’s natural wonders.

Set out early and drive to the stunning Yosemite National Park, home to ancient sequoia trees. The El Capitan cliff within the park offers a sweeping peak view that has inspired thrill-seeking climbers from around the world.

For a coastal route, the classic Pacific Coast Highway passes through San Francisco. This iconic road trip route is best driven southwards from the city. After around two and a half hours, you’ll hit the Big Sur, a mountainous seaside stretch with breathtaking ocean scenery.

You don’t have to leave the city limits to enjoy the sights of San Francisco by car. Created in 1938, the 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a circular route showing off the best the city has to offer, from Japantown to the neon-studded North Beach.
 

When’s best to travel to San Francisco

San Francisco is a foggy city; the constant mist is almost as famous as the bridge that rises above it. The climate is fairly consistent too, with temperatures that average around 10-14°C all year round.

Luckily, this mild climate leads to dry summers, with very little rainfall between June and September.

The weather is classified as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, which should be familiar to European travellers. This simplifies planning outdoor excursions, as visitors shouldn’t need to worry about temperature extremes.

As a cultural hub, San Francisco is also a great destination to visit at multiple different times of year.

You can also visit for:

  • The Carnaval on the last weekend of May
  • San Francisco Pride in June
  • The Fillmore Jazz Festival in July
  • Fleet Week in October

Tips for finding the best car rental in San Francisco

When deciding on a car rental, San Francisco and the surrounding area have several factors at play that you should consider before booking.

As it’s a hilly region, you might want to opt for an automatic transmission to ensure those steep hill starts go smoothly.

Also consider how much luggage space you’ll need. San Francisco offers many multi-day road trips, so opting for a car that’ll have enough space for different excursion types is key if you plan to travel widely from your base in the city.

Explore our range of cars to see how many bags we recommend can be stored in the boot space to give you a good idea of their capacity.

Car rentals with Enterprise

After deciding on your vehicle, all that’s left is to organise your car rental. With Enterprise, we offer a simple collection service that can be tailored to you.

First, choose the location that’s most convenient for you, then check they’re available for your booking dates. Next, confirm which type of car you need, and whether you need extras like car seats or satellite radio.

If you’re using an airport location, we’ll ask for flight details at this point. Review and pay for your booking, and then remember to bring your confirmation along to the collection.

Made up your mind to rent a car in San Francisco? Browse our deals to save on international car hire when you book in advance.