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

Home One-way Car Rentals Long Beach to San Francisco

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.

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.
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. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 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. Requirements include: (1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must also be presented). (2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back. (3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) is acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) require an IDP. (4) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy).

Notes: 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 are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day depending on the rental provider.

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$ 49-96	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 145-212	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 53-116	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 158-225	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-134	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-259	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 79-136	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 223-262	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 186-186	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 556-556	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 66-73	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 187-235	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Many car rental companies charge a fee for dropping off the vehicle at a different location. Make sure to check this cost in the rental agreement.
Vehicle Availability: Certain vehicle types may not be available for one-way rentals. Confirm availability for the vehicle you prefer.
Cross-Border Restrictions: If planning to cross state or country borders, ensure the rental agreement permits this.
Rental Duration Flexibility: For one-way rentals, verify the allowable duration and late return policies of the rental car.
Mileage Policies: Some rentals come with capped mileage. Check if unlimited mileage is offered, especially for long drives.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Drop-Off Location: Choose a convenient drop-off location in San Francisco for easy accessibility at the end of your trip.
Research Scenic Routes: Optimize your journey by researching iconic landmarks and attractions along the route.
Understand Gas Station Proximity: Ensure familiarity with the locations of gas stations near the drop-off to refuel before returning the vehicle.
Review Rental Conditions: Thoroughly review the rental agreement to understand terms like insurance coverage and additional charges.
Stay Connected with Support: Note the customer support contact information in case of emergencies or questions during 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.

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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, avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and keep tires properly inflated.

Long Beach Parking

Consider using public parking lots for extended parking durations.

Parking in Long Beach is generally available with options ranging from street parking to garages.

San Francisco Parking

Use apps like SpotHero to find and reserve parking in advance.

San Francisco has limited parking availability; it is recommended to use parking garages or pre-book spots.

Recommended Parking Apps

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

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for toll payments or use a personal FasTrak device.

Plan routes in advance to estimate toll costs and avoid unexpected expenses.

Toll roads include the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. Charges vary based on the time of day and vehicle type.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Long Beach to San Francisco:

Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)

Scenic Coastal Route 8-10 hours

This route provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, cliffs, and beaches.

Santa Monica , Santa Barbara , Big Sur

Interstate 5

Fastest Route 6-7 hours

The direct route suitable for quicker travel between Long Beach and San Francisco.

Los Angeles , Bakersfield , Stockton

US Route 101

Historical and Scenic Route 8-9 hours

Runs parallel to the coastline in some areas and navigates through many interesting towns.

Los Angeles , San Luis Obispo , San Jose

Popular Stops Along the Route:

Santa Barbara Winery Visit

2 hours

Explore the scenic wine regions and enjoy wine tasting.

Big Sur Coastal Area

2-3 hours

Experience breathtaking ocean views and unique landscapes.

Hearst Castle Tour

1-2 hours

Tour the historic mansion and learn about its history.

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea

2-3 hours

Discover charming seaside towns and the famous aquarium.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choosing the Right Vehicle: Select a car that suits your travel needs in terms of space, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Planning the Route: Decide which attractions and stops you want to include along your route.

Fuel Management: Plan fuel stops and prefer stations with reasonable rates.

Manage Travel Costs: Plan your budget for rental fees, lodging, food, and activities.

Time Allocation: Allocate sufficient time for sightseeing and breaks to avoid fatigue.

Safety Precautions: Check the weather and road conditions, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition before departure.

Choose the Right Car Rental for Your Trip

Selecting the best car rental companies for a one-way trip from Long Beach to San Francisco.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Nationwide	Wide selection of vehicles , Convenient pickup locations
Enterprise	$	Good	Nationwide	Affordable rates , Great customer service
Avis	$$	Excellent	Nationwide	Luxury vehicle options , Efficient online check-in
Budget	$	Good	Nationwide	Economical pricing , Frequent promotions and discounts

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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

Car Rental Center Details

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers at San Francisco and Long Beach are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Long Beach Airport centers near the terminal. San Francisco Airport centers can be accessed via AirTrain.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttle services run every 5 minutes between airport terminals and car rental centers.

Plan your return to allow time for drop-off and airport security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a vehicle from one location, such as Long Beach, and return it to another, like San Francisco, without having to bring the car back to the initial pickup point.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, most rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals to cover the costs of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee varies by company and route.

What documents are needed to rent a car for this route?

To rent a car, you'll generally need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the renter's name, and potentially identification like a passport or proof of insurance.

Can I choose any car type for a one-way rental between Long Beach and San Francisco?

While rental companies attempt to accommodate your preferred car type, availability varies by location and may influence your options during your reservation.

How can I calculate the mileage costs for my one-way trip?

Your rental agreement often includes unlimited mileage; however, it's best to confirm with the rental agency. Additional tools like online mileage calculators can also provide insights about trip costs based on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

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Explore the Scenic Journey from Long Beach to San Francisco