One-Way Car Rental from Hawthorne to San Francisco | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Hawthorne to San Francisco

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 158-1088	US$ 0.00-1112.83	US$ 473-1259	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 166-1147	US$ 0.00-1011.67	US$ 497-1437	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 176-176	US$ 0.00-1011.67	US$ 528-528	Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fees: Understand the costs associated with dropping the vehicle at a different city, such as additional fees charged by rental companies.
Route Restrictions: Certain routes may have restrictions or additional conditions; ensure your route is permissible for one-way rentals.
Fuel Policies: Check the fuel policy, return the vehicle with the same fuel level to avoid penalties.
Vehicle Types and Availability: Not all car types are available for one-way rental, so book early to ensure the car type you prefer.
Return Location Proximity: Choose a drop-off location close to airports or your destination for convenience.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route in Advance: Research the best and most scenic routes between Hawthorne and San Francisco to make the drive enjoyable.
Book Early: Secure your vehicle early to avoid last-minute price hikes and limited availability.
Include Cancellation Flexibility: Opt for bookings that allow changes or cancellations without hefty fees for unforeseen circumstances.
Understand Insurance Options: Verify the insurance coverage included and consider additional protection as required.
Prepare for Road Tolls: Be aware of toll roads along your route and verify your rental includes electronic toll payment systems.
Check for Offers or Discounts: Look for promotions or discounts available on one-way rentals to get the best deal.

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.

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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.

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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 and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Avoid idling for extended periods to conserve fuel.

Hawthorne Parking

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

Parking in Hawthorne is generally affordable with various public and private lots available.

San Francisco Parking

Opt for parking garages outside the city center and use public transport.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive and limited, especially in downtown areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz help users locate and reserve parking spaces in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is registered with FasTrak to avoid penalties.

Use online tools to calculate toll costs in advance.

Toll roads include the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area express lanes, with charges varying by time and vehicle type.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Routes from Hawthorne to San Francisco:

Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1)

Scenic Coastal Route 8 hours

Travel along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway with stunning views of the ocean, cliffs, and coastal towns.

Santa Monica , Malibu , Santa Barbara , Big Sur

US Route 101

Historic Highway 7 hours 30 minutes

A historic route that blends scenic farmland with small towns and urban hubs.

Ventura , San Luis Obispo , Pismo Beach , Salinas

Interstate 5

Direct Inland Route 6 hours

The fastest route connecting southern and northern California, ideal for direct travel.

Bakersfield , Kettleman City , Stockton

Popular Stopovers on the Way to San Francisco:

Santa Monica Pier

30 minutes from Hawthorne

A historic pier with an amusement park and oceanfront views.

Hearst Castle

5 hours from Hawthorne

A stunning historic estate perched on a hill with ornate architecture.

Big Sur

6 hours from Hawthorne

Scenic coastal area known for dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views.

Golden Gate Bridge

As you arrive in San Francisco

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world—visitors shouldn’t miss walking or driving across this bridge.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the right vehicle: Consider a comfortable and spacious car for a long drive. A convertible might be perfect for enjoying the scenic coastal routes.

Plan your stops: Research key stopover points to enjoy landmarks and refuel both the car and yourselves.

Avoid rush hours: Schedule your trip to avoid peak traffic times, especially in los angeles and bay area regions.

Fuel up wisely: Locate affordable gas stations along your route by using apps or local insights to save on costs.

Pack snacks and water: Prepare food and drinks for the trip as some stretches, especially coastal routes, may not have many eateries.

Check car rental policies: Read through the rental agreement for restrictions, return conditions, and insurance coverage.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Hawthorne to San Francisco, prioritize companies known for extensive fleet options, accessible locations, and clear policies on one-way rentals.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	Extensive	Nationwide	Known for award-winning customer service , Easy app and website navigation
Hertz	$$	Varied selection of sedans and SUVs	High urban and airport presence	Includes roadside assistance , Electronic toll payment facility
Enterprise	$	Good selection	Available in most urban sites	Competitive pricing , Good loyalty benefits
Budget	$$	Reasonable options for short-term	High coverage in cities	Budget-friendly options , Flexible booking solutions

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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 Rental Car Center Details

Operating Hours:

Rental centers at San Francisco International Airport are open 24 hours.

Location:

Rental car centers are located off the main terminal, accessible via AirTrain.

Shuttle Services:

AirTrain Blue Line provides dedicated transport to the rental hub.

Reserve your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid limited options upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Hawthorne and return it in San Francisco?

Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way car rentals, allowing you to pick up a vehicle in Hawthorne and return it in San Francisco. This service is typically available for a fee.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals?

Rental companies often charge a one-way fee for returning the vehicle to a different location. This fee varies by company and can depend on the distance between the locations.

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

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the name of the primary driver, and possibly supplemental identification. International renters may also require a passport and an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

Are there mileage restrictions on one-way rentals between Hawthorne and San Francisco?

Many rental companies offer unlimited mileage in the United States for these types of trips. However, it is advisable to confirm this with the rental agency beforehand.

What happens if I return the car late in San Francisco?

Returning a car late will typically result in additional charges, depending on the rental company's policy. It's recommended to inform the rental agency as soon as you know about any delays to avoid potential penalties.

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One-Way Car Rentals from Hawthorne to San Francisco