Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Reno. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
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. At airport locations, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 44/dayStarting from
US$ 46/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 92-US$ 190 | US$ 0-US$ 152 | US$ 132-US$ 288 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 166-US$ 168 | US$ 100 | US$ 272-US$ 278 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 93-US$ 180 | US$ 0-US$ 109 | US$ 134-US$ 303 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 93-US$ 511 | US$ 0-US$ 381 | US$ 136-US$ 749 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Van | US$ 281 | US$ 150-US$ 163 | US$ 509 | Large families, groups |
| Pickup Truck | US$ 231-US$ 247 | US$ 150 | US$ 329-US$ 401 | Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.
Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling to avoid additional charges.
Ensure the tank is filled to the agreed level in the rental agreement.
The average fuel price for this route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.
Check and ensure proper tire pressure before starting the trip.
Limit the use of air conditioning when driving uphill.
Parking in downtown San Francisco can range from $20-$40 per day.
Street parking is limited and often metered, so plan accordingly.
Consider using parking garages near the rental location for convenience.
Reno offers free parking in many casino lots.
Downtown Reno has metered parking, typically costing $1 per hour.
Check for overnight parking restrictions if leaving the car for an extended period.
SpotHero - Reserve parking spots in advance.
ParkWhiz - Find and book parking in major cities.
PayByPhone - Conveniently pay for parking via smartphone.
Begin your journey with a stop at one of San Francisco's most famed landmarks— the Golden Gate Bridge.
Explore California's capital and its vibrant historical district.
Dive into Gold Rush history with a tour in the township of Auburn.
Visit this charming mountain top town just before descending towards Reno.
Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your rental car has been checked for any mechanical issues and is suitable for long-distance travel.
Route Planning: Plan your stops in advance and make use of GPS or roadmaps to avoid major detours.
Ensure Budgeting: Be aware of rental agreement details to avoid unexpected costs, such as one-way dropoff fees.
Fuel Management: Plan your refueling stops early to prevent being caught on low fuel, especially in less populated areas.
Pacing Your Drive: Don't rush your trip. Schedule breaks for sightseeing and resting to stay refreshed.
Weather Preparedness: Check the weather forecast along your route and ensure your car is equipped with necessary gear for the season.
When planning a one-way car rental from San Francisco to Reno, it is important to select a company that matches your budget and travel preferences, offering one-way rental services across this route.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | $$ | Excellent | High | |
| Hertz | $$ | Very Good | High | |
| Avis | $ | Good | Moderate | |
| Budget | $ | Good | Good |
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Car rental centers in both San Francisco and Reno are usually open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with extended hours at airport locations.
San Francisco's rental car center is located at SFO Rental Car Center, 780 N McDonnell Rd, while Reno's center is accessible at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, 2001 E Plumb Ln.
Shuttle buses operate every 15 minutes to and from terminal locations to the rental car centers.
Rental cars across all major providers are available, with options to reserve vehicles in advance for ensuring availability.
Booking early and confirming the availability of one-way rental services can save money and ensure a smoother travel experience.
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