Car Hire San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

You’ll find our Avis counter at San Francisco International Airport located within the Rental Car Center. Follow signs to the baggage claim area and then directions to the Air Train. At the Air Train Platform, board the Blue Line train for the 10min ride to the Rental Car Center.

San Francisco Airport (SFO) was first opened in 1927 and grew steadily after the launch of United Airlines which operated there from the 1930s taking passengers to Los Angeles and New York. It has four terminals and four runways and a state of the art infrastructure with innovations like art installations and yoga rooms to create a unique passenger experience.

Today it serves 146 destinations in 34 countries and 43 US States, is the 13th largest airport in America welcoming around 60 million passengers each year.

The airport is located to the south of San Francisco with good road access to US Route 101, the highway running the length of the west coast from California through Oregon, and Washington and Interstate 280 connecting San Jose and San Francisco.

If you are driving in the United States for the first time or have just arrived from Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with the driving rules for the US before picking up your car. Some key road rules in and around San Francisco include driving on the right and overtaking on the left.

Be aware that San Francisco is a hilly city with some narrow roads and one-way streets. The city has a tram network with trams having priority – you should never overtake on the left or when the tram doors are open. Trams on the move can usually be overtaken on the right, but you can overtake on the left if it is necessary and safe. Speed limits in and around the city range from 20mph in built-up areas and 45mph on highways. There are 3 toll roads and bridges in the city including the famous Golden Gate Bridge across the Golden Gate Strait. You can pay for tolls in the Bay Area online in advance. 

What are the age requirements for renting a car in San Francisco?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in San Franscisco and the rest of California is 21. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team. 

What documents do I need to hire a car in the United States?

To hire a car in San Francisco, USA, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence
• The debit or credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car in San Francisco and return it to another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from San Francisco International Airport and then return it to another Avis office in the United States. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.

Is it worth hiring a car in San Francisco?

While central San Francisco is walkable and the city has a good public transport network of buses, light rail, streetcars, and cable cars you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at San Francisco International Airport gives you the freedom of independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a Californian road trip.

The Avis team at San Francisco International Airport are experts on San Francisco and the Bay Area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.

What is parking like in San Francisco?

Parking in San Francisco ranges from on-street to parking garages. Many hotels also offer parking so check your accommodation before travelling.  If you are travelling in and out of the city, your best option will be to aim for one of the 150 park and ride car parks in the Bay area.

 You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council.

From the Avis car park at San Francisco International Airport to the centre of San Francisco is a drive of 12.3miles which will take around 16min depending on the time of day. Head north west from the airport and take Route 101 following signs to the centre of the city.

From stunning scenery to fine dining, from historic buildings to iconic bridges, spending time in San Francisco is an immersive experience.

You’ll need to tick off a number of bucket list options, head to the Golden Gate Bridge, take a boat trip to Alcatraz, ride a cable car, drive some of the hilly streets that dip and rise like a wave, check out the sea lions from Pier 39, wander through China Town and head down to atmospheric Fisherman’s Wharf for the freshest seafood.

Beautiful Northern California is within easy reach once you cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sacremento

Explore the state capital of California on a road trip east of San Francisco. The 90-mile drive takes you along Interstate 80, a trip of around 1hr40min. Once there, visit the state Capitol, check out the city’s historic links to the gold rush era and don’t miss the Californian railroad museum.

Monterery

For a taste of laid-back Californian life, head 2hrs south on Route 101 to beautiful Monterey. As well as stunning beaches, you’ll want to check out the famous Cannery Row waterfront district and the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. While you are there, take a short drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, described as a fairy-tale village of pretty cottages and impressive waterfront houses and narrow streets filled with boutique shop and restaurants.

Yosemite

Drive 3hrs east along Interstate 580 into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to reach the world famous Yosemite National Park. Discover granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees and breathtaking waterfalls. In Yosemite village itself you’ll find shops and restaurants and all you need to embrace the outdoor life.