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Discover the Convenience of One-Way Rentals

Embark on your journey from San Francisco to Reno with flexibility and freedom.

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.
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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$ 47-205US$ 0.00-151.79US$ 140-329Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 161-161US$ 100.00-100.00US$ 263-284Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 82-180US$ 0.00-100.00US$ 200-377Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 49-533US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 146-661Large 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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise$$HighExtensive Wide vehicle selection , Excellent customer service , Convenient pickup locations
Hertz$$$HighExtensive Premium fleet options , Express service available , Wide network of drop-off points
Avis$$MediumGood Affordable rates , Efficient booking process , Frequent deals and promos
Budget$MediumModerate Competitive pricing , Flexible rental durations , User-friendly booking platform
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

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.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes