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Start Your Adventure: Long Beach to San Francisco

Discover the freedom of a one-way car rental, tailored for your journey through California.

Can I rent a car from Long Beach to San Francisco?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Long Beach 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 Visa, Master, Discover, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay. Additional support for XpCard and DcCard is available.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 may incur a 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. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet
    • Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English. Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet must be accompanied by 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 who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be also 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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, Discover, AMEX, DinersClub, JCB, and UnionPay. Additional support for XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard is available.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Long Beach 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$ 37/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 39/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 37-US$ 134US$ 0US$ 110-US$ 257Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 52US$ 0US$ 132Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 42-US$ 162US$ 0US$ 125-US$ 313Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 39-US$ 176US$ 0US$ 117-US$ 663Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 67-US$ 93US$ 0US$ 201-US$ 262Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 136-US$ 140US$ 0US$ 392-US$ 420Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 62-US$ 90US$ 0US$ 190-US$ 268Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee additions: Check if there are additional charges for returning the vehicle at a different location.
  • Mileage limitations: Confirm whether mileage is unlimited or if there are specific distance restrictions.
  • Cross-border travel policies: Understand limitations regarding travel across state or national borders.
  • Vehicle availability: Consider that specific vehicle types may have greater availability constraints on one-way rentals.
  • Booking adjustments: Ensure flexibility in the booking policies, such as cancellation terms.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early to secure choice vehicles: Especially during peak travel seasons, availability may be limited so book in advance.
  • Inspect drop-off policies: Verify hours and procedures for returning the vehicle at the chosen destination.
  • Understand fuel policies: Most rentals require the tank to be refilled, so plan stops near the destination.
  • Plan your route thoughtfully: Incorporate rest stops and scenic routes to make the most of your drive.
  • Check for regional driving permits: Ensure your driving license or permits are valid and recognized along your route.
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 it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use fuel stations near the drop-off location for convenience.

Fuel Cost

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

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before starting the trip.

Avoid heavy acceleration and braking to conserve fuel.

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Long Beach Parking

Street parking is available but may be limited.

Utilize public parking garages for long-term parking.

Check for parking restrictions and time limits.

San Francisco Parking

Parking in downtown San Francisco can be expensive.

Consider parking apps to find cheaper options.

Be aware of street cleaning schedules to avoid fines.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero - Find and book parking in advance.

ParkWhiz - Compare parking options and reserve spots.

PayByPhone - Conveniently pay for street parking.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Golden Gate Bridge - $8.40 for cars.

Bay Bridge - $7.00 during peak hours.

San Mateo-Hayward Bridge - $6.00 for cars.

Toll Payment Options

FasTrak transponders are accepted on all toll roads.

Pay-by-plate options are available for occasional users.

Online payment portals can be used for toll settlements.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Famous Scenic Drives from Long Beach to San Francisco:
Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic coastal route Approximately 9 hours

This iconic route offers stunning ocean views, seaside destinations, and the central California charm.

Santa Monica , Big Sur , Monterey
I-5 Highway
Direct inland route Approximately 6 hours

The fastest route, suitable for efficient travel, connecting major urban and suburban areas.

Grapevine , Los Banos
US-101 Freeway
Blend of scenic and direct route Approximately 7.5 hours

Combines efficiency with scenic drives through central California's countryside.

Santa Barbara , Paso Robles , San Jose
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a car suitable for both the urban areas of San Francisco and the scenic highways along the way.

Fuel Planning: Refuel before entering expansive rural areas with fewer stations.

Route Navigation: Use a reliable GPS with traffic updates for alternative routes in case of unexpected delays.

Rest Stops: Plan for rest stops at recommended attractions to enhance your travel experience.

Cost Optimization: Compare various rental companies to secure the best deals for one-way rentals.

Safety Measures: Keep essential items like a first-aid kit and emergency tools accessible.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to selecting a car rental service from Long Beach to San Francisco, focusing on one-way rental options.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$5/55/5 Wide variety of vehicles , Frequent promotional discounts , Extensive network including both Long Beach and San Francisco
Avis$$4/55/5 Flexible pick-up and drop-off options , Convenient mobile app for reservations and navigation , Known for excellent customer service
Enterprise$$$5/54/5 Clean and regularly maintained vehicles , Frequent traveler rewards program , Great roadside assistance
Budget$4/54/5 Affordable rates especially for one-way trips , Easy bookings on the website , Conveniently located rental centers in both cities
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

Rental Car Centers Information

Operating Hours:

Most centers at Long Beach are open 8 AM to 10 PM daily, with extended hours in major hubs.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Situated near Long Beach Airport for easy pickup and centrally located in San Francisco for drop-offs.

Shuttle Availability:

Frequent shuttles available from Long Beach Airport to centralized rental centers every 10-15 minutes.

Pricing and Fees:

Know the one-way rental fee upfront, as well as taxes and applicable surcharges for the route.

Pro Tips for Long Beach Airport(LGB) Car Rentals

To save costs and reduce one-way fees, always consider booking in advance and look for promotional discounts on the company's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location and drop it off at another. For the Long Beach to San Francisco route, this means you would pick up the car in Long Beach and return it in San Francisco.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop-off fee, for not returning the vehicle to its original location. The fee depends on the rental company and the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.

Do all car rental companies allow one-way rentals on this route?

Not all companies offer one-way rentals for all routes. It’s recommended to confirm with the rental agency beforehand if they allow drop-offs in San Francisco when picking up in Long Beach.

What is the estimated drive time from Long Beach to San Francisco?

The driving time from Long Beach to San Francisco typically ranges from 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.

Can I adjust the rental duration for a one-way rental?

Yes, most car rental companies allow you to customize your rental period. Ensure you inform the company of your specific needs when booking to avoid misunderstandings.

Ready to Book Your Long Beach to San Francisco Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes