San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County. It is the second-busiest in California and seventh in the United States, handling tens of millions of passengers annually. There are four passenger terminals at the airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal, all of which are connected by an automated people-mover system known as AirTrain.
SFO is also a natural gateway to some of Northern California’s most renowned destinations. The drive to Silicon Valley is about 30 minutes (with normal traffic), Napa Valley is about an hour and 45 minutes, Muir Woods is about an hour and 15 minutes via the Golden Gate Bridge, Monterey is about two hours, and Yosemite is about four and a half hours (also via the Golden Gate Bridge).
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car at SFO Airport
The Rental Car Center is a single, consolidated rental car center at 780 N. McDonnell Road, San Francisco, CA 94128, where all major on-airport rental car companies are located. This is a purpose-built facility which houses all major brands, making the pick-up process a lot easier.
After landing and collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the AirTrain station in your terminal. Take the Blue Line (Rental Car Center is the last but one stop). The AirTrain is a fully automated people-mover system that runs 24 hours a day, every day, and is only a few minutes’ ride. A note of caution: The Red Line does not go to the Rental Car Center, so make sure you take the Blue Line.
- Rental Car Center: 780 N. McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA 94128
- AirTrain to use: Blue Line (not Red Line)
- The hours that can be used at AirTrain are 24 hours per day.
- AirTrain cost: Free for rental car passengers
- Counter Floors: Most companies are on the 4th floor, and Hertz is on the 1st.
Car Rental Companies at SFO Airport
There are currently nine big on-airport rental car brands in SFO, all of which are located in the Rental Car Center. The majority of rental counters are located on the 4th floor; Hertz is located on the 1st floor. Fox and Europcar also have off-airport offices in nearby Burlingame and South San Francisco, which are accessible by a complimentary shuttle service from the south curb of the Rental Car Center, when requested.
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Fox (shuttle)
- Europcar (shuttle)
Most big companies have open desks until at least 11 p.m., and some, such as Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, and Thrifty, return items 24 hours a day. When arranging to collect or deliver a vehicle outside of business hours, please check with the company you’re working with, as hours may differ.
Vehicle Types Available at SFO Airport
The SFO Rental Car Center has a variety of vehicle types available to accommodate all travelers. Compact sedans and economy cars are favorites for solo travelers or couples traveling through the city. Intermediate and Full-size sedans are more comfortable for longer trips. If you’re driving to the Sierra Nevada or have a family, SUVs range from compact crossover to full-size SUVs are perfect. A minivan seats more people. Most brands offer premium and luxury cars, and Sixt even has an exotic desk. EVs are becoming more and more common, especially from Enterprise and Hertz.
Understanding Fees and Taxes at SFO
Nearly every airport rental will have extra charges over and above the base price, and SFO is no different. Knowing these charges enables you to budget correctly and not be caught off guard at the counter.
Sales Tax
San Mateo County has a combined sales tax rate of 9.375% for rentals at SFO, compared to the California minimum of 7.25%.
Concession Recovery Fee
Airport rental companies rent the space at an airport from the airport authority and get paid for it. Renters will see this cost reflected in their rental charges as a Concession Recovery Fee of 11.11% of their rental fee.
Customer Facility Charge (CFC)
California rental companies could impose a Customer Facility Charge to assist in the funding and maintenance of the Rental Car Center itself. This is usually about $10 per rental contract in California.
Air Transfer Fee
The AirTrain system, which connects the terminals with the Rental Car Center, is subject to a separate Air Transfer Fee of about $20.
Tourism Fee
You’ll see an extra tourism assessment of approximately 2.6% on your final bill, which is in line with San Francisco’s local tourism assessment system.
The total taxes and mandatory fees can be 30% or more of the base daily rate. When comparing prices from different booking sites, always ask for a complete quote, which includes all fees.
Minimum age for renting at SFO Airport
While the general minimum age for car rentals at SFO is 21, there are a few differences between companies. Young drivers (those aged 21 to 24) are allowed to rent and are subject to extra daily charges. For instance, drivers aged 21-24 at Enterprise pay an additional $25 per day. Avis also has a similar underage fee and does not allow renters under 18 to rent luxury, full-size SUVs, specialty, or 12-passenger vans. Sixt also has a minimum age of 21 and charges an underage daily fee for drivers younger than 21.
In reality, tenants under 25 will likely be charged an additional $15 to $30 per day on the rent, and some vehicle tiers might not be available. The age restrictions and surcharges for drivers 25 and older are usually none.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the logistics — namely, the Blue Line AirTrain, which connects the terminals to the Rental Car Center — makes car rental at the San Francisco International Airport a simple process. SFO has nine major brands, a large selection of car models, and 24-hour access, making it well-equipped for all types of travellers.
The secret to finding the best deal is to book ahead, look at all the costs, not just the base price, use any loyalty or credit card benefits you have, and check existing insurance before you turn it down or pay for extras at the counter. Then you’re on the road, and you’ll be traveling with confidence and little hassle to the Golden Gate, Napa’s vineyards, or Yosemite’s valleys.
FAQs
Once you have picked up your bag, go to the AirTrain station in your terminal and take the Blue Line. Operating around the clock, it will take you only a few minutes to arrive at the Rental Car Center, free of charge.
There are 9 brands on site: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. There are free shuttle services from the Rental Car Center to Fox and Europcar.
Yes, rentals at 21 are allowed in most companies. Drivers aged 21-24 are subject to a young driver surcharge of approximately $15-$30 per day; however, some premium or large vehicle types may be limited.
In addition to the base rate, you will be charged a Concession Recovery Fee (11.11%), San Mateo County sales tax (9.375%), Customer Facility Charge ($20), and Tourism Fee (~2.6%). Expect to pay 30% or more over the advertised price.
Not necessarily. You may already have personal auto insurance or a premium credit card (Visa Signature, World Mastercard) that covers rental cars. Before paying $20-$35 a day for the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver, review your current coverage.