Rent a Car San Francisco – Explore the City at Your Own Pace
Rent a Car San Francisco gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Public transportation is robust inside and outside of the city, but if you want to see more of what San Francisco has to offer a rental car will make things easier.
Feel the wind in your hair with a convertible or take the road less traveled with an SUV. Book your San Francisco car rental with Hotwire to get the best rate on your next drive.
Getting There
Enter your travel dates to view the best offers on car rentals in San Francisco. Choose from a wide selection of vehicles to find the perfect size and features for your trip. Whether you’re looking for a compact sedan or a larger SUV, we have options to suit your needs.
SF is full of exciting and unexpected places to explore. Drive north to Muir Woods for a scenic drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Or, visit Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy shops and restaurants (including Ghirardelli chocolate) or take a ride on one of the historic trolley cars.
The quickest way to get around SF is by car. But, if you prefer to use public transportation, it’s easy to navigate with the city’s light rail system and buses. Just be sure to check out the rules and restrictions on driving in SF before you set out.
Getting Around
The best way to get around San Francisco, if you don’t want or can’t rent a car, is with public transit. The city’s cable cars, street cars and buses run frequently and efficiently. They can take you to just about all the major tourist attractions and many of the pretty neighborhoods that are worth visiting too.
If you do plan to rent a car, it’s often cheaper to book through an airport location and then take BART or an Uber to the city (or vice versa). You can also try renting from one of the local owners on Turo. They deliver the car to you at a time of your choosing, bring it back to you at the end of your rental and include insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Another option is Zipcar, an on-demand car sharing service that allows you to Rent a car Famagusta a car by the hour or day. Just apply online and verify your driver’s license, then you can use an app to unlock and lock the car during your trip.
Driving in SF
In general, driving in SF can be challenging. Traffic is often congested and locals tend to drive like they’re on a freeway (not that this is necessarily a bad thing). Some streets have one-way directions or reserved lanes for buses, so it’s important to pay attention. Also, jaywalking is very common in San Francisco, so it’s best to yield to pedestrians.
Another thing to keep in mind is that SF streets are lined with street-level cable car and streetcar tracks. These are not meant to be driven over, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. Make sure to set your parking brake and watch out for people crossing the tracks, especially in busy areas. If possible, it’s a good idea to avoid driving in downtown San Francisco during rush hour. There are also plenty of other transit options for getting around the city.
Safety
The good news is that the roads in San Francisco and surrounding areas are well-maintained and safe to drive. Just be sure to obey speed limits and follow local driving rules. It’s also a good idea to practice defensive driving.
If you rent a car, it will be much easier to explore San Francisco and nearby towns on your own terms. You won’t have to worry about relying on public transportation or ridesharing services, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Moreover, renting a car is a cost-effective way to see more of California, as many popular attractions are only accessible by road. Just be sure to compare rates and fees before booking a car. And remember to always read the fine print and check the condition of the vehicle personally before leaving. Doing so will help you avoid falling victim to common rental car scams. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the most value out of your money.