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Sunnyvale to San Francisco: Your Seamless One-Way Rental Experience

Travel from one tech hub to another while experiencing comfort and flexibility.

Can I rent a car from Sunnyvale to San Francisco?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Sunnyvale to San Francisco. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements.
    Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version). An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.

    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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Sunnyvale to San Francisco cost?

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

US$ 43/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 46/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 51-US$ 496US$ 0-US$ 200US$ 129-US$ 433Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 53US$ 0US$ 135Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 54-US$ 940US$ 0US$ 136-US$ 945Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 54-US$ 148US$ 0US$ 137-US$ 442Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 86US$ 0US$ 220Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 159US$ 0US$ 477Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 77US$ 0US$ 229Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way rental fees: Most car rental companies charge an additional fee for one-way trips. Ensure you inquire about these fees before confirming your booking.
  • Allowed drop-off locations: Verify with the rental provider if the destination city is a permissible drop-off location to avoid complications.
  • Cross-border restrictions: If your route involves crossing state or country borders, confirm with the rental provider about policies or extra requirements.
  • Booking in advance: Booking your one-way rental as early as possible might help in securing lower rates and better vehicle availability.
  • Fuel policy requirements: Pay attention to the fuel policy for the one-way rental to avoid extra charges.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Choose the right vehicle for your trip: Determine the most suitable car type for your itinerary, considering group size and luggage capacity.
  • Map out the route ahead of time: Plan your journey in advance to include fuel stops, rest breaks, and sights you’d like to visit along the way.
  • Understand the rental terms: Read and understand all rental agreement terms to ensure there are no surprises concerning mileage limits or insurance.
  • Set a budget: Break down the costs involved for the trip, such as rental fees, fuel, insurance, and any supplementary fees.
  • Return vehicle in good condition: Ensure the vehicle is returned in its rented condition to avoid cleaning or repair charges.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid higher charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt to confirm the refueling.

Use recommended fuel types to avoid penalties.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost in San Francisco is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance.

Limit air conditioning usage to conserve fuel.

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Sunnyvale Parking

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Parking garages offer secure options at $10-15 per day.

Check for residential permit zones to avoid fines.

San Francisco Parking

Parking garages in downtown cost around $20-35 per day.

Street parking is limited and often metered.

Use park-and-ride facilities for affordable long-term parking.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero helps find and book parking in advance.

ParkMobile allows payment for metered parking via app.

BestParking provides an overview of parking rates and availability.

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Tolls and FasTrak

The Golden Gate Bridge toll is $8.80 for southbound vehicles.

Bay Bridge toll is $7 during peak hours.

San Mateo Bridge charges a toll of $6 for westbound traffic.

Toll Payment Options

FasTrak is accepted for all Bay Area tolls.

Pay-by-plate options are available for non-FasTrak users.

Cash payments are not accepted on most Bay Area bridges.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Sunnyvale to San Francisco:
US-101 North Route
Coastal Scenic Highway 40 minutes

A popular route known for its convenience and quick travel time, taking you through bustling Silicon Valley to reach San Francisco.

Mountain View , Palo Alto , San Mateo
I-280 North Route
Lush Scenic Interstate 45 minutes

Travel through serene and lush greenery of the Peninsula, offering a quieter drive without heavy traffic.

Los Altos , Hillsborough , Daly City
El Camino Real
Historic Urban Route 1 hour

A historical route offering an urban journey through cities and neighborhoods with plenty of dining spots.

Santa Clara , San Mateo , Millbrae
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Reserve Your Vehicle Early: Secure the best vehicle option by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Plan Your Stops: Identify key stops and attractions along your route to maximize your travel experience and break up long drives.

Check for Additional Costs: Review the rental agreement for hidden fees, especially for one-way trips which may have specific drop-off charges.

Know Refueling Policies: Understand whether your car rental requires you to refuel before returning; plan fuel stops accordingly.

Familiarize with the Route: Utilize navigation apps for live traffic updates, roadwork announcements, and alternative route suggestions.

Ensure Adequate Insurance: Review your rental car insurance policy to ensure you're covered for all eventualities along your journey.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Here are key considerations for selecting a car rental company for a one-way car rental from Sunnyvale to San Francisco. Select a provider that offers competitive fees and a variety of vehicles.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Wide variety of vehicles , Numerous pickup and drop-off locations across the Bay Area , Frequent promotions for one-way rentals
Enterprise$$$HighWide Convenient neighborhood locations , Comprehensive customer service , Flexible rental terms
Avis$$MediumHigh Well-maintained vehicles , Multiple service features , Affordable subscription options for frequent renters
Budget$MediumModerate Competitive pricing , Convenient for budget-friendly rental , Online booking benefits
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

San Francisco Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

The car rental center operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Rental Car Drop-off Location:

Rental vehicles can be returned to the designated area at the Rental Car Center near the San Francisco International Airport terminals.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle buses operate every 15 minutes, connecting the Rental Car Center to airport terminals.

Parking Availability:

Ample parking is available in the Rental Car Center for smooth vehicle returns.

Pro Tips for Global Luxury Suites Sunnyvale North Car Rentals

Confirm operating hours and return policies with your rental company in advance to avoid any unexpected charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows renters to pick up a car at one location, such as Sunnyvale, and drop it off at another, like San Francisco. This option is great for those who don't need to return to their starting point.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most one-way car rentals include a drop-off fee to cover logistics of returning the vehicle to the original location. It's advisable to compare rates from different rental companies to find the best deal.

How do I book a one-way car rental from Sunnyvale to San Francisco?

To book a one-way rental, visit the rental agency's website or call their support. Choose the Sunnyvale pickup location and San Francisco as the drop-off location. Verify details before confirming.

Is it more expensive than a round-trip rental?

Generally, one-way rentals are more expensive than round-trip rentals due to the added logistics involved in vehicle redistribution. The additional cost varies by company and distance.

Can I choose the exact car for the one-way rental?

While rental companies offer a selection of cars, the exact model may depend on availability at the pickup location. Always specify your preferences when booking.

Ready to Book Your Sunnyvale to San Francisco Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes