Rent a car at San Francisco Airport (SFO), California, United States

About San Francisco International Airport, California

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the largest and busiest airports on the West Coast of the United States. Located about 13 miles (21 km) south of Downtown San Francisco, it serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Renting a car at San Francisco Airport is the best way to explore the Bay Area, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Napa Valley and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Airport facilities and services

SFO has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal), offering a wide range of amenities including restaurants, retail stores, lounges, children’s play areas, and free Wi-Fi. It also features a yoga room, museum exhibits, and excellent accessibility services. Several hotels, such as the Grand Hyatt at SFO and Marriott Waterfront, are conveniently located nearby.

Transportation to and from the airport

SFO is well connected by public transportation, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), SamTrans buses, and Caltrain. Taxis, rideshares, and hotel shuttles are also available. However, for travelers wanting to visit tech campuses, redwood forests, or drive along Highway 1, car rental is the most flexible option.

How to rent a car at San Francisco Airport

All car rental services are centralized at the Rental Car Center, which is connected to all terminals via the free AirTrain Blue Line. Rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty, and others. Booking in advance with Rentcars guarantees better rates, faster pickup, and access to optional services such as GPS, toll passes, and full insurance.

Driving tips from San Francisco Airport

• Drive on the right: Vehicles in the U.S. drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Speed limits: Usually 25–35 mph in city areas and up to 65–70 mph on highways, unless otherwise posted.
• Tolls: Several Bay Area bridges require tolls, which are often collected electronically. Most rental cars are equipped with toll transponders.
• Fuel stations: Located near the Rental Car Center and throughout the Bay Area — most are self-service and accept credit cards.
• Navigation: Use GPS or apps like Waze and Google Maps to navigate traffic, especially during peak hours, and plan scenic drives through Marin, Sonoma, or Big Sur.

Why book your car rental at San Francisco Airport with Rentcars?

Rentcars lets you compare deals from top-rated car rental companies at San Francisco Airport in one place. With transparent pricing, multilingual customer support, and easy booking, Rentcars helps you start your California adventure with confidence — whether you're exploring the city or heading up the coast.