Renting a car in San Francisco is an easy way to see the city at your own pace. You can choose from a wide variety of vehicles at airport and city center locations.

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1. Airport Locations

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is home to many car rental companies. You can easily find an Alamo Rent a Car here and start exploring this forward-thinking destination, with its rolling hills and cultural landmarks.

Once you've picked up your SFO rental antwerp car rentals, it's easy to get to a variety of top attractions within minutes. Fisherman's Wharf, the Aquarium of the Bay, seaplane excursions, and a number of hotels are all within easy reach.

When you choose a rental car from SFO, be sure to select the model that best matches your needs. If you'll be spending most of your time downtown, consider an economy car for easy parking and navigation. Those traveling with family members may want to choose an SUV with ample legroom and storage space.

Having your own vehicle also allows you to travel beyond the city, explore nearby destinations like Muir Woods and Sausalito, or enjoy a wine tasting trip in Napa Valley. It's important to check the return hours at each location before you reserve a car, as some agencies close early on certain days, making it difficult to tour outside of the city. This is particularly true during the summer and holidays.

2. City Center Locations

Rent a car in San Francisco to drive around the city and visit attractions like Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill. The area's famous stepped streets are difficult to navigate on foot and even more challenging when you have luggage in tow.

The city is infamous for its traffic and one-way roads, so you'll need to map out your route before driving. Luckily, there are plenty of public transportation options to take you around town including buses, trains, cable cars, and taxis (download the Flywheel App for convenience).

If you're staying in the downtown district of San Francisco for a month or two, consider a longer-term rental. Many companies offer a discount on long-term rentals that save you money and make your wallet happy. Just know that some local companies require additional requirements, such as proof of income, a water or electricity bill, and that the renter's name and address match both IDs.

Several car rental companies at SFO have off-airport locations that can be reached via shuttle from the consolidated rental car center. These locations are located in Burlingame and South San Francisco. The shuttles can be found at the south curb of the consolidated rental car center. Some off-airport locations also accept reservations made in advance.

3. Other Locations

A car rental is a convenient way to explore San Francisco’s many popular attractions, like Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. It also offers more flexibility than a bus or train, making it ideal for families on vacation in the city.

A convertible from SFO rent a car is the perfect way to enjoy the sun on your face as you cruise around the city and its hilly streets. If you have the time, you can drive over the famed Golden Gate Bridge and take in stunning views of the Bay Area.

For an artistic experience, check out the edgy Mission District street art that fills the area with colorful strokes. This spirited neighborhood is one of the largest concentrations in the United States for this type of expression, and it will leave you with a newfound appreciation of modern culture in The City by the Bay.

To save on your trip to the city, try Zipcar - an easy car sharing option that allows you to book on-demand hourly or daily cars for a low fee. All you need to do is apply online with a valid driver's license and you can usually be approved instantly. When your ride is over, simply return the car to its original location with the app.