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Explore the Scenic Route from Las Vegas to San Francisco

Enjoy a hassle-free one-way car rental experience while exploring the journey of a lifetime.

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.
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • 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: The general driving age range is 21-99 years. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee applies: US$ 27.00 or US$ 45.00 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. Accepted licenses include: (1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence); (2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back; (3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) require an IDP.

    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 indicating a country of residence outside the United States or Canada must present a return airline ticket.

  • 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: The general driving age range is 21-99 years. For drivers aged 21-24, a young driver fee applies: US$ 27.00 or US$ 45.00 per day, depending on the rental 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$ 71-599US$ 0.00-101.16US$ 147-645Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 72-160US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 154-495Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 73-335US$ 0.00-101.16US$ 161-675Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 63-456US$ 0.00-101.16US$ 154-819Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 167-721US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 517-1449Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Rental Fees: Some car rental providers charge an extra fee for one-way trips. Be sure to understand the total cost, including this fee.
  • Route Restrictions: Confirm that the route you plan to travel is permitted by the rental company. Some companies may have restrictions on certain inter-state or regional routes.
  • Vehicle Return Options: Ensure you know the exact location to return the car in San Francisco to avoid confusion and extra charges.
  • Fuel Policies: Check if the car needs to be returned with a full tank of gas to avoid refueling charges by the rental company.
  • Rental Duration Flexibility: Flexible rental periods can help you adjust your travel plans without incurring significant penalties.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early to Save: Reserve your one-way rental in advance to secure better rates and car availability.
  • Plan Your Route: Mark key waypoints and scenic stops along the route to enhance your travel experience.
  • Communicate with the Rental Company: Ask the rental company about policies and additional services they may provide.
  • Identify Drop-Off Locations: Ensure the drop-off location suits your final plans in San Francisco.
  • Look for Discounts or Promotions: Check for promotional offers or discounts on one-way rentals during your planned travel period.
  • Understand Insurance Policies: Be fully aware of insurance coverage and choose additional options if needed for peace of mind.
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 conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid unnecessary idling.

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Las Vegas Parking

Check if your hotel offers free parking for guests.

Parking in Las Vegas is generally available at most hotels and casinos, with rates ranging from $10 to $25 per day.

San Francisco Parking

Consider using public transportation to avoid high parking fees.

Parking in San Francisco is often limited and expensive, with rates ranging from $20 to $50 per day in downtown areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help find and reserve parking spots in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for FasTrak to avoid fines.

Use a prepaid toll pass for seamless travel.

Toll roads include the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Charges vary depending on the time of day and vehicle type.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Noteworthy Travel Routes:
Route 1: Las Vegas via Death Valley
Scenic 9 hours

Experience the stark beauty of Death Valley National Park while traveling from Las Vegas to San Francisco.

Las Vegas , Death Valley National Park , Bakersfield , San Francisco
Route 2: Byway through Yosemite
Adventurous 12 hours

Take a detour to visit Yosemite National Park, enjoying winding mountain roads and unparalleled vistas.

Las Vegas , Mono Lake , Yosemite National Park , Oakdale , San Francisco
Route 3: Coastal Delight
Scenic Coastal 13 hours

Follow the Pacific coastline, with opportunities to explore sandy beaches and seaside towns.

Las Vegas , Santa Barbara , Monterey , Big Sur , San Francisco
Ultimate Road Trip Planning Advice

Route Optimization: Plan alternate routes in case of unexpected road conditions or closures.

Fuel Management: Track fuel stops beforehand, especially in remote areas like Death Valley.

Navigation Tools: Carry both GPS-enabled devices and physical maps for backup.

Budget Considerations: Research toll fees and calculate estimated fuel costs in advance.

Safety Measures: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and carry an emergency kit.

Rental Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the drop-off and one-way fee policies at the destination.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way route from Las Vegas to San Francisco, consider companies with favorable one-way rental policies and an extensive selection of vehicles.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Wide variety of vehicles , Easy online booking , Frequent customer rewards program
Enterprise$$$ExcellentVery Good Many pickup and dropoff locations , Strong customer service , Flexible return policies
Avis$GoodGood Affordable one-way fees , Quality vehicle options , Quick speed of service
Budget$ModerateGood Budget-friendly options , Simple booking process , Many vehicle types
QEEQ

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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 the Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental car centers operate 24/7, ensuring flexibility for all travel schedules.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Located near main terminal buildings in both Las Vegas and San Francisco airports, with accessible shuttles.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttles run approximately every 10-15 minutes, providing easy access to and from the rental car centers.

Vehicle Pickup Process:

Well-guided by signage with comprehensive customer assistance for smooth vehicle retrieval.

Arrive at the rental car center with your booking confirmation and required documents ready to expedite the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for renting a car for a one-way trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco?

To rent a car for this route, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in the renter's name, and possibly an international driving permit if you're from another country. Age restrictions may apply depending on the rental company.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most rental companies charge a drop-off fee for leaving the car at a different location than where it was picked up. The fee varies depending on the rental company, the locations, and the distance between them.

How long does it typically take to drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco?

The drive is approximately 570 miles and takes roughly 9-10 hours without significant stops or traffic delays. Travel times might vary based on road conditions and your route.

Can I choose the type of car for my one-way trip?

Yes, rental companies offer a range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars. Availability might vary, so it is advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred type of vehicle.

What happens if I return the car later than agreed?

Returning the car later than the scheduled time might incur late fees. Each rental company has its own policies on late returns, so it’s a good idea to clarify this at the time of rental.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes