San Francisco Travel Answers

You do not need to go back out to the airport for car rentals. There are several places within the city itself that you can rent. I've rented a couple of times in the city itself from Avis. Last time we stayed on Nob Hill and I was able to walk after dropping off my rental. Just google any of the main companies and I'm sure you will find one close by.

There are a few in the Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square areas. Enterprise will pick you up also.

I just used the enterprise "We'll pick you up" and it was perfect. Not to mention that if you rent from a rental company at the airport you are likely to pay higher fees. I don't know exactly the difference in San Francisco, but in Phoenix you might pay as much as75 in "airport tax/fees" above an beyond the rental car company and normal sales tax.

You can save some money by picking up your car in downtown San Francisco. Just about all rental company pay a lot of money for their airport space and pass the love on to the renters. As far as geography goes, the airport is south of town and not out of the way at all for a southbound drive down the PCH.

Just dropped off a car in San Fran, rented in Seattle from Fox rental and had a very good, inexpensive rental car with no problems---the car was scratched and dented, but marked well on the rental paper---no problems turning it in off site near the airport----sure they have a good deal driving to LA-----

What Todd is said is correct. Renting a car at the SF Airport will run you about 50 to 100 more a week depending on the car and company you rent from. While you will avoid paying for an additional trip to the airport by renting from there you are much better off dollar wise renting a car downtown. Just remember that parking a car in San Francisco is a pain and very expensive. You do not want to have to pay parking fees for storing a car while at a SF hotel. If you rent from Enterprise make sure you don't plan on going back on a Sunday (they are closed) or real early in the morning (they sometimes don't open early). Check out companies that offer pre paid vouchers as well for lower rates. Priceline and Hotwire offer some great deals for last minute car rentals (within less than a week of your trip )that are cheaper than some of the other web sites.

Airport rates at SFO will be 10-20% higher than renting offsite. Not to mention it is probably a good 12-14 miles to the airport from your hotel. If you call Enterprise Rent A Car who has several locations in SF they will come pick you up at no charge to you. Their rates are very competitive. A second option is to go on line to a site such as Priceline or Hotwire that offers great rates at the last moment. Just indicate you want to pick it up in SF as opposed to the airport. While you might have to take a bus or cab you might still come out ahead. Hope this helps from someone who is familiar with SF.