Under 21 Car Rental at San Francisco Airport [SFO], California CA, USA

FAQ about car rental in San Francisco Airport, CA for young drivers under the age of 21

Why should a student rent a car with Rental24h.com?

Booking a student car rental in San Francisco Airport on our website is a quick, easy, and reliable way to secure a set of wheels for your upcoming road trip. Having a car on hand gives you great benefits: whether you want to rent a car at 18, 19, or 20, you can cruise at your own pace and escape the inconvenience of public transport. Plus, it's a fairly cheap way to get around San Francisco - the cost of a 1-day rental is roughly equivalent to a single taxi ride. This is why driving a rental is a worthwhile endeavor!

What are under 21 car rental restrictions near San Francisco, CA?

According to statistics, young drivers are much more likely to have accidents. And if an expensive car is involved in an accident, this results in excessive material losses for the rental company. This is why companies apply car rental restrictions to drivers younger than 21. These restrictions include companies limiting the kinds of vehicles younger drivers can rent from their fleet. Each company has specific restrictions and you can check them in the following list.

• Alamo doesn’t allow you to pick up Premium Sedans/SUVs/Crossovers, Luxury Sedans/SUVs, or Full-Size SUVs until you reach 25.
• Enterprise. Sporty, Premium, Luxury Sedans/SUVs and Full-Size SUVs are not available for young renters.
• Avis and Budget. Underage drivers don’t have access to Full-Size SUVs, Premium SUVs, Luxury cars, or Minivans.
• Hertz. You can’t pick up autos from the Dream, Prestige, or Adrenaline collections, or Specialty Vehicles, as a young driver.
• Thrifty and Dollar. Specialty Vehicles are not available for under 21 car rentals.

How to waive an under 25 car rental fee in SFO Airport, California?

Driving a car is a costly thing for a young renter. The daily underage rent fee in San Francisco SFO Airport can reach a significant portion of the base price, which, in turn, can substantially affect your travel budget. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid this payment. Check out the available fee waivers below.

• AAA Membership. When renting from Hertz with an active AAA membership on hand, 20-24-year-olds are exempt from the young driver fee. The membership costs between $38 and $74, so it can be a cost-effective investment indeed
• USAA Membership. Under 25 car rental fee is waived if you book a vehicle under USAA Membership. However, this feature is available from specific companies and for drivers of a certain age. Avis, Budget, and Hertz offer this waver for 18- to 24-year-olds. The same is possible with Enterprise, but for 21- to 24-year-old customers.
• Government or Military Order. The majority of agencies make it possible for government and military employees traveling on business to avoid the rental fee in San Francisco, California. This option is available from the age of 18. Keep in mind that an official order must be submitted at the counter in order to waive a surcharge.

For your convenience, all available under 25 fee waivers in San Francisco Airport, California are shown in the following table.

Age	Program	Rental Car Company
Under 18	Not possible	None
18	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
19	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
20	USAA	Avis, Budget, Hertz
20	AAA	Hertz
21-24	AAA	Hertz
21-24	USAA	Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz

What car rental agency in SFO Airport, USA is the most expensive?

Currently, the most expensive deal is available from ZEEBA RENT A VAN, which offers the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van or similar for $58 per day. Keep in mind that the cost to rent a car for young drivers may increase due to additional charges.

How to rent a car for cheap under 21 in San Francisco, CA, USA?

Cheap car rentals for under 21 in San Francisco Airport, CA are a reality with Rental24h.com. Check out how you can lower the total rate without sacrificing quality:

• Book in advance
• Shop in multiple locations
• Look for membership discounts
• Check employee and alumni discounts
• Book with promo code
• Avoid age restrictions
• Use fee waivers if possible

What car rental companies rent to 21-year-olds on-site in San Francisco Airport?

You can choose between large international and smaller local companies. The following car rental companies are on-site in San Francisco: Alamo, AVIS, Thrifty, Budget, SIXT, Europcar, Hertz, ACE, Thrifty Sapphire, Silvercar, Payless, NU, National, International Supplier, Flightcar, Fox, addCar, Firefly, E-Z, Enterprise, Dollar, AVR, Advantage, and Zeeba Rent A Van

Which car rental company does not charge for under 21 in San Francisco, CA?

With some car rental under age 21 agencies, you can avoid the underage fee in SFO Airport, California. These companies are Hertz, Budget, and Avis. However, to do this, you have to meet their unique requirements:

• Don’t wait too long to book a car. The best time is 10-14 days before the estimated pickup date.
• Benefit from long-term rental, because the price of each day is inversely proportional to the length of the travel period.
• Inspect neighboring locations and maybe somewhere your favorite car will cost much cheaper.
• Reserve a car of mini, economy, or compact class. You will feel savings not only at the counter, but also when visiting the gas station.
• Select “pick up full return full” fuel option in order not to pay for gasoline you didn’t consume.
• Get insurance coverage that will reimburse the most important points you worry about.
• Avoid large geographic movements, including interstate and one-way travel, as well as border crossing.
• Skip additional options that you don’t need at all, i.e. additional driver, GPS, or other devices.

Can I add a driver under 21 on my car rental in San Francisco SFO Airport?

You don’t want to trouble yourself with a constant sitting behind the vehicle’s steering wheel? Then why don’t you select a rental car additional driver under 21 option, which will allow you to relax a little while your friend can drive a car.

This is a superb idea, because it will help not only calm down after exhausting driving on busy highways, but also truly enjoy the enchanting scenery outside the windshield.

Just notify your future companion to grab a driver’s license and any document proving his or her identity. After that, you can safely give the keys to your friend in San Francisco, California, and don’t worry about anything.

The additional driver is subject to the same under 21 car rental requirements. However, as the major renter, you remain the material responsible person in any incident happened on the road.

What rental car company has additional driver under 21 in San Francisco Airport, California?

Fortunately, all car rental for under 21 companies that operate in SFO Airport, USA, have the option of an additional driver in their arsenal.

Therefore, rental car agencies that allow additional driver under 21 in San Francisco, CA, USA are National, Enterprise, Silvercar, AVR, Firefly, Flightcar, International Supplier, NU, Alamo, Thrifty Sapphire, Europcar, Zeeba Rent A Van, SIXT, Dollar, AVIS, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, Payless, Advantage, E-Z, ACE, Fox, addCar.

Should I rent a car when visiting San Francisco under 21?

Renting a car gives you more freedom and flexibility. You can drive to any place you want and plan your traveling routes accordingly.

If your aim is to rent a vehicle at the airport or in the city, opt for San Francisco car rental under 21 and enjoy city attractions in full. San Francisco is a city of hills, so enjoy a unique experience of driving up and down, especially, if this is the first time for you! Steep inclines are typical for roads in and around the downtown of the city.

Keep in mind that pedestrians have privileges in San Francisco even at the unmarked crosswalks.

Where to rent a car at San Francisco Airport SFO?

If you arrive in the city through SFO airport, you can get your under 21 car rental San Francisco at the Airport's Rental Car Center fast and without any hassle.

Other rental locations in downtown, Marina District, Union square and Oakland are ready to provide vehicles to young renters.

Where is the Rental Car Center at San Francisco International Airport?

The address you need is 780 N. McDonnell Road, San Francisco, CA 94128. You can find the Center quickly if you use the map below:

How to get to the rental car center and pick up a rental car at San Francisco Intl Airport

At SFO, you can find cars for renting from all leading rental agencies like Thrifty, Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar and Alamo. Head to the Rental Center, which operates round the clock, and rent a car San Francisco under 21 whenever you want. However, so as not to miss the vehicle you want, reserve it in advance. This makes the procedure of renting simpler and can guarantee a better price.

On getting to SFO, look for the AirTrain Blue Line Train that will deliver you to the Rental Center. This train circulates round the clock, so you will reach it without problems. Furthermore, these are the only rental car locations that work 24 hours a day. In case you rent a vehicle and have to give it back at an off hour, then ensure to get it from the SFO location.

How to return a rented car at San Francisco International Airport?

Thanks to Rental Car Center at San Francisco International Airport, you can take and drop off the rented vehicle at one easy-to-reach central place, and it does not matter what car rental San Francisco under 21 agency you use.

What type of car to rent in the San Francisco area for a young driver?

Whatever rental car company you apply to, ensure that you have rented the proper type of vehicle for San Francisco roads. The kind of car you prefer driving on vacations might correspond or not to exclusive driving and parking conditions of San Francisco. Consider the following tips:

• As you need to move up and down the hills, rent a car under 21 San Francisco with an automatic transmission. This type is comfortable to drive and it handles well.
• As parking lots on the street and city garages are quite tight in San Francisco, give preference to smaller vehicles. The size is also important for unskilled drivers, as it is not so easy to park a longer-than-average front.
• A luxury car is what you need to show off in San Francisco. Just rent such a type for outside trips to Stinson Beach or Monterey Bay. This city’s coastal drives and steep hills are ideal for such vehicles as Lexus, Volvo, Infiniti, Audi, Acura and BMW, which can be rented at an affordable price. But bear in mind, luxury, as well as sports cars may be unavailable for underage drivers.

How much to rent a car at San Francisco Int’l Airport?

On average, the price for car rental under 21 San Francisco comprises $35 per day, but everything depends on a number of factors, among which the most significant are vehicle’s type, rental location, term of renting and so on.

How to rent a car under 21 without a credit card at San Francisco International Airport?

Renting a vehicle with a debit card is a great option if you do not have a credit card. Nevertheless, be ready to provide some extra info required by the company or the fact that the company can impose any additional limits. Besides, pay attention that all agencies have their own rules for those who use debit cards for renting.

Find below how rental car San Francisco under 21 companies deal with customers using debit cards. Each of them offers unique methods to verify trust level and reduce risk:

1. Security deposit: a sum that is more than the supposed rental charges to cover potential added expenses like late returns, car damage, etc.
2. Credit check: take a copy of your customer report and study your score to define the losses’ risk.
3. Return trip: provide copies of tickets for return journey by planes, trains, or cruise ships

Where to park a rental car in San Francisco for cheap?

It is not a problem to find a parking lot in San Francisco, as many tourist attractions have parking spaces and you can use parking garages within the city. Quite a lot of hotels provide parking, but an additional fee is charged for this.

The parking fee varies by zones, and the most expensive areas are Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown. In general, you will pay from $2 to $4.50 an hour.

The fans of evenings out can save on the fee metered parking within the city. The majority of meters is set to work from 9am to 6pm and from Monday to Saturday, so enjoy the benefits of parking a car rental under 21 San Francisco that other times can provide you with.

Can I book with unlimited mileage when renting a car at San Francisco Airport, California, under 21?

Numerous companies provide unlimited mileage, which can help young renters a lot while planning plenty of road trips. When you pick out a limited mileage for under 21 rental car, ensure that you do not go beyond the limits and will not need to pay more.

What fuel policy is available at San Francisco Airport under 21?

In general, rental companies support full-to-full fuel policy, which means that if you get a car with a full tank, you are to return it with the tank filled up too.

How do I use the tolls in the San Francisco area on rental cars?

Almost every rental car in San Francisco under 21 is supplied with an E-ZPass transponder. This device is generally installed in a lead-lined box, which closes and opens. When you close the box, hide it while moving along the toll road and choose a lane to pay with cash. You cannot do this on every toll road, as some of them do not have a cash option.

Around San Francisco you’ll find several toll roads and toll bridges (the Golden Gate and the Oakland Bay Bridges are among them). They all come without cash booths, so the payment should be made via the Internet. This is usually the case with all toll roads in California.

When you enter them, the bill is sent to your rental agency. To avoid this, you need a toll transponder. When you have it, add the plate of the rented car to your profile. If the car is not supplied with a transponder, you can buy your own device. This is especially wise for frequent travelers.

Where to stay in San Francisco if you rent a car under 21?

Here are some hotels that offer not only affordable prices and good conditions for your stay in the city, but also a possibility to park your rental car San Francisco under 21:

Hotel	Accommodation	Price	Free Parking
Best Western Plus El Rancho Inn1100 El Camino Real, Millbrae	Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas. 219 guestrooms that are carefully and tastefully furnished. Many rooms has the following amenities: separate living room, Wi-Fi (free), air conditioning, heating.	$145	+
Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco International Airport W1550 El Camino Real	Access to a wide range of services: All rooms have Wi-Fi 24-hour front desk, accomodations for disabled customers, luggage storage, plus, Wi-Fi in the lobby. 48 beautifully appointed rooms, many of which include carpet, linens, towels, Wi-Fi, jacuzzi, a golf course (3 km).	$131	+
Millwood Inn & Suites Millbrae1375 El Camino Real	Many suites even provide LCD/plasma screen TV, internet access - wireless (complimentary), rooms are non-smoking with air conditioners installed, a fitness center.	$189	+

What to do in San Francisco with car rental?

San Francisco is the hills, trams and the hippie spirit. This city is not very similar to a typical American: it is much more calm, relaxed and artistic. Here are some things that must be done to feel the spirit of this city, if you had the good fortune of being here and a rental car San Francisco under 21.

• Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge. We will not be original and put the classics of tourism at the very beginning: of course, the Golden Gate is the main symbol of San Francisco. You can walk or ride a bike. Please note that parking near the bridge is very small.
• Spend a day in the park. Near the Pacific coast, take a walk through one of the largest city parks in the world, Golden Gate Park, where 7,000 species of plants coexist on a thousand acres of land, several very cool museums and dozens of hippies.
• Eat a fish sandwich on the promenade. Embarcadero, a street running along the harbor promenade, is one of the most pleasant and relaxed in the city. The closer to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the fewer tourists there and the more ordinary city life is: locals go jogging, walk with dogs or just hang out at one of the quays. The closer to Fisherman’s Wharf (between Van Ness Avenue and Kearny street) you come, the more tourists, noise, street food and unassuming street entertainments appear.
• Take a ride on the old cable car. Cable cars appeared in San Francisco at the end of the 19th century - this is a hybrid of a tram, funicular and cable car. Trams have three lines: California street line (from Van Ness Ave almost to Embarcadero), Powell-Hyde line and Powell-Mason line - both start on Powell street, and then go parallel to each other to Fisherman's Harbor.
• See the Pacific. To reach the Pacific Ocean means to reach the edge of the map. Further only the water for many kilometers through which the ships of the captains went from their favorite childhood books.

Where to eat and drink in San Francisco if you rent a car?

Rent a car under 21 San Francisco and drop in for breakfast at the Ferry Building river station building, which hosts small cafes, restaurants and even the farmers market. Here you will find the perfect coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee for $4 and a hot sandwich with egg and cheese at Cowgirl Creamery for $6.

We advise you to have dinner at Begoni Bistro or China Live, where it is always tasty and authentic (the average check is $30 per person).

Among the popular Mexican restaurants to choose from are Taqueria Cancún, Taqueria El Farolito and Papolete (average check - $15 per person), feel free to drop by any of them for delicious food.

Top tips for under 21 drivers renting a car at San Francisco Airport, CA

When you rent a car under 21 USA San Francisco, pay attention to the following:

• Book a vehicle not less than a week in advance to avoid the necessity of searching it on arrival. Take time to choose the appropriate car at the best price. This will ensure that you will not remain without a vehicle even in the busiest time.
• Examine the car’s condition prior to taking off the vehicle at the rental company. Search for scratches, dings and other damage. The majority of companies will insist on signing off on the car’s condition before you leave the lot.
• Using off-airport rentals can help you save. Companies functioning at the airport impose different taxes and fees. With off-airport rental agencies you save from 10% and up to 20%. Within a few miles from the airport, discount car rentals can be found far and while.
• Inquire about dropoff location and time. Quite often rental companies have fees for dropping off the vehicle not at the place you took it. Time is also important. An hour or two delay will cost you one more day, as many companies will include this new day into the bill.
• Clarify the issue with refilling the vehicle. Generally, when you take a car with a full tank, you need to return it in the same way. But in San Francisco, this may not be an ideal option for you, as there are not so many gas stations here and they are located far away. So, a good variant is to agree on returning the car with the tank less than full.

One-day trip from SFO for young renters

When the question “How to rent a car in San Francisco?” is solved, it’s time to use it for exploring the city. Here are some travel options with estimated travel time from San Francisco to your destinations.

• Park Castle Rock. Start with a picnic at the Ridge Vineyards in Cupertino, and then visit Castle Rock National Park, a popular destination for hiking and climbing. The park is a 30-minute drive from the winery, next to the highest point of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and offers fantastic ocean views. Travel time from San Francisco to Ridge Vineyards: 1 hour 6 minutes.
• Pescadero. Start with Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero, which offers many excursions. Driving a little further south, you can see the lighthouse called Pigeon Point and the Año Nuevo park with elephant seal rookery and a three-mile route. If you want to visit lesser known places, head inland to Butano Park. On the way back you can enjoy views of Pescadero State Beach. Travel time from San Francisco to Pescadero: 1 hour; from Pescadero to Año Nuevo Park: 20 minutes.
• In Half Moon Bay, you can start from the historical center, continue on the beach, shops and restaurants and enjoy a walk along Miramar Beach and beautiful views. Travel time from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay: 42 minutes.

Popular road trip routes from San Francisco if you’re under 21

To get acquainted with the Pacific coastline, set off for the following destinations:

• ⇒ San Francisco to Seattle (808 miles) will take more than 12 hours to get to;
• ⇒ San Francisco to San Diego (502 miles) drive will take you 7,5 hours;
• ⇒ San Francisco to Los Angeles via Pacific Coast Highway (462 miles) non-stop drive will take you about 8 hours and 40 minutes, but bear in mind that some spots and cities on your way definitely deserve your attention;
• ⇒ San Francisco to Las Vegas (569 miles) - you need about 9 hours to reach.

Drive time to popular travel destinations

Destination	Time	Driving distance
Napa	approx. 1 hour 45 mins.	47 miles / 76 km
Yosemite	approx. 4 hours 30 mins.	195 miles / 314 km
Monterey	approx. 4 hours 30 mins.	153 miles / 246 km
Muir Woods via Golden Gate Bridge	approx. 1 hour 15 mins.	46 miles / 74 km