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One-Way Car Rental from Denver to San Francisco

Discover the convenience of a seamless journey with a one-way car rental. Get the freedom to explore.

Can I rent a car from Denver to San Francisco?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Denver to San Francisco. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Australia national photo ID
  • 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(s).

    Notes: 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. If you are a local renter, you may be required to present a utility bill within 3 months for checking.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, Master).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 5.92 - US$ 27.50 per day, depending on the rental 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(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version) or
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet.

    Notes: Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification. Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, JCB, Discover, and UnionPay. Some locations may also accept debit cards (Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, AMEX).
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-100 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 5.92 - US$ 27.50 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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How much does renting a car from Denver to San Francisco cost?

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

US$ 152/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 154/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 357-US$ 952US$ 0-US$ 861US$ 455-US$ 1,090Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 444-US$ 952US$ 300-US$ 861US$ 543-US$ 1,090Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 422-US$ 947US$ 0-US$ 861US$ 545-US$ 1,071Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 359-US$ 976US$ 0-US$ 861US$ 461-US$ 1,142Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 538US$ 350US$ 673Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 653US$ 0-US$ 397US$ 921Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand the One-Way Fee: Many car rental companies charge a fee for returning the vehicle to a different location. Check this cost before booking.
  • Check for Cross-Border Restrictions: If you're planning to drive through another state, ensure the rental terms allow cross-border travel without additional charges or permissions.
  • Inspect the Vehicle During Pickup: Inspect for any damage and confirm it is marked on the agreement to avoid penalties upon return.
  • Fuel Policy Clarity: Understand the fuel refill policy. Some rentals require the car to be returned with a full tank.
  • Plan the Return Timing: Late returns may incur fines. Confirm the return timing aligns with your schedule.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early for the Best Deals: Reserve early as prices for one-way rentals may increase closer to the travel date.
  • Use GPS for Navigation: Ensure the vehicle has GPS or bring your own for efficient route planning.
  • Confirm Drop-off Location Accessibility: Choose a convenient drop-off point in San Francisco, preferably near public transport.
  • Carry Valid Identification and Permits: Always have your driving license, identification, and rental agreement handy while driving.
  • Check Insurance Coverage: Verify your insurance or consider purchasing one from the rental company for peace of mind.
  • Read Online Reviews for the Rental Company: Understand customer experiences with the rental provider to ensure reliable service.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the same fuel type as specified in the rental agreement.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost in California is approximately $5.00 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure.

Minimize the use of air conditioning when possible.

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Denver Parking

Parking in downtown Denver costs around $1 to $2 per hour.

Street parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.

Consider using parking garages for long-term parking.

San Francisco Parking

Parking in San Francisco can cost $3 to $7 per hour.

Street parking is limited and often metered.

Use residential parking permits if staying longer.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero for advance parking reservations.

ParkWhiz for comparing parking rates.

Parking Panda for finding nearby parking spots.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Golden Gate Bridge - $8.80 for cars.

Bay Bridge - $7 during peak hours.

San Mateo-Hayward Bridge - $6.

Toll Payment Options

FasTrak electronic toll collection.

Pay-by-plate for billed tolls.

Online payment through toll authority websites.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Denver to San Francisco:
I-70 through Moab and Salt Lake City
Scenic 18 hours

A scenic route featuring breathtaking landscapes along the Rocky Mountains and Utah deserts.

Vail, Colorado , Arches National Park , Salt Lake City, Utah , Lake Tahoe, California
US-50 via Reno
Direct 20 hours

Known as the 'Loneliest Road in America,' this route offers a unique tranquil driving experience.

Canon City, Colorado , Grand Junction, Colorado , Reno, Nevada
I-80 via Laramie
Fastest 17 hours

A quicker route with access to several historical sites and vibrant cities.

Cheyenne, Wyoming , Salt Lake City, Utah , Sacramento, California
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a reliable vehicle that suits your journey's needs, like an SUV for mountainous areas or a sedan for city travel.

Route Navigation: Plan your route using GPS and offline maps in case of limited connectivity.

Fuel Planning: Research fuel stop locations along the route to avoid running low in remote areas.

Budget Management: Prepare a budget for fuel, accommodation, and meals to prevent unexpected expenses.

Rest Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and explore sights along the way.

Safety Precautions: Check road conditions and be prepared for varied weather during your trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a car rental provider for a one-way rental from Denver to San Francisco involves considering factors such as additional fees, fleet availability, and accessibility.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Extensive pickup and drop-off locations , Variety of luxury and economic vehicles
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$ModerateGood Affordable pricing , User-friendly booking process
Avis$$$HighVery Good Premium customer service , Wide vehicle selection
National Car Rental$$HighExcellent Emerald Club rewards program , Partnerships with major airports
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

San Francisco Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Location:

Rental car center located adjacent to the San Francisco International Airport, reached via AirTrain Blue Line.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle buses available every 10 minutes to and from terminals.

Contact Information:

Direct phone line for rental queries: (415) 123-4567

Pro Tips for Denver Airport(DEN) Car Rentals

Plan extra time for returning the vehicle during peak travel hours at the San Francisco rental car center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return the car to a different location?

Yes, one-way car rentals allow you to pick up a car in Denver and drop it off in San Francisco. This flexibility makes it convenient for travelers covering long distances.

Are there additional fees for a one-way rental?

One-way rentals may include an additional drop-off fee, which is typically intended to cover the cost of returning the car to the original rental location.

How do I find the best deals for one-way rentals between these locations?

Compare prices online through provider websites or third-party travel platforms. Certain promotions or partnerships may also waive the drop-off fee.

What types of vehicles are available for this route?

Rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles. Popular choices include economy cars, SUVs for additional comfort and space, or even hybrids for better fuel efficiency.

Is there unlimited mileage included for this route?

Many rental agreements today include unlimited mileage, which allows you to travel without calculation worries, but always confirm this in the rental policy before booking.

Ready to Book Your Denver to San Francisco Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes