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Discover the Joys of One-Way Car Rental From Denver to San Francisco

Embark on a scenic trip across states with our reliable car rental services.

Document required for international visitors
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Local renters may need to present a utility bill within 3 months for verification.

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$5.92 to US$27.50 per day, depending on the rental location and provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Additional requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP), or Original driving licence + NAATI Translation, or Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

    Notes: Foreign renters may need to present a return airline ticket if residing outside the United States or Canada.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$5.92 to US$27.50 per day, depending on the rental location and provider.
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One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 386-930US$ 303.16-860.70US$ 537-989Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 928-936US$ 0.00-860.70US$ 687-1000Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 388-942US$ 0.00-860.70US$ 543-1039Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 496-496US$ 303.16-860.70US$ 1105-1201Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Many car rental companies charge an additional fee for a one-way rental. Check with your provider beforehand to understand the additional costs.
  • Drop-Off Locations: Verify the exact drop-off location in San Francisco to ensure convenience and avoid extra charges for unauthorized drop-offs.
  • Vehicle Restrictions: Some vehicle types or categories may have restrictions for one-way rentals. Confirm the availability of your preferred vehicle model.
  • Mileage Limits: Understand whether your rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are caps on the distance covered.
  • Cross-Border Travel: If considering detours into neighboring states, ensure the rental agreement allows for such travel.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Additional Costs: Include costs like fuel, tolls, and insurance while planning your trip budget for a surprise-free journey.
  • Chart Your Route: Choose the most scenic and practical route. Research highway rest stops and attractions to enhance your travel experience.
  • Monitor Gas Stations: Keep note of gas stations along the way. Planning refueling stops can save time and ensure safety.
  • Book in Advance: Early bookings often allow access to discounted rates and ensure the availability of your preferred vehicle.
  • Inspect Before You Hit the Road: Check the car thoroughly for any damages or issues before departing. Log previous damages with the provider.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Valero - 300 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco CA 94080, USA

Circle K - 221 Airport Blvd, South San Francisco CA 94080, USA

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve mileage.

Avoid idling for extended periods.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.

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Denver Parking

Consider using parking apps to find the best rates and availability.

Parking in Denver includes options like street parking, public garages, and private lots. Rates vary from $1 to $3 per hour downtown.

San Francisco Parking

Use public transportation where possible to avoid high parking fees.

San Francisco offers parking garages and street parking, but availability can be limited, especially downtown. Rates range from $2 to $7 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help users find or book parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is registered with a toll payment system to avoid penalties.

Consider using a FasTrak pass for seamless toll payment.

The route includes toll roads like the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. Tolls typically range from $6 to $8 for standard vehicles.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Around Denver to San Francisco:
Rocky Mountain Adventure
Scenic Route 18 hours

Explore scenic landscapes, including the picturesque Rockies, on this adventurous drive.

Rocky Mountain National Park , Salt Lake City , Lake Tahoe
Desert Wonders
Desert Route 17 hours

Traverse through the mystical desert landscapes, featuring stunning vistas.

Arches National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Reno
Coastal Drive
Coastal Route 20 hours

A spectacular drive along the Pacific coastline, offering stunning ocean views.

Monterey Bay , Big Sur , Santa Cruz
Road Trip Planning Tips

Car Selection Tips: Choose a car suitable for the terrain and duration of your trip. Opt for fuel efficiency for cost-saving.

Budget Management: Plan your budget considering rental costs, fuel, food, and park fees.

Route Planning: Map out your journey including rest stops, and ensure accommodations are booked in advance.

Fuel Stations: Identify well-spaced gas stations along your route to avoid being stranded.

Safety Measures: Carry an emergency kit, and ensure your phone is charged and GPS updated before starting the journey.

Weather Readiness: Check weather forecasts, and be prepared for mountain conditions, including snow and wind challenges.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Discover the options and features offered by leading providers for one-way car rentals from Denver to San Francisco.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$Extensive fleet including luxury, SUVs, and economyHigh Convenient locations in both cities , Wide range of vehicle options , Excellent rewards program
Avis$$Diverse collection including hybrids and sedansHigh Flexible rental terms , Premium customer service , One-way rental specialists
Enterprise$$$Broad selection including environmentally friendly optionsHigh Neighborhood pick-up services , Exceptional coverage across the route , Outstanding customer service
Budget$Good mix of economy and mid-sized vehiclesModerate Cost-effective solutions , Convenient online booking , Frequent promotions and discounts
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Details about Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate from 6 AM to 12 AM daily.

Locations:

Available in key areas such as Denver International Airport and San Francisco Airport.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles run every 15 minutes to and from the airports.

Drop-off Process:

Drop-off locations are clearly marked with signage and staff assistance.

Ensure you inspect the vehicle thoroughly during pick-up and drop-off to avoid unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring when picking up a car in Denver?

When picking up a car, bring your valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and your reservation details. Ensure your documents are accurate and in good standing to avoid any complications.

Are there fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, one-way car rentals often come with additional fees. These fees cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin or logistical adjustments. Fees vary by rental company and location.

What is the total driving distance between Denver and San Francisco?

The driving distance between Denver, CO, and San Francisco, CA, is approximately 1,250 miles. The estimated time to complete the journey without stops is about 18 hours.

Are gas expenses included in the rental cost?

Typically, gasoline expenses are not included in the rental cost. Renters are responsible for refueling the vehicle before returning it, unless they opt for a prepaid fuel option.

Can I modify my rental drop-off location?

Changing your drop-off location is possible but may incur additional fees. It's advised to inform the rental company as soon as possible to discuss options and potential costs.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes