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One-Way Car Rentals: San Francisco to Denver

Explore the journey from the Golden Gate City to the Mile High City with ease.

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 1-2 years.

    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. At airport locations, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day.
  • 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 1-2 years. Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be accompanied by the original driving licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back; 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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. 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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day.
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 344-454US$ 0.00-404.79US$ 435-625Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 378-386US$ 300.00-300.00US$ 480-492Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 379-428US$ 0.00-303.59US$ 483-625Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 345-1066US$ 0.00-825.55US$ 438-1336Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: This fee is an additional charge typically applied for returning the car to a different location than your pickup point. Rates vary by car rental company.
  • Cross-State Policies: Be aware of any restrictions or requirements for crossing state borders with your rental car.
  • Flexible Drop-off Dates: Ensure you align the drop-off date with your planned journey milestones to avoid penalties.
  • Drop-off Location Accessibility: Confirm the operating hours and availability of service at the chosen Denver drop-off location.
  • Vehicle Restrictions: Certain vehicle types may not be permitted for one-way rentals; check policies when booking.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route: Map out the most scenic or fastest route in advance, and check for road closures or detours.
  • Refuel Before Drop-off: Fully refuel your vehicle before arriving at the rental return location to avoid additional fees.
  • Inspect Vehicle Pre and Post Ride: Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle for existing damage and document it at both ends of the journey.
  • Have Contact Numbers Handy: Ensure you have the rental company’s helpline and the drop-off location’s local contact for immediate assistance.
  • Account for Transport Time: Allow enough time to reach the Denver location, considering potential delays.
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
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Phillips 66 - 7680 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, United States

Conoco - 7080 Tower Rd, Denver, CO 80249, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed, avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and ensure tires are properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency.

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San Francisco Parking

Use apps like SpotHero to find discounted parking rates.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive; consider using public parking garages or park-and-ride facilities.

Denver Parking

Check for free parking zones in suburban areas and use public transportation to downtown.

Denver offers various parking options, including street parking and parking lots. Be mindful of time restrictions and fees.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMobile and SpotHero can assist in finding and reserving parking spots in both San Francisco and Denver.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Unpaid tolls can result in additional charges from the rental company.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible or ensure you are aware of toll payment procedures.

Toll roads may be encountered along the route, especially in California. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with a FasTrak transponder or be prepared to pay tolls online.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between San Francisco and Denver:
Pacific Coast Highway to Interstate 80
Scenic Coastal to Urban Transition 20 hours

Traverse the iconic Pacific Coast Highway before heading inland via Interstate 80.

Santa Cruz , Sacramento , Salt Lake City
Yosemite National Park Route
Natural Landmarks and Scenic Views 22 hours

Visit Yosemite National Park and see the stunning natural landscapes along the way.

Yosemite National Park , Reno , Rock Springs
Southern Route via Las Vegas
Entertainment and Desert Landscapes 23 hours

Take a southern detour visiting lively Las Vegas and the surrounding desert regions.

Los Angeles , Las Vegas , Grand Junction
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your rental car is suitable for long distances and terrain changes.

Budget Management: Account for rental costs, fuel, and tolls along the route.

Route Planning: Plot your route ahead to include fuel stops, accommodations, and dining options.

Safety Measures: Keep an emergency kit and ensure you have roadside assistance coverage.

Driving Ergonomics: Adjust seats and mirrors for long journey comfort.

Scenic Stops: Incorporate scenic detours to enrich your travel experience.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

A guide to selecting reputable car rental companies offering one-way service from San Francisco to Denver. Factors such as availability, fleet variety, and additional charges are covered.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$★★★★★★★★ Wide variety of cars available , Extensive location network across major cities , Favorable customer service reviews
Enterprise$★★★★★★★★ Affordable pricing option with substantial location availability , Complimentary upgrades often provided based on availability
Avis$$$★★★★★★★ High-end fleet options for those seeking luxury vehicles , Partnership with hotels and other travel services for better deals
Budget$★★★★★ Cost-effective solutions , Discounts for long-term rentals
QEEQ

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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

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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

San Francisco and Denver Car Rental Centers

Location of Rental Centers:

Rental centers are conveniently located at San Francisco International Airport and Denver International Airport terminals.

Operating Hours:

Available services operate 24/7 at both rental centers.

Shuttle Services:

Regular shuttle services connect airport terminals with the rental centers at no additional charge.

Navigation Assistance:

In-center agents provide maps and route recommendations for the trip to Denver.

Reserve your car in advance to ensure availability and benefit from online discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional fee for one-way rentals between San Francisco and Denver?

Yes, most rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way rentals, known as a drop-off fee. This fee covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin or distribution hub.

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

You generally need a valid driver's license, a credit/debit card in the renter's name, and in some cases, proof of insurance or an international driving permit.

Are there any restrictions on the types of cars available for this route?

While most car categories are available, some rental agencies might restrict high-value or specialized vehicles from one-way rentals. It’s advisable to check availability beforehand.

Does the rental price include unlimited mileage for this route?

Many rental agreements include unlimited mileage, but it's important to confirm this while booking, as policies can vary based on the company and the route.

Can additional drivers be added to the rental agreement?

Yes, additional drivers can typically be added, but they need to meet the rental company’s age and licensing requirements. There might also be an additional fee per driver per day.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes