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Experience the Journey From San Francisco to Santa Monica

Embark on a scenic drive along the California coast with a convenient one-way rental service.

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 1-2 years.

    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 a return airline flight may 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 cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-80 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day. For some policies, the minimum age is 21 or 25, and the maximum age can vary up to 99 years.
  • 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 1-2 years. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. An English translation must be provided for South Korea Driving Licenses (English version). Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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 a return airline flight may be required.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-80 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day. For some policies, the minimum age is 21 or 25, and the maximum age can vary up to 99 years.
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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$ 46-260US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 138-499Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 49-246US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 155-473Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 49-302US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 153-579Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 47-299US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 141-605Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 288-288US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 552-552Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 354-354US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 678-678Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Check if the rental company charges an additional fee for dropping the car off at a different location.
  • Drop-Off Limitations: Verify if there are restrictions on where you can return the car relative to your rental location.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Understand policies regarding taking the rental vehicle across state or country borders.
  • Car Availability: Ensure that the model or class you wish to rent is available for a one-way journey.
  • Advance Booking: Plan and book in advance to ensure availability and possibly better pricing.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Research Scenic Routes: Explore and plan your route to enjoy notable attractions and scenic views along the way.
  • Pack Efficiently: Minimize luggage to avoid the need for larger vehicles, which could increase costs.
  • Review Rental Policies: Check terms and conditions for one-way rentals to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Contact Customer Service: Reach out to the rental company to clarify doubts or seek advice on planning your trip.
  • Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate insurance coverage, especially when driving long distances.
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 - 1776 Cloverfield Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

ARCO - 332 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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San Francisco Parking

Use parking apps like SpotHero to reserve spots in advance.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive and limited. Consider using public parking garages for extended stays.

Santa Monica Parking

Check for free parking hours in residential zones during certain times of the day.

Santa Monica offers metered street parking and public parking structures near the beach and shopping areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkMobile and SpotHero can help you find and book parking spaces conveniently.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a FasTrak transponder or check for pay-by-plate options.

Consider prepaying tolls online to save time.

The route may include toll roads such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Ensure to check toll costs beforehand.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Scenic Routes from San Francisco to Santa Monica:
Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
Coastal Route 9-10 hours

This scenic route provides mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean with stops at picturesque coastal towns.

Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur , Santa Barbara
US-101 Scenic Drive
Highway Route 7-8 hours

A faster option, US-101 offers a mix of urban sights and scenic vistas.

San Jose , Salinas , San Luis Obispo , Ventura
I-5 Expressway
Direct Route 6-7 hours

This route is the fastest, mainly through interior landscapes, great for time-conscious travelers.

Fresno , Bakersfield
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Stops: Research and select stops to maximize sightseeing along the route.

Stay Fueled: Locate fuel stations along your route and refill accordingly.

Budget Wisely: Be aware of tolls and parking fees that may add up during your journey.

Electric Vehicle Friendly: Map out charging stations if you're using an electric vehicle.

Weather Preparation: Check the weather forecast for your planned travel days to avoid surprises.

Rental Considerations: Ensure you understand the terms for one-way car rentals, including potential additional fees.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company is crucial for a hassle-free journey. It is advised to choose companies offering reliable one-way rental services between San Francisco and Santa Monica.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$★★★★☆★★★★☆
Avis$$★★★★☆★★★★☆ Flexible pick-up and drop-off options. , Premium car models available for business travelers.
Enterprise$★★★★☆★★★☆☆
Budget$$★★★☆☆★★★☆☆
QEEQ

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200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

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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

Car Rental Centers in San Francisco

Location of Main Rental Centers:

Rental centers are located near major transit hubs including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and downtown.

Operating Hours:

Most centers operate from 7 AM to 11 PM, with select centers offering 24-hour services.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttles between the airport and rental centers run every 10-15 minutes.

Book your rental car in advance during peak tourist seasons to ensure availability and secure the best deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated driving time from San Francisco to Santa Monica?

The drive from San Francisco to Santa Monica typically takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, most rental companies charge a one-way rental fee to cover the cost of returning the car. It's advisable to inquire about this fee when booking.

Can I choose any car model for a one-way rental?

Availability of specific car models for one-way rentals depends on the rental company and location. It's recommended to check with your chosen provider for options.

What are common requirements for drivers renting a car on this route?

Rental companies typically require a valid driver's license, a credit card for payment, and the renter to meet the minimum age requirement, usually 21 or older.

Where are convenient places to refuel before reaching Santa Monica?

There are several gas stations along the route, particularly near major exits on highways such as I-5 or US-101, and in suburbs close to Santa Monica.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes