Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Santa Monica. 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.
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$ 43/dayStarting from
US$ 44/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 43-US$ 178 | US$ 0 | US$ 128-US$ 342 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 54-US$ 160 | US$ 0 | US$ 308 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 44-US$ 196 | US$ 0 | US$ 130-US$ 376 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 44-US$ 184 | US$ 0 | US$ 132-US$ 784 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 187 | US$ 0 | US$ 359 | Families, comfort seeker |
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.
Refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level as at the time of pickup to avoid extra charges.
Save the receipt of the last refuel as proof for the rental company.
Avoid refueling at stations close to the rental drop-off as they may have higher prices.
The estimated average fuel price for the route is approximately $5.10 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control where possible to conserve fuel.
Ensure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure levels.
Minimize the use of air conditioning, especially at lower speeds, to improve fuel efficiency.
Parking in downtown San Francisco can cost between $3 to $7 per hour.
Street parking is limited and often requires permits in residential areas.
Consider using parking garages for secure and longer-term parking options.
Santa Monica offers metered street parking with rates around $1.50 to $2.00 per hour.
Several public parking structures are available near the beach and downtown.
Plan to park early during weekends as spaces fill up quickly.
ParkMobile: Allows easy payment for metered parking.
SpotHero: Helps find and reserve parking spaces in advance.
Parking Panda: Offers deals and reservations for parking spots.
Savor world-class wine tasting and scenic vineyards.
Enjoy the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row.
Discover rugged, dramatic cliffs and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
Relax in one of California's most charming coastal towns.
Car Rental Preparation: Ensure you choose a rental that fits your needs and check for one-way rental discounts.
Route Planning: Research and select routes considering traffic conditions and attractions.
Refueling Tips: Identify refueling stops along the route and consider fuel-efficient driving.
Safety Measures: Keep emergency contact numbers and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Cost Management: Understand rental fees, deposit requirements, and check for hidden costs.
Insurance and Coverage: Review available insurance options and assess what's included or needed additionally.
Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | Large | Extensive nationwide presence | Wide selection of vehicles suitable for all travelers , 24/7 customer support , Special deals for long-distance rentals |
| Avis | $$ | Moderate | Widespread across urban areas | Modern fleet with the latest vehicle models , Flexible booking and cancellation policies , Customer loyalty program with benefits |
| Enterprise | $$ | Extensive | Wide coverage in cities and airports | Great customer service ratings , Affordable long-term rentals , Inclusive toll and road assistance policies |
| Budget | $ | Decent | Good coverage in key cities | Cost-effective rental deals , Fuel-efficient vehicle options , Convenient mobile app for bookings |
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