Rent a Car San Francisco is a great way to explore this famous city. Be sure to drive safely and follow all laws, including speed limits.When you are ready to return your rental, make sure to find the location that is open late. Many companies will charge extra fees if you drop off a vehicle outside of their normal hours.Pickup and Dropoff LocationsIf you’re in town for a few days and want to see all the sights, a rental car is ideal. The city’s robust public transit system can get you most everywhere (download the « Flywheel » App). But to explore more remote destinations, a car is essential.All major rental car companies can be found at the consolidated Rental Car Center at SFO, which is easy to reach from all airport terminals via the AirTrain Blue Line train. The train runs 24 hours a day and can be boarded from all airport terminals, terminal parking garages and the Rental Car Center.To return your vehicle at the end of your trip, put 780 N McDonnell Rd into your GPS application and follow the signs to Car Rental Return. If you’d prefer to avoid the extra airport shuttle, Hertz has an off-airport location at 325 Mason Street in downtown San Francisco. The Hertz office is open daily and offers valet pickup.Airport PickupHaving your own car at the airport can help you get around during your trip. San Francisco isn’t a very walkable city, and having a rental car can help you travel to popular destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman’s Wharf without relying on public transportation.SIXT offers a wide selection of vehicles to choose from at the San Francisco Airport. You can use the SIXT app or website to book a car and select a pickup location at the airport. Then, when you arrive, just follow the signs to your car provider’s shuttle or meet up with your driver.If you want to save time, you can also take the BLUE line AirTrain to the Airport Rental Car Center. This people mover system operates 24 hours a day and is wheelchair accessible. There are stations located at all terminals, terminal parking garages, and the Airport Rental Car Center. Once you’re ready to return your vehicle, bring it back to where you picked it up.Airport DropoffWhile San Francisco is a very walkable city, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore other neighborhoods and travel to nearby cities. It’s also an easy way to get out of town and visit wine country, the redwoods, Monterey and Yosemite.If you need to pay a toll when driving your rental car in and out of the Bay Area, ask your car rental agency whether they offer plans that include this or one-time payment through FasTrak. This is especially important if you plan to drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.If you’re staying downtown, consider a compact vehicle that can easily navigate tight streets and parking spaces. If you’re planning to venture out of the city, however, opt for something larger that can comfortably accommodate all your gear and any friends or family traveling with you.After-Hours DropoffYou can rent a car in San Francisco and get around fine without it if you are staying inside the city limits and plan to use public transit or taxis (download Flywheel app). Parking in SF is very difficult and expensive.All the big rental companies offer after-hours dropoff services at the SFO Airport rental car center. Just follow the signs to the rental return lane, park, remove your personal belongings and lock the vehicle before placing your completed contract and keys in the drop box.Some rental agencies also have an employee greet you at the car when it is returned and then generate your receipt on a handheld device. If this is not the case, your receipt can be found online at the rental company’s website once you are back home. Be aware that if you return your vehicle more than 12 hours late, an additional day of rental will be charged. Please check your car rental agreement for more information.