One-Way Car Rental from Santa Monica to San Francisco | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Santa Monica to San Francisco

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.

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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 are subject to 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. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Note that the IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) are acceptable without an IDP. Driver's licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) 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. 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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 are subject to a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 94-110	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-213	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 110-110	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 157-213	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 97-135	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 162-300	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 100-146	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-282	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 134-210	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 259-406	Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration：

One-way fee: Most car rental companies apply an additional fee for one-way trips. Check if it's included in the initial quote.
Car availability: Not all vehicles are available for one-way rentals. Confirm the type of car when booking.
Mileage allowance: One-way rentals might have different mileage plans. Select the option that best suits your trip.
Cross-border restrictions: Certain one-way rentals may prohibit crossing state lines. Ensure your route complies with these rules.
Fuel policies: Verify the terms for fuel refills. Some providers offer prefill options or insist on returning the car with a full tank.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan refueling stops: Review fueling options along your route to prevent any last-minute rushes.
Optimize your route: Choose scenic routes or highways that make your trip enjoyable and efficient.
Book well in advance: Secure better pricing and availability by reserving your one-way rental early.
Know the documentation needed: Ensure you have valid driving licenses and other required documents for your journey.
Understand insurance options: Review the insurance coverage offered and opt for additional protection if needed.
Incorporate leisure stops: Plan breaks at attractions or rest spots to enhance your travel experience.

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 a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Avoid idling the engine for long periods.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal fuel efficiency.

Santa Monica Parking

Look for street parking during non-peak hours to save money.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

San Francisco Parking

Consider using parking garages near major attractions for convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Use a FasTrak account to simplify toll payments and avoid delays.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Highlighted Routes from Santa Monica to San Francisco:

Pacific Coast Highway Route

Scenic Drive ~9 hours

A breathtaking drive along the California coastline, featuring ocean views and iconic landmarks.

Santa Monica Pier , Big Sur , Monterey , Santa Cruz

Inland Direct Route via I-5

Direct Route ~6 hours

The fastest route, ideal for those seeking direct travel with minimal detours.

Santa Clarita , Bakersfield , Stockton

Wine Country Detour

Exploratory Drive ~10 hours

Experience California's renowned vineyards and quaint towns.

Paso Robles , Napa Valley , Calistoga

Noteworthy Journeys Along the Route:

Santa Monica to Malibu

~1 hour

Perfect for a short drive along the beach with scenic vistas and luxury stops.

San Simeon to Monterey

~3 hours

Includes stops like Hearst Castle and picturesque coastal towns.

Santa Cruz to San Francisco

~1.5 hours

A short drive through Silicon Valley tech hubs and into the vibrant city of San Francisco.

Paso Robles to Napa Valley

~4 hours

A wine lover's journey through California's finest vineyards.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Opt for a vehicle suitable for long commutes and scenic stops, such as a compact car or SUV.

Route Planning: Plan your trip in advance, considering gas stations, landmarks, and rest areas.

Time Management: Allocate adequate time for major stops and unexpected delays.

Budgeting: Calculate approximate costs, including tolls, gas, and accommodation.

Weather Preparedness: Check the forecast for possible weather variances along your route.

Safety Precautions: Ensure your car is in good condition, and prepare a safety kit for emergencies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

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

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Wide range of vehicles , Frequent promotions , Convenient locations
Avis	$$$	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Luxury and premium car options , Exclusive membership rewards , Mobile-friendly support
Enterprise	$	★★★★★	★★★★★	Budget-friendly options , Large selection of locations , Includes roadside assistance
Budget	$	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	Economical pricing , Focused on practicality , Flexible plans available

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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 Center Details

Operating Hours:

The rental car center operates 24/7 for pickup and drop-off services.

Rental Car Center Location:

Located conveniently at terminal areas for most rental companies.

Shuttle Services:

Frequent shuttles are available to transport customers between terminals and the rental center, every 15 minutes.

Vehicle Selection:

Wide variety of vehicles are available to suit different travel needs.

Book your one-way rental in advance to avail of better rates and confirm vehicle availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car in Santa Monica and drop it off in San Francisco, or vice versa. This is convenient for road trips or when you do not wish to return to the original rental location.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals?

Many car rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals, which can vary by company and distance. It is recommended to review the terms and conditions during booking.

How long does the drive from Santa Monica to San Francisco typically take?

The drive generally takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route. Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway offers scenic views, but it might extend travel time.

Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card for this route?

Some rental companies accept debit cards, but policies vary. It's advisable to check with the rental agency in advance to confirm their payment methods.

Can I customize the rental vehicle for this trip?

Yes, rental agencies often provide various options, including SUVs, sedans, and luxury vehicles. You can choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs and preferences when booking.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Explore The Californian Coastline Comfortably