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Embark on your Journey: San Jose to San Francisco

Simplify your plans with a convenient one-way car rental

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 UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence), Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back, Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (such as English, French, German, etc.), or 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.

  • 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 UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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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$ 48-234US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 143-465Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 48-215US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 144-442Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 50-479US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 148-974Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 48-253US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 141-497Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 94-245US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 223-504Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 102-220US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 303-335Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 55-112US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 164-289Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understanding One-way Fees: Ensure you research and understand any additional one-way fees that apply for your rental route.
  • Checking Cross-border Restrictions: Verify whether your rental agreement allows travel outside of the specified locations or into other states.
  • Advance Booking: Book your one-way rental well in advance to secure the best price and vehicle availability.
  • Rental Duration and Limits: Check if there are minimum or maximum rental duration requirements for one-way trips.
  • Fuel Policy Awareness: Understand the rental company’s fuel policies and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected charges.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Route Planning: Plan the most efficient route to optimize fuel consumption and reduce driving time.
  • Flexible Dates: Consider altering your travel dates slightly to take advantage of lower rental rates.
  • Choose Suitable Drop-off Location: Select a convenient and appropriate drop-off location to minimize travel time and additional transport costs.
  • Pack Smart: Limit luggage to essential items to ensure compatibility with the rental vehicle's capacity.
  • Vehicle Inspection: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly at pickup to report any pre-existing damage and avoid charges.
  • Confirm Insurance Details: Review included insurance coverage and consider additional protection for peace of mind.
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

Valero - 300 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco CA 94080, USA

Circle K - 221 Airport Blvd, South San Francisco CA 94080, USA

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds and avoid rapid acceleration.

Use cruise control on highways to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure proper tire inflation to reduce fuel consumption.

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San Jose Parking

Utilize city parking garages for better rates and availability.

Parking costs in San Jose range from $1.50 to $3.00 per hour depending on the location.

San Francisco Parking

Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid high parking fees.

Parking in San Francisco can be expensive, with rates ranging from $3 to $7 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help users find and reserve parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered with FasTrak to avoid fines.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible or ensure you have an electronic payment method set up.

Toll roads include the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Charges vary depending on the time of day.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes From San Jose to San Francisco:
Scenic Pacific Coastal Route
Coastal drive 2 hours

A picturesque drive along the Pacific Coast Highway offering stunning ocean views.

Santa Cruz , Half Moon Bay , Pacifica
Direct Highway 101 Route
Highway drive 1.5 hours

A quicker route with access to urban amenities and direct highways.

Redwood City , Palo Alto , Mountain View
Extended Napa Valley Route
Wine country drive 4 hours

Explore the famous wine regions by taking a detour through Napa Valley.

Sonoma , Calistoga , St. Helena
Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the route, including exits, notable stops, and road conditions to avoid surprises.

Check fuel stations: Ensure adequate refueling spots along the way, especially if driving a less fuel-efficient vehicle.

Inspect for vehicle damages: Document any existing damages to avoid unfair charges upon returning the vehicle.

Understand deposit requirements: Ensure clarity on rental terms, including the deposit amount and refund policy.

Opt for insurance: Choose appropriate car rental insurance to cover potential incidents during the trip.

Schedule with buffer time: Allocate extra time to accommodate unexpected delays or additional sight-seeing stops.

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$$ (moderate)Extensive options including sedans, SUVs, and luxury vehiclesHighly available at major airports Flexible rental cancellation policies , Wide range of luxury vehicles
Avis$$ (moderate pricing generally)Good selection, special emphasis on fuel-efficient carsGood coverage across urban and suburban areas Preferred membership offers benefits , Friendly customer service
Enterprise$$$ (competitive on long-term rentals)Robust choices ranging from compact cars to vansWidespread national presence Home delivery service availability , Weekend specials with lower prices
Budget$ (budget-friendly)Compact and economy range predominantly availableEconomic hub-centric coverage Affordable for daily rentals , Eco-friendly vehicle type 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

Rental Car Centers at San Jose and San Francisco

Operating Hours:

Rental centers at both cities generally operate from 6 am to 10 pm, adjusted seasonally.

Locations:

San Jose's rental center is located near the terminal, while in San Francisco it's at the close-by downtown hub.

Shuttle Availability:

Free and regular shuttles available to connect with airport terminals.

Accessibility:

Reserved parking and pick-up areas for rental returns for a seamless experience at both centers.

Plan to allocate an extra 15–20 minutes for shuttle transit during peak hours to ensure smooth car return at either center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional fee for a one-way car rental between San Jose and San Francisco?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee covers the cost of relocating the vehicle to its original location. It's advisable to check the rental company's policy for specific pricing details.

What types of cars are commonly available for one-way rentals?

Most companies offer a variety of vehicle options, including economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles. However, availability may vary, so it's wise to book in advance if you have specific preferences.

Are there any mileage limitations for the rental period?

Mileage limitations depend on the rental agreement. Some rental companies offer unlimited mileage plans, while others may impose restrictions. Be sure to confirm the policy when making your reservation.

Where can I pick up and drop off the rental car?

In San Jose, you can typically pick up the car at the airport or designated rental offices. In San Francisco, drop-off points often include various downtown locations or the San Francisco International Airport.

Is it necessary to refill the gas tank before returning the car?

Most rental agreements require customers to refill the gas tank to the same level as upon pick-up. Failing to do so may result in additional charges. Some companies offer prepaid fuel options for convenience.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes