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

Home One-way Car Rentals San Francisco to Reno

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: 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 are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must be presented); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back; 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) without the need for an IDP; licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) must be accompanied by an IDP or official embassy translation in English.

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 indicating a country of residence outside the United States or Canada must 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. Supported credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also accepted.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

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$ 47-205	US$ 0.00-151.79	US$ 140-329	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 161-161	US$ 100.00-100.00	US$ 263-284	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 82-180	US$ 0.00-100.00	US$ 200-377	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 49-533	US$ 0.00-399.00	US$ 146-661	Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration：

Understanding One-Way Fees: Many rental agencies charge a fee for returning the car to a different location. Ensure to confirm the amount before booking.
Aware of Cross-Border Restrictions: If your route crosses state borders, check with the provider regarding any restrictions or additional documentation requirements.
Fuel Policies: Clarify the fuel policy—whether to return the vehicle filled or pay for fuel in advance.
Vehicle Drop-Off Locations: Ensure the rental company has a convenient drop-off point at your destination city.
Vehicle Conditions: Inspect the vehicle's condition and document existing marks or issues to avoid disputes during return.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early: One-way rentals are popular, and options can be limited. Booking early gives you more choices.
Estimate Costs: Understand all fees associated, including those for one-way travel, to budget accurately.
Plan Routes and Stops: Map out your route and plan stops at gas stations or rest spots to make the journey smoother.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider fuel efficiency and cargo space based on your travel plans and party size.
Keep Necessary Documents: Carry your driver’s license, insurance details, and booking confirmation.
Stay Flexible: Expect schedule adjustments due to traffic or unforeseen circumstances.

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

76 - 1100 E Plumb Ln, Reno, NV 89502, United States

Shell - 500 S Meadows Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Avoid unnecessary idling to reduce fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

San Francisco Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save on parking costs.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive, with rates ranging from $3 to $10 per hour in downtown areas.

Reno Parking

Park at casino lots for convenient access to downtown Reno.

Reno offers more affordable parking options, with many casinos and hotels providing free parking.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find and reserve parking spaces in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a FasTrak account or sufficient cash for tolls.

Use the FasTrak lane for quicker passage through toll booths.

The route from San Francisco to Reno involves crossing the Bay Bridge, which has a toll of $7 during peak hours.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Route Options from San Francisco to Reno:

Interstate 80: San Francisco to Reno

Highway route 4-5 hours

A direct route via Interstate 80, featuring scenic mountain views and efficient navigation.

Davis , Sacramento , Donner Pass

Highway 50 Scenic Alternate

Scenic route 5-6 hours

A scenic alternative passing through smaller towns and offering picturesque landscapes.

Placerville , Echo Lake , Lake Tahoe

California SR-49 to US-395

Historic route 7-8 hours

Venture through Gold Rush towns and enjoy a historical travel experience.

Nevada City , Grass Valley , Mono Lake

Spotlight on Nearby Attractions:

Lake Tahoe Loop

4-5 hours

A circular route around Lake Tahoe showcasing stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Virginia City Historic Tour

3 hours

Experience the rich history and vibrant ambiance of an Old West mining town.

Truckee Nature Getaway

2 hours

A short drive to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and trails in the Truckee area.

Yosemite National Park Excursion

6 hours

Expand your trip to include the awe-inspiring vistas and natural wonders of Yosemite National Park.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Map out your route: Plan your journey effectively to avoid disruptions and unexpected detours.

Refuel strategically: Ensure fuel stops along the route, especially in areas with fewer gas stations.

Inspect your rental: Check your rental car thoroughly to confirm its condition before driving.

Allocate travel time: Factor in unexpected delays, sightseeing intentions, and rest breaks.

Prepare for weather: Winter conditions may require chains or additional gear for snowy areas.

Understand costs: Clarify rental agreement terms to avoid surprise fees or charges.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing the right car rental company for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Reno can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here are top options and their offerings.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise	$$	High	Extensive	Wide vehicle selection , Excellent customer service , Convenient pickup locations
Hertz	$$$	High	Extensive	Premium fleet options , Express service available , Wide network of drop-off points
Avis	$$	Medium	Good	Affordable rates , Efficient booking process , Frequent deals and promos
Budget	$	Medium	Moderate	Competitive pricing , Flexible rental durations , User-friendly booking platform

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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

Rental Car Centers for San Francisco to Reno Route

Operating Hours:

San Francisco rental centers typically operate 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with Reno centers offering similar hours.

Rental Car Center Locations:

San Francisco centers are located near SFO and downtown, while Reno centers are primarily near the airport.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available between airport terminals and rental car centers.

Vehicle Pickup and Drop-Off:

Ensure your rental agreement includes one-way drop-off details to Reno.

Make your reservations in advance during holidays or peak travel seasons to secure the best vehicle options and rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the additional fees associated with a one-way car rental?

One-way car rentals typically include a drop-off fee, which covers the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location or nearby hub. This fee varies depending on the rental company and the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations. It is best to check the terms and costs during the booking process.

Do I need to return the car with a full tank of gas?

Yes, most rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas unless you opt for a prepaid fuel plan. Returning the car with an unfilled tank might incur additional charges for refueling at premium rates.

Can I modify or cancel my one-way rental reservation?

Modifications or cancellations are usually allowed, but policies and fees can differ between rental companies. It's advisable to review the cancellation and change policy at the time of booking and plan accordingly.

What type of vehicles are best for the trip from San Francisco to Reno?

For this route, a fuel-efficient and comfortable vehicle is ideal, especially if you plan to spend hours driving. If traveling during winter, you might consider a vehicle with all-wheel drive or winter tires due to potential snow in the Reno area.

Are there any age restrictions for one-way car rental from San Francisco to Reno?

Most car rental companies require renters to be at least 21 years old. Drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional young driver fee. Check the specific age-related policies of your chosen rental company before booking.

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