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Your Guide to Car Rental in San Francisco
Do You Need a Car Rental in San Francisco?
Although many of San Francisco’s main attractions are fairly close to each other, the city also has many steep hills. You’ll want to rent a car in San Francisco to avoid hours of strenuous walking. In addition, rental cars are the most flexible way for visitors to travel beyond San Francisco to other cities and sites in the Bay Area.
Does Avis Offer Car Rental at the San Francisco Airport?
Yes, you can get a car rental from Avis at the San Francisco International Airport. The AirTrain Blue Line at SFO runs all day, every day to transport passengers to and from the airport’s rental car center.
Find Avis Car Rental at San Francisco Travel Hubs
You’ll find Avis Car Rental locations in convenient locations all over San Francisco. A few places you can find us include our locations in Union Square, in the Financial District on Howard Street, and near the South San Francisco Conference Center.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in San Francisco?
There are so many options and ways to save money when renting a car in San Francisco. The best way to find your best price is to begin a reservation. You can compare vehicles and rental times for just the right price!
Your Guide to Car Rental in San Francisco
Do You Need a Car Rental in San Francisco?
Although many of San Francisco’s main attractions are fairly close to each other, the city also has many steep hills. You’ll want to rent a car in San Francisco to avoid hours of strenuous walking. In addition, rental cars are the most flexible way for visitors to travel beyond San Francisco to other cities and sites in the Bay Area.
Does Avis Offer Car Rental at the San Francisco Airport?
Yes, you can get a car rental from Avis at the San Francisco International Airport. The AirTrain Blue Line at SFO runs all day, every day to transport passengers to and from the airport’s rental car center.
Find Avis Car Rental at San Francisco Travel Hubs
You’ll find Avis Car Rental locations in convenient locations all over San Francisco. A few places you can find us include our locations in Union Square, in the Financial District on Howard Street, and near the South San Francisco Conference Center.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in San Francisco?
There are so many options and ways to save money when renting a car in San Francisco. The best way to find your best price is to begin a reservation. You can compare vehicles and rental times for just the right price!
Essential San Francisco Driving Tips
There’s no need to feel intimidated about driving in San Francisco. The tips below will help you drive like a local in your San Francisco rental car and get anywhere you want to go in the City by the Bay.
Major Roads and Highways
California State Route 1 runs north to south on the west side of San Francisco.
U.S. Route 101 runs north to south on the east side of San Francisco.
I-280 runs roughly southwest to northeast along the south side of the city.
I-80 is the east-west route to and from Oakland and Berkeley.
Traffic and Parking
Watch for one-way streets in the most congested parts of downtown San Francisco.
Be prepared for stop-and-go traffic if you drive during the morning and evening rush hours, roughly 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM respectively.
Most parking spaces are metered with a two-hour limit. Luckily, you can pay with coin, card, or app at any meter.
If you park on a hill, remember to turn your tires and put the parking brake on before you leave your vehicle.
Essential San Francisco Driving Tips
There’s no need to feel intimidated about driving in San Francisco. The tips below will help you drive like a local in your San Francisco rental car and get anywhere you want to go in the City by the Bay.
Major Roads and Highways
California State Route 1 runs north to south on the west side of San Francisco.
U.S. Route 101 runs north to south on the east side of San Francisco.
I-280 runs roughly southwest to northeast along the south side of the city.
I-80 is the east-west route to and from Oakland and Berkeley.
Traffic and Parking
Watch for one-way streets in the most congested parts of downtown San Francisco.
Be prepared for stop-and-go traffic if you drive during the morning and evening rush hours, roughly 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM respectively.
Most parking spaces are metered with a two-hour limit. Luckily, you can pay with coin, card, or app at any meter.
If you park on a hill, remember to turn your tires and put the parking brake on before you leave your vehicle.
Business Travel in San Francisco
If you’re headed on a business trip to San Francisco, get ready to enjoy this exciting city. San Francisco has bustling piers, unique neighborhoods, and of course the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Our business traveler’s guide will help you make the most of your time off the clock when your business day comes to an end.
Places to See and Things to Do in San Francisco
If you’re heading to San Francisco for a vacation, be prepared to enjoy beautiful beaches, walks along the pier, delicious food, and great shopping. Our travel guide can help you make the most of your trip and find comfortable accommodations ahead of time, no matter where your interests lie. Check out the things to do in San Francisco.
Things To Do & San Francisco Attractions
San Francisco has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these famous attractions the city by The Bay has to offer.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The SFMOMA just got an exterior makeover, making it even more enticing to visit and enjoy the stunning modern art from around the world. Stroll through the ever-changing exhibits and stop at the historical pieces housed at this famous museum.
Lombard Street
1070 Lombard St, San Francisco, California 94109
A tourist experience through and through, Lombard Street is a fun sightseeing spot you’ll want to see for yourself during your stay in San Francisco. The world’s windiest street really is remarkable, and the multi-million dollar homes on Lombard are also noteworthy.
Fisherman’s Wharf
100 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Fisherman’s Wharf is where you’ll find San Francisco’s quintessential sea lions barking at the pedestrians, a sourdough bread factory churning out delicious loaves, and all the fresh seafood your heart desires. Spend some time meandering the shops and restaurants for a relaxing afternoon.
San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip
Travel down historic route 99 to Los Angeles on this road trip.
What to Eat in San Francisco
Mission Burrito: This signature burrito originates in the Mission District. Save your appetite—it’s a huge, overstuffed delicacy full of rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Cioppino: This rich, savory, and extremely satisfying Italian-American seafood stew was created by local fishermen in the 1800s.
Sourdough: Trust us, nothing compares to San Francisco sourdough. We recommend trying it as a bread bowl full of clam chowder (another local delicacy).
Dungeness Crab: Fresh caught off the Pacific Ocean, this is a staple on many local menus. You can even try your hand at crabbing.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Haight-Ashbury (94117): Welcome to the most iconic version of San Francisco, with beautiful architecture, colorful streets, and unique shopping to explore.
Hayes Valley (94102, 94103): Hayes Valley epitomizes sublime suburbia with tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, and ethical and sustainable boutique shopping.
The Castro (94110, 94114): The Castro is one of the oldest and most openly LGBTQ+ communities in the United States. It’s warm and welcoming and a great place to explore San Francisco’s unique culture.
North Beach (94111, 94133): This is the perfect spot for foodies. Culture and diverse menus abound, and Chinatown and Little Italy are easily accessible.
Distance to Nearby Cities
San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe: 188 miles (approximately 3 hours, 20 minutes drive time)
San Francisco to Monterey: 118 miles (plan for a drive of about 2 hours and 20 minutes)
- San Francisco to Seattle: 808 miles (your drive time will be about 12 hours and 15 minutes)
What to Eat in San Francisco
Mission Burrito: This signature burrito originates in the Mission District. Save your appetite—it’s a huge, overstuffed delicacy full of rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa topped with sour cream and guacamole.
Cioppino: This rich, savory, and extremely satisfying Italian-American seafood stew was created by local fishermen in the 1800s.
Sourdough: Trust us, nothing compares to San Francisco sourdough. We recommend trying it as a bread bowl full of clam chowder (another local delicacy).
Dungeness Crab: Fresh caught off the Pacific Ocean, this is a staple on many local menus. You can even try your hand at crabbing.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Haight-Ashbury (94117): Welcome to the most iconic version of San Francisco, with beautiful architecture, colorful streets, and unique shopping to explore.
Hayes Valley (94102, 94103): Hayes Valley epitomizes sublime suburbia with tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes, and ethical and sustainable boutique shopping.
The Castro (94110, 94114): The Castro is one of the oldest and most openly LGBTQ+ communities in the United States. It’s warm and welcoming and a great place to explore San Francisco’s unique culture.
North Beach (94111, 94133): This is the perfect spot for foodies. Culture and diverse menus abound, and Chinatown and Little Italy are easily accessible.
Distance to Nearby Cities
San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe: 188 miles (approximately 3 hours, 20 minutes drive time)
San Francisco to Monterey: 118 miles (plan for a drive of about 2 hours and 20 minutes)
- San Francisco to Seattle: 808 miles (your drive time will be about 12 hours and 15 minutes)
San Francisco Car Rental FAQs
Yes. Avis has locations all across the country to make it easy for you to get from here to there. If your travel needs include a trip from San Francisco to Sacramento, you can schedule a one-way car rental. When you make your reservation, simply tell us where you want to pick up your car and where you will return it. Then plan a scenic road trip with a one-way car rental from San Francisco to San Diego or wherever you want to go.
Yes. Avis has locations all across the country to make it easy for you to get from here to there. If your travel needs include a trip from San Francisco to Sacramento, you can schedule a one-way car rental. When you make your reservation, simply tell us where you want to pick up your car and where you will return it. Then plan a scenic road trip with a one-way car rental from San Francisco to San Diego or wherever you want to go.
Yes! Avis can help you find the best deals on car rentals in San Francisco. When you plan a trip, visit our discount page for offers that can add even more savings to your vacation plans.
Yes! Avis can help you find the best deals on car rentals in San Francisco. When you plan a trip, visit our discount page for offers that can add even more savings to your vacation plans.
San Francisco Travel FAQs
The closest giant redwoods to San Francisco are only about 16 miles away. You can find them in Muir Woods National Monument. In a rental car, it takes about 45 minutes to get there. Getting to Redwood National Park will take a lot longer. That destination is more than 300 miles north and more than five hours away.
The closest giant redwoods to San Francisco are only about 16 miles away. You can find them in Muir Woods National Monument. In a rental car, it takes about 45 minutes to get there. Getting to Redwood National Park will take a lot longer. That destination is more than 300 miles north and more than five hours away.
Lombard Street is likely the most famous street in San Francisco. It’s known as the “most crooked street in America.” A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete for many visitors without driving the dramatic curves of Lombard Street. A smaller rental car is best for making those tiny hairpin turns.
Lombard Street is likely the most famous street in San Francisco. It’s known as the “most crooked street in America.” A visit to San Francisco isn’t complete for many visitors without driving the dramatic curves of Lombard Street. A smaller rental car is best for making those tiny hairpin turns.
By air, San Francisco is 347 miles from Los Angeles. The shortest route by road is a little over 380 miles. However, if you rent a car and want to take one of the most iconic drives in America, you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway. That drive is almost 450 miles.
By air, San Francisco is 347 miles from Los Angeles. The shortest route by road is a little over 380 miles. However, if you rent a car and want to take one of the most iconic drives in America, you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway. That drive is almost 450 miles.
The drive between Napa and San Francisco is about 50 miles, depending on your chosen route. Making this beautiful drive typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can get from the stunning Napa scenery to the great city quickly and conveniently in a rental car.
The drive between Napa and San Francisco is about 50 miles, depending on your chosen route. Making this beautiful drive typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can get from the stunning Napa scenery to the great city quickly and conveniently in a rental car.
The best time of year to visit San Francisco is in the fall. This is the warmest time of year in San Francisco. Summers have a chill that surprises many visitors. Spring is also a good time to visit, as San Francisco is less rainy in spring than in other parts of northern California.
The best time of year to visit San Francisco is in the fall. This is the warmest time of year in San Francisco. Summers have a chill that surprises many visitors. Spring is also a good time to visit, as San Francisco is less rainy in spring than in other parts of northern California.