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Discover the Joy of a One-Way Car Rental to San Francisco

Embark on a convenient and flexible one-way journey between Oakland and the Golden Gate City

Can I rent a car from Oakland to San Francisco?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Oakland 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.

    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.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 will 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. 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 or Original Driver's Licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet accompanied by an International Driving Permit (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 credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Oakland 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$ 43/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 46/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 43-US$ 60US$ 0US$ 128-US$ 169Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 53US$ 0US$ 134Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 44-US$ 57US$ 0US$ 137-US$ 165Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 44-US$ 88US$ 0US$ 136-US$ 249Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 141US$ 0US$ 422Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 66-US$ 77US$ 0US$ 198-US$ 229Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Be Aware of One-Way Rental Fees: Check if your rental agreement includes additional one-way fees that are standard for such services.
  • Verify Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure you're allowed to drive and return the rental car within specified locations, avoiding penalties.
  • Reserve Early for Better Options: Early bookings generally provide better rates and a wider selection of vehicle options.
  • Inspect the Vehicle Before Return: Take note of the vehicle's condition during return, noting fuel and cleanliness levels.
  • Understand Insurance Policies: Review the insurance terms to avoid unexpected costs during your rental period.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Drop-Off Location Smartly: Choose a conveniently located return point to minimize extra travel and save time.
  • Prefer Off-Peak Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours to save time and ensure a smoother journey.
  • Look for Rentals Offering Free Cancellation: Opt for flexible booking policies to handle potential changes in plans.
  • Understand Fuel Requirement Policies: Some companies require a full tank upon vehicle return; ensure compliance to avoid additional fees.
  • Utilize Reward Programs: Check if your rental company offers reward points or discounts for future rentals.
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 to avoid higher charges from the rental company.

Keep the last receipt as proof of refueling near the drop-off location.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level at the time of pickup.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost near the drop-off location is $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Check tire pressure to ensure they are at optimal levels.

Limit the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Oakland Parking

Street parking is available but may require payment during peak hours.

Several public parking garages offer secure parking options.

Consider using parking apps to find available spots in advance.

San Francisco Parking

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive and limited.

Look for parking garages near your drop-off location for convenience.

Street parking may have time restrictions or require permits.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero: Find and reserve parking spots in advance.

ParkWhiz: Compare parking rates and book spots easily.

Parking Panda: Offers real-time availability and booking options.

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Tolls and FasTrak

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has a toll for westbound traffic, costing around $7 during peak hours.

Toll rates may vary depending on the time of day and vehicle type.

Ensure your rental car is equipped with a FasTrak transponder for seamless toll payment.

Toll Payment Options

FasTrak transponders are accepted for automatic toll payment.

Cash payments are not accepted; use a FasTrak account or pay online.

Rental companies may offer toll payment services for an additional fee.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Best Driving Routes Between Oakland and San Francisco:
Bay Bridge Scenic Route
Scenic urban route ~30 minutes

Enjoy a stunning drive over the iconic Bay Bridge, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.

Lake Merritt, Oakland , Treasure Island , Pier 39, San Francisco
Emeryville Shortcut
Direct route ~25 minutes

A convenient route via Emeryville with quick access to San Francisco's downtown.

Bay Street, Emeryville , West Oakland , Union Square, San Francisco
Richmond Bridge Detour
Alternate northern route ~50 minutes

Take the Richmond Bridge to add delightful driving diversity and expansive Bay scenery.

Point Richmond , Larkspur Landing , Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the right vehicle: Consider the number of passengers and luggage volume when selecting your rental car.

Plan for key stops: Map out locations you wish to explore around the route to optimize your time.

Fuel up efficiently: Locate affordable and convenient gas stations to avoid unexpected expenses.

Watch for toll roads: Be prepared for toll payments, especially on bridges like Bay Bridge and Golden Gate.

Stay updated on traffic: Monitor real-time traffic apps for potential congestion and road conditions.

Factor in driving time: Account for peak hours that could extend your journey. Opt for off-peak travel where possible.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company for your Oakland to San Francisco one-way journey is crucial. Consider pricing, fleet options, and service availability before making your choice.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Large selection of vehicles , Frequent promotions
Enterprise$ModerateVery Good 24/7 customer service , Convenient locations
Avis$$HighVery Good Luxury vehicle options , Quick processes for pickup and dropoff
Budget$ModerateGood Cost-effective options , User-friendly booking system
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

Essential Information About Oakland and San Francisco Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Verify individual company hours beforehand.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Main rental centers are located near Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport with easy access.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttle services to and from rental car centers operate every 15 minutes, depending on the location.

Pro Tips for Oakland Airport(OAK) Car Rentals

Book your rental in advance and confirm one-way policies to ensure a seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rental companies operating for one-way rentals between Oakland and San Francisco?

Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise typically offer one-way rental services for this route. Please check their respective websites or contact customer service for availability and pricing.

Is there an additional fee for a one-way car rental?

Yes, most rental agencies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee can vary depending on the company, vehicle type, and location specifics. Review the policies of the chosen rental service to confirm any costs.

Can I choose a specific drop-off location in San Francisco?

Typically, car rental agencies allow you to select a preferred location for drop-off. Common options in San Francisco include downtown offices and the airport.

What types of vehicles are available for this route?

Rental companies usually offer a range of vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and trucks. The availability might depend on the rental office stock at the time of booking.

Do I need insurance for a one-way car rental?

Insurance is often recommended for rental vehicles. Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, or consider purchasing coverage directly from the rental agency to ensure you’re protected throughout the trip.

Ready to Book Your Oakland to San Francisco Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes