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Explore the Scenic Journey from San Francisco to Long Beach

Plan your stress-free one-way car rental with everything you need to know.

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. At airport locations, proof of return airline flight may also be required.

  • 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 credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay. Cards such as XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21 to 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional fee of $25 to $27 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). Acceptable documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be accompanied by the original licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back; 3) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy); 4) Original driver's license in Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, etc.) without needing an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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. At airport locations, proof of return airline flight may also be required.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay. Cards such as XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21 to 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional fee of $25 to $27 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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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$ 46-186US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 138-374Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 52-176US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 155-355Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 53-215US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 158-434Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 47-475US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 141-983Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 205-205US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 415-415Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 172-665US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 347-347Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Rental Fee: Many rental agencies charge an additional one-way fee for returning the vehicle to a different location.
  • Drop-Off Location Selection: Ensure your selected rental agency has convenient pick-up and drop-off points for your route.
  • Fuel Policies: Clarify the fuel policy; you may need to return the car with a full tank of gas or pay a refueling charge.
  • Vehicle Availability: Confirm the availability of the specific vehicle category you're interested in booking.
  • Rental Period Restrictions: Check for any minimum or maximum rental period requirements for one-way rentals.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in Advance: Secure your vehicle ahead of time to ensure variety and better rates.
  • Opt for Flexible Booking Options: Consider options with free cancellations in case your plans change.
  • Inspect the Vehicle: Examine the car for existing damage before leaving the rental location.
  • Compare Multiple Agencies: Look at different rental providers' prices and reviews to make an informed decision.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Review the terms of the insurance provided and consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
  • Plan Your Route Ahead: Check weather conditions and road closures for your one-way trip.
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

Chevron - 2610 N Lakewood Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90815, United States

Vp racing of Long Beach - 3605 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to optimize fuel usage.

Avoid unnecessary idling to save fuel.

Check tire pressure regularly for better mileage.

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San Francisco Parking

Use parking apps to reserve spots in advance and save money.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive and limited. Consider using public parking garages or street parking with meters.

Long Beach Parking

Look for free parking options in residential areas, but be mindful of permit requirements.

Long Beach offers several parking options, including public lots and metered street parking.

Recommended Parking Apps

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

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with a FasTrak transponder or inquire about alternative payment methods.

Plan your route in advance to determine toll costs and consider alternative toll-free routes if feasible.

The route includes toll roads such as the 73 Toll Road. Charges vary based on the time of day and vehicle type.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Key Routes From San Francisco to Long Beach:
Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Scenic Route 9-10 hours

Enjoy a picturesque drive along the coast, with sweeping ocean views, cliffs, and charming seaside towns.

Monterey , Big Sur , Santa Barbara
Interstate 5
Direct Route 6-7 hours

Fast and efficient route connecting San Francisco to Long Beach with minimal detours.

Stockton , Grapevine , Los Angeles
Highway 101
Combination Route 7-8 hours

Balancing scenery and speed, this route travels through lush areas and urban landscapes.

Salinas , San Luis Obispo , Ventura
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan your route wisely: Determine your preferred route based on time commitments and scenic preference, and plan any noteworthy stops along the way.

Fuel up beforehand: Ensure a full tank of gas at the start of your trip and be mindful of gas station availability on scenic routes.

Allow buffer time: Account for potential delays such as traffic or unexpected stopovers when estimating travel time.

Understand rental terms: Familiarize yourself with the rental company's policies, fees for one-way rentals, and any additional coverage options.

Use navigation tools: Leverage GPS or a mapping application for real-time traffic updates and rerouting options.

Pack snacks and drinks: Stock up on food and beverages to make the journey more comfortable, especially on routes with limited dining options.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, highlighting companies offering reliable one-way rental service between San Francisco and Long Beach.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Large fleet of vehicles , Flexible return locations , Frequent traveler rewards program
Avis$$ModerateGood Premium car options , Quick return process , Mobile app for bookings and check-ins
Enterprise$$HighVery Good Affordable options , Complimentary pick-up services , Reliable customer service
Budget$ModerateGood Low-cost rental options , Multiple vehicle classes , Convenient airport locations
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

San Francisco & Long Beach Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

San Francisco Rental Center: Open 24/7. Long Beach Rental Center: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Location:

San Francisco Rental Center is located adjacent to the SFO International Terminal. Long Beach Rental Center is 1 mile from the airport.

Transportation:

Free shuttles are available every 15 minutes at both locations.

Rental Process:

Online reservations are recommended for expedited service at both pickup and drop-off points.

Book your one-way rental in advance to secure availability and check if any discounts apply to online bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a one-way car rental from San Francisco to Long Beach?

The cost varies depending on the rental company, vehicle type, and rental duration. On average, it ranges from $150 to $300, excluding additional fees such as insurance and fuel.

Is there a one-way fee for renting a car on this route?

Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee for returning the vehicle to a different location. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the provider.

Can I pick up the rental in San Francisco and drop it off after hours in Long Beach?

Most rental agencies allow after-hours return. You should confirm with your chosen provider as policies and availability may vary.

Are there any restrictions on vehicle types for a one-way rental?

Some companies might exclude specific categories, like luxury or specialty vehicles, from one-way rentals. It's advisable to review the rental terms or consult the provider directly.

What documents are required to rent a car for a one-way trip?

To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the renter's name for the deposit, and sometimes a secondary form of ID. International travelers may need an International Driving Permit.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes