SFO works well for city stays, peninsula drives, coastal routes, and Bay Area day trips.
Use US-101 for the city
Take US-101 North for downtown San Francisco, SoMa, and the central hotel areas.
Consider I-280 for western routes
I-280 can suit trips towards Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Daly City, or Silicon Valley.
Time bridge trips carefully
For Marin, Sausalito, Napa, or Muir Woods, start early and allow for bridge traffic on the return.
What cars can I hire at San Francisco Airport?
Hertz car hire at San Francisco International Airport is suited to different kinds of Bay Area trips, from short city stays to longer California road trips. Vehicle availability can vary by date and season, but these are the main categories you can usually expect:
- Compact and economy cars well-suited for city driving, short hotel transfers, and easier parking in central San Francisco.
- Sedans a comfortable fit for business trips, airport-to-city drives, and longer freeway routes around the Bay Area.
- SUVs useful for families, extra luggage, coastal drives, and routes toward national parks, wine regions, or mountain areas.
- MPVs a good choice for families or small groups travelling with several bags.
- Vans helpful for larger groups, event travel, or luggage-heavy itineraries.
- Premium vehicles often chosen for business travel, longer drives, or travellers who want extra comfort on California routes.
Electric car rental at San Francisco Airport
If you plan to hire a car at San Francisco International Airport and stay mostly around the Bay Area, hiring an electric car can work well. Short routes between SFO, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Oakland, San Mateo, and Half Moon Bay are generally easier to plan than remote mountain drives.
For longer EV routes, check charger availability before leaving. Coastal drives toward Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz can be straightforward, but trips toward Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, or Big Sur need more planning, especially during holiday periods or winter weather.
Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience
Looking for a car rental at the San Francisco Airport with extra comfort or protection? Hertz offers a range of Value Added Services that can make your trip simpler, especially if you are travelling with children, luggage, or a longer California route.
Available VAS products include:
- Loss Damage Waiver: Reduce your financial liability for certain damage, including theft or accident-related costs.
- Liability Insurance Supplement: Reduces your financial liability from third-party accidents or bodily harm during the rental period.
- Infant seats: Secure seating for babies under one year old.
- Child seats: Forward-facing seats for young children.
- Booster seats: Enhanced safety for older children.
- Personal Protection Package: Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage. Can provide accidental death benefits and limited medical expense benefits, with reduced liability in case of accidents or theft.
Explore places within 30 miles of San Francisco Airport
Union Square and Downtown San Francisco
- 14 miles from San Francisco Airport by road (approx)
- 670 parking spaces nearby (approx)
- 4 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Sunday, 5 AM to 11 PM
Union Square is a convenient first stop if you want hotels, shopping, galleries, restaurants, and cable car access close to Downtown San Francisco.
Golden Gate Park and Music Concourse
- 15 miles from San Francisco Airport by road (approx)
- 800 parking spaces nearby (approx)
- 13 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open Monday to Sunday, 7 AM to 7 PM
Golden Gate Park is a good stop for museums, gardens, family time, and slower sightseeing after a flight.
Coyote Point Recreation Area
- 8 miles from San Francisco Airport by road (approx)
- 1,000 parking spaces nearby (approx)
- 4 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
- Open daily, 8 AM, seasonal closing timings
Coyote Point is close to SFO and works well for a relaxed bayfront stop before or after a flight. The park has picnic areas, trails, marina access, waterfront areas, and the Magic Mountain Playground, making it especially easy for families with children.
FAQs
1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at the San Francisco Airport?
Yes. Hertz is located within SFO’s premises, so it’s easy to get a car from the airport itself and set out on a journey as soon as you land.
2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from the San Francisco Airport?
Yes, one-way rentals are usually available when you book. This can help if you are driving to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Monterey, Sacramento, or another California location. Extra fees may apply.
3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my San Francisco Airport reservation?
Yes. You can usually modify or cancel your booking through Hertz online. Check your fare rules before changing dates, pickup time, vehicle category, or return location.
4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the San Francisco Airport branch?
For car hire at San Francisco Airport, the main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and a payment card in their own name for the security deposit. If the driving licence is not in English, travellers should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their national licence.
5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?
You should return the car to the location listed in your rental agreement. If you need to change the drop-off point, contact Hertz before returning the vehicle, as one-way or change fees may apply.
