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Discover Convenience on Your Trip from Downey to San Francisco

Plan your journey with a smooth and flexible one-way car rental experience.

Can I rent a car from Downey to San Francisco?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Downey 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 United States 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).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
  • 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): Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version): An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee awareness: Be aware of potential additional fees for one-way rentals and confirm these costs with your rental provider.
  • Cross state and border policies: Check if your rental is allowed across state or national borders, as some restrictions may apply.
  • Availability of car class: Verify the availability of your preferred car class as it might vary for one-way bookings.
  • Return flexibility: Ensure your rental terms allow flexibility for drop-off times to avoid penalties.
  • Drop-off locations: Confirm the exact drop-off location and understand its operating hours.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early for better options: Early booking typically provides more choices and better rates for one-way rentals.
  • Plan fuel stops along your route: Identify convenient refueling spots to avoid unnecessary delays during your journey.
  • Familiarize yourself with the route: Research your route to San Francisco to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
  • Refuel before returning: Return the vehicle with the fuel level as per the rental agreement to avoid additional charges.
  • Consider additional services: Look into optional services such as GPS, child seats, or roadside assistance if needed for your trip.
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 vehicle before returning to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the recommended fuel type to prevent engine damage.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel usage.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

Avoid carrying excess weight to reduce fuel consumption.

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Downey Parking

Downey offers several public parking lots with hourly rates.

Street parking is available but check for time restrictions.

Consider using parking apps to find the best spots.

San Francisco Parking

San Francisco has numerous parking garages near major attractions.

Metered street parking is available but can be limited during peak hours.

Use parking reservations apps to secure a spot in advance.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero

ParkWhiz

PayByPhone

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Tolls and FasTrak

The route includes tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Bay Bridge toll is applicable when entering San Francisco.

Tolls vary by time of day and vehicle type.

Toll Payment Options

FasTrak electronic toll payment is accepted.

Pay-by-plate options are available for non-FasTrak users.

Cash payments are not accepted on most toll bridges.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Key Routes from Downey to San Francisco:
Coastal Route via PCH
Scenic Bay Area Coastlines 8 hours

Experience the stunning coastal scenery, passing through gems like Santa Barbara and Monterey.

Santa Barbara , Big Sur , Monterey , San Jose
Direct Route via I-5
Quick and Direct 6 hours 30 minutes

A fast and straightforward route through California's agricultural heartland.

Bakersfield , Los Banos , Stockton
Inland Scenic Route via Route 99
Historical and Cultural Land 7 hours

Discover California's rich history and charming towns.

Fresno , Merced , Modesto
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose a Suitable Vehicle: Select a rental vehicle that aligns with your route needs and passenger comfort.

Plan Fuel Breaks: Familiarize yourself with fuel station locations en route to avoid running low.

Know Dining Stops: Research local culinary hubs or convenient eateries along the drive.

Budget Accordingly: Consider route tolls, parking fees, and mileage expenses for accurate cost planning.

Pack Strategically: Carrying essentials like maps, power banks, and cooler bags can greatly enhance your trip.

Keep a Flexible Itinerary: Allow room for unexpected experiences or unplanned stops for photographs.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection. Consider only companies that offer one-way car rental services between Downey and San Francisco.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$High-quality selectionExtensive Flexible pick-up/drop-off options , Wide range of vehicle types
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$Diverse rangeGreat Affordable fees , Convenient locations
Avis$$$ComprehensiveBroad Luxury vehicle options , Excellent customer service
Budget$WideExcellent Economical rates , Frequent 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

Guide to Downey Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Downey car rental centers are typically open from 8 AM to 9 PM, with some offering 24/7 pick-up and drop-off options.

Location of Centers:

Conveniently situated near major intersections and easily accessible by road.

Shuttle Coordination:

Many centers offer complimentary shuttle services for customers within a 10-mile radius.

Nearby Gas Stations:

Numerous refueling options close to rental centers for convenient vehicle returns.

Pro Tips for American Inn Downey Car Rentals

Make sure to check and refuel the car before returning to avoid extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up the rental vehicle at one location, such as Downey, and return it to another location, like San Francisco, without needing to bring the car back to the starting point. This option is especially useful for trips where returning to the starting location is inconvenient or unnecessary.

What are the fees associated with a one-way rental?

One-way rentals often include an additional one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee varies between rental companies and can depend on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points, such as Downey and San Francisco.

Can I choose from any car type for a one-way rental?

Rental companies typically offer various vehicle types for one-way rentals. However, availability may vary depending on the specific locations. It is advised to book in advance to secure the desired vehicle for your trip.

Are there restrictions on where I can drop off the vehicle in San Francisco?

Specific drop-off locations are provided by the rental company, which could include the San Francisco International Airport or other designated sites within the city. Make sure to confirm the available drop-off points when making your booking.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You will generally need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and sometimes proof of insurance to rent a car. Non-U.S. residents may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.

Ready to Book Your Downey to San Francisco Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

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