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

Home One-way Car Rentals San Diego 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

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 credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Required documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must also be presented). Additionally, driver's licenses printed in Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP or an official embassy translation in English.

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, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 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$ 51-278	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 142-550	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 56-236	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 175-490	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 53-236	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 152-490	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-184	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-253	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 82-140	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 230-418	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 186-209	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 555-614	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

Additional One-Way Fees: When booking a one-way car rental, be aware of possible additional fees charged for this service.
Vehicle Drop-Off Restrictions: Ensure that the vehicle is returned to an approved location; some rentals may have specific restrictions on drop-off points.
Rental Period Limitations: Confirm the rental period to ensure there are no constraints for one ways, especially for long durations.
Insurance and Coverage Options: Check the insurance policies to confirm coverage during one-way trips.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if traveling across state or country borders is allowed in your rental agreement.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Stops in Advance: Research interesting stops along the way to enhance your travel experience.
Choose Economical Fuel Options: Identify fuel-efficient models to save on fuel costs during the trip.
Flexibility in Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times: Consider pick-up and drop-off timing to optimize travel plans and avoid late-return penalties.
Select the Right Vehicle Type: Choose a rental vehicle that suits your travel comfort and group size needs.
Understand Refueling Requirements: Know whether you need to return the car full of fuel or if the rental company allows prepayment options.

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 the recommended pressure.

San Diego Parking

Consider using public parking lots near downtown for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

San Francisco Parking

Utilize parking apps to locate and reserve spots near your destination.

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

Smart tip to avoid issues

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic and Convenient Drive Options:

Pacific Coast Highway

Coastal Scenic Route 8-9 hours

Experience the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean along this iconic route.

Santa Barbara , Big Sur , Monterey

Interstate 5

Fastest Route 7-8 hours

The most direct path for a quick South to North drive across California.

Los Angeles , Sacramento

US-101

Interstate Scenic Route 8-9 hours

A balanced scenic and practical option with fewer detours.

Santa Barbara , San Jose

Unmissable Stops and Local Attractions:

San Diego to Julian

1-2 hours

A charming mountain getaway known for its apple pies and historic gold mines.

Los Angeles City Tour

3-4 hours from San Diego

Explore iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.

Big Sur Exploration

7-8 hours from San Diego

Discover rugged coastal cliffs and breathtaking vistas along the Pacific Coast Highway.

San Francisco Alcatraz Visit

1 hour from Downtown San Francisco

Visit the infamous Alcatraz Island and learn about its exploring history.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Book in Advance: Secure the best rates for car rentals by booking prior to your trip.

Plan Your Budget: Account for car rental costs, fuel, and potential toll roads.

Route Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with your chosen route for smoother travel.

Fuel Stops: Check for readily available gas stations along the way to avoid low fuel situations.

Weather Considerations: Monitor weather forecasts, especially during seasonal changes, for safe driving conditions.

Inspect Your Rental: Ensure the car is in good condition before starting your trip to prevent issues on the road.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When choosing a car rental company for a one-way route from San Diego to San Francisco, consider factors like one-way fees, vehicle selection variety, location coverage, and additional benefits offered by the company.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	Wide	Extensive	Large fleet including eco-friendly options , Convenient locations across major cities , 24/7 customer service
Hertz	$$$	Extensive	High	Exclusive Hertz loyalty rewards , Diverse car options including luxury models , Airport pick-ups available
Avis	$$	Moderate	High	Affordable rates for one-way trips , Seamless online booking process , Multiple pick-up and drop-off options
Budget	$$$	Moderate	Wide	Competitive pricing , Wide range of vehicles suitable for all needs , Quick return transactions

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Exclusive Features

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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 Diego Car Rental Center Details

Operating Hours:

Open 24 hours daily for picking up and dropping off vehicles.

Location:

Situated at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, close to San Diego International Airport.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle service available every 10 minutes from airport terminals.

Refueling Stations Nearby:

Gas stations are accessible within 2 miles from the rental center for convenient refueling.

Book your vehicle in advance during peak travel seasons to ensure availability and the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location, such as San Diego, and drop it off at a different location, like San Francisco, without returning it to the original location.

Are there extra fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location or compensating for its redistribution over the fleet.

How far is it to drive from San Diego to San Francisco?

The driving distance between San Diego and San Francisco is approximately 500 miles. The journey can take around 8 to 9 hours depending on the route taken and traffic conditions.

What should I check before renting a car for this route?

Before renting, ensure the car rental company allows one-way rentals. Verify accepted licenses, insurance coverage, and confirm drop-off policies in San Francisco. Check if there are specific requirements or additional fees.

Are there scenic routes available for this drive?

Yes, you can take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for a beautiful, scenic drive along the coast. This route takes longer but offers breathtaking views and passes several attractions.

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