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Explore Scenic Routes from San Francisco to Seattle

Embark on a memorable one-way car rental adventure through the Pacific Northwest.

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: 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.

  • 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. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some locations may support additional card types like XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 27.00 per day at some locations.
  • 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: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, and the original licence must also be presented); Original South Korea Driving License (English version with an English translation on the back); Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (licenses in non-Roman alphabets must be accompanied by an IDP); Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy).

    Notes: 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 holding a foreign driver's license, proof of return airline flight corresponding with the rental may be required.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some locations may support additional card types like XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 27.00 per day at some locations.
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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$ 151-493US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 304-1558Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 176-386US$ 0.00-300.00US$ 355-491Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 155-526US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 335-625Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 169-475US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 341-605Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 205-205US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 415-415Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 172-666US$ 0.00-399.00US$ 347-347Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fees: One-way car rentals may incur additional fees. Ensure you confirm these costs with the rental company before booking.
  • Cross-State Rentals: Verify that the rental agreement allows travel across state borders to avoid issues during your trip.
  • Vehicle Availability: Check availability of vehicles at the pickup and drop-off locations that meet your requirements.
  • Drop-off Restrictions: Some companies may have restrictions for drop-off points or limited operating hours.
  • Rental Conditions: Review all terms for mileage limits, fuel policies, and other clauses to ensure a trouble-free experience.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance, identifying key stops and scenic detours.
  • Check Road Conditions: Before departure, review weather and road condition updates to avoid delays.
  • Fuel and Pricing: Locate gas stations along your route to refuel efficiently, especially in remote areas.
  • Time Management: Allocate additional travel time to enjoy attractions without feeling rushed.
  • Understand Insurance Options: Learn about offered insurance and decide on the coverage that suits your needs best.
  • Set a Budget: Estimate all costs including rental fees, fuel, accommodations, and other expenses for your road trip.
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 - 16850 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188, United States

Shell - 17010 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden accelerations.

Ensure the tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Turn off the engine during extended stops to save fuel.

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San Francisco Parking

Consider using public transportation to avoid parking hassles.

Parking in San Francisco can be challenging with limited availability in downtown areas. It's recommended to use parking garages for convenience.

Seattle Parking

Use parking apps to locate available spaces and compare prices.

Seattle offers various parking options, including street parking and garages. Rates vary depending on location and time.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps such as SpotHero and ParkMobile can help users find or book parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for FasTrak or similar services to avoid fines.

Plan your route to minimize toll roads if you wish to save on costs.

Toll roads are present along the route, especially in urban areas. FasTrak can be used for convenient payment.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Driving Routes for San Francisco to Seattle:
Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic Coastal 15-20 hours

A breathtaking route along the coast, offering stunning ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Santa Cruz , Monterey , Carmel-by-the-Sea , Portland
Interstate 5
Quickest Route 12-14 hours

A direct and efficient highway drive with access to urban hubs.

Sacramento , Redding , Eugene
Highway 101
Historic Route 20-22 hours

Combines lush forest views with coastal vistas, encompassing national parks and diverse terrains.

Redwood National Park , Fort Bragg , Cannon Beach
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choosing the Right Vehicle: Select a suitable vehicle type for your travel group and journey preferences to ensure comfort and suitability.

Fueling and Costs: Research gas stations and fuel prices along the route; consider refueling at lower-cost regions.

Navigation and Apps: Use GPS or map apps with offline capabilities to avoid losing navigation in low-signal regions.

Emergency Kits: Pack a basic emergency kit, including tools, first-aid supplies, and phone chargers for safety on the road.

Budget Planning: Plan your expenses, including vehicle rental fees, tolls, lodging, and meals to manage costs effectively.

Avoid Peak Times: Start your trip earlier or later in the day to avoid heavy traffic and congested tourist areas.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExcellentWide availability in major cities Large selection of vehicles , Frequent promotions and deals
Enterprise$GoodHigh coverage, including smaller towns Flexible rental policies , Well-maintained vehicles , Customer-focused service
Avis$$Very goodAvailable in most U.S. cities Competitive pricing , Exclusive membership benefits
National$$$ExcellentComprehensive coverage across the U.S. Exclusive luxury vehicles available , Expedited checkout options
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

What to Know About Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers at San Francisco and Seattle operate 24/7 for customer convenience.

Location:

Rental centers in San Francisco are mainly located in terminals and accessible via AirTrain. In Seattle, they are connected to the airport by a dedicated shuttle.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle buses between the Seattle rental car center and the airport terminals run every 5-10 minutes.

Nearby Gas Stations:

Multiple options near Seattle Airport, including Chevron and Shell, for refueling before vehicle return.

Book your one-way car rental well in advance to ensure availability and lock in the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the rental car in Seattle after renting it in San Francisco?

Yes, many car rental companies allow one-way rentals where you can pick up the car in San Francisco and drop it off in Seattle. Make sure to confirm this option when making your reservation as policies may vary.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, one-way rentals often incur extra fees, usually referred to as a ‘drop-off’ or ‘inter-city fee’. These charges cover the cost of the company managing the vehicle's return to its origin or another destination.

What is the best way to ensure availability of a rental car for this route?

To improve the chances of securing a one-way rental car, it’s recommended to book in advance. Busy travel periods or last-minute reservations may result in limited options.

Can I use my own car insurance for the rental vehicle?

In most cases, your personal car insurance may extend coverage to rental vehicles. However, confirm with your insurance provider to ensure it applies specifically to one-way rentals across state lines.

Are there any restrictions on the types of vehicles available for one-way rentals?

Availability of specific vehicle types for one-way rentals may vary by rental company. Larger vehicles, specialty cars, or trucks might have more restrictions compared to standard cars.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes