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

Home One-way Car Rentals Los Angeles 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. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard and DcCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Note that the IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, original driver's licenses printed in Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

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. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

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$ 94-110	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 142-213	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 110-110	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 213-213	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 97-135	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 153-322	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 100-133	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-257	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 210-210	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 406-406	Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration：

One-way fees and surcharges: Be aware that rental companies typically apply an additional fee for one-way rentals. Check for these fees in the terms of the rental agreement.
Drop-off location policies: Ensure the chosen drop-off location in San Francisco is convenient and matches your travel itinerary.
Vehicle types available: Some vehicle categories may not be offered for one-way rental. Clarify availability during booking.
Rental duration considerations: Check for any minimum or maximum rental period restrictions associated with one-way rentals.
Insurance and coverage extensions: Review the insurance terms to confirm they are valid and applicable for your one-way journey.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Ahead to Secure the Best Deals: Booking in advance often provides access to the most competitive rates and a better vehicle selection.
Lookup Road Conditions Along CA Route 1: Seamlessly plan stops along one of the world's most scenic drives, especially near landmarks such as Big Sur.
Consider Refueling Before Drop-Off: Returning a rental with a full tank often avoids additional fuel charges. Check for refueling stations near drop-off locations.
Verify Rental Documentation Carefully: Before you start, confirm details like miles allowed, condition of the car, and included services in the contract.
Explore Scenic Detours Safely: Enrich your trip by exploring iconic spots en route without compromising the schedule for your rental drop-off.
Pack for Diverse Bay Area Weather: While LA is sunny, San Francisco can be cooler and foggy. Prepare accordingly for both climates.

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 to optimize fuel usage.

Avoid unnecessary idling to conserve fuel.

Los Angeles Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking costs.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

San Francisco Parking

Utilize parking garages near major attractions for convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

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

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Top Scenic Routes Between Los Angeles and San Francisco:

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic Coastal Route 10 hours

Travel along California's coastline with stunning ocean views and quaint beach towns.

Santa Monica , Malibu , Santa Barbara , Big Sur , Monterey

I-5 Direct Route

Fastest Route 7 hours

This is the quickest route connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Grapevine , Bakersfield , Fresno

Wine Country Route through US-101

Scenic Countryside Route 8 hours

Traverse through California's world-famous wine regions and valleys.

Paso Robles , San Luis Obispo , Santa Rosa

Exciting Trips Along the Route:

Big Sur Adventures

7 hours

Enjoy breathtaking views of cliffs and ocean waves along the Big Sur coastline.

Santa Barbara Wine Tour

2 hours

Indulge in wine tastings and explore charming vineyards around Santa Barbara.

Monterey Bay Highlights

6 hours

Witness diverse marine life in the Monterey Bay Aquarium and along Cannery Row.

Golden Gate Trek

8 hours

Experience breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views as you approach San Francisco.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Select Appropriate Vehicle: Choose a rental car that matches your comfort and storage needs for the journey.

Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the route options and decide on the best path for your trip.

Fuel Stations: Identify key fuel stops along your route, especially in less populated stretches.

Understand Costs: Review the rental agreement closely to avoid unexpected charges or fees.

Explore Detours: Research detours or alternative scenic routes for an enriched driving experience.

Emergency Preparedness: Carry a basic toolkit and ensure you have roadside assistance coverage.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

For the Los Angeles to San Francisco route, selecting a car rental company involves considering the one-way services, fleet options, and company-specific advantages.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Very High	Wide range of car options , High availability in key cities , Professional service standards
Enterprise	$$$	Medium	High	Flexible rental terms , Seamless booking process , Multiple pickup and dropoff options
Avis	$$	High	High	Frequent discounts and deals , Membership rewards program , 24/7 customer support
Budget	$	Medium	Medium	Affordable vehicles , Straightforward policies , Nationwide presence

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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

Los Angeles and San Francisco Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental car centers operate from 6 AM to midnight, though specific hours may vary by company.

Locations:

In Los Angeles, rental car centers are often located near LAX Airport, and in San Francisco, near SFO Airport.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles run frequently between major car rental centers and airport terminals.

Vehicle Pickup and Dropoff:

Ensure inspections are carried out during both pickup and return to avoid disputes.

Verify whether the rental service includes unlimited mileage, which can be cost-effective for long trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any additional fees for dropping off the rental car in San Francisco if rented from Los Angeles?

Most car rental companies charge a one-way rental fee when returning the car to a different location. The amount varies by company and depends on demand and availability. It's best to confirm the exact charges during the booking process.

What is the estimated drive time between Los Angeles and San Francisco for a rental car?

The drive time from Los Angeles to San Francisco typically ranges from 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Taking scenic routes such as Highway 1 may extend the travel time but offer beautiful coastal views.

Do I need to refuel the rental car before returning it in San Francisco?

Most rental car agreements require returning the vehicle with the same fuel level as when rented. Alternatively, customers can opt for a full tank service charge where the company handles refueling.

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

To rent a car, you'll typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and your booking confirmation. International travelers may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check requirements with the rental company beforehand.

Can I customize my rental package with features like GPS or child seats?

Yes, most rental companies offer optional add-ons like GPS navigation systems, child seats, and additional insurance coverage. These can often be selected during the booking process or added when picking up the vehicle.

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