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Hertz car rental in San Francisco
Ready to see one of America's most iconic cities? Driving around with Hertz car rental in San Francisco gives you the freedom to explore everything on your to-do list, all at your own pace. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Wander around Fisherman's Wharf, spend an afternoon in the tangerine streets of Chinatown, or make your way up to Twin Peaks to steal a panoramic view of the city. With a Hertz car hire, it’s your call to explore the city on your terms, making exploring the city 10x easier.
You can pick up and return the car to two different Hertz locations as well. When you book, just choose the pick-up and drop-off points suitable to your plan, and make the rest of the trip hassle-free.
Take the car, take your time, and see where San Francisco takes you.
Pickup locations in San Francisco
- San Francisco International Airport
- San Francisco - Ellis Street HLE
- San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf
- San Francisco - Marriott Marquis
- San Francisco - 325 Mason Street
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Benefits from day one.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Driving guide: Car rental in San Francisco
Parking information
- Sutter-Stockton Garage at 444 Stockton Street offers around 1,865 spaces and is open 24 hours a day. It has accessible parking and 10 active EV chargers, and its location works well for Union Square and Chinatown.
- PIER 39 Garage on Beach Street sits directly across from the PIER 39 entrance and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With around 950 parking spots available, it becomes a convenient option if you're driving down to the waterfront and want to explore PIER 39 on foot.
- SFMTA Union Square Garage has around 670 spaces and sits directly beneath Union Square. It operates from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. Accessible parking and 8 active EV charging spots are also available.
Key roads in San Francisco
- US-101: One of San Francisco’s main freeway routes, connecting the city with the Peninsula and points north and south through the Bay Area.
- I-280: Runs between San Francisco and San Jose, making it a useful route for driving south from the city towards the Peninsula and South Bay.
- I-80: The main route across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, connecting San Francisco with Oakland and the wider East Bay. It also provides access to major routes heading further into Northern California.
Electric car hire
San Francisco is making it easier to go electric every day. The city is expanding its public charging network and adding more curbside chargers as EV use continues to grow with demand. Hertz supports this much-welcomed shift by offering a wide range of electric car hire options available across different locations in San Francisco.
With an electric car hire in San Francisco, Hertz offers an easy and practical alternative to petrol or diesel models.
Charging points
San Francisco currently has around 1143 charging stations for electric vehicles. That gives you plenty of options when you need to top up during your stay or before heading out on the road.
Congestion charges
San Francisco does not currently have a congestion charge for entering the city or its downtown area. Congestion pricing has been discussed as a possible future measure, but it is not currently in effect. Separate bridge tolls may apply when crossing certain Bay Area bridges, so check the route before setting off.
Getting from San Francisco to Monterey
The drive from San Francisco to Monterey covers around 116 miles and usually takes about 1 hour 54 minutes if you are driving via I-280 S and CA-1 S. It's a pretty straightforward route if you:
- Get on US-101 S/Central Fwy from San Francisco.
- Follow US-101 S, I-280 S, and CA-85 S towards Los Gatos.
- Take exit 11A from CA-85 S onto CA-17 S.
- Continue towards Santa Cruz, then take exit 1B for CA-1 S.
- Follow CA-1 S towards Monterey.
- Take exit 401A from CA-1 S for Fremont St.
- Continue on Fremont St, then drive to Dutra St in Monterey.
Getting from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay
The drive from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay is around 29 miles and takes you about 39 minutes via CA-1 S. To reach Half Moon Bay from San Francisco:
- Head towards S Van Ness Ave from San Francisco.
- Take I-280 S and CA-1 S/Cabrillo Hwy N towards Half Moon Bay.
- Continue on CA-1 S and take the route towards Main St.
- Follow Main St to Kelly Ave in Half Moon Bay.
Why Hertz?
Reserve direct for our best rate guarantee
Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
Easily modify or cancel reservations
Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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A quick guide to San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason St, San Francisco
Perched atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont has been part of San Francisco's skyline since 1907. Its location puts you close to the city's historic cable car routes, while the hilltop setting gives you sweeping views across the city and Bay.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
757 Market St, San Francisco
Set on Market Street in the heart of downtown, this luxury hotel places you close to Union Square, the Yerba Buena Gardens and some of the city's best-known cultural attractions.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
600 Stockton St, San Francisco
Housed in a landmark Neoclassical building on Nob Hill, this elegant hotel offers a quieter stay above the bustle of downtown. The location also puts you within easy reach of Chinatown, Union Square and San Francisco's famous cable cars.
Burma Superstar
309 Clement St, San Francisco
A San Francisco favourite in the Richmond District, this Burmese restaurant helped put the city's distinctive Burmese food scene on the map. It's especially known for dishes such as its famous tea leaf salad and its generous take on Burmese comfort food.
La Taqueria
2889 Mission St, San Francisco
A Mission District institution, La Taqueria is known for its Mexican food and has become a must-try stop for visitors looking for the city's famous Mission-style burritos.
Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco
Tucked into Jackson Square, Cotogna serves Italian-inspired food in one of the city's historic downtown districts. Its handmade pastas and seasonal cooking make it a popular choice for a more polished San Francisco dining experience.
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
One of the world's most recognisable bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 after four years of construction. Its 1.7-mile span connects San Francisco with the Marin Headlands and has become the city's defining landmark.
PIER 39
The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Set on the historic San Francisco waterfront, PIER 39 is the city's most visited destination. Its sea lions, bay views and lively waterfront atmosphere make it an easy crowd-pleaser, especially for first-time visitors.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA, USA
Stretching across more than 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park is home to the Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to reserve a Hertz rental car in San Francisco in advance?
You can always go for a walk-in rental, but booking ahead is the easiest way to rent a car in San Francisco with the vehicle you really want. If you're travelling during summer, public holidays or a major event, reserving early gives you a better choice and makes for a smoother start to your trip.
Do I need a driving licence to hire a car in San Francisco?
Yes. Just bring a valid driving licence when you collect your vehicle. If you're visiting from another country, your home country's licence is generally accepted. If it isn't in English or doesn't use the Roman alphabet, it's a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence, just in case it's needed.
Can I collect a rental car in San Francisco and return it somewhere else?
Yes. If your trip finishes somewhere else, simply choose a different drop-off location when you book. One-way rentals are available between many Hertz locations, although availability and any additional fee will depend on the route and the vehicle you choose.
When should I book a car rental in San Francisco?
Once your travel plans are set, it's worth making your reservation. Booking early usually means more vehicles to choose from, especially if you're planning to hire a car in San Francisco during the busy summer season or around public holidays.
Are there restrictions on taking a rental car outside San Francisco?
You're free to explore well beyond the city, whether that's driving along the California coast or heading inland. If you're planning to cross an international border into Canada or Mexico, check with Hertz before you travel, as extra permissions or restrictions may apply depending on your destination.