One-Way Car Rental from San Diego to Oakland | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals San Diego to Oakland

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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

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 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, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee, such as US$ 25.00 or US$ 27.00 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted combinations include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must also be presented). 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (English translation must be provided on the back of the license). 3) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (translation must be authorized by the embassy).

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, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee, such as US$ 25.00 or US$ 27.00 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$ 49-108	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 142-300	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 56-56	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 175-366	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 53-108	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 152-866	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-83	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-536	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 140-140	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 418-418	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 186-186	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 556-556	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Most rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Verify the cost in advance.
Mileage Limits: Check whether there are restrictions on how far you can travel without incurring extra charges.
Vehicle Availability: Not all vehicles are available for one-way rentals, so early bookings are recommended.
Drop-Off Locations: Ensure your destination branch accepts one-way rentals and confirm operating hours.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Understand the rules if you plan to cross state or country borders during your trip.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early: Reserve a vehicle as early as possible to get the best selection and rates.
Return Fuel Policy: Check the fuel policy of the rental company to avoid additional charges upon return.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Pick a car that meets your needs for comfort, fuel efficiency, and cargo space.
Avoid Peak Times: Plan your pick-up and drop-off outside of peak hours to save time.
Research Local Restrictions: Be aware of any specific road rules or restrictions for your destination.
Compare Costs: Evaluate several rental providers for rates, fees, and conditions to get the best deal.

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

Shell - 285 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621, United States

ARCO - 566 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

San Diego Parking

Consider using public parking lots for more affordable rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Oakland Parking

Street parking is often limited; plan ahead for private parking options.

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 equipped with a FasTrak transponder for seamless toll payment.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Routes from San Diego to Oakland:

Pacific Coast Highway

Coastal Drive 10-12 hours

Experience breathtaking ocean views and iconic coastal landmarks along this route.

San Clemente , Santa Monica , Santa Barbara , Monterey

Highway 5

Interstate Highway 8-10 hours

The fastest route connecting San Diego and Oakland with minimal interruptions.

Los Angeles , Bakersfield , Stockton

Highway 395 and 580

Scenic Inland Route 10-11 hours

A scenic route showcasing California's diverse landscapes and the Sierra Nevada range.

Mammoth Lakes , Lone Pine , Truckee

Interesting Detours and Day Trips:

San Diego to Temecula Wine Country

1-2 hours

Discover award-winning vineyards and charming wineries in Temecula Valley.

Santa Barbara along Pacific Coast Highway

4-5 hours

Explore the Spanish-influenced architecture and scenic beaches of Santa Barbara.

Monterey to Big Sur Road Trip

6-7 hours

Witness the dramatic cliffs and unmatched beauty of the Big Sur coastline.

Sacramento Side Trip

8-9 hours

Visit California's capital city known for its rich history and cultural attractions.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Route Planning: Plan your routes carefully, focusing on scenic and efficient paths to enhance the travel experience.

Budgeting: Account for gas, tolls, and accommodation expenses to avoid surprises along the way.

Rental Insurance: Review and understand the insurance coverage provided with the rental car.

Navigation Apps: Use reliable GPS apps for real-time traffic updates and alternate routings.

Fuel Stops: Plan fuel stops in areas known for reasonable prices and availability.

Safety Precautions: Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition and carry an emergency kit for long journeys.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company for a one-way trip from San Diego to Oakland involves considering factors such as drop-off fees, vehicle selection, and convenience of the rental locations. Below are recommended companies that provide one-way rental services.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	Comprehensive	Wide range of vehicle options , Frequent deals and discounts , Easy drop-off at numerous locations
Enterprise	$	Good	Extensive	Exceptional customer service , Affordable pricing , Convenient locations close to airports
Avis	$$$	Very good	Wide	Premium vehicle options available , Streamlined online booking system , Multiple loyalty perks for frequent renters
Budget	$$	Good	Moderate	Budget-friendly pricing , Reliable economy car options , Efficient system for one-way rentals

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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

Helpful Details About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers in San Diego operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some open 24/7.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles are available from San Diego Airport terminals to the rental car center every 10 minutes.

Rental Locations:

San Diego's main car rental center is conveniently located adjacent to the airport.

Ensure to inspect the vehicle for any existing damage prior to leaving the rental center, and always confirm the drop-off location specifics before embarking on your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a one-way car rental from San Diego to Oakland involve?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car in San Diego and return it in Oakland. This is convenient for travelers who are planning to travel between these cities without returning to the original location. It's a flexible travel option and may include a one-way rental fee depending on the rental company.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, rental companies often charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of transporting the car back to their original location. The fee amount varies by company, vehicle type, and time of year. It's best to confirm this fee during the booking process.

What documents are needed to rent a car for this route?

To rent a car, you will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and in some cases, a second form of identification or proof of insurance.

Can I pick up or drop off the car outside regular business hours?

Many rental companies offer after-hours pick-up and drop-off options. Check with the rental agency in advance to arrange this service and receive instructions on how to use their after-hours key drop services.

Do I need to refill the gas tank before returning the car in Oakland?

Most rental agreements require you to return the car with a full gas tank to avoid additional refueling charges. Alternatively, you can opt for a prepaid fuel plan during booking, allowing you to return the car without refueling.

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