One-Way Car Rental from New York to San Francisco | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals New York 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, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, AMEX, and UnionPay. Additional support for XpCard and DcCard is available.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of US$ 84.00 per day, and those aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00-35.00 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 combinations include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented); Original South Korea Driving License (English version, with English translation on the back); Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without needing an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP; 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 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, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, AMEX, and UnionPay. Additional support for XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard is available.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-20 may incur a fee of US$ 84.00 per day, and those aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00-35.00 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$ 720-1715	US$ 0.00-1849.39	US$ 940-1813	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 488-1715	US$ 0.00-1849.39	US$ 618-1813	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 568-1969	US$ 0.00-1849.39	US$ 629-2050	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 578-1741	US$ 0.00-1849.39	US$ 767-2037	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 1902-1969	US$ 0.00-1849.39	US$ 941-2050	Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Understand any additional charges for dropping the vehicle at a different location.
Allowed Drop-Off Locations: Confirm the rental company's permitted locations for vehicle return.
Fuel Policy: Clarify the refueling requirements before and after the journey.
Vehicle Type Availability: Check if your desired vehicle type is available for long-distance travel.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if the vehicle can be driven into different states or across borders legally.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Stops: Designate overnight stops or sightseeing locations for smooth travel.
Consider Routes: Choose scenic or fastest routes to fit your trip's mood and timeline.
Emergency Contacts: Keep roadside assistance and rental company contacts handy.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Timings: Confirm operating hours of locations to avoid delays or extra charges.
Inspect the Vehicle: Check the car condition thoroughly before accepting it, noting any damages.

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 improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

New York Parking

Consider using parking apps to find the best rates and availability.

Parking in New York can be expensive and limited, especially in downtown areas.

San Francisco Parking

Look for parking garages near your drop-off location to save time.

Parking in San Francisco often requires planning due to high demand and limited spaces.

Recommended Parking Apps

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

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a FasTrak transponder or sufficient funds for toll payments.

Consider using electronic toll payment methods to save time.

The route includes toll roads such as the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Classic Road Trip Routes:

Interstate 80 Journey

Scenic Highways 45 hours

A direct and efficient route passing through multiple states.

Chicago , Denver , Salt Lake City

Route 66 Adventure

Historic Routes 50 hours

Travel the iconic Route 66, known for its scenic charm and cultural history.

St. Louis , Albuquerque , Los Angeles

Northern States Route

Natural Beauty 48 hours

A picturesque drive through the northern United States highlighting natural wonders.

Niagara Falls , Yellowstone National Park , Reno

Recommended Road Trips:

Pacific Coastline Drive

5 hours from San Francisco

Explore California’s coastal highways offering stunning ocean views.

Yosemite Getaway

4 hours from San Francisco

Visit Yosemite National Park for a day of hiking and breathtaking vistas.

Napa Valley Escape

2 hours from San Francisco

A relaxing drive to California's premier wine country.

Monterey and Carmel Excursion

3 hours from San Francisco

Experience stunning coastal villages and historic aquariums.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Car Rental Advice: Choose a car size suitable for your group and the distance you're traveling.

Budgeting tips: Plan your trip costs, including gas, food, and accommodation.

Route Planning: Familiarize yourself with the route and traffic conditions before departure.

Fuel Management: Opt for rental cars with good mileage to save on fuel costs.

Trip Safety: Pack an emergency kit including first aid and roadside essentials.

Rental Policies: Understand the rental insurance and drop-off policies to avoid unexpected fees.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Excellent	Wide availability across the U.S. , Premium car models available , 24/7 customer support
Enterprise	$$	Impressive	Very Good	Affordable pricing for one-way trips , Diverse vehicle options , Strong customer service reputation
Avis	$$$	Decent	Good	Convenient airport pickup and drop-off , Efficient reservation system , Loyalty rewards program
Alamo	$	Moderate	Adequate	Simple booking process , Budget-friendly options , Reliable road assistance

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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

San Francisco Rental Car Center Information

Rental Car Center Location:

The rental car center is located within the San Francisco International Airport, accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles run every 15 minutes to and from the terminals, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Operating Hours:

Rental car counters operate 24/7 for your convenience around the clock.

Gas Station Information:

A Chevron gas station is available nearby the airport rental car return area for refueling needs.

Remember to refuel your car near the rental return area to avoid additional refueling charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle in one location, such as New York, and drop it off at a different location, like San Francisco, without needing to return to the original location. These options are often provided for convenience on long or cross-country trips.

Are there additional costs for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most rental companies charge a "drop-off fee" for one-way rentals. This fee is designed to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. The fee amount can vary significantly depending on the company and route. Always inquire about this fee when planning your rental.

What documentation is needed to rent a car for this route?

You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. International travelers might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). It's advisable to check with the rental company for any additional requirements for inter-state rentals.

Can I choose the type of car for my rental?

Yes, most car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to luxury and SUVs. The availability might depend on the rental location in New York and any preferences you specify. It's wise to book in advance to ensure your desired vehicle type is available.

How can I prepare for a cross-country drive in a rental car?

Plan your route ahead of time and ensure your rental agreement allows interstate travel. Pack essentials for a long drive, including water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Check with the rental company about roadside assistance coverage, and always adhere to speed limits and road regulations.

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Drive Across the Nation: New York to San Francisco