Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
Notes: 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. 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.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 39/dayStarting from
US$ 39/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 39-US$ 154 | US$ 0 | US$ 115-US$ 297 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 42-US$ 154 | US$ 0 | US$ 297 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 42-US$ 188 | US$ 0 | US$ 125-US$ 363 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 39-US$ 186 | US$ 0 | US$ 117-US$ 680 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 67 | US$ 0 | US$ 201 | Families, comfort seeker |
| Van | US$ 140-US$ 146 | US$ 0 | US$ 420 | Large families, groups |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.
Keep the last refueling receipt as proof of a full tank.
Locate nearby gas stations before reaching the drop-off point to save time.
The average fuel price along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed around 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.
Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.
Avoid excessive idling and use cruise control on highways to conserve fuel.
Parking costs in Los Angeles vary from $5 to $20 per hour depending on the area.
Street parking is limited; consider using parking structures or lots.
Use apps like SpotHero to reserve parking in advance.
Parking in San Francisco can range from $3 to $7 per hour.
Look for public parking garages near the drop-off point for convenience.
Street parking is available but often requires permits in residential areas.
SpotHero: Reserve parking spots in advance.
ParkMobile: Pay for parking directly through the app.
BestParking: Compare parking options and rates nearby.
The route includes tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge, costing approximately $8 for southbound traffic.
Bay Bridge tolls apply when entering San Francisco from the east, costing around $7 during peak hours.
Other toll roads may include charges depending on the chosen route.
FasTrak transponders are accepted for seamless toll payment.
Pay-by-plate options are available; bills are sent to the vehicle owner.
Cash is not accepted on some toll roads; ensure to use electronic payment methods.
Explore the iconic coastline, picturesque beaches, and quaint towns.
Relax in Spanish-style downtown, wine tasting, and sandy beaches.
Charming towns with renowned wineries and historic architecture.
Famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and coastal beauty.
Car Selection: Opt for a vehicle that is comfortable for long hours of driving and can handle variable terrain.
Budget Planning: Allocate funds for rental costs, fuel, meals, and unforeseen expenses.
Route Prepping: Familiarize yourself with potential routes and key stops before starting your journey.
Rental Company Contact: Keep the contact information of your car rental provider handy for emergencies.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance to cover incidents or emergencies.
Refuel Efficiently: Look for cost-effective gas stations along the route.
When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip between Los Angeles and San Francisco, prioritize companies offering extensive fleet options and convenient location coverage, minimizing additional fees.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | High | Excellent | Widely available locations in both cities , Comprehensive fleet with luxurious options , Strong customer service reputation |
| Enterprise | $ | Moderate | Excellent | Budget-friendly one-way fees , Convenient pickup and drop-off points , Clean and reliable vehicles |
| Alamo | $$ | High | Very good | User-friendly booking process , Good coverage for airport locations , Competitive pricing for long trips |
| Avis | $$$ | Excellent | Moderate | Extensive premium vehicle selection , Efficient counter services , Loyalty program benefits |
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Rental desks at both Los Angeles Airport and San Francisco Airport are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Rental car centers are situated adjacent to the airport terminals with accessible shuttle service.
Shuttle buses to rental centers run every 15 minutes between airport terminals and designated rental areas.
Reserve your car rental ahead of time to ensure availability and consider early pickups for better vehicle selection.
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